TheSkySearchers

I've discovered a way to add GPS to probably any Goto mount that doesn't as long as there is an Ascom driver for it.

It's called AscomGPS and it uses a GPS receiver attached to a PC to pass Date, Time, Latitude, and Logitude to a mount whose Ascom drive has implemented the UTCDate property with both read and write.
I found it after I researched a new driver project for Meade mounts.

You can find it Here on the Web page of th author Colin Dawson.
https://cjdawson.com/2019/06/22/ascom-gps/

The only catch is that the GPS receiver needs to be installed and recognized (by Windows) as a valid Location Sensor. In my case that required Updating the driver and manually selecting the correct one after Window got it wrong. More than a couple of times.
I can vrify it works with the Meade Autostar 497 hand set running thr 43Eg version Firmware.

If you're still entering Time,Date, and Location by hand you might find it worth a try.

GCG

BTW Folks. If you get a USB GPS dongle like I did use a USB 2.0 port over a USB 3.0 port. As it happens USB 3.0 Ports some how can inhibit the receiver from acquiring satellites.

Just an FYI.

GCG

Hello,

Thanks for the excellent information on GPS systems integrated to telescopes' mounts. I use ASCOM with all my Meade telescopes.

kip