Astro-Physics

GTOCP3 Control Box, Control Box Adapters and Cables for GTOCP1, GTOCP2 and GTOCP3.

Astro-Physics maintains an inventory of electronic parts for current and previous models. If you need a replacement or a spare, we can either ship it from stock or assemble it for you. This list is not complete, particularly regarding the older models. If you do not see what you need, give us a call.

Please read all information carefully since most of these items were designed for a specific electronic drive system and are not interchangeable with other drive systems.

A page describing the various methods for controlling Astro-Physics mounts may be found at this link: Control Your GTO Mounts with Your Keypad, Computer, or Mobile Smart Device.

GTOCP3 Servo Motor Control Box (GTOCP3)
No longer available for purchase

The GTOCP4 Control Box, is now available as an upgrade for all GTO mounts that we have produced since 1998. It is also included with all new mount orders. Check out the GTOCP4 if you are interested in USB, WiFi or Ethernet connectivity. It will also allow future firmware upgrades via internet download and more.

Information regarding the GTOCP3 in this document is provide for reference.

Complete GTOCP3 detailed information

Mounts that can use the GTOCP3 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. Additional information is provided at this link.

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 or our Control Box Adapter (CBAPT).
  • 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 (S900GYCR) 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 (S1200GYCR) to replace the two separate RA and Dec cables that you now have.
If you are purchasing a used GTOCP2 or GTOCP3 Control Box in the second-hand market, please consult the additional information at the bottom of the page at this link.

GTO Manual

Link to GTO Manual Astro-Physics GTO Servo Motor Drive System - Model GTOCP3 - Manual

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Chip Upgrade for GTOCP3 Control Box
If you already own the GTOCP3 control box, you may wish to consider upgrading the ROM chip to take advantage of the newest features and bug fixes which can impact your mount's performance.

Here is list of the Revisions to the ROM chip. (PDF document)

Upgrade procedures and information to obtain the most recent ROM chip.

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Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT)

The Control Box Adapter (CBAPT) can be used with the GTOCP2, GTOCP3 and GTOCP4 control boxes. It might be possible to use it with OEM mounts that use our GTO Servo Drive System depending on the pier configuration. Please refer to this link for additional information.

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Y-Cable for GTOCP2, GTOCP3 and GTOCP4 Control Boxes - 900GTO (S900GYCR) and 1200GTO (S1200GYCR)
If you are upgrading your 900GTO or 1200GTO from the GTOCP1 Control Box, you will need the appropriate cable for your mount. The GTOCP4, GTOCP3 and GTOCP2 Control Boxes have one output connection for the RA and Dec motors. We accomplish this by providing a single connector and two cables, one for each motor. We call this configuration a Y-cable.

We also recommend that you have an extra Y-cable on hand as a backup in case your original cable is damaged.

Mounts that can use these cables: 900GTO (S900GYCR) and 1200GTO (S1200GYCR) with either the GTOCP2, GTOCP3 or GTOCP4 Control Boxes (The model number is silk screened on the front panel of the control box). Cable available on request.

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Y-Cable for GTOCP3 and GTOCP4 Control Boxes - Mach1GTO (SM1GYCR)

It is always a good idea to have a backup Y-cable for your mount. This is particularly true for any portable mount that is often taken to star parties at great distances like the Mach1GTO. You do not want to be 300 miles from home and have a cable problem that leaves you dead-in-the-water!

Our cables utilize a high-tech rubber sheathing that remains flexible in the coldest of conditions. Please note that our Y-cables are mount specific and cannot be interchanged due to dimensional differences.

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24" Servo Extension Cable GTOCP2, GTOCP3 or GTOCP4 (CABGT024)

People who wish to use one of our Control Box Adapters (CBAPT) in a lower position on the 6" EAGLE Adjustable Folding Pier or other pier may need this Servo Cable Extension. It will allow the full use of all the EAGLE's control box mounting positions and may also come in handy for certain custom installations to keep the control box out of harm's way. The cable is designed to be used between the mount's normal Y-cable and the control box.

Custom cables with shorter lengths can also be ordered.

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12" RA Cable for GTOCP1 and SMDCP1 Control Boxes - 900 or 1200 SMD and GTO (SRDC12)

This 12" replacement cable is available if you damage or lose yours.

Mounts that can use this cable: 900GTO and 1200GTO with a GTOCP1 Control Box and 900SMD and 1200SMD with SMDCP1 Control Box. The control box model numbers are silk screened on the front panel of the control box). Cable available on request.

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37" Dec Cable for GTOCP1 and SMDCP1 Control Boxes - 900GTO and 1200GTO (SRDC37)

This 37" replacement cable is available if you damage or lose yours.

Mounts that can use this cable: 900GTO and 1200GTO with a GTOCP1 Control Box and 900SMD and 1200SMD with SMDCP1 Control Box. The control box model numbers are silk screened on the front panel of the control box. Cable available on request.

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Locking Power Cable for GTOCP1, GTOCP2 and GTOCP3 (CABLPF)

Our 8' locking power cable is available as a spare part. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a longer power cable due to power loss over longer distances. If you have an early mount with a non-locking connector (including the first black 1200 mounts), please call us. We can provide these cables as well.

Mounts that can use this cable: All mounts that have the receptacle for the locking power connector shown above. This includes all mounts with these control systems: DA, QMD, SMD and GTOCP1, GTOCP2 and GTOCP3 (except the first black 1200 mounts), It can also be used for the cooling fans on the 10" Maksutov-Cassegrain and the 305 mm Riccardi-Honders Astrograph.

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Other Cables and Controllers

If your early model mount requires a replacement cable or controller that is not mentioned here, please give us a call. We can also provide the custom cables listed below; price determined by length:

  • Extension Cable for Quartz Microdrive Controller: We have produced extension cables up to 40'.


Upgrade Mount with HDA or QMD Drive System to GTO?

Initially, our goal was to allow upgrades for older 400, 600E, 900 or 1200 stepper motor mounts. However, the accuracy demanded of a go-to mount is much higher than a conventional mount. As the GTO model of each mount was developed, we redesigned various mechanical components to achieve optimal performance. These changes cannot be made to existing mounts. The cost of updating the electronics of an existing mount would probably be extremely expensive (the entire drive system and controller would have to be replaced), yet an older mount would not be as accurate as the newer mounts. As a result, we determined that upgrading would not be cost effective for the customer. We have decided that upgrades will not be made available.

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Copyright © 2004-2016, Astro-Physics, Inc. - All Rights Reserved
This page was last modified: July 7, 2017

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL  61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513   Fax: 815-282-9847