Gotostar Goto system, price reduced

[wasyoungonce]

I am looking at selling my Gotostar (http://www.nj-idea.com/INDEX2.htm) (GTS) EQ5 mount system (edit: Mount sold GTS still forsale.) This is an EQ5 fitted with a gotostar (now run by IOptron (http://www.ioptron.com/)) goto system.

I have been using it for the last 2.5 years. It tracks well even un-guided, but lately I have added an autoguider interface so it will also accept ST4 autogiuiding.

It's portable, can track accurately and has a marvellous handset. IMHO this mount is suitable/prefect for a scope of around an ED80...including guide scope, cameras etc. I have previously used it with my C8 for planetary photography. Ok with C8 for visual but photography with a C8 and Barlow is a big ask although I have done it.

Just some details ON GTS:
Handset is a 32Bit processor based with a Real Time Clock (RTC). Can be firmware flashed via computer (although it has the latest firmware installed).
ASCOM drivers & compliant (can be run by a computer) with Meade LX200, IOptron or Astrophysics GTO ASCOM drivers.
RS232 compliant. Can be controlled using RS232 computer protocol, but, runs fine with USB to RS232 converters (as I have been doing for the last 2 years);
Autoguide with ST4 (or pulse guide with ASCOM);
Has delivered up to 4 minute exposures un-guided, 5 minute guided. I haven't tested it further but with the ST4 autoguider it had no problems tracking a star for hours;
An 8 line LCD handset with a myriad of menus & sub-menus for those that like to fiddle;
PEC recording, Can accept GPS, Adjustable backlash, Can control focuser's from handset and more;
Great goto accuracy, better than 1 arc minute;
Max drive speed of 1024X (Sidereal). It "goto slews" very fast.
130,000 target database:
Named deep sky objects
Messier catalog
NGC IC catalog
UGC catalog
Caldwell Catalog
Bell Catalog
Herschel Catalog
Comets
Asteroids

Stars:
Named stars
Constellations
Double stars
GCVS variable stars
SAO catalog with Visual magnitude less than 7.5

Three Park positions (so it an be re-started & remember mount alignment); One, two, three, and even an "all star align" procedures ( even adjusts for mount cone errors);

A southern hemisphere polar alignment scope with the octans asterism on it that actually works; and
Plus a lot more.

The Downside:
The Handset RTC runs about 2.5 seconds fast per day. Which only becomes a problem after a week or two. Time can be updated via handset, GPS or ASCOM interface.

See my signature (http://picasaweb.google.com/brokenback09) & links for pictures. I'm upgrading so are putting this up for-sale.

What more can I say apart I'm selling this to fund future projects.



EDIT: mount sale pending Goto kit now for sale: $450 or there abouts. See below post.

[wasyoungonce]

Still for sale.

Price dropped to $600.

I looked at interstate cartage and have found some reasonable rates (see above) so are happy for interstate buyers.

[MrB]

If I hadn't just bought an EQ6 I'd have been on this in a flash!
I can't believe it hasn't sold yet! :shrug:
The GOTO looks very interesting, awesome screen.

Hmmmm, do I need a second mount?:eyepop:

[wasyoungonce]

They originally were not advertised nor marketed correctly and thus were never really known about nor in competition with the other kits. Which was a pity as the product is excellent & had enormous potential to corner a niche market.

Extravision is selling the newer USB version (as goto add on kit) for $899 which is a bit much IMHO. The system (the goto system) fits all the EQ5 series mounts, Vixen GP2's (any mount with a 1:144 worm drive) etc.

[pgc hunter]

would you be interested in selling the mount only, without the goto etc?

[wasyoungonce]

Yes I've had interest from someone else in Melbourne for the goto kit so splitting it up is ok.

PM Sent

[pgc hunter]

great :D ... I'll take the mount then. How much are you asking?

[wasyoungonce]

Wire crossed in posting times...I cannot type that fast.

PM sent.

[wasyoungonce]

Mount sale pending to pgc hunter.


Goto Kit still for sale.

It's a goto sdrive system that will fit any 1:144 drive mount: the EQ5; CG5; Vixen GP series including GP-D series (and older super polaris); LDX55; LDX75; Orion Skyview; etc

This is a cheap upgrade for anyone wanting goto on their above listed mount. Much more advanced than the skywatcher goto. See above details.

$450 ONO.

I have the OEM packaging so transport around Australia is not a problem. I'm guessing this is around 2-3Kg weight.

[wasyoungonce]

Mount sold to Seb.


Gotostar goto system for EQ5 (and such like mounts) still for sale.

[picklesrules]

just wondering will this fit a HEQ5 Normal Mount ??

[wasyoungonce]

Sorry the HEQ5 is a 1:135 worm ratio which is not a standard ratio. This is set up for 1:144 however, this can be made to drive lets say a 1:180 ratio (like an EQ6) by changing the worm drive gear with a 40 tooth gear (in lieu of the current 50 tooth the GTS system uses.

You would also need to make your own motor mount plates as they are different to the Synta types. This could be done but it is getting "out there" a bit.

I have been trying to get the OEM manufacturers to release a firmware that will allow users to change gear ratios via the handset (thru motor encoder count ratio). The GTS actually has a menu selection for setting your own user gear ration but it is currently blocked!

I know the OEM has been fiddling with this "user gear ratio setting' as there is now a mount being made by BOSMA called the EM11 (http://www.bosma.com.cn/en/product_info.asp?id=440)(basically a Vixen SXD/SXW) that uses a 1:180 worm but also the std GTS/GTN handset ...but a different firmware.

Interesting times for this system.

[wasyoungonce]

Sale of GTS pending to Col.

Sold to Col.

Thanks ladies & gents.