Use a Handheld GPS Receiver with Your
Celestron
CGE, CGE Pro, CGEM, AS-GT, LCM, SLT or "i" Series Telescope
September 2005
Several models of computerized telescopes from Celestron are "GPS-ready".
By connecting an optional GPS receiver the user is alleviated from the chore
of determining and entering the date, time, longitude and latitude.
Additionally, GPS time is highly accurate, especially useful if you use the
hibernate feature on your scope. A dedicated Celestron GPS module fits
the bill but it can only be used with a Celestron
scope - it is not useful when hiking or for other activities.
| Earthshine
Technologies (http://www.earthshinetechnologies.com/)
started shipping their StarDate GPS Adapter in August 2005. This
adapter connects almost any NMEA-standard GPS receiver to the AUX port
on many Celestron mounts. For mounts with only a hand control port
(same as an AUX port) or requiring an additional Aux port, Celestron
sells an Aux Port Splitter (part number 93919). Note that for the
Advanced Series with GoTo mount, a special splitter is required: part
number 93923. The StarDate GPS Adapter sells for $80. Full-function handheld
GPS receivers can be had for under $100 (be sure it has an RS-232 option
and the cable to connect to a PC). As a plus,
you will then have a GPS receiver that can be used for other activities
such as hiking and boating. |
Click for Larger Image |
Full details, including the user's manual, are available at Earthshine's web
site.
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