Starsense for Starwatcher on AZ-EQ6 GT mounts

[TerryC]

Just a heads up for those contemplating doing an update of their hand control firmware. I went ahead using the latest CFM software and the latest firmware release (which is automatically loaded). To my dismay the hand control froze during the initialisation process when restarted. Fortunately I had a Jan 2018 version of the software which when loaded resolved the issue.

I contacted Celestron last week and overnight I had a response. They provided me with a 25 August 2021 build. Not sure what the issue is (as they didn't tell me) however this version did the trick :thumbsup:

[TerryC]

The explanation for the problem is to do with the dual mode EQ & AZ switching on the AZ-EQ6 GT mount I use with newer firmware versions:

"The engineers found that because the AZ/EQ6 and AZ/EQ5 mounts can be either AZ or EQ, it was confusing the StarSense firmware with the latest update when it asks the mount what configuration it is. All Celestron mounts only report a single type, and the user has to change the EQ wedge setting in the firmware manually for, say, an Evolution mount on a wedge, so the firmware does not have this issue with either Celestron mounts or purely EQ SW mounts."

The supplied firmware changes the code to bypass this issue and let the firmware continue even when the mount asks what mode you are using it on.

(Response thanks to FLO staff)

[Hemi]

Thanks fir the heads up.

Anything new in the firmware?

[TerryC]

As far as I can see this is a tweaked version of the September 2020 firmware update (v1.20.20244) so includes the following improvements:

Feature: Added Peripheral menu similar to NS+ for mounts like Evolution and AstroFi
Bug Fix: Communication to the mount/accessories is more reliable during the first 15 seconds while waiting for the SSA Camera to wake up (was causing short run away slews)
Bug Fix: StarSense HC can now be updated over aux bus (e.g. WiF or PC port)

[TerryC]

PM me if you want a copy of this special version for AZ-EQ5 and AZ-EQ6 mounts.