diff --git a/Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests/TelescopeUnitTests.cs b/Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests/TelescopeUnitTests.cs
index e5dddec..0b9a1d9 100644
--- a/Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests/TelescopeUnitTests.cs
+++ b/Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests/TelescopeUnitTests.cs
@@ -18,20 +18,23 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
 {
     public class TestProperties
     {
-        internal string telescopeRaResult = "HH:MM:SS";
-        internal double rightAscension = 1.2; //todo rename to declination;
-        internal double declination = 45;
+        internal string telescopeRaResult { get; set; } = "HH:MM:SS";
+        internal double rightAscension { get; set; } = 1.2; //todo rename to declination;
+        internal double declination { get; set; } = 45;
 
-        internal string SiteLatitudeString = "testLatString";
-        internal double SiteLatitudeValue = 123.45;
+        internal string SiteLatitudeString { get; set; } = "testLatString";
+        internal double SiteLatitudeValue { get; set; } = 123.45;
 
-        internal string telescopeDate = "10/15/20";
-        internal string telescopeTime = "20:15:10";
-        internal string telescopeUtcCorrection = "-1.0";
+        internal string telescopeDate { get; set; } = "10/15/20";
+        internal string telescopeTime { get; set; } = "20:15:10";
+        internal string telescopeUtcCorrection { get; set; } = "-1.0";
 
-        internal double hourAngle;
-        internal int telescopeAltitude = 45;
-        internal int telescopeAzimuth = 200;
+        internal double hourAngle { get; set; }
+        internal int telescopeAltitude { get; set; } = 45;
+        internal int telescopeAzimuth { get; set; } = 200;
+
+        internal char[] AlignmentStatus { get; set; }
+        internal string TrackingRate { get; set; }
     }
 
     [TestFixture]
@@ -121,8 +124,14 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
                 _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Object, _astroMathsMock.Object, _clockMock.Object, _novasMock.Object);
         }
 
-        private void ConnectTelescope(string productName = TelescopeList.Autostar497, string firmwareVersion = TelescopeList.Autostar497_31Ee)
+        private void ConnectTelescope(string productName = TelescopeList.Autostar497, string firmwareVersion = TelescopeList.Autostar497_31Ee, string alignmentStatus = "GT0")
         {
+            _testProperties.AlignmentStatus = alignmentStatus.ToCharArray();
+
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendChars("GW", false, 3)).Returns(() => new string(_testProperties.AlignmentStatus));
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendBlind("AP", false)).Callback(() => _testProperties.AlignmentStatus[1] = 'T');
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendBlind("AL", false)).Callback(() => _testProperties.AlignmentStatus[1] = 'N');
+
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendString("Gt", false)).Returns( () => _testProperties.SiteLatitudeString);
             _utilMock.Setup(x => x.DMSToDegrees(_testProperties.SiteLatitudeString)).Returns( () => _testProperties.SiteLatitudeValue);
 
@@ -133,6 +142,12 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendString("GL", false)).Returns(() => _testProperties.telescopeTime);
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendString("GG", false)).Returns(() => _testProperties.telescopeUtcCorrection);
 
+            const string siderealTrackingRate = "+60.1";
+            _testProperties.TrackingRate = siderealTrackingRate;
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendString("GT", false)).Returns(() => _testProperties.TrackingRate);
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendBlind("TL", false)).Callback(() => _testProperties.TrackingRate = "lunar");
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendBlind("TQ", false)).Callback(() => _testProperties.TrackingRate = siderealTrackingRate);
+
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.ProductName).Returns(() => productName);
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.FirmwareVersion).Returns(() => firmwareVersion);
 
@@ -144,6 +159,8 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.SetupGet(x => x.IsParked).Returns(() => _isParked);
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.SetupGet(x => x.ParkedPosition).Returns(() => _parkedPosition);
 
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.SetupProperty(x => x.IsGuiding);
+
             _astroMathsMock
                 .Setup(x => x.ConvertHozToEq(It.IsAny<DateTime>(), It.IsAny<double>(), It.IsAny<double>(),
                     It.IsAny<HorizonCoordinates>())).Returns(() => new EquatorialCoordinates { Declination = _testProperties.declination, RightAscension = _testProperties.rightAscension });
@@ -769,15 +786,17 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
         }
 
