GoTo Upgrade and More!

We all started somewhere! We are a friendly bunch! Most of your questions can be posted here, but if you are interested in Astrophotography please use the new Beginner Astrophotography forum. The response time will be much better.
User avatar
bigfish
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 104
Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2019 2:40 am
4
Location: El Cerrito CA
Status:
Offline

GoTo Upgrade and More!

#1

Post by bigfish »


Hello everyone,

Well, I fell down the rabbit hole yesterday and came out with a GoTo upgrade kit, polar alignment scope, an Orion 2" 2x 4-Element Barlow Lens and a 9" solar filter that is in the mail!
Wondering who else has the GoTo kit on their SkyView Pro mount? I just installed it and it's pretty cool! Can't wait for the clouds to go away.
The only thing I am concerned about is every time I turn it on it takes me through the setup procedure. Seems like all the settings are there except the time, it's always the wrong time.
Is anyone familiar with this Kit and controller? I hope this is not normal. For the price, and technology seems like it should be able to tell time. :think:
Thanks!
Bill
IMG_20200118_144819543~2.jpg
IMG_20200118_164312260~2.jpg
Redcat 51, Orion 8"x1000mm Reflector, ASI183MC Pro, ASI533MC Pro, ASI462MC, ASI120 Mini, SVBONY SV106 Guide Scope, ZWO Mini Guide Scope, Skywatcher EQ6 Pro, Sky view Pro.
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#2

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Holding the location but having the incorrect time is typical of all of these. It should also hold any slew limits and such you input.
It would need a internal battery to run a real time clock to retain the correct time.
Enjoy the new kit, I had this set up on a EQ-4 years ago when they were first available.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
russmax
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:20 am
4
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#3

Post by russmax »


I love how I learn something new every day on TSS. I can put this Orion goto kit on a CG-4. I keep hearing that all these different brands are really the same, but it still kind of blows my mind.
--Russmax
----------
Celestron AVX 8" SCT & Omni XLT 102 AZ
Image
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#4

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Skywatcher EQ-3/2, Celestron CG-4 and Orion Skyview Pro are all EQ-4 mounts with the same number of teeth on the gearing so the upgrade kit works for all.
They will not work with Meade mounts or the Vixen Polaris without a reduction gear. (runs about 8-10% fast)
iOptron also sells a version of this that fits these as well.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
Shabadoo
Orion Spur Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 825
Joined: Wed May 15, 2019 4:27 am
4
Location: Mount Pocono, Pa, Usa
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#5

Post by Shabadoo »


Mine is the Skyview pro 8 go to deluxe package.
I'm not fond of the GOTO.
Jeff
Dad Joke King (ask my kids); Cereal killer
Orion Skyview pro 8 f5.
Binos: Polaris/wingspan 8x42 Ed/HD
User avatar
sdbodin United States of America
Milky Way Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 1086
Joined: Sat May 11, 2019 11:00 pm
4
Location: Mattawa, WA, USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#6

Post by sdbodin »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:42 pm Holding the location but having the incorrect time is typical of all of these.
I would like to add, that you wrist 'Micky' wont do, you need to be accurate to within 10sec of the real thing or the GOTOs will suffer.

Steve
Scopes; Meade 16 LX200, AT80LE, plus bunch just sitting around gathering dust
Cameras; Atik 460ex mono, Zwo ASI1600MC-cool, QHY5L-II color and mono
User avatar
bigfish
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 104
Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2019 2:40 am
4
Location: El Cerrito CA
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#7

Post by bigfish »


Shabadoo wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:09 pm Mine is the Skyview pro 8 go to deluxe package.
I'm not fond of the GOTO.
Can you please clarify your comment?
What do you mean "deluxe package? Do you mean you bought it already installed on the mount?
Why arent you fond of the GoTo?
Redcat 51, Orion 8"x1000mm Reflector, ASI183MC Pro, ASI533MC Pro, ASI462MC, ASI120 Mini, SVBONY SV106 Guide Scope, ZWO Mini Guide Scope, Skywatcher EQ6 Pro, Sky view Pro.
User avatar
10538 United States of America
Pluto Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 476
Joined: Wed May 15, 2019 10:11 am
4
Location: Fairfield N.C. USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#8

Post by 10538 »


Congratulations on your new kit Bill! I have the same mount and thought about upgrading because I think it would be useful to have a fairly lightweight goto mount that could handle different scopes. I hope you have some clear skies soon!
Ed :Astronomer1:
Scopes: Orion 14 inch f/4.6 Dobsonian w/MoonLite focuser. Meade LX200 Classic 10”w/AudioStar and MoonLite focuser, Criterion RV6, Orion ST80A w/2” GSO micro focuser.
Eyepieces: ES 5.5mm 100*, 6.7mm 82*, 11mm 82*, 14mm 100*, 18mm 82*, 20mm 100*, Meade 9mm XWA 100*, 24mm UWA 82*, 56mm 50*, TV Delos 6,8 & 10mm, Panoptic 24, 27 & 35mm, 17mm Nagler, Powermate 2X, Baader 6mm Ortho, Paracorr II.
MISC: William Optics Binoviewer, Revolution 2 Imager, Orion Skyview Pro Mount, Skymaster 15x70, 20x70, 25x100 Binos, HoTech Collimator, Kendrick Dew System,Catsperch Chair.
Messier 110 Complete/ Messier 110 Sketches Complete / Herschel 400 Complete / H-2 and H-3 Complete
Bortle 3 Skies in Down Eastern NC
“Starlight, I hear you calling out to me so far away” Jeff Lynne ELO.
User avatar
Ylem United States of America
Universal Ambassador
Articles: 0
Online
Posts: 7478
Joined: Sun May 12, 2019 2:54 am
4
Location: Ocean County, New Jersey
Status:
Online

