Astro Devices Losmandy GM8/GM11 Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Astro Devices Losmandy GM8/GM11 Encoder Kit adds the position sensors that digital setting circles (DSC) rely on to know where your telescope is pointing. Without encoders on the mount, a DSC has no way to interface with the telescope, so this kit is the bridge between your Losmandy mount and a push-to navigation system. It supplies two high-resolution encoders that read 311,296 steps per revolution, the hardware to mount them to the right ascension and declination axes, and a 50 cm coiled cable that extends to about 1.8 m in use.

Who It's For

This kit is made for owners of the Losmandy GM8 and GM11 equatorial mounts who want to add push-to (or full digital setting circle) functionality. Installation hardware and instructions cover both the original mounts and the 2018-and-later versions, so it fits either generation of the GM8 and GM11.

Key Features & Design

• Two matched encoders: each encoder reads 311,296 steps per revolution for fine positional resolution on both axes.
• Mount-specific hardware: the included installation hardware set is cut to fit the GM8 and GM11, so the encoders sit correctly on the axes.
• Coiled encoder cable: a 50 cm coiled cable stretches to roughly 1.8 m, keeping slack tidy while allowing the mount to move.
• Printed instructions: an installation instruction booklet is included, with guidance for both original and 2018+ mounts.
• Compact package: the complete kit weighs about 300 g.

Design and Electronics

The encoders track axis rotation and send that position data to a connected digital setting circle unit. At 311,296 steps per revolution, each encoder resolves small movements finely, which is what lets a DSC report pointing position accurately as you move the scope by hand. The two encoders work as a pair, one per axis, so both the right ascension and declination positions are reported.

Recommended Uses

Pair this kit with an Astro Devices Nexus DSC unit (or a compatible digital setting circle) to turn a Losmandy GM8 or GM11 into a push-to system for locating objects. It suits visual observers who want to star-hop electronically and find targets quickly without a full go-to drive system.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The kit is designed specifically for the Losmandy GM8 and GM11 mounts, with hardware and instructions for both the original and 2018-and-newer versions. It provides the encoder side of a digital setting circle setup; a separate DSC unit is what reads and displays the encoder data. When ordering, the required encoder cable length is specified so the cable matches your setup.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Encoders only: this is the encoder hardware for the mount. A digital setting circle unit is needed to read the encoders and display positions.
• Cable length: the coiled cable measures 50 cm and extends to about 1.8 m; the length required for your configuration is confirmed at the time of ordering.
• Mount generation: instructions are provided for both original and 2018+ GM8/GM11 mounts, so the version of your mount determines which set of steps you follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this kit actually do?

It installs two encoders on your Losmandy GM8 or GM11 that sense the mount's position on each axis and feed that data to a digital setting circle, so the DSC can report where the telescope is pointing.

Do I still need a separate DSC unit?

Yes. The encoders supply position data, and a digital setting circle unit such as a Nexus DSC reads that data and shows you the pointing information.

Does it fit both the older and newer Losmandy mounts?

Yes. The kit includes hardware and installation instructions for both the original GM8/GM11 and the 2018-and-later versions.

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit comes with an installation instruction booklet and mount-specific hardware, and the encoders attach to the right ascension and declination axes following those steps. The coiled cable then connects the encoders to your DSC unit.

What is the resolution of the encoders?

Each of the two encoders reads 311,296 steps per revolution.

Bottom Line

The Astro Devices Losmandy GM8/GM11 Encoder Kit provides everything on the mount side needed to add digital setting circles to a Losmandy GM8 or GM11: two 311,296-step encoders, mount-specific hardware, a coiled cable, and instructions for both original and 2018+ mounts. Paired with a DSC unit, it turns your Losmandy mount into a responsive push-to system for finding objects in the night sky.