EQ5 Goto upgrade kits

[DavidU (Dave)]

What are the better Goto kit's available to upgrade an EQ5?
thanks

[Glenhuon (Bill)]

I've fitted the Synta one from Andrews, quite easy to fit and adjust. Performance seems good although I've never tried any alternative to make a comparison.

Bill

[wasyoungonce (Brendan)]

You can fit the iOptron GOTOnova equatorial kit.

It is a USB based system that works ok.

Upside:
Has: a 130,000 object database of objects; 8 line LCD display; Real Time Clock (RTC) with battery backup; inbuilt LED light on handset; GPS (optional). Has ASCOM drivers that kinda work.

Downside:
Currently has no autoguider interface. Ioptron are reportedly working on it but they have been saying this for quite awhile; System is loud when fast slewing ... aka like the older LDX55; iOptron have a poor customer service record (especially to those outside USA). Has ASCOM driver that still needs work.

Still it's not a bad unit. You can buy it cheaper from on-line (Hioptic China) than agents. They were selling for around $600 Aust but with the Aust $ the way it is...who knows now!

I'd recommend it for a beginner or someone who doesn't want a large mount & system. I have an RS232 version of this system and have some reasonable astro pics (unguided)...but i'd really love an autoguider adaptor. Sigh!

Anyway just some food for thought.

More reading here.

Edit:

Meant to say you can buy other drive systems from Hioptic as well.
Also wanted to ask ...do you already have an EQ5 mount? If you don't then the HEQ5 would probably be a better choice.

[DavidU (Dave)]

Thanks ! I have an EQ5. In the end it may be better to just get a goto mount complete. I will read your links etc.

[wasyoungonce (Brendan)]

Further to the IOptron EQ5 gotonova kit....IOptron has just contacted me about an interface for autoguiding.

I'll be getting one delivered ASAP but it's a pre-release version, they are not on the market yet nor will be for a few months.

To say I'm excited is an understatement.

Just FYI.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

My Mini Tower has an auto guiding port built in, wonder what they were thinking? It's an alt azi mount. Does the gotonova kit have PEC etc?

[wasyoungonce (Brendan)]

Hi Jeanette

is that a HBX port?..or a ST4?..I'm not sure about their towers.



Edit:

yes Gotonova & Gotostar have PEC.

The major obstacle for an Autoguider on the Gotonova/Gotostar was that the systems have (were designed with) I2C bus (2 wire) inputs (with USB or RS232 to the handsets). This I2C is excellent for installing add ons like GPS, autofocusers etc but they have had difficulity making a Autoguider interfrace.

I was reserching this & found SBIG new cameras apparently have an I2C bus output/input. Not sure if this is for guiding though.

In theory I2C bus would be far better than an ST4 interface as the autoguider commands move can adjusted for "rate" of drive..ie:.25X to 1X. But we shall see!