 
-        [TestCase("A", AlignmentModes.algAltAz)]
-        [TestCase("P", AlignmentModes.algPolar)]
-        [TestCase("G", AlignmentModes.algGermanPolar)]
-        public void AlignmentMode_Get_WhenScopeInAltAz_ReturnsAltAz(string telescopeMode, AlignmentModes alignmentMode)
+        [TestCase("A", AlignmentModes.algAltAz, TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_31Ee)]
+        [TestCase("P", AlignmentModes.algPolar, TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_31Ee)]
+        [TestCase("A", AlignmentModes.algAltAz, TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg)]
+        [TestCase("P", AlignmentModes.algPolar, TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg)]
+        [TestCase("G", AlignmentModes.algGermanPolar, TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg)]
+        public void AlignmentMode_Get_WhenScopeInAltAz_ReturnsAltAz(string telescopeMode, AlignmentModes alignmentMode, string productName, string firmware)
         {
             const char ack = (char)6;
-            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendChar(ack.ToString(), true)).Returns(telescopeMode);
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Setup(x => x.SendChar(ack.ToString(), false)).Returns(telescopeMode);
 
-            ConnectTelescope();
+            ConnectTelescope(productName, firmware, $"{telescopeMode}N0");
 
             var actualResult = _telescope.AlignmentMode;
 
@@ -1109,12 +1128,15 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             Assert.That(result, Is.False);
         }
 
-        [Test]
-        public void CanSetTracking_Get_ReturnsTrue()
+        [TestCase(TelescopeList.Autostar497_30Ee, false)]
+        [TestCase(TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg, true)]
+        public void CanSetTracking_Get_ReturnsTrueIffGWCommandIsSupported(string firmware, bool supported)
         {
+            ConnectTelescope(firmwareVersion: firmware);
+
             var result = _telescope.CanSetTracking;
 
-            Assert.That(result, Is.True);
+            Assert.That(result, Is.EqualTo(supported));
         }
 
         [Test]
@@ -1939,7 +1961,7 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             _astroUtilsMock.Setup(x => x.ConditionHA(It.IsAny<double>())).Returns<double>(pHA => pHA < -12 ? pHA + 12 : pHA > 12 ? pHA - 12 : pHA);
             _astroUtilsMock.Setup(x => x.ConditionRA(It.IsAny<double>())).Returns<double>(pRA => pRA < 0 ? pRA + 24 : pRA >= 24 ? pRA - 24 : pRA);
 
-            ConnectTelescope();
+            ConnectTelescope(firmwareVersion: TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg);
             Assert.That(_connectionInfo.SameDevice, Is.EqualTo(1));
 
             _telescope.SlewToCoordinates(ra, dec);
@@ -2053,7 +2075,8 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             // Setup DestinationSideOfPier
             _astroUtilsMock.Setup(x => x.ConditionHA(It.IsAny<double>())).Returns<double>(pHA => pHA < -12 ? pHA + 12 : pHA > 12 ? pHA - 12 : pHA);
 
-            ConnectTelescope();
+            // Use firmware that supports GW
+            ConnectTelescope(firmwareVersion: TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg);
 
             // when
             _telescope.SlewToCoordinatesAsync(ra, dec);
@@ -2646,11 +2669,26 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
 
         [TestCase(true)]
         [TestCase(false)]
-        public void Tracking_SetAndGet_WhenValueSet_ThenCanGetNewValue(bool tracking)
+        public void Tracking_Set_WhenCanSetTrackingIsFalse_ThenThrowsNotImplementedException(bool tracking)
         {
+            // GW is not supported, so CanSetTracking is false
+            ConnectTelescope(firmwareVersion: TelescopeList.Autostar497_30Ee);
+
+            Assert.Throws<ASCOM.NotImplementedException>( () => { _telescope.Tracking = tracking; } );
+        }
+
+        [TestCase(true, "AP")]
+        [TestCase(false, "AL")]
+        public void Tracking_Set_WhenCanSetTrackingIsTrue_ThenValueIsUpdated(bool tracking, string alignmentCommand)
+        {
+            // GW is supported, so CanSetTracking is true
+            ConnectTelescope(firmwareVersion: TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg);
+
             _telescope.Tracking = tracking;
 
             Assert.That(_telescope.Tracking, Is.EqualTo(tracking));
+
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Verify(x => x.SendBlind(alignmentCommand, false), Times.Once);
         }
 
         [Test]
@@ -2668,7 +2706,10 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
 
             _telescope.TrackingRate = rate;
 
+            Assert.That(_telescope.TrackingRate, Is.EqualTo(rate));
+
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Verify(x => x.SendBlind(commandString, false), Times.Once);
+            _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Verify(x => x.SendString("GT", false), Times.Once);
         }
 
         [Test]
@@ -2972,7 +3013,7 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
         [TestCase(TelescopeList.LX200CLASSIC, "", "[FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF]  [FF][FF][FF][FF][FF][FF]", false)]   //The test case below is this same string encoded to return exactly what the telescope will return.
         [TestCase(TelescopeList.LX200CLASSIC, "", "\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff  \x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff\x00ff", false)]
         [TestCase(TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg, "|", true)]
-        [TestCase(TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg, "\u007f", true)]
+        [TestCase(TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg, "\x007f", true)]
         [TestCase(TelescopeList.Autostar497, TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg, "", false)]
         public void Slewing_WhenTelescopeNotSlewing_ThenReturnsFalse(string productName, string firmwareVersion, string response, bool isSlewing)
         {
@@ -3202,7 +3243,6 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             _telescope.SlewToTarget();
 
