New Nexstar 8i Special edition

[carlogambino]

Yeah, you mentioned that

Apparently, the GPS module of the 5i and 8i series has true north and leveling technology. In other words, it doesn't just feed the coordinates, but also find north and level the scope. This is the area that made Meade unhappy.

So now with the Orange tube special edition, Celestron got rid of the finding north stuff with the auto two star alignment. When you set up the scope, you don't have to find north. You don't have to make it exactly level. Just orientate the scope anywhere you like. You then find the first alignment star. The scope will then guess the location of the 2nd alighment star.

BUT, the N8iSE also supports the same GPS module, so im very confused with the argument, unless you mean that "north-level" technologies not only apply to Nexstar GPS scopes and GPS module.

[Airconvent]

BUT, the N8iSE also supports the same GPS module, so im very confused with the argument, unless you mean that "north-level" technologies not only apply to Nexstar GPS scopes and GPS module.

The ETX and LX PE series are not GPS systems. They merely have a powered clock built in that can store the time and date without needing you to key it in each time. They also have some sort of built in compass and level finder.
The N8i on the other hand uses a true GPS module taking in level, direction and date/time from the satellites. I think the lawsuit issue is not of hardware but the method of alignment accuracy, in this case, use of north up and leveling.

rich

[carlogambino]

They merely have a powered clock built in that can store the time and date without needing you to key it in each time.

Nexstar 8i also has this feature-hibernate.

They also have some sort of built in compass and level finder.

GPS module has a level finder. This is why when you shake it, you will hear a metal ball rolling... I'm not sure about the compass part though.

The point is, I think Meade is angry with GPS.

The royalties are more for the Nexstar GPS series because those have the "level north" technology. And maybe because of this, the Nexstar 9.25" XLT is actually priced higher than the Meade 10" LX200 UHTC.

If this is so, however, I'm baffled as to why they allow GPS module on N8i SE.

[gwenyi]

meade and celestron will always be at war with each time...

[fizzy123]

The hibernate feature is present for most Goto scope. In meade it is known as sleep scope.