Originally posted by Sidney Porter
If you think about it the k3 is only 3 models back that really need it for Astro. I have to think Astro is the intended target
-K3iii can use astrotracer3 via firmware
-K1, k1ii and k3ii built in GPS
That leaves the KP, k70 and k3 as the most recent potential buyers
I assume the gps2 will be smaller, do away with the blue light and make it red. Maybe rechargeable. Could it be powered by the hotshoe? I don't know how much tech has advanced for the actual receiver I assume some of it is software
I think "most recent potential buyers" is possibly limiting the field too much … my K-5 (with firmware update) works perfectly well with my O-GPS1, it's larger battery making it an ideal candidate for multiple long exposures, especially if the temperature is a bit on the low side!
A brief review of all the DSLRs produced in the last 10 years or so suggest that most of them can be used for 'astro', even if a firmware update is required … the K-01 being the glaring exception, only being able to use the GPS for positioning!
There is probably a proportion of existing "older" Pentax camera owners who may consider updating to "astro-capability" without wanting/needing to otherwise upgrade their camera.
As for the potential O-GPS2 itself … changing the blue LED for red is a very good idea, rechargeable, not so much. I've needed to replace the AAA cell in my O-GPS1 at short notice in the past, having to wait for the unit to charge would have possibly meant a missed opportunity.
I don't think there's facility in the Pentax hot-shoe to provide power.
I don't mind the size of the existing unit, I'd even put up with it being a bit larger if it meant that the necessary "chicken dance" calibration procedure could be made more reliable with less need to have to repeat.