"Simply connect it between your GPS receiver and your telescope, & switch it on. A few moments later your scope will have an accurate latitude, longitude, date and time fix, allowing faster error-free telescope alignment."
The BotSky GPAS
HOW
IT WORKS: The GPAS intelligently translates
the output data stream from your GPS receiver, and uses it so that
your Meade® GOTO telescope will have an accurate fix of position,
date and time (GPS accuracy is within a few feet and within
milliseconds). The GPAS even works out which time zone you are in, so
no problems getting auto set up anywhere there's a GPS signal. Your
telescope remains absolutely standard and your GPS receiver still
works as normal, so you can use it to navigate to site etc.
* No software or hardware modifications at all are needed *
* Use it with as many telescopes as you want *
This GPAS interface operates with the following requirements:
A Meade® GOTO telescope e.g. LX200, LX90, LXD55/75 ETX-PE or ETX 90-125 or any telescope with Autostar #495 or #497 controller
A serial cable of the type used to
connect your telescope to a PC serial port. (e.g. Meade® #505 or
#07047 cable set)
(click
here for cables These cables are not included "by default"
because you may already have them, and this results in a lower price
for you.)
*Any GPS receiver capable of outputting NMEA 0183 serial data (this is practically every GPS receiver sold by Garmin®, Magellan®, Trimble® etc.)
A serial cable of type used to connect the GPS receiver to a PC serial port (these are usually supplied with the GPS receiver, but are easily available on ebay or from your GPS dealer if not).
(Not sure which Autostar you have? Have a look at these: Autostars
)
Functionality is the same as the "GPS Mate" or the
Star-GPS product see: http://www.stargps.ca/compare.htm
But with the GPAS... There's no new software or licences
needed (everything stays standard) - plus you can use this on any
compatible telescope - plus you still have your fully
functional handheld GPS to use elsewhere (maybe to find your way
home!)
To check out how easy it is, download a copy of the Quick Start card Quick Start Card or the full instructions
"All you need to do is simply connect it between your GPS and your telescope, & switch it on. A few moments later your scope will have an accurate latitude, longitude, date and time fix. It's really simple, letting you get on with your astronomy..."
Many satisfied users are using the GPAS module with Garmins (Etrex/Emap/GPS86/89/2/2+/3/5/Streetmap etc.) The Etrex can be bought for less than £100 (N.B. any NMEA0183 V2 capable GPS receiver will work, you do not need the latest model, and there are lots for sale on ebay!) email me if you want to check that your particular GPS receiver will work with the GPAS. We are proud of the feedback from satisfied users (just a selection of recent comments):
"GPAS: Isn't it just great when something does what it says on the tin?"
" Very Quick response. Excellent product"
" Buy with confidence - very helpful and knowledgeable"
" v. prompt, great quality. Recommended"
"Last night, amazed how fast I was able to set the scope up, it took seconds, makes life a lot easier"