supa trac mount to a goto?

[chris2411]

Hi, can anyone tell me if I can change a sw supa trac mount to a synscan az goto mount by swapping the hand controller to Synscan handset?

Many thanks

Chris

[Cornelius Varley]

Yes you can.

[chris2411]

Many thanks for your reply I've spoken to a couple of suppliers, one said it would be fine another said I would need to get another mount??

Cheers Chris.

[jambouk]

Do you know anyone with a synscan handset to try before you buy? If you are anywhere near nottingham you are welcome to come and try my handset.

Jd

[Cornelius Varley]

I've done, it does work. The supatrak handset has a rudimentary form of goto allowing you to store a number of terrestrial targets which can be returned to. The mount uses optical encoders to control the movement of the mount so the hardware is already there for the Synscan handset. The Supatrak can also be controlled from a laptop via a suitable interface. SGL member RWG made an interface as described here https://sites.google.com/site/rwgastro/supatrakmounthacking and a similar one here http://www.autopano.net/wiki-fr/action/view/T%C3%AAte_astronomique_Multi-fonctions_Merlin_Interface .

[chris2411]

Many thanks for your help, Jambouk I'm afraid I'm in Bristol area , but thanks for the offer. I had a good idea it would work , but wanted it confirmed before I shelled out for the handset.

[jambouk]

There was a handset on abs yesterday i think.

Put a wanted add and say you'll pay £75. I'm sure someone will want to sell one, and just need a prompt. £100 always seems quite steep to me.

Good luck.

Jd

[chris2411]

Peter, jambouk, many thanks for taking the time to reply.

Chris

[chris2411]

Update. Handset is on it's way.

Chris

[Cornelius Varley]

You may also need a new handset/mount cable and reflash the handset to the latest firmware revision. 

[chris2411]

It has arrived :grin:   I got it from pulsar optical £120. 00 with the cable included.