How to Use a Go2Nova Hand Controller for Mount Control
By Cloud Break Optics | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to operate your Go2Nova hand controller for telescope mount control, from power-on to alignment and slewing. Step-by-step instructions for the 8407+ model.
Quick answer
To use a Go2Nova hand controller for mount control, power on the mount, set your date/time and location, perform a two-star alignment, then slew to any target from the 350,000-object database.
Why the Go2Nova controller stands out
The Go2Nova 8407+ hand controller is the latest version of iOptron's GOTONOVA system, with a database of over 350,000 celestial objects. This makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced stargazers who want automated tracking without a laptop.
Common alignment pitfalls
Alignment is the most critical step for accurate goto performance. A common mistake is choosing alignment stars that are too close together in the sky, which reduces model accuracy. Always pick stars at least 30 degrees apart.
Step-by-step guide
- Power on and initialize: Connect the hand controller to your mount via the coiled cable, then power on the mount. The screen will display 'iOptron GOTONOVA' and prompt you for date, time, and location. Use the arrow keys to navigate and ENTER to confirm. Ensure your time is in 24-hour format and your location is set to your actual latitude/longitude for accurate goto.
- Set date, time, and location: Enter the current date (MM/DD/YYYY), local time (HH:MM:SS), and your observing site coordinates. If you don't know your coordinates, use a smartphone GPS app or approximate from a nearby city. Daylight Saving Time must be set correctly. A common mistake is forgetting to toggle DST, which can shift goto accuracy by an hour.
- Perform a two-star alignment: Select 'Alignment' from the main menu, then 'Two-Star Alignment'. The controller will suggest a bright star. Use the arrow keys to center it in your eyepiece (or use a finder scope), then press ENTER. Repeat for a second star at least 30 degrees from the first. If the second star is too close to the first, alignment accuracy suffers; choose stars on opposite sides of the meridian if possible.
- Slew to a target: Press the 'MENU' button, select 'Select and Slew', then browse the database by category (e.g., 'Messier', 'NGC', 'Planets'). Highlight your target and press ENTER. The mount will automatically slew to it and begin tracking. If the target is not centered, use the arrow keys to fine-tune, then press 'SYNC' to improve pointing for subsequent objects.
Product facts
- Go2Nova® Hand Controller (8407+): The Go2Nova 8407+ hand controller has a database of over 350,000 celestial objects. You can find faint deep-sky objects without needing a star chart or computer, as long as you complete a basic alignment.
Go2Nova® Hand Controller (8407+)