TSS Photo of the Day

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#9

Post by Ylem »


I installed one on my SVP Years ago, great kit :)
Enjoy,
Clear Skies,
-Jeff :telescopewink:


Member; ASTRA-NJ



Orion 80ED
Celestron C5, 6SE, Celestar 8
Vixen Porta Mount ll
Coronado PST
A big box of Plossls
Little box of filters
:D



User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#10

Post by Lady Fraktor »


bigfish wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 1:16 am
Shabadoo wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:09 pm Mine is the Skyview pro 8 go to deluxe package.
I'm not fond of the GOTO.
Can you please clarify your comment?
What do you mean "deluxe package? Do you mean you bought it already installed on the mount?
Why arent you fond of the GoTo?
Years ago the mount was available with the goto system already attached.
I am not sure if this is what he refers to as the deluxe package or not as Orion also used to sell a mount named the Skyview Deluxe.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
helicon United States of America
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 585
Online
Posts: 12279
Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 1:35 pm
4
Location: Washington
Status:
Online

TSS Awards Badges

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#11

Post by helicon »


Congrats Bill on the new stuff.
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
User avatar
russmax
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:20 am
4
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#12

Post by russmax »


So, Polaris is about 3/4 of a degree from NCP. Most times I just align to Polaris, do a two-star align, and my gotos are good enough for visual observation. It will still be in view in a 25 mm EP. I can center it from there, and put in lower f/l EPs.

3/4 of a degree is 1/480 of a full rotation (ie, 24 hours). That would compare to 3 minutes error on the clock. If I'm within a minute, I'm good.

Here's the funny thing. The only Mickeys I see on watches these days are on Apple watches, which are sync'ed to universal atomic clocks via the internet. The major point of annoyance is that I have to put in the time everytime I plug-in my goto. I suppose if I buy a GPS module, it also has the accurate time, but I'm cheaper than I am lazy. My phone has the GPS and the time, and I always have it with me.
sdbodin wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 11:25 pm
Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:42 pm Holding the location but having the incorrect time is typical of all of these.
I would like to add, that you wrist 'Micky' wont do, you need to be accurate to within 10sec of the real thing or the GOTOs will suffer.

Steve
----------
Celestron AVX 8" SCT & Omni XLT 102 AZ
Image
User avatar
russmax
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:20 am
4
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#13

Post by russmax »


I will add that I just read an article about how to do alignment with declination drift.
https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astrono ... alignment/

That seems quite easy. I'm kind of new to goto. I can't see Polaris from the driveway of my south-facing house, and I'm thinking about doing some astrophotography, so I'm going to try it. I know you old hands are rolling eyes at me right now. That's why I'm mostly hanging out in the beginner's forum, still.

--Russmax
----------
Celestron AVX 8" SCT & Omni XLT 102 AZ
Image
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#14

Post by Lady Fraktor »


To make drift alignment even easier use a reticle eyepiece with a double cross hair.
It makes it very easy to see if the star is drifting.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
Shabadoo
Orion Spur Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 825
Joined: Wed May 15, 2019 4:27 am
4
Location: Mount Pocono, Pa, Usa
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#15

Post by Shabadoo »


bigfish wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 1:16 am
Shabadoo wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:09 pm Mine is the Skyview pro 8 go to deluxe package.
I'm not fond of the GOTO.
Can you please clarify your comment?
What do you mean "deluxe package? Do you mean you bought it already installed on the mount?
Why arent you fond of the GoTo?
Ok, just don't tell my wife 😀
There was the 8" sky view pro. Newt reflector I think it about $600 on the mount.
For another $500 you get a goto and all the bells and whistles. Bought a couple Barlows' and a moon filter, total $1200.
My problem with Synscan- my location is blocked by high trees and my house. I can see E and some N high W and no S.
Most the stars it suggest for alignment are mostly impossible. At first, I had to find a map that list the "synscan alignment stars", because they aren't the brightest. They are so not what I expected, I am lucky I already had an index that says what constellation said star is in.
You pick Altair, for example (easy right?), it's 2 spread out hands away from it! Good thing I know where Altair is.
When I get a good alignment its spot on. That's 75% of the time, because I give it 1 hr of effing around with stars.
At some point during the night the alignment gets off and I have to re- align. It's supposed to have a feature where you center object and it resets, but yeah no.
On mine, and maybe because my OTA is a beast, the cables are the same size, and the one to the Dec motor usually gets pulled too tight and well, that's not good. I got to keep an eye on it or it pulls, grinds upsets the alignment... And none are good.
The dec motor screw has come loose. Upon inspection I found it to be the "lock washer" not doing its job., causing grinding and slippage.
Guess what??
Right after the 1 yr warranty period!!
I found another in a drawer in my work bench.
I have more success on manual operation with my SVP mount. I find the setting circles to be quite accurate. Variable stars? Doubles with large distance between them causing doubt? Not so great. That's when I want the GoTo.
Galaxies, glob clusters, nebulas, I'm good on Manual Ops.
Usually around 3 or 4 am my power is used up.
I have a Stanley Jumpstarter 1000 / 500 12 volt with a usb port and cigarette lighter plug. Pushing 22lb tube around.
Jeff
Dad Joke King (ask my kids); Cereal killer
Orion Skyview pro 8 f5.
Binos: Polaris/wingspan 8x42 Ed/HD
Shabadoo
Orion Spur Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 825
Joined: Wed May 15, 2019 4:27 am
4
Location: Mount Pocono, Pa, Usa
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#16

