Astro-Physics GTOCP3 Servo Motor Control Box the Brains of Your GTO Mount

Astro-Physics GTOCP3 Servo Motor Control Box the "Brains" of Your GTO Mount

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.

The information below only pertains to new functions of the GTOCP3 control box. It assumes that you are familiar with the basic functions of this control box or prior versions. Please click here for more detailed information.

The new functions listed below cannot be added to the earlier GTOCP1 and GTOCP2 control boxes; they are available only in this newer version. However the GTOCP3 control box can be purchased as an upgrade for all prior GTO mounts. Please keep in mind that implementation of these new commands depends upon the program that you use to control your mount. The ASCOM driver takes full advantage of these commands.

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. Lead-free electronics.
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 guide move command. This allows computer programs to introduce precise motion without the complication of providing accurate time separation between the move and quit commands.
Variable tracking rate commands in both RA and Dec. The variable tracking rates in each axis are useful for tracking objects that are not fixed relative to background stars, like comets, asteroids, satellites and the Moon.
Variable centering rate commands.
PEM memory command. 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.
Solid connection. The control box has more robust power connections to better handle input power fluctuations, "bounces" or glitches.
Mounts that can use this control box: All GTO mounts - All Mach1GTO, 900GTO, 1100GTO, 1200GTO, 1600GTO, 3600GTO and prior models 400GTO and 600EGTO. 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. However, the control box for the Mach1GTO, 900GTO, 1100GTO, 1200GTO and 1600GTO mounts are interchangeable. 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.