Losmandy Gemini 2 Upgrade — Gemini 1 to Gemini 2

Product Overview

This is the upgrade from Gemini 1 to Gemini 2. It supplies the Gemini 2 main control unit, the hand controller, a power cord and a coiled cable cord, with Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade included. Because a Gemini 1 mount already has servo motors, this package is the electronics rather than a full retrofit.

Who It's For

If your mount runs Gemini 1, the motors and gearboxes on it are already the right kind — what is dated is the control unit and the interface. This replaces those and brings the mount to current Level 6 firmware, which is why it costs considerably less than the full retrofit kit. The practical gains are the touch-screen interface, current firmware, and the connectivity that comes with the Gemini 2 unit.

Key Features & Design

• Gemini 2 main control unit.
• Hand controller.
• Power cord and coiled cable cord included.
• Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade included.
• Keeps your existing servo motors and gearboxes, which is what separates it from the retrofit kit.

Recommended Uses

Bringing a Gemini 1 mount to Gemini 2 and Level 6 firmware. Replacing an ageing Gemini 1 control unit. Adding the Gemini 2 interface and connectivity to a mount whose mechanics and motors are sound. Standardising a second mount on the same control system as your first.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Starting point: a mount already running Gemini 1, with its servo motors in place. Tell us your mount and its vintage and we will confirm before you order.
• Coming from a Digital Drive instead: the Gemini 2 retrofit kit is the one you need, since it includes the servo motors and gearboxes.
• Old hand controller: the DHC deluxe hand controller is the Gemini 1 part, if you are keeping a spare or selling the old system on.
• Power: the 120 V AC to 15 V DC supply for mains use, or the 12 V power cord for the field.
• Spares and extras: a spare Gemini 2 hand controller, the replacement mainboard, and the GPS for Gemini 2.
• Motor cables: the RA and DEC cables fit Gemini 1 and 2 alike.

Good to Know Before You Order

• This assumes you already have servo motors. A Digital Drive mount has steppers, and needs the retrofit kit instead — ordering this one for a stepper mount would leave you short two motors and two gearboxes.
• It is an electronics swap. The control unit and hand controller change; the motors, gearboxes and everything mechanical stay.
• Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade are included, so nothing further is needed to reach current specification.
• Losmandy also offers a Level 6 factory upgrade service for existing Gemini 2 units, which is a different thing from this package — ask us if that is what you are after.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

It is the easier of the two Gemini paths. The old control unit and hand controller come off, the Gemini 2 unit mounts in their place, the existing motor cables plug in, and the system is configured for your site.

What is in the box?

The Gemini 2 main control unit, the hand controller, a power cord and a coiled cable cord, with Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade.

Do I need new motors?

No — that is the point of this package. Your Gemini 1 servo motors carry over.

I have a Digital Drive mount. Can I use this?

No. That mount has stepper motors, so it needs the full retrofit kit.

Does it include Level 6?

Yes, along with the servo upgrade.

Bottom Line

In short: the Gemini 1 to Gemini 2 electronics upgrade — main control unit, hand controller, power cord and coiled cord, with Level 6 firmware and the servo upgrade — keeping the servo motors you already have.