| The Celestron CN16AS is a GPS (Global Positioning System) module with a snap-on bracket that lets you mount it on the tripod leg of a Celestron Advanced Series go-to computerized German equatorial mount telescope. It includes an accessory port kit that allows the GPS module to communicate with the NexStar computer of Celestron Advanced Series go-to scope. The auxiliary port also allows other accessories (your personal computer, an electronic off-axis guider, etc.) to be integrated with the scope’s computer hand control.
The CN16AS uses GPS satellite transmissions to assure faster and more accurate stellar alignment by requiring no manual data input of time, date, or location on your part. A cable from the CN16AS plugs into accessory port kit, which in turn is connect to your scope’s NexStar computer hand control by a second cable.
Once the CN16 is mounted on the scope, the scope is taken outside and a rough polar alignment done. An optional polar alignment scope is available to make this procedure quick and relatively painless. A polar alignment subroutine in the computer hand control will aid in refining the alignment if extreme precision is needed for astrophotography purposes.
The CN16’s 16-channel GPS receiver will then determine its latitude and longitude on earth from the GPS satellite signals, triangulating your location with an accuracy measured in meters. It determines the time and date from the GPS satellite signals with an accuracy measured in fractions of a second. Once the CN16AS knows precisely where and when on Earth it is, it relays that information to your scope’s computer. Your scope’s NexStar computer needs that information to align on the heavens when using a two-star alignment. The more accurate the time and location information you can give to your scope, the more accurate your scope’s alignment on the sky. The CN16AS guarantees a very high accuracy.
If you travel to different observing locations frequently, the CN16AS will let you spend more time observing and less time getting ready to observe. If your view of the north from your backyard observing site is obstructed by buildings or trees, the CN16AS will make short work of accurately aligning your scope on the skies. You won't have to guess if you're pointing at Polaris.
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