Post by Shabadoo »


I was really worried the dec motor hole for the screw was stripped, as it wasn't griping tight.
Jeff
Dad Joke King (ask my kids); Cereal killer
Orion Skyview pro 8 f5.
Binos: Polaris/wingspan 8x42 Ed/HD
User avatar
bigfish
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 104
Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2019 2:40 am
4
Location: El Cerrito CA
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#17

Post by bigfish »


[quote=russmax post_id=55200 time=1579542340 user_id=683]
The major point of annoyance is that I have to put in the time every time I plug-in my goto. I suppose if I buy a GPS module, it also has an accurate time, but I'm cheaper than I am lazy.
[quote=sdbodin post_id=55073 time=1579476354 user_id=100]

Wow, this is awesome!
I didn't even know about the GPS module. Thank you russmax!
I was kind of baffled why something that is so advanced doesn't keep time.
Of course, I have to buy another "upgrade" for my upgrade!

Now the real question is, why didn't anyone at the Orion Telescope store tell me about the GPS unit? :think:
canvas.png
Redcat 51, Orion 8"x1000mm Reflector, ASI183MC Pro, ASI533MC Pro, ASI462MC, ASI120 Mini, SVBONY SV106 Guide Scope, ZWO Mini Guide Scope, Skywatcher EQ6 Pro, Sky view Pro.
User avatar
ARock
Saturn Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 363
Joined: Mon May 13, 2019 4:06 am
4
Location: USA
Status:
Offline

TSS Awards Badges

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#18

Post by ARock »


There is also a SynscanInit 2 app which people seem to like, it puts all the info you need for Synscan on your screen on the phone.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... 2&hl=en_US
AR
Scopes: Zhumell Z8, Meade Adventure 80mm, Bushnell 1300x100 Goto Mak.
Mount: ES EXOS Nano EQ Mount, DIY Arduino+Stepper drives.
AP: 50mm guidescope, AR0130 based guidecam, Canon T3i, UHC filter.
EPs: ES82 18,11,6.7mm, Zhumell 30,9mm FJ Ortho 9mm, assorted plossls, Meade 2x S-F Barlow, DGM NPB filter.
Binos: Celestron Skymaster 15x70 (Albott tripod/monopod), Nikon Naturalist 7x35.
User avatar
Lady Fraktor Slovakia
Co-Administrator
Co-Administrator
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 9860
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:14 pm
4
Location: Slovakia
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#19

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Do you really want to pay that much for something that only inputs the location and time which you can do faster?
$200+USD can purchase some nice useful accessories
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
The only culture I have is from yogurt
My day was going well until... people
Image
User avatar
bigfish
Mars Ambassador
Articles: 0
Offline
Posts: 104
Joined: Thu Dec 26, 2019 2:40 am
4
Location: El Cerrito CA
Status:
Offline

Re: GoTo Upgrade and More!

#20

Post by bigfish »


ARock wrote: Wed Jan 22, 2020 5:53 am There is also a SynscanInit 2 app which people seem to like, it puts all the info you need for Synscan on your screen on the phone.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... 2&hl=en_US
Cool! I'll give that a shot. Thanks!
Lady Fraktor wrote: Wed Jan 22, 2020 8:19 am Do you really want to pay that much for something that only inputs the location and time which you can do faster?
$200+USD can purchase some nice useful accessories
Possibly. I work 50 to 60 hours a week, have two squirmy teenagers and need to drive far away from the city on already busy weekends.
I might pay that much for the convenience, even if it saves 5 minutes. :think:
But this might also change since ARock posted an App that has all the info I need. We'll see.
Redcat 51, Orion 8"x1000mm Reflector, ASI183MC Pro, ASI533MC Pro, ASI462MC, ASI120 Mini, SVBONY SV106 Guide Scope, ZWO Mini Guide Scope, Skywatcher EQ6 Pro, Sky view Pro.
Post Reply

Create an account or sign in to join the discussion

You need to be a member in order to post a reply

Create an account

Not a member? register to join our community
Members can start their own topics & subscribe to topics
It’s free and only takes a minute

Register

Sign in

Return to “Beginners forum”