Astro-Physics Controllers and Cables

Astro-Physics

Upgrade to GTOCP4 Control Box

The information provided on this page will guide you to the parts that are required to upgrade your current Astro-Physics GTO mount to the GTOCP4 Control Box.

Upgrade Procedures

Who do you order from? All orders for the GTOCP4 Control Box must be placed directly with Astro-Physics, except for customers who ordered their mount from one of our international dealers.

1. Read the GTOCP4 Upgrade and Installation Guide (PDF document) in order to learn how the CP4 will attach to the mount that you already own and which parts you will need to order.

2. Prepare the required information: Each control box must be configured for the specific mount based on the characteristics (also refered to as "personality") of that mount. Please be prepared to provide the information requested on the GTOCP4 Order 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.

3. Order the parts that you need. Refer to the information below.

Cables

Power Cable Set for GTOCP4 (CABPP4SET)

The power cable set for the GTOCP4 is a completely new design. The receptacle on the GTOCP4 is now a 2-pin jack with locking collar. Users will find this to be a more solid and consistent connection than previous control boxes.

The Power Cable Set (CABPP4SET) is comprised of all three cables and a clip:

6' Cable with 2-Pin locking connector on one end and Anderson Powerpole connectors on the opposite end. The 2-pin connector provides a solid connection to the GTOCP4 and the Anderson Powerpoles offer flexibility for various power options. The black cable remains flexible in the cold weather, a feature that has been appreciated by users for many years. (CABPP6)

18" Power Cable Extension with Cigarette Lighter Plug and Powerpole Connector (CABPP18C)

18" Power Cable Extension with Ring Terminals and Powerpole Connector (CABPP18R)

Clip to secure the 6' cable to whichever extension you choose.

You may also create your own extension cable by using Anderson Powerpole connectors and components purchased on the Powerwerx website. Securing clips can also be purchased directly from their website.

Mounts that need this cable: All mounts upgrading from previous control boxes.

CP4 Powerpoles to Alligator Clips (CABPPAL)

Expand the versatility of your mount. This alligator clip power cable adapter enables you to power your mount from a car or a deep-cycle marine battery (deep-cycle batteries are recommended). Equipped with Anderson Powerpoles, as used with the CP4 power cable, you can connect directly to battery terminals. Includes 7.5 amp in line ATC fuse.

Don't feel restrained...grab your mount and a battery and head to a dark sky site!

Y-Cable with 29" cable length for the RA and 50" for Dec.

We recommend this cable if you have a 1200GTO and your GTOCP4 is mounted on the Control Box Adapter (CBAPT) positioned on the side of your pier.

Mounts that can use this cable:1200GTO

Y-Cable with 23" cable length for the RA and 45" for Dec.

We recommend this cable if have a 900GTO and your GTOCP4 is mounted on the Control Box Adapter (CBAPT) attached to the side of your pier.

Mounts that can use this cable: 900GTO

If you are upgrading your 900GTO or 1200GTO from the GTOCP1 Control Box and plan to mount the control box on the RA axis, you will need this cable cable for your mount.

The GTOCP4 Control Box has 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.

This cable was included with mounts shipped with GTOCP2 or GTOCP3 Control Boxes.

Mounts that can use these cables: 900GTO (S900GYCR) and 1200GTO (S1200GYCR).

	If you have the precision encoder version of the 3600GTOPE mount, the cable that attaches the encoder connector on the backplate to the GTOELS must be replaced. The plug on the control box side of the original cable is not appropriate for the GTOCP4 and additional length is required.
Mount that can use this cable: 3600GTOPE (with RA Precision Encoder)

	If you have limit switches installed on your 3600GTO or 3600GTOPE mount, the cable that attaches the limit switch connector on the backplate to the GTOELS must be replaced. The plug on the control box side of the original cable is not appropriate for the GTOCP4.
Mount that can use this cable: 3600GTO or 3600GTOPE (with Limit Switches)

Adapters for Attaching Control Box to the RA axis of the mount

90-Degree Dovetail Adapter Plate for 900/1200 for RA-mounted GTOCP4 (CBA912KIT)

If you wish to mount the GTOCP4 between the forks and use the original Y-cable supplied with the mount, then you will need to use the 90-degree adapter plate so that the box can be rotated to fit. This adapter attaches to the back of the GTOCP4, which allows it to be fastened to the Quick Release Bracket on the RA axis.

900GTO: The adapter must be used at all latitudes.

1200GTO: This adapter is not necessary if you plan to use your 1200GTO mount above 37.5 degrees since the control box will clear the side plates at that latitude. However, if you think that you might travel to another observing location at a lower latitude in the future, we suggest that you purchase and use the adapter. Otherwise, you may be unable to attach the GTOCP4 once you get there.

NOTE: If you feel that the angle of the control box will not allow adequate dew runoff, we suggest that you purchase the Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT)

Mounts used with this adapter: 900GTO, 1200GTO

Includes:Two 10-32 x 3/8" button head cap screws

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900GTO Quick Release Control Box Adapter Kit (9CBKIT)

If you are upgrading your 900GTO from the GTOCP1 and plan to attach the new control box to the RA axis, you will need this adapter kit. It features a dovetail systen so that the GTOCP4 (with the CBA912KIT afixed) or GTOCP3 control box can be attached. It will allow you to loosen the two thumbscrews and lift the control box from its position. We also provide two set screws if you prefer to use them.

