Nexstar 4

[Window]

Hello, this is my first post, hoping for some help getting started in astronomy.
I have a nexstar 4 with what I believe to be the old original controller (handpiece). It does not have the quick-align option and I have never been able to successfully allign the scope. Am I able to purchase another later controller and if so, where?

[[1ponders]]

Hi Window :welcome: How old is the nexstar and did you buy it new or second hand. Do you still have the manuals that came with it. I don't have a Nexstar but I know someone who has a 5. If no one here is able to help you out I will ask him how he goes about aligning it. Just so I know what to ask him could you describe how you go about setting up and aligning.

[Window]

I bought the scope new about 2 years ago and have tried aligning it ever since. (patient aren't I) Well the truth is I've hardly ever got time to pursue this hobby and I thought it was just me doing something wrong. Have since learned that it was a problem with the first nexstar 4's and a later controller can fix.
I haven't tried the camera shop that I bought it off but I'm sure they will just fob me off, being 2 years later and all.

[[1ponders]]

2 years later, probably. Do you have a version number or something to identify it with. It might help with my enquiries

[Window]

Thanks paul, I haven't got the info in front of me at this time but will get back with all relevent stuff tomorrow (wed) Regards.

[[1ponders]]

I spoke with my friend this eveing. He has the 4 as well, not the 5. Hopefully he will join, if he hasn't already, and offer some advice.

[Dennis]

Hi Window

I have a pdf copy of the Nexstar 5 manual which is 2Meg in size. It is the older; non-GPS Nexstar and I could e-mail you a copy if you have broadband.

Or, I could find the section on alignment and just copy the text which may miss out on the graphics.

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Hi Window

Also, try http://www.nexstarsite.com/ which is a good site for Nexstar stuff.

Cheers

Dennis

[Window]

Thanks Dennis and Paul
I'll check out the site you suggested Dennis.
I recently purchased a book by Michael W Swanson - The Nexstar Users Guide - in it the author says the older control fitted to the 60, 80, 114 and the 4 Which had a fair list of problems was replaced in Dec 2001 and suggests trying to source a later hand piece although hard to get.
I will contact Celestron.com as he also suggests.

[Window]

G'day again,
Problem seems to have been solved. I got onto 'Extravision Australia' in QLD (the distributors of Celestron products) asking for price and availability of an updated hand-controller and received a return email same day from Mr Stephen Boyle stating he would send me one for free! What a nice man. It will be nice to finally be able to align this toy of mine.
Regards to all.

[[1ponders]]

Excellent Window, well done. :2thumbs: