Keypad Controller and GTO Control Box Functions
Your GTO mount has two brains that work together - the firmware housed in the GTO control box and the firmware residing in the keypad controller. We encourage you to review the information regarding the function and interplay of the ROM chip in the GTO Control Box and the keypad EEPROM to better understand your system.
GTOCP3 Control Box
The GTOCP3 control box was released in 2004. It looks very much like the GTOCP2
version, however the internal components are quite different. Check the silk-screen
(or engraved) wording on the front panel to determine which version you have.
The logic chip in the GTOCP3 control box cannot be installed into previous CP1
and CP2 control boxes. All keypad firmware upgrades can be accomplished with
the GTOCP3 control box.
The GTOCP3 control box can be used with all prior GTO mounts, if desired. You
may wish to replace your GTOCP1 or GTOCP2 in order to use the more advanced features
available in the GTOCP3, including the ability to use the Astro-Physics
Command Center (APCC) software. However, if you want the most recent control
box, you may wish to upgrade to the GTOCP4, which is also backward compatible
with earlier versions.
Please refer to the information at this link regarding the features of the GTOCP3.
Revisions to ROM Chip of GTOCP3 Control Box
Version "V" Firmware Upgrade for the
GTOCP3 - Required for Astro-Physics Command Center (APCC)
Installing New ROM Chip into Servo Control - Model GTOCP3
Servo Control Box Firmware - GTOCP1 and GTOCP2
Why upgrade chip version?: If you wish to upgrade
the firmware of your Astro-Physics GTO Keypad,
your servo control box must have a ROM chip dated January
22, 2001 or later. This ROM chip will enable you
to complete the flash
update process and utilize all the features
of this version. The new chip is also required
to enable the park function in version 5.00.012
(or above) of TheSky software by Software Bisque.
If you plan to use PulseGuide
by Ray Gralak of Sirius-Imaging, you will need
a chip dated May 7, 2001 or later (marked "D"
or "KD"). If you were a beta tester, the date on your chip will
be April 5, 2001 or later. The chip must be marked "D" or "KD".
To determine if an upgrade is needed, remove the cover of the GTOCP1 or GTOCP2 control box and look for a label on one of the large square chips. If the label is dated prior to January 22, 2001 or there is no label at all, you will need to upgrade.
How do I upgrade chip version? Upgrades to the logic of the GTOCP1 or
GTOCP2 control boxes must be made by installing a new ROM chip. Since the chip
is housed in a removable carrier, the old one can be popped out easily and the
new one eased into place. Note, the GTOCP1 measures approximately 6"x4.5"x3" and
the GTOCP2 measures approximately 5"x5"x1". Please choose the appropriate installation
instruction below.
We decided that we cannot allow Internet updates to this chip because the software could be pirated potentially by unfriendly and unauthorized people. We have worked too hard on its development to give it away. We hope you understand. If you do need a new chip in the future, the cost will be reasonable.
Revisions to ROM chip of GTOCP1 and GTOCP2 Control Boxes - (07-07-06) PDF document
Ordering a New Chip for Your GTOCP1 or GTOCP2 Control Box
* Installing New ROM Chip into Servo Control Box - Model GTOCP1
* Installing New ROM Chip into Servo Control Box - Model GTOCP2
These documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher.
GTOCP1
GTOCP2Thank you!
We extend special thanks to you, our customer and friend, for your thoughtful suggestions and recommendations. Many of them are implemented in the changes to date and others will be incorporated in future versions. You have great ideas and we appreciate your willingness to share them with us.