I've just had my first play with my new CN-16 GPS Unit for my CG5. For a first up one off test, I'm happy!
Ordered it Wednesday from Astronomy Online, received it Thursday.
One of the things I have struggled with with my CG5 (without the GPS unit) is getting the Goto accurate in RA. It seems that when you enter the time - accurate to the second - at the start of the alignment procedure, it doesn't start the clock immediately. So how much time you spend on the rest of the alignment procedure determines how accurate the time will be and hence the RA in the Goto.
That's what I think is happening, anyway.
The GPS unit fixes that, and it means I don't need my handheld GPS when I got to a new observing site.
It is easy to install. The GPS unit has its own bracket that clips onto the leg of the tripod. A cable connects it to the Auxiliary Port accessory (included) which plugs into the CG5 in the hand controller port. The hand controller then plugs into one of the two auxiliary ports. There is also a PC port in the auxiliary port accessory.
Switch the scope on as normal and the GPS powers up as well, and then just turn the GPS on in the utilities menu, and you're away.
The alignment procedure still shows the time (in real time from the GPS satellites) but now skips the lat long entry part of the procedure. Everything else is the same.
It clouded over while I was setting up tonight, but so I selected a quick align (sky is just modelled, no real alignment on stars), then selected Jupiter. When the drive came to rest, a quick adjustment in azimuth had Jups within degree or two of centre in the finder. I'm happy with that!
If I can get my rough alignments done a bit quicker and more accurately, it means less time drift aligning. Looking forward to that!
Al.