             _utilMock.Verify(x => x.WaitForMilliseconds(It.IsAny<int>()), Times.Exactly(iterations));
-            _astroUtilsMock.Verify(x => x.ConditionHA(It.IsAny<double>()), Times.Once);
         }
 
         [Test]
@@ -3297,7 +3337,6 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Verify(x => x.SendChar("MS", false), Times.Once);
 
             _utilMock.Verify(x => x.WaitForMilliseconds(It.IsAny<int>()), Times.Exactly(iterations));
-            _astroUtilsMock.Verify(x => x.ConditionHA(It.IsAny<double>()), Times.Once);
         }
 
         [Test]
@@ -3418,7 +3457,6 @@ namespace Meade.net.Telescope.UnitTests
             Assert.That(_telescope.TargetDeclination, Is.EqualTo(_testProperties.declination));
             _sharedResourcesWrapperMock.Verify(x => x.SendChar("MS", false), Times.Once);
             _utilMock.Verify(x => x.WaitForMilliseconds(It.IsAny<int>()), Times.Exactly(iterations));
-            _astroUtilsMock.Verify(x => x.ConditionHA(It.IsAny<double>()), Times.Once);
         }
 
         [Test]
diff --git a/Meade.net.Telescope/Alignment.cs b/Meade.net.Telescope/Alignment.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78ef928
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Meade.net.Telescope/Alignment.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
+{
+    public enum Alignment
+    {
+        NeedsAlignment,
+        OneStarAligned,
+        TwoStarAligned,
+        ThreeStarAligned,
+        AlignedOnHome,
+        ScopeWasParked,
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Meade.net.Telescope/AlignmentStatus.cs b/Meade.net.Telescope/AlignmentStatus.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a602f5a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Meade.net.Telescope/AlignmentStatus.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+using ASCOM.DeviceInterface;
+
+namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
+{
+    public class AlignmentStatus
+    {
+        public AlignmentModes AlignmentMode { get; set; }
+        public bool Tracking { get; set; }
+        public Alignment Status { get; set; }
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Meade.net.Telescope/Meade.net.Telescope.csproj b/Meade.net.Telescope/Meade.net.Telescope.csproj
index 92ec7b9..a884ce0 100644
--- a/Meade.net.Telescope/Meade.net.Telescope.csproj
+++ b/Meade.net.Telescope/Meade.net.Telescope.csproj
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
   </PropertyGroup>
   <PropertyGroup Condition="'$(Configuration)|$(Platform)' == 'Release|x86'">
     <OutputPath>..\bin\Release\</OutputPath>
-    <Prefer32Bit>false</Prefer32Bit>
+    <Prefer32Bit>true</Prefer32Bit>
   </PropertyGroup>
   <PropertyGroup Condition="'$(Configuration)|$(Platform)' == 'Debug|x86'">
     <OutputPath>..\bin\Debug\</OutputPath>
@@ -118,6 +118,8 @@
     <Reference Include="System.Xml" />
   </ItemGroup>
   <ItemGroup>
+    <Compile Include="Alignment.cs" />
+    <Compile Include="AlignmentStatus.cs" />
     <Compile Include="AstroMaths\AltitudeData.cs" />
     <Compile Include="AstroMaths\AstroMathExtensions.cs" />
     <Compile Include="AstroMaths\AstroMaths.cs" />
@@ -190,7 +192,7 @@
     <PreBuildEvent>
     </PreBuildEvent>
   </PropertyGroup>
-  <!-- To modify your build process, add your task inside one of the targets below and uncomment it. 
+  <!-- To modify your build process, add your task inside one of the targets below and uncomment it.
        Other similar extension points exist, see Microsoft.Common.targets.
   <Target Name="BeforeBuild">
   </Target>
diff --git a/Meade.net.Telescope/Telescope.cs b/Meade.net.Telescope/Telescope.cs
index 2980a5c..2c8928e 100644
--- a/Meade.net.Telescope/Telescope.cs
+++ b/Meade.net.Telescope/Telescope.cs
@@ -140,9 +140,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             Initialise(nameof(Telescope));
         }
 
