GPS for Your Telescope?

Many years ago, back before I had a cell phone with a GPS chip, I bought a dedicated GPS unit for my telescope. Even though I can use my cell phone to enter the time, latitude and longitude into the hand controller of my scope, I continue to use the Celestron GPS unit only with this particular mount and only when I am visually observing.

When I am taking pictures the mount is connected to a computer and it is easier to just enter the coordinates into the computer. I have two other telescope mounts that I only use for taking pictures. I don’t use a GPS unit with them either.

So the bottom line is you don’t need one. For somethings it is a “nice to have” item. For what it costs there is probably some other piece of equipment that would provide more value for the money, such as an eyepiece, a filter or a Bahtinov Focusing Mask, such as the one I bought for my Celestron 8″ telescope.

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask, FP410H – fits Celestron 8″ SCT with Hyperstar/Fastar. | Fast Easy focus for your astrophotos a lifesaving tool for focusing your astro camera or dslr.

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(as of October 23, 2024 01:56 GMT -07:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Farpoint Bahtinov Mask for the Celestron 8" SCT with Hyperstar / Fastar ready system. Simple to fit, easy to use lifesaving focus tool, end your focus… read more

In this post I’ll discuss how this doohickey works. Continue reading Telescope Buying Guide For Campers (Part 7) →