GOTO

In astronomy, "GoTo" refers to a type of telescope mount and related software which can automatically point a telescope to astronomical objects that the astronomer selects. Both axis of a GoTo mount are motor driven and are controlled by either a microprocessor-based integrated controller or a personal computer. This allows the user to command the mount to point the telescope to a right ascension and declination that the user inputs or have the mount itself point the telescope to objects in a pre-programmed data base including ones from the Messier catalogue, the New General Catalogue, and even major solar system bodies (the Sun, Moon, and planets).

Like a standard equatorial mount, equatorial GoTo mounts can track the night sky by driving the right ascension axis. Since both axis are computer controlled GoTo technology also allows telescope manufacturers to add equatorial tracking to mechanically simpler alt-azimuth telescope mounts.

GoTo mounts are pre-aligned before use. When they are powered on, they may ask for the user's latitude, longitude, time.

Meade GoTo Telescopes: these are mostly available as Cassergrains or Mak Cassergrains. Check them out here
Skywatcher Synscan Upgrade Kits: Upgrade any Skywatcher EQ3 or EQ5 mount, to give it tracking capability. Slew Speeds: 0.5X, 1X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 64X, 400X, 500X, 600X, 800X. Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar Tracking Modes: R.A. Tracking Alignment Methods: One-star Alignment, Two-star Alignment, Three-star Alignment Database: 25 User Defined Objects. Complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues. Total 13,436 objects. Pointing Accuracy: Up to 1 arc min.	Upgrade kit $730
Sky-Watcher Pro mounts have been designed for use by novices and experts alike. These mounts provide extremely high precision tracking and have built in autoguider ports. This heavy-duty HEQ5 Pro mount is a smaller version of the sturdy EQ6 Pro mount. It is specially designed for observers who need the steadiness of the EQ6 Pro mount, but find the EQ6 Pro mount too physically demanding. For novice users the user-friendly menu allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The SynScan Hand Control also has the ability to connect to a computer via a RS-232 cable. Once the connection has been established between the computer and SynScan Hand Control, many commercially available planetarium software programs can be used to control the HEQ5 PRO Mounts, They also come with features that advanced astronomers can appreciate: • Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation. • Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven. • Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X). • Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography. • Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X. • Object database containing complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues. • Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography. • Periodic Error Correction. • PC compatibility. • Upgradeable hand control via internet download.	HEQ 5 Pro Only $1950 HEQ6 Pro Only $2600

Skywatcher Multi Function Mount: Only $299 Quick 3-step setup for celestial object tracking • No polar alignment required for solar tracking • Latitude input by axis dial on the arm • State-of-the-art engineered mount • Light weight and portable • Hand Control to command the motor • Slewing speed up to 800X • DC servo motor assembly • IR encoder with optical wheel • LED display of functions • Single fork arm with quick mounting tube ring • Includes tripod. NB: not goto, but tracks any object once located.	Use the mount for astro photography, no telescope required, attach your camera directly to the tripod mount. Gives your camera tracking for quality astro photography.