-        private bool _isGuiding;
-
-        private bool _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = true;
         //
         // PUBLIC COM INTERFACE ITelescopeV3 IMPLEMENTATION
         //
@@ -360,9 +357,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             var result = SharedResourcesWrapper.SendBool(command, raw);
             LogMessage("CommandBool", "Completed: {0}", result);
             return result;
-            // or
-            //throw new MethodNotImplementedException("CommandBool");
-            // DO NOT have both these sections!  One or the other
         }
 
         public string CommandString(string command, bool raw)
@@ -372,10 +366,19 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             // it's a good idea to put all the low level communication with the device here,
             // then all communication calls this function
             // you need something to ensure that only one command is in progress at a time
-            var result = SharedResourcesWrapper.SendString(command, raw);
-            LogMessage("CommandBool", "Completed: {0}", result);
+            string result;
+            // :GW# is not terminated with a # for some reason, see reported comment
+            // https://bitbucket.org/cjdskunkworks/meadeautostar497/issues/24/get-set-tracking#comment-60586901
+            if (command == (raw ? ":GW#" : "GW"))
+            {
+                result = SharedResourcesWrapper.SendChars(command, raw, count: 3);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                result = SharedResourcesWrapper.SendString(command, raw);
+            }
+            LogMessage("CommandString", "Completed: {0}", result);
             return result;
-            //throw new ASCOM.MethodNotImplementedException("CommandString");
         }
 
         public void Dispose()
@@ -416,7 +419,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                                 $"Connected to port {ComPort}. Product: {SharedResourcesWrapper.ProductName} Version:{SharedResourcesWrapper.FirmwareVersion}");
 
                             _userNewerPulseGuiding = IsNewPulseGuidingSupported();
-                            _tracking = true;
 
                             LogMessage("Connected Set", $"New Pulse Guiding Supported: {_userNewerPulseGuiding}");
                             IsConnected = true;
@@ -620,22 +622,18 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             return false;
         }
 
-        // true iff the mount will perform a meridian flip when required
-        // TODO: Needs checking what mounts actually support this
-        private bool IsMeridianFlipOnSlewSupported()
-        {
-            if (SharedResourcesWrapper.ProductName == TelescopeList.LX200CLASSIC)
-            {
-                return false;
-            }
+        private bool IsGWCommandSupported() => FirmwareIsGreaterThan(TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg);
 
-            return true;
-        }
+        // true iff the mount will perform a meridian flip when required
+        // According to "A User's Guide to the Meade LXD55 and LXD75 Telescopes" Autostar supports meridian flip so
+        // we assume that for any telescope that supports the GW command and is not in Alt-Az mode then
+        // meridian flip on slew is supported
+        private bool IsMeridianFlipOnSlewSupported() => IsGWCommandSupported() && AlignmentMode != AlignmentModes.algAltAz;
 
         private bool FirmwareIsGreaterThan(string minVersion)
         {
             var currentVersion = SharedResourcesWrapper.FirmwareVersion;
-            var comparison = String.Compare(currentVersion, minVersion, StringComparison.Ordinal);
+            var comparison = string.Compare(currentVersion, minVersion, StringComparison.Ordinal);
             return comparison >= 0;
         }
 
@@ -647,16 +645,16 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             if (SharedResourcesWrapper.ProductName != TelescopeList.LX200CLASSIC)
                 return false;
 
-            if (!_isTargetCoordinateInitRequired)
-                return _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+            if (!SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired)
+                return SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
 
             if (!IsConnected)
                 return true;
 
             if (SharedResourcesWrapper.ProductName != TelescopeList.LX200CLASSIC)
             {
-                _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
-                return _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
+                return SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
             }
 
             const double eps = 0.00001d;
@@ -665,16 +663,16 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             //target RA == 0
             if (Math.Abs(rightTargetAscension) > eps)
             {
-                _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
-                return _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
+                return SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
             }
 
             double targetDeclination = Declination;
             //target DE == 0
             if (Math.Abs(targetDeclination) > eps)
             {
-                _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
-                return _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
+                return SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
             }
 
             //target coordinates are equal current coordinates
@@ -682,12 +680,12 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                 (Math.Abs(Declination - targetDeclination) <= eps))
             {
                 LogMessage("IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired", "0 diff -> false");
-                _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
-                return _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
+                return SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
             }
 
-            LogMessage("IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired", $"{_isTargetCoordinateInitRequired}");
-            return _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+            LogMessage("IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired", $"{SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired}");
+            return SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
         }
 
         private void InitTargetCoordinates()
@@ -701,7 +699,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                 SyncToCoordinates(raAndDec.RightAscension, raAndDec.Declination);
 
                 //do it only once
-                _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired = false;
             }
             catch (Exception ex)
             {
@@ -957,54 +955,48 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
 
                 CheckConnected("AlignmentMode Get");
 
