{"product_id":"ioptron-8408","title":"iOptron Go2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBacklit 4-line, 21-character LCD display\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e50,000+ or 150,000+ object database depending on mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e9 distinct slew speeds for precise control\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e32-bit ARM processor\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eASCOM compatible for computer control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n  \u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n  \u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n          \u003ch2\u003eiOptron Go2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller\u003c\/h2\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003eThe iOptron Go2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller is powered by a 32-bit ARM processor and presents all information on a large, backlit 4-line, 21-character LCD. With a deep object database of over 50,000 or 150,000 objects, depending on your mount, and 9 different slew speeds, you have precise and comprehensive control over your observing or imaging session right at your fingertips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003eThe GoToNova 50,000+ Object Database\u003c\/h3\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003eAt the core of the Go2Nova 8408 is a comprehensive celestial catalog. For ZEQ25 mount users, the controller holds a database of over 50,000 objects, while CEM25 users gain access to an expanded library of over 150,000 objects. This extensive database includes everything from planets and Messier objects to thousands of NGC, IC, and UGC catalog entries, ensuring your next target is always just a few button presses away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003eA 4-Line Backlit Display and 9 Slew Speeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003eNavigating the night sky requires clear information and precise control. The 8408 handset features a large, backlit 4-line, 21-character display that shows more information at once, reducing the need to scroll through menus. You can move your telescope with exceptional accuracy using the 9 available slew speeds, from the imperceptible 1x sidereal rate for centering in a high-power eyepiece to the rapid MAX speed for moving across the entire sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cul\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFine Centering Speeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1x, 2x, and 8x speeds allow for deliberate, high-magnification adjustments without overshooting your target.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMid-Range Speeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use 16x, 64x, and 128x for centering objects in a finder scope or making larger corrections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Speed Slewing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 256x, 512x, and MAX speeds quickly move the mount between distant celestial objects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003c\/ul\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003e32-bit ARM CPU for ASCOM Control and Firmware Upgrades\u003c\/h3\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003eThe Go2Nova 8408 is built around a modern 32-bit ARM processor, providing the speed and memory needed for advanced functionality. Through its integrated serial port, the handset is fully ASCOM compatible, allowing you to connect it to a PC and control your iOptron mount with popular planetarium or imaging software. This connection also allows for firmware upgrades, ensuring your controller remains current with iOptron's latest features and object catalog updates. A standard serial-to-USB adapter may be required for modern laptops lacking a native serial port.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n          \u003ch3\u003eGo2Nova 8408 vs. Celestron NexStar+: A Quick Comparison\u003c\/h3\u003e\n          \u003cp\u003eWhen choosing a GoTo system, the hand controller is your primary interface. The Go2Nova 8408 offers several key advantages over the standard Celestron NexStar+ controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cul\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCelestron's Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The NexStar+ controller is widely used and features a familiar button layout that many observers are accustomed to.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGo2Nova's Display:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 8408 features a 4-line, 21-character display, which shows significantly more information at a glance compared to the 2-line, 16-character screen on the NexStar+.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGo2Nova's Database:\u003c\/strong\u003e With 50,000+ to 150,000+ objects, the Go2Nova database is larger than the ~40,000 objects found in the standard NexStar+ controller, offering more built-in targets for exploration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003c\/ul\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat iOptron mounts use the Go2Nova 8408 handset?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe Go2Nova 8408 hand controller is specified for use with iOptron's \u003cstrong\u003eZEQ25\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eCEM25\u003c\/strong\u003e series of equatorial mounts. The object database size differs between the two, with over 50,000 for the ZEQ25 and over 150,000 for the CEM25.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I update the firmware on the Go2Nova 8408?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eYou can update the firmware on the 8408 handset via its built-in \u003cstrong\u003eserial port\u003c\/strong\u003e. This requires connecting the controller to a PC (using a serial cable and potentially a USB-to-serial adapter) and using the firmware upgrade utility available from the iOptron support website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I control my CEM25 mount with a computer using the 8408 handset?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eYes. The Go2Nova 8408 is \u003cstrong\u003eASCOM compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e. By connecting the handset's serial port to your computer, you can use any ASCOM-compliant software, such as planetarium programs or imaging suites like N.I.N.A. or Sequence Generator Pro, to control your mount's GoTo and tracking functions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat's the benefit of the 9 slew speeds on the Go2Nova 8408?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 9 slew speeds provide precise control for any situation. The slowest speeds (\u003cstrong\u003e1x, 2x, 8x\u003c\/strong\u003e) are essential for carefully centering an object on an imaging sensor or in a high-power eyepiece. The fastest speed (\u003cstrong\u003eMAX\u003c\/strong\u003e) moves the mount quickly between targets, while the mid-range speeds are useful for aligning the mount or centering objects in a finder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Go2Nova 8408 help me find faint objects like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) with my CEM25 mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eFinding faint, extended objects like the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) is simple with the 8408 controller. After performing a star alignment, you can access the controller's \u003cstrong\u003e150,000+ object database\u003c\/strong\u003e, select NGC 6960 from the catalog, and the mount will automatically slew to place the nebula in your eyepiece's field of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIf I'm imaging Jupiter with my ZEQ25, which slew speeds on the 8408 are best for centering the planet?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eFor planetary imaging of Jupiter, precise centering is critical. Once the GoTo system has placed Jupiter in your field of view, you should use the slowest slew speeds—typically \u003cstrong\u003e2x or 8x\u003c\/strong\u003e—to make the final adjustments and position the planet perfectly on your camera's small sensor without overshooting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n      \u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eLCD Display\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eBacklit 4-line, 21-character\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eProcessor\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e32-bit ARM\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eSlew Speeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e9 speeds (1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, MAX)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eObject Database\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e50,000+ (for ZEQ25) or 150,000+ (for CEM25)\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eSerial Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eFirmware Upgradeable\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eYes, via serial port\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ePC Control\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eYes, via serial port\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ePC Protocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eASCOM compatible\u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n      \u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eGo2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n        \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron_CEM25_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\n          \u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\n            \u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\n          \u003c\/svg\u003e\n          \u003cdiv\u003e\n            \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n          \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917305344285,"sku":"IOP-8408","price":218.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-Go2Nova-Handset-8408-1_07ec8e05-b7d2-43bf-b27a-daf00f37218c.jpg?v=1789142428","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/ioptron-8408","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}