Mount Control: WiFi, GoTo & Controllers

GoTo Systems: Computerized Navigation for Your Mount

A GoTo System transforms a manual telescope mount into a fully automated observation platform. By linking a database of tens of thousands of objects to powerful tracking motors, the telescope finds any desired galaxy, nebula, or planet at the touch of a button. At Telescoop.nl, we provide GoTo upgrades and hand controllers from brands like Bresser, Sky-Watcher and iOptron for those who want to automate their current setup.

Without a GoTo system, you often spend a large part of the night searching for faint objects; with this technology, you spend that time observing or photographing itself.

How does a GoTo upgrade work?

A GoTo system consists of motors for both axes (right ascension and declination) and an intelligent hand controller or Wi-Fi module. You will find these systems under telescope-accessories/mounts/mount-accessories/go-to-systems/.

• Database & Navigation The hand controllers of Bresser and Sky-Watcher contains tens of thousands of objects from the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs.

• Alignment Procedures: After a short calibration round on two or three bright stars, the mount ‘knows’ exactly where each object in the sky is located.

• Tracking & Correction In addition to looking up objects, the engines of iOptron and Explore Scientific for extremely precise tracking movement, which is essential for astrophotography.

Compatibility and Installation

When purchasing, pay close attention to the mechanical fit. A GoTo upgrade kit is specifically designed for a certain type of mount; a kit for a Sky-Watcher EQ5 does not fit on a mount of Bresser or Omegon. However, most modern mounts are modular, allowing the installation of engines and wiring to often be carried out without significant modifications.