-                const char ack = (char) 6;
-
-                var alignmentString = SharedResourcesWrapper.SendChar(ack.ToString(), true);
-                //ACK <0x06> Query of alignment mounting mode.
-                //Returns:
-                //A If scope in AltAz Mode
-                //D If scope is currently in the Downloader[Autostar II & Autostar]
-                //L If scope in Land Mode
-                //P If scope in Polar Mode
-
-                //todo implement GW Command - Supported in Autostar 43Eg and above
-                //if FirmwareIsGreaterThan(TelescopeList.Autostar497_43EG)
-                //{
-                //var alignmentString = SerialPort.CommandTerminated(":GW#", "#");
-                //:GW# Get Scope Alignment Status
-                //Returns: <mount><tracking><alignment>#
-                //    where:
-                //mount: A - AzEl mounted, P - Equatorially mounted, G - german mounted equatorial
-                //tracking: T - tracking, N - not tracking
-                //alignment: 0 - needs alignment, 1 - one star aligned, 2 - two star aligned, 3 - three star aligned.
-                //}
-
-                AlignmentModes alignmentMode;
-                switch (alignmentString)
+                if (IsGWCommandSupported())
                 {
-                    case "A":
-                        alignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algAltAz;
-                        break;
-                    case "P":
-                        alignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algPolar;
-                        break;
-                    case "G":
-                        alignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algGermanPolar;
-                        break;
-                    default:
-                        throw new InvalidValueException(
-                            $"unknown alignment returned from telescope: {alignmentString}");
+                    var alignmentStatus = GetScopeAlignmentStatus();
+                    return alignmentStatus.AlignmentMode;
                 }
+                else
+                {
+                    const char ack = (char)6;
+                    //ACK <0x06> Query of alignment mounting mode.
+                    //Returns:
+                    //A If scope in AltAz Mode
+                    //D If scope is currently in the Downloader[Autostar II & Autostar]
+                    //L If scope in Land Mode
+                    //P If scope in Polar Mode
+                    var alignmentString = SharedResourcesWrapper.SendChar(ack.ToString());
+                    AlignmentModes alignmentMode;
+                    switch (alignmentString)
+                    {
+                        case "A":
+                            alignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algAltAz;
+                            break;
+                        case "P":
+                            alignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algPolar;
+                            break;
+                        //case "G":
+                        //    alignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algGermanPolar;
+                        //    break;
+                        default:
+                            throw new InvalidValueException(
+                                $"unknown alignment returned from telescope: {alignmentString}");
+                    }
 
-                LogMessage("AlignmentMode Get", $"alignmode = {alignmentMode}");
-                return alignmentMode;
+                    LogMessage("AlignmentMode Get", $"alignmode = {alignmentMode}");
+                    return alignmentMode;
+                }
             }
             set
             {
                 CheckConnected("AlignmentMode Set");
 
                 //todo tidy this up into a better solution that means can :GW#, :AL#, :AA#, & :AP# and checked for Autostar properly
-                if (!FirmwareIsGreaterThan(TelescopeList.Autostar497_43Eg))
+                if (!IsGWCommandSupported())
                     throw new PropertyNotImplementedException("AlignmentMode", true);
 
                 switch (value)
@@ -1029,6 +1021,56 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             }
         }
 
+        private AlignmentStatus GetScopeAlignmentStatus()
+        {
+            var alignmentString = CommandString("GW", false);
+            //:GW# Get Scope Alignment Status
+            //Returns: <mount><tracking><alignment>#
+            //    where:
+            //mount: A - AzEl mounted, P - Equatorially mounted, G - german mounted equatorial
+            //tracking: T - tracking, N - not tracking, S - sleeping
+            //alignment: 0 - needs alignment, 1 - one star aligned, 2 - two star aligned, 3 - three star aligned., H - Aligned on Home, P - Scope was parked
+            // https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/72166-lx-200-gps-serial-commands/
+
+            var alignmentStatus = new AlignmentStatus();
+            switch (alignmentString[0])
+            {
+                case 'A':
+                    alignmentStatus.AlignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algAltAz;
+                    break;
+                case 'P':
+                    alignmentStatus.AlignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algPolar;
+                    break;
+                case 'G':
+                    alignmentStatus.AlignmentMode = AlignmentModes.algGermanPolar;
+                    break;
+            }
+            alignmentStatus.Tracking = alignmentString[1] == 'T';
+            switch (alignmentString[2])
+            {
+                case '0':
+                    alignmentStatus.Status = Alignment.NeedsAlignment;
+                    break;
+                case '1':
+                    alignmentStatus.Status = Alignment.OneStarAligned;
+                    break;
+                case '2':
+                    alignmentStatus.Status = Alignment.TwoStarAligned;
+                    break;
+                case '3':
+                    alignmentStatus.Status = Alignment.ThreeStarAligned;
+                    break;
+                case 'H':
+                    alignmentStatus.Status = Alignment.AlignedOnHome;
+                    break;
+                case 'P':
+                    alignmentStatus.Status = Alignment.ScopeWasParked;
+                    break;
+            }
+
+            return alignmentStatus;
+        }
+
         public double Altitude
         {
             get
@@ -1190,7 +1232,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             switch (axis)
             {
                 case TelescopeAxes.axisPrimary: return true; //RA or AZ
-                case TelescopeAxes.axisSecondary: return true; //Dev or Alt
+                case TelescopeAxes.axisSecondary: return true; //DEC or Alt
                 case TelescopeAxes.axisTertiary: return false; //rotator / derotator
                 default: throw new InvalidValueException("CanMoveAxis", axis.ToString(), "0 to 2");
             }
@@ -1267,8 +1309,9 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
         {
             get
             {
-                LogMessage("CanSetTracking", "Get - " + true);
-                return true;
+                var canSetTracking = IsGWCommandSupported();
+                LogMessage("CanSetTracking", "Get - " + canSetTracking);
+                return canSetTracking;
             }
         }
 
