Although the GTOCP3 control box looks the same on the outside as the prior GTOCP2 model, the internal circuit boards have been redesigned to allow expanded functionality and provide additional protection of the circuit. The command language has been expanded to allow additional functions. As always, our command language is available so that you can write your own program.
The new functions listed below cannot be added to the earlier GTOCP1 and GTOCP2 control boxes; they are available only in this new version. However the GTOCP3 control box can be purchased as an upgrade for all prior GTO mounts.
- All new electronics. All input lines are protected against heavy static discharge with transorbs. Larger internal chip to allow additional functions. FCC and CE certified.
- Drainage holes. Two threaded drainage holes are drilled into the lower part of the control box housing so that excess moisture can drain easily. This may prove useful if you live in an area with high humidity.
- Timed Move. If the “:Me#” or “:Mw#” or “:Mn#” or “:Ms#” commands are issued with an integer between 1 and 999, the controller will move in the specified direction for the number of milliseconds specified. No respective quit command is necessary. The total displacement will be determined by the current guide/center rate setting. This allows PC based programs to introduce precise motion without the complication of providing accurate time separation between the move and quit commands.
- Continuous variation of both RA and Dec tracking rates. The tracking rate in either RA or DEC can be set to any arbitrary value using the “:RR sxxx.xxxx#” or “:RD sxxx.xxxx#” commands. “s” is the sign “+” or “-“. In the RA axis, the rate is superimposed on the sidereal rate. The rate is normalized to 1x sidereal. This simplifies the scheduling of the mount trajectory for tracking planets, comets, satellites, etc. The command “:RTx#” is retained. PulseGuide , the software program by Ray Gralak of Sirius-Imaging, takes advantage of this feature.
- Arbitrary centering rate. By specifying the centering rate using a lower case “c” rather than an upper case “C”, (“:Rc64#” rather than “:RC1#”) the centering rate becomes equal to the value specified as a multiple of 1x. The range is 1 to 999.
- PEM memory. PEM memory is accessible to external software programs in order to smooth out and modify the curve. PEMPro by Ray Gralak and distributed by CCDWare supports directly reading from/writing to the PE storage locations. This allows more accurate programming of the mount's PEM (that is, the mount does not have to interpret move or autoguider commands). Also, programming is significantly quicker than waiting for one worm cycle's worth of playback (6 min 24 seconds) as is the case for the GTOCP2. Also, PEMPro reads parameters and calculates the mount's worm period (useful if you have a non-Astro-Physics mount with the GTO Control System.
- The Time-of-Day clock overflows properly from 23:59:59 to 0:00:00. On overflow, the date also advances. A read date command was also added, “:GC#”.
- Solid connection. The controller is no longer susceptible to uncontrolled motion/”racing” resulting from input power fluctuations, “bounces” or glitches.
- Horizon check. Bug is fixed. This only impacts people who write their own programs. The keypad and planetariums all have their own independent horizon check routine which did not rely on this code in the control box chip.
Mounts that can be upgraded: All GTO mounts - All 400GTO, 600EGTO, 900GTO and 1200GTO. The parameters of the GTO control box depend on the gear ratio and motor of the mount. Therefore, the control boxes are not necessarily interchangeable from one model to another. For instance, the control box for the 400 mount cannot be used with the 1200 mount. Please check with Astro-Physics before substituting control boxes.
Please note the following additional considerations if you are upgrading from a GTOCP1 control box:
- 400GTO and 600EGTO - If you are upgrading from the GTOCP1 control box, you will also need to purchase a new carrying pouch, our part #C0024.
- 900GTO - If you are upgrading from the GTOCP1 control box, you will need a the Quick Release Adapter for Control Box Kit (9CBKIT) to attach it to the RA axis. This dovetail-style adapter has the added advantage of allowing you to easily remove the control box from the mount, if you wish.You will also need a new RA/Dec Y-Cable (S900GYC) to replace the two separate RA and Dec cables that you now have.
- 1200GTO - If you are upgrading from the GTOCP1 control box, you will need the 1200GTO Quick Release Adapter for Control Box Kit (12CBKIT) to attach it to the RA axis. This dovetail-style adapter has the added advantage of allowing you to easily remove the control box from the mount, if you wish. You will also need a new RA/Dec Y-Cable (S1200GYC) to replace the two separate RA and Dec cables that you now have.
GTOCP3 Upgrade - Required Information Form: Each control box must be configured for the specific mount based on the characteristics of that mount. Please be prepared to provide the information requested on this form (PDF format) when you place your order. You do not have to send the form, we can complete it with information provided on the phone. Alternatively, you can include the information in the comments box of the online order form.
| GTOCP3 | $950.00 | in stock |  |
