Losmandy Gemini 2 Retrofit Kit — Digital Drive to GOTO

Product Overview

This is the kit that converts a non-GOTO Losmandy mount to Gemini 2. It replaces a Digital Drive system with the Gemini 2 GOTO servo system — a DC servo motor based computerised positioning system — and Losmandy lists it as a retrofit for the AZ8, GM 8, G-11, HGM 200 and G9 non-GOTO equatorial mounts. The kit includes the Gemini 2 main control unit, the touch-screen hand controller, two servo motors, two gearboxes, and all cables and mounting hardware. Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade are included.

Who It's For

If you own a Losmandy mount whose mechanics you are happy with and whose electronics you have outgrown, this is the upgrade rather than a new mount. The gear train, the bearings and the worm — the parts that determine how the mount actually tracks — stay exactly as they are. What changes is that the mount starts pointing itself, holds a permanent periodic error correction rather than a session-trained one, and can be driven from a computer.

Key Features & Design

• Complete conversion from Digital Drive to Gemini 2 GOTO.
• DC servo motor based computerised positioning system.
• Includes the Gemini 2 main control unit and the touch-screen hand controller.
• Two servo motors and two gearboxes, replacing the stepper motors.
• All cables and mounting hardware included.
• Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade included.
• Listed for the AZ8, GM 8, G-11, HGM 200 and G9 non-GOTO mounts.

Recommended Uses

Converting a push-and-track Losmandy mount to GOTO. Adding computer control and remote operation to an existing mount. Upgrading an AZ8 to Gemini 2, which supports alt-az mode. Bringing an older mount to current Level 6 firmware and servo specification. Keeping known-good mechanics while modernising the electronics.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Mounts: Losmandy lists the AZ8, GM 8, G-11, HGM 200 and G9 non-GOTO equatorial mounts. Send us your mount model and its vintage and we will confirm the fit before you order — motor mounting differs between tucked and non-tucked designs.
• Coming from Gemini 1: the Gemini 2 upgrade is the cheaper path, since it keeps your existing servo motors.
• Power: the 120 V AC to 15 V DC supply for mains use, or the 12 V power cord for the field.
• Hand controller: a spare Gemini 2 hand controller and the coiled cord are stocked separately.
• Motor cables: the RA and DEC motor cables are available as spares.
• Mounting the control unit: the board knob set holds it in the tripod ears, also available as a special edition set.
• GPS: the GPS for Gemini 2 sets position and time automatically.

Good to Know Before You Order

• This kit is for a mount that does not already have Gemini. If you are on Gemini 1, the Gemini 2 upgrade costs considerably less because you keep the servo motors.
• It is a motor and electronics swap, not a mechanical rebuild. The stepper motors come off, the servo motors and gearboxes go on, and the control unit mounts to the tripod. Losmandy supplies the hardware and publishes motor-mounting instructions.
• Motor mounting differs by mount vintage. Tucked and non-tucked motor mounts are not the same job — tell us which you have and we will confirm what you need.
• Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade are included, so this arrives at current specification rather than needing a separate upgrade afterwards.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

It is an afternoon on a bench rather than a five-minute job: the old motors come off, the servo motors and gearboxes go on with the supplied hardware, cables route to the control unit, and the Gemini 2 is then configured for your site. Losmandy publishes motor-mounting instructions, and we will talk it through.

Which mounts does it fit?

Losmandy lists the AZ8, GM 8, G-11, HGM 200 and G9 non-GOTO mounts. Confirm your vintage with us first.

What is actually in the box?

The Gemini 2 main control unit, the touch-screen hand controller, two servo motors, two gearboxes, and all cables and mounting hardware — with Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade.

I have Gemini 1 — is this the right kit?

No. The Gemini 2 upgrade is the one for you, and it costs less.

Will it work on my AZ8?

Yes — Losmandy lists the AZ8, and Gemini 2 supports alt-az mode.

Do I keep my mechanical performance?

Yes. The gear, worm and bearings are untouched. What changes is the drive and the control system.

Bottom Line

In short: the complete Digital Drive to Gemini 2 conversion — control unit, touch-screen hand controller, two servo motors, two gearboxes, cables and hardware, with Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade — for the AZ8, GM 8, G-11, HGM 200 and G9.