@@ -1338,7 +1381,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             }
         }
 
-        private double _lastGoodDeclination;
 
         public double Declination
         {
@@ -1357,7 +1399,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     double declination = _utilities.DMSToDegrees(result);
 
                     LogMessage("Declination", $"Get - {result} convert to {declination} {_utilitiesExtra.DegreesToDMS(declination, ":", ":")}");
-                    _lastGoodDeclination = declination;
                     return declination;
                 }
                 catch (ParkedException)
@@ -1565,7 +1606,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     switch (rate.Compare(0))
                     {
                         case ComparisonResult.Equals:
-                            if (!_isGuiding)
+                            if (!SharedResourcesWrapper.IsGuiding)
                             {
                                 SetSlewingMinEndTime();
                             }
@@ -1596,7 +1637,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     switch (rate.Compare(0))
                     {
                         case ComparisonResult.Equals:
-                            if (!_isGuiding)
+                            if (!SharedResourcesWrapper.IsGuiding)
                             {
                                 SetSlewingMinEndTime();
                             }
@@ -1644,7 +1685,9 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                         Altitude = Altitude,
                         Azimuth = Azimuth,
                         RightAscension = RightAscension,
-                        Declination = Declination
+                        Declination = Declination,
+                        SiteLatitude = SiteLatitude,
+                        SiteLongitude = SiteLongitude
                     };
                     break;
                 case ParkedBehaviour.ReportCoordinates:
@@ -1658,7 +1701,9 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                         Altitude = ParkedAltAz.Altitude,
                         Azimuth = ParkedAltAz.Azimuth,
                         RightAscension = raDec.RightAscension,
-                        Declination = raDec.Declination
+                        Declination = raDec.Declination,
+                        SiteLatitude = latitude,
+                        SiteLongitude = longitude
                     };
                     break;
                 default:
@@ -1685,7 +1730,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                 if (IsSlewingToTarget())
                     throw new InvalidOperationException("Unable to PulseGuide whilst slewing to target.");
 
-                _isGuiding = true;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.IsGuiding = true;
                 try
                 {
                     if (SharedResourcesWrapper.MovingPrimary &&
@@ -1768,7 +1813,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                 }
                 finally
                 {
-                    _isGuiding = false;
+                    SharedResourcesWrapper.IsGuiding = false;
                 }
             }
             catch (Exception ex)
@@ -1792,7 +1837,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             return _utilities.HMSToHours(hms);
         }
 
-        double _lastGoodRightAsension;
 
         public double RightAscension
         {
@@ -1811,7 +1855,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     double rightAscension = HmToHours(result);
 
                     LogMessage("RightAscension", $"Get - {result} convert to {rightAscension} {_utilitiesExtra.HoursToHMS(rightAscension)}");
-                    _lastGoodRightAsension = rightAscension;
                     return rightAscension;
                 }
                 catch (ParkedException)
@@ -1852,18 +1895,25 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
         {
             get
             {
-                if (IsMeridianFlipOnSlewSupported())
+                if (!IsMeridianFlipOnSlewSupported())
                 {
-                    // while mount is slewing return unknown, this is required since
-                    // DoSlewAsync updates _pierSide before slew is finished
-                    var pierSide = Slewing ? PierSide.pierUnknown : SharedResourcesWrapper.SideOfPier;
-
-                    LogMessage("SideOfPier", "Get - " + pierSide);
-                    return pierSide;
+                    LogMessage("SideOfPier Get", "Not implemented");
+                    throw new PropertyNotImplementedException("SideOfPier", false);
                 }
 
-                LogMessage("SideOfPier Get", "Not implemented");
-                throw new PropertyNotImplementedException("SideOfPier", false);
+                PierSide pierSide;
+                if (Slewing)
+                {
+                    // because we update SideOfPier after initiating the slew command we return unknown while still slewing
+                    pierSide = PierSide.pierUnknown;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    pierSide = SharedResourcesWrapper.SideOfPier;
+                }
+
+                LogMessage("SideOfPier", "Get - " + pierSide);
+                return pierSide;
             }
             // ReSharper disable once ValueParameterNotUsed
             set
@@ -1931,7 +1981,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             }
         }
 
