Upgrading Vixen GPDX mount with 'go-to'

[mark mc manus]

I have a Vixen GPDX mount which is in perfect condition on a pedestal and has never had any drives on it.

I`m using an Orion Optics 10" Europa on it (8kg/17.6lbs)

I want to fit it with an goto drive setup to try some astrophotography.

The Skywatcher Synscan upgrade https://ktectelescopes.ie/Skywatcher-SynScan-Goto-Upgrade-Kit-HEQ5.html and https://sites.google.com/view/astro-gadget/control-of-telescopes/eq-control/eqstar-eq5-goto-drive-kit?authuser=0 seem to be the best options as far as I can see.

Any advice would be most helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

 

[johninderby]

Bit of info.

Manual

http://www.opticalvision.co.uk/documents/194.pdf

Edited February 1, 2020 by johninderby

[Cornelius Varley]

The GPDX needs the Synscan EQ5 upgrade kit not the HEQ5. This one is the installation sheets for the EQ5. I think the plastic housing for the RA drive needs to be modified slightly to fit the Vixen mount.

[mark mc manus]

@Cornelius Varley @johninderby thanks for the replies.

Much appreciated

Mark

[vineyard]

Sorry if this is too late, but I have the EQStar EQ5 modded on my old VIxen GP2.  Very happy with my purchase - Alexander at astragadget is very helpful & prompt.  (For example, for some reason a voltage surge recently blew out my mother board, and he's replacing it).  I use it w EKOS (ie via INDI rather than ASCOM) and it works a treat.  I haven't tried it with SkySafari via a mobile device yet though.  I'd happily buy it again - will use it as a go-to for my visual viewing.

Hope that's helpful - cheers,

Vin

[Celerondon]

Say Vin,

Did you ever get that board replacement installed?  I just ordered the EQStarProEQ5 kit from Astro-Gadget.  I am curious to hear about your continuing experience with your similar GEM goto kit. 

Thanks,

Don

[Tan Zhi Qi]

On 03/02/2021 at 21:19, Celerondon said:

Say Vin,

Did you ever get that board replacement installed?  I just ordered the EQStarProEQ5 kit from Astro-Gadget.  I am curious to hear about your continuing experience with your similar GEM goto kit. 

Thanks,

Don

Hi Celerondon, 

Have you used the EQStarEQ5 kit? How is it? I'm planning to get one too for my EQ5. 

Thanks. 

Edited March 2, 2021 by Tan Zhi Qi

[Celerondon]

On 01/03/2021 at 17:01, Tan Zhi Qi said:

Hi Celerondon, 

Have you used the EQStarEQ5 kit? How is it? I'm planning to get one too for my EQ5. 

Thanks. 

Sorry, I never saw your response but my answer is, yes!  The kits are great and Astro-Gadget is a class operation.  I just came in from using my EQStarPro equipped Vixen GP.  I control my mount with an iPad running SkySafari but I have used an iPhone and a PC running Stellarium as well.