This is basically a
NJ-idea gotostar (GTS)...which is now marketed and sold as IOptron
Gotonova (GTN).
GTS is a RS232 connection to a computer (if you wish) where as GTN is a USB. I connected my system via handset to a laptop with a USB to RS232 converter...worked a treat.
There is a slight key pad layout difference between the GTS/GTN but not much.
I used a GTS from early 2007 to around a month ago. I sold it due to needing a bigger capacity mount.
They are a great fun handset to use. Initially there were issues regarding firmware's & fixes (as All mfg's have) in 2007/08 but these have been generally resolved.
The system connects from the handset and interconnects between RA & DEC & other attached devices via HBX ports which are actually I2C bus. Thus it can control things like; focuser's; eyepiece reticule brightness etc from the handset.
I tried out an autoguiding interface to
convert the ST4 to HBX & it worked just fine. There was a bit of a problem getting this interface...IOptron didn't even know they had them. I finally got one thru their head company in China. If you want an autoguide interface...I know some contacts to buy one (they are around $49 USD) and still officially in development.
IOptron are still confused by them. Sometimes I think IOPtron really do not know what they are doing.
Which does appear to be the case. They have spent a lot of time & R&D on the cubes etc and development of the GT/GTN has stalled.
Despite this....the GTS had very good pointing accuracy and a huge database of targets, a RTC and did what it should quite a bit cheaper than the competing devices. Yet it has never really taken off and languishes as a cheaper alternative.
This is something I could never figure out as the handset, menu & LCD screen was a pleasure to use.
Anyway there are 2 forums that you can have a look at
here &
here. Both are lacking in direction ATM. I and others have asked them to open up the firmware so users can select a "User set" gear ratio but this request falls on deaf ears.
Anyway...IMHO this would be a good piece of kit for a Vixen GP mount...depends upon how much you pay. The original NJ-Idea site shows it fitted to a vixen mount.
Any other questions...fire away.