-        private double? _lastGoodSiteLatitude;
         public double SiteLatitude
         {
             get
@@ -1950,19 +1999,14 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     {
                         var siteLatitude = _utilities.DMSToDegrees(latitude);
                         LogMessage("SiteLatitude Get", $"{_utilitiesExtra.DegreesToDMS(siteLatitude)}");
-
-                        _lastGoodSiteLatitude = siteLatitude;
                         return siteLatitude;
                     }
 
                     throw new InvalidOperationException("unable to get site latitude from telescope.");
                 }
-                catch (ParkedException)
+                catch (ParkedException) when (ParkedBehaviour != ParkedBehaviour.NoCoordinates && SharedResourcesWrapper.ParkedPosition is var parkedPosition)
                 {
-                    if (ParkedBehaviour == ParkedBehaviour.NoCoordinates)
-                        throw;
-
-                    return _lastGoodSiteLatitude.Value;
+                    return parkedPosition.SiteLatitude;
                 }
             }
             set
@@ -1992,12 +2036,9 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                 //1 - Valid
                 if (result != "1")
                     throw new InvalidOperationException("Failed to set site latitude.");
-
-                _lastGoodSiteLatitude = value;
             }
         }
 
-        private double _lastGoodSiteLongitude;
 
         public double SiteLongitude
         {
@@ -2015,18 +2056,15 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     double siteLongitude = -_utilities.DMSToDegrees(longitude);
 
                     if (siteLongitude < -180)
-                        siteLongitude = siteLongitude + 360;
+                        siteLongitude += 360;
 
                     LogMessage("SiteLongitude Get", $"{_utilitiesExtra.DegreesToDMS(siteLongitude)}");
-                    _lastGoodSiteLongitude = siteLongitude;
+
                     return siteLongitude;
                 }
-                catch (ParkedException)
+                catch (ParkedException) when (ParkedBehaviour != ParkedBehaviour.NoCoordinates && SharedResourcesWrapper.ParkedPosition is var parkedPosition)
                 {
-                    if (ParkedBehaviour == ParkedBehaviour.NoCoordinates)
-                        throw;
-
-                    return _lastGoodSiteLongitude;
+                    return parkedPosition.SiteLongitude;
                 }
             }
             set
@@ -2061,8 +2099,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                 //1 - Valid
                 if (result != "1")
                     throw new InvalidOperationException("Failed to set site longitude.");
-
-                _lastGoodSiteLongitude = value;
             }
         }
 
@@ -2269,7 +2305,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
 
         private bool MovingAxis()
         {
-            if (_isGuiding)
+            if (SharedResourcesWrapper.IsGuiding)
                 return false;
 
             return SharedResourcesWrapper.MovingPrimary || SharedResourcesWrapper.MovingSecondary;
@@ -2321,7 +2357,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
         {
             CheckConnected("IsSlewingToTarget");
 
-            if (_isGuiding)
+            if (SharedResourcesWrapper.IsGuiding)
                 return false;
 
             string result;
@@ -2550,41 +2586,42 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             }
         }
 
-        private bool _tracking = true;
         public bool Tracking
         {
             get
             {
-                LogMessage("Tracking", $"Get - {_tracking}");
-                return _tracking;
+                LogMessage("Tracking", "Get");
+                if (IsGWCommandSupported())
+                {
+                    var alignmentStatus = GetScopeAlignmentStatus();
+                    return alignmentStatus.Tracking;
+                }
+
+                return true;
             }
             set
             {
+                if (!CanSetTracking)
+                {
+                    throw new ASCOM.NotImplementedException("Tracking Set");
+                }
+
                 LogMessage("Tracking Set", $"{value}");
-                _tracking = value;
+                SharedResourcesWrapper.SendBlind(value ? "AP" : "AL");
             }
         }
 
-        private DriveRates _trackingRate = DriveRates.driveSidereal;
-
         public DriveRates TrackingRate
         {
             get
             {
-                //todo implement this with the GW command
-                //var result = SerialPort.CommandTerminated(":GT#", "#");
+                var rate = CommandString("GT", false);
 
-                //double rate = double.Parse(result);
+                if (rate == "+60.1")
+                    return DriveRates.driveSidereal;
 
-
-                //if (rate == 60.1)
-                //    return DriveRates.driveLunar;
-                //else if (rate == 60.1)
-                //    return DriveRates.driveSidereal;
-
-                //return DriveRates.driveKing;
-                LogMessage("TrackingRate Get", $"{_trackingRate}");
-                return _trackingRate;
+                // we only support two rates ATM so return lunar tracking rate
+                return DriveRates.driveLunar;
             }
             set
             {
@@ -2616,8 +2653,6 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
                     default:
                         throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException(nameof(value), value, null);
                 }
-
-                _trackingRate = value;
             }
         }
 
diff --git a/Meade.net.UnitTests/SharedResourcesUnitTests.cs b/Meade.net.UnitTests/SharedResourcesUnitTests.cs
index 8c5fb79..b9becdf 100644
--- a/Meade.net.UnitTests/SharedResourcesUnitTests.cs
+++ b/Meade.net.UnitTests/SharedResourcesUnitTests.cs
@@ -649,5 +649,11 @@ namespace Meade.net.UnitTests
 