NOTE: If you feel that the angle of the control box will not allow adequate dew runoff, we suggest that you purchase the Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT)

Includes: Two 8-32 x 1/4" socket set screws, two 8-32 x 3/8" thumbscrews (to use in place of the set screws, if desired) and three 10-32 x 3/8" socket buttonhead screws.

Mounts: 900GTO only.

1200GTO Quick Release Control Box Adapter Kit (12CBKIT)

If you are upgrading your 1200GTO from the GTOCP1 and plan to attach the new control box to the RA axis, you will need this adapter kit. It features a dovetail systen so that the GTOCP4 (the CBA912KIT is needed if below 37 degree latitude) or GTOCP3 control box can be attached. It will allow you to loosen the two thumbscrews and lift the control box from its position. We also provide two set screws if you prefer to use them.

NOTE: If you feel that the angle of the control box will not allow adequate dew runoff, we suggest that you purchase the Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT)

Includes: Two 8-32 x 1/4" socket set screws, two 8-32 x 3/8" thumbscrews (to use in place of the set screws, if desired) and two 10-32 x 3/8" socket buttonhead screws.

Mounts: 1200GTO only.

Adapters for Attaching Control Box at the Base of the Mount or on Your Pier or Tripod

Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT)

This adapter can be used with any GTOCP4, GTOCP3 or GTOCP2 Control box.

Mach1GTO:
This control box adapter been shipped with all Mach1GTO mounts after April 15, 2007. It was not provided with the first production run of this mount, however can be purchased as an upgrade. Note that if you purchase the GTOCP4, you will need this adapter.

400GTO, 600EGTO:
This adapter can be used in place of the fabric pouch originally provided with your GTOCP3 or GTOCP2. If you upgrade to the GT0CP4, you will need this adapter. It will not fit into the original fabric pouch.

900GTO and 1200GTO: If you plan to purchase the GTOCP4 and attach it to the side of your pier, rather than the R.A. axis, this is the adapter that you will need.

The Control Box Adapter features thumb screws on one end and a dovetail on the other to fit the dovetail grooves on your control box. The adapter can be mounted from four different attachment points including the top one which angles the control box out a bit to clear legs or struts. The adapter also can be mounted with either end up or down if a particular orientation works better for your situation. A full assortment of fasteners is provided for the various mounting applications. See our Guidelines for Using 6" Trays and the Control Box Adapter for more information.

If you find that parts of your pier or tripod interfere with the placement of this adapter, you may wish to consider our Q6280KIT, which features a
1.8" (46mm) extension.

CBAPT on 6" Eagle with GTOCP3 attached

This Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT) can be used with the GTOCP4, GTOCP3 or GTOCP2 control boxes when they are mounted on the side of a pier or tripod.

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.

Note: If you plan to use this adapter with your 900GTO or 1200GTO mount, you will need a longer y-cable ( SGYCR2345 or SGYCR2950, respectively).

Mounts used with this adapter: Mach1GTO, 400GTO, 600EGTO, 900GTO and 1200GTO

Extension for Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (Q6280KIT)

Mach1GTO, 600EGTO and 400GTO
Berlebach Tripod owners rejoice! This new Control Box Adapter Extension will allow the Pier/Tripod Control Box Adapter (CBAPT) to be directly attached to the Berlebach tripod…the tripod legs’ locking levers will not interfere. This simple, but vital adapter will also allow control box attachment when upscaling to 8” ATS or custom piers when imaging.

Effective length of extension: approximately 1.8" (46mm)

Includes: one 5/16-18 x 5/8” BHCS and one 5/16 ID x 9/16 OD washer

Note: The Q6280KIT in the photo at left is shown as silver for easy identification in its mounted position. It is anodized black as a finished product (see above left).

1100GTO Single Control Box Adapter (M11010KIT)

If you own an 1100GTO-AE or 1100GTO-AEL, your mount has a double control box bracket to accommodate your GTOCP3 and GTOAE Control Boxes side by side. You can continue to use the double bracket by mounting the GTOCP4 off-center and then securing it to the side.

Alternatively, you can purchase this single control box adapter, which attaches to your mount in the same manner. The GTOCP4 will look more aesthetically pleasing in this adapter.

Includes: two 8-32 x 3/8" Thumbscrews.

Mounts used with this adapter: 1100GTO or any other mount that is bolted to a flat square plate.

1100GTO Control Box Extension Adapter (Q6281KIT)

The 1100GTO has an extension adapter to allow its Control Box (single or double adapter) to be used when upscaling to a 10” ATS pier. If you have a custom pier that requires even more spacing, then the new extension can be stacked with as many extensions as needed to do the job.

The adapter adds 1" (25.4 mm) of spacing.

Includes: two 8-32 x ½” BHCS

Note: The Q6281KIT in the photo at left is shown as silver for easy identification in its mounted position. It is anodized black as a finished product (see above left).

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