| The Celestron CN16SE is a GPS (Global Positioning System) module with a bracket that lets you mount it on the tripod leg of all Celestron NexStar i-series and NexStar SE-series fork mount telescopes. A coiled cable from the CN16SE integrates with the scope’s computer hand controller to convert the telescope into a go-to system that uses GPS satellite transmissions for fully automatic stellar alignment, with no manual data input necessary on your part. To operate the CN16SE, simply take your CN16-equipped NexStar scope outside and turn it on. The CN16SEwill automatically level the telescope optical tube (using a leveling sensor built into the CN16SE) and aim it north with more precision than can be done by hand. The CN16SE uses automatic compass calibration to compensate for your local magnetic declination (offset) from the actual celestial pole (compass north and celestial north are not in exactly the same direction), getting you closer to your alignment stars. Its 16-channel GPS receiver then determines its latitude and longitude on earth from the GPS satellite signals, triangulating your location with an accuracy measured in meters. It determines the time from the GPS satellite signals with an accuracy measured in fractions of a second. Once the CN16SE knows precisely where and when on Earth it is, it slews the telescope to the appropriate alignment guide stars for your confirmation – all in only a few short minutes, and with no work necessary on your part. The CN16SE GPS module makes aligning on the skies almost as simple as turning on the scope power. If you travel to different observing locations frequently, the CN16SE 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 CN16SE will make short work of accurately aligning your scope on the skies. You won't have to guess if you're pointing at Polaris. The CN16SE will do the pointing for you. There are also versions of the CN16SE available for Celestron's German mount Advanced Series (#CN16AS) and CGE Series (#CN16CGE) telescopes. These CN16SE versions have the appropriate mounting brackets and accessory port kits to allow the CN16SE to function properly with these German mount scopes. It will be necessary to do a rough polar alignment with the German mount scopes before using the CN16AS and CN16CGE. Optional polar alignment scopes are 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. There is also a mounting bracket (#CN16B) available that will let you use the CN16SE on the larger-diameter tripod leg of a CGE scope. This will let you add GPS to a CGE scope without having to buy a complete new CN16CGE system if you move up to CGE scope, as well as let you use one CN16 module on both types of scopes if you are lucky enough to own both a NexStar scope and a CGE.
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