         [Test]
         public void CheckTargetRightAscensionIsNullByDefault() => Assert.That(SharedResources.TargetRightAscension.HasValue, Is.False);
+
+        [Test]
+        public void CheckIsTargetCoordinateInitRequired() => Assert.That(SharedResources.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired, Is.True);
+
+        [Test]
+        public void CheckIsGuiding() => Assert.That(SharedResources.IsGuiding, Is.False);
     }
 }
diff --git a/Meade.net/ParkedPosition.cs b/Meade.net/ParkedPosition.cs
index 29bbb9e..4423b22 100644
--- a/Meade.net/ParkedPosition.cs
+++ b/Meade.net/ParkedPosition.cs
@@ -6,5 +6,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
         public double Azimuth { get; set; }
         public double RightAscension { get; set; }
         public double Declination { get; set; }
+        public double SiteLongitude { get; set; }
+        public double SiteLatitude { get; set; }
     }
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Meade.net/SharedResources.cs b/Meade.net/SharedResources.cs
index 6567a07..975b093 100644
--- a/Meade.net/SharedResources.cs
+++ b/Meade.net/SharedResources.cs
@@ -124,13 +124,17 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
 
         public static bool SendBool(string command, bool raw = false)
         {
-
             var result = SendChar(command, raw);
 
             return result == "1";
         }
 
         public static string SendChar(string command, bool raw = false)
+        {
+            return SendChars(command, raw, count: 1);
+        }
+
+        public static string SendChars(string command, bool raw = false, int count = 1)
         {
             lock (LockObject)
             {
@@ -141,14 +145,11 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
 
                 try
                 {
-                    return SharedSerial.ReceiveCounted(1);
+                    return SharedSerial.ReceiveCounted(count);
                 }
-                catch (COMException ex)
+                catch (COMException ex) when (ex.Message.Contains("Timed out waiting for received data"))
                 {
-                    if (ex.Message.Contains("Timed out waiting for received data"))
-                        throw new TimeoutException(ex.Message, ex);
-
-                    throw;
+                    throw new TimeoutException(ex.Message, ex);
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -575,5 +576,19 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net
             get => _earliestNonSlewingTime;
             internal set => _earliestNonSlewingTime.Set(value);
         }
+
+        private static readonly ThreadSafeValue<bool> _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired = true;
+        public static bool IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired
+        {
+            get => _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+            internal set => _isTargetCoordinateInitRequired.Set(value);
+        }
+
+        private static readonly ThreadSafeValue<bool> _isGuiding = false;
+        public static bool IsGuiding
+        {
+            get => _isGuiding;
+            internal set => _isGuiding.Set(value);
+        }
     }
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Meade.net/Wrapper/SharedResourcesWrapper.cs b/Meade.net/Wrapper/SharedResourcesWrapper.cs
index 8e91bb7..754f341 100644
--- a/Meade.net/Wrapper/SharedResourcesWrapper.cs
+++ b/Meade.net/Wrapper/SharedResourcesWrapper.cs
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net.Wrapper
         void SendBlind(string message, bool raw = false);
         bool SendBool(string command, bool raw = false);
         string SendChar(string message, bool raw = false);
+        string SendChars(string message, bool raw = false, int count = 1);
 
         string ReadTerminated();
 
@@ -46,6 +47,10 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net.Wrapper
         bool MovingSecondary { get; set; }
 
         DateTime EarliestNonSlewingTime { get; set; }
+
+        bool IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired { get; set; }
+
+        bool IsGuiding { get; set; }
     }
 
     public class SharedResourcesWrapper : ISharedResourcesWrapper
@@ -94,6 +99,11 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net.Wrapper
             return SharedResources.SendChar(message, raw);
         }
 
+        public string SendChars(string message, bool raw = false, int count = 1)
+        {
+            return SharedResources.SendChars(message, raw, count);
+        }
+
         public string ReadTerminated()
         {
             return SharedResources.ReadTerminated();
@@ -175,5 +185,17 @@ namespace ASCOM.Meade.net.Wrapper
             get => SharedResources.EarliestNonSlewingTime;
             set => SharedResources.EarliestNonSlewingTime = value;
         }
+
+        public bool IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired
+        {
+            get => SharedResources.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired;
+            set => SharedResources.IsTargetCoordinateInitRequired = value;
+        }
+
+        public bool IsGuiding
+        {
+            get => SharedResources.IsGuiding;
+            set => SharedResources.IsGuiding = value;
+        }
     }
 }