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Which environmental sensor for the GM1000?

10Micron GM1000 HPS
10 replies•214 views
Brian avatar
Brian avatar
Hello,

I’ve just purchased a GM1000 and am currently in the process of buying some additional accessories.
Along with a pier extension, I also want to get an environmental sensor.
Online, I’ve read a lot about the MGBox.
However, I also found out that the Uranus Meteo Sensor can provide the same data and offers some additional features.
Are there any other alternatives that are compatible with the GM1000?

What would you recommend in the end?

Best regards,
Brian
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Jaromir avatar
Jaromir avatar
Because I'm using PrimaLuceLab Eagle as a acqusition PC - I'm using Ecco2 with it and I can recommend as a complementary solution, it provides all data for refraction calculation for GM1000. But I doubt if Ecco could be used outside PLL enironment. MGbox should be fine as well.
Timothy Martin avatar
Timothy Martin avatar
If you go with Astromi, be sure to get the MGPBox, not the MGBox. I’m not familiar with the others, but MGPBox also provides for remote powerup and remote shutdown of the mount.
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John Stone avatar
John Stone avatar
As an owner of both the Pegasus Uranus and a MGPBox I can not recommend the Uranus.  Its problems are why I also own the MGPBox.
JustinWall avatar
JustinWall avatar
I also have the MGPBox and can't recommend it enough. If you ever consider operating the mount remotely then it's a must have.
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Michael Regouski avatar
Michael Regouski avatar
I agree, I have a MGP Box on both my GM 1000 and GM 3000 and have never had a problem with either of them. I recommend this one.
Luigi avatar
Luigi avatar
I concur with previous suggestions, I have an MGP Box running smoothly with my HPS 1000
Willem Jan Drijfhout avatar
Willem Jan Drijfhout avatar
Agreed with the other responses. I have the Uranus and the MGBox and the Uranus has not been a success. The MGBox on the other hand is a completely 'set and forget' solution. 

Btw, when I just checked the Astromi.ch website, I noticed this warning:

"The newest version of the 10Micron mount computer has a new PS/2-Style plug. The GPS-Cable included in the MGBoxV2 and MGPBox products are NOT compatible with this new plug!"
I'm sure Martin will come up with a solution for this, but something to be aware of.

Possible alternatives:
- Mountwizzard 4. With your new mount, you will want to look into software that will help you build the mount models. MountWizzard is one such option. It is a very complete piece of software and allows you to feed the weather info from any weather-source anywhere in your system. Local weather info feeds into your PC via API, no hardware required.
- The new Ultimate Powerbox V3 from Pegasus has some nice new features that would benefit a 10Micron mount: a 24V output that can be used to power the mount, an electronic toggle switch that you can use to turn on your mount remotely, and built-in weather station. After all the issues with the Uranus, one would think that Pegasus has got this weather station working properly.
Anyway, just some thoughts.

Are you member yet of the 10Micron forum? Would definitely recommend doing that. Lots of experienced 10Micron owners that can give you lots of help and advice.

Enjoy your mount, I'm sure it will serve you well.
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Brian avatar
Brian avatar
Then I’ll probably go ahead and buy the MG(P)Box.

Since I bought the “old” version during clearance, the box connection is compatible as well.

As I don’t have Wi-Fi in the garden, the MW4 option isn’t really suitable for me, and I don’t see a strong reason to upgrade from my Powerbox Advanced Gen2 to the Ultimate version either.
I think the MGBox is the best option.

I’ve been registered on the 10M forum for quite a while.
Some of my questions have already been answered there.
I just prefer forums that are easily accessible to everyone so others can also learn from the information.
On the 10M forum, you are required to register and then wait for approval.

Thank you very much for your help!
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Willem Jan Drijfhout avatar
Willem Jan Drijfhout avatar
All sounds great. Hopefully you will have some clear skies soon and you can start using it.
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Brian avatar
Brian avatar
Willem Jan Drijfhout:
Hopefully you will have some clear skies soon and you can start using it.

Next week will be rainy only