problem with Cstron nexstar 6SE - goes off the farm.... error code 17

[gavinadams]

Hi All,
having some problems with my celestron nexstar 6SE.

During alignment or during use it sometimes comes up with an unresponsive code 17.

It's happened a couple of times tonight and usually means that the tube continues turning in the vertical axis.

Quite scary if I have my DSLR attached to the back!

I'm using a battery pack (/tank) for the power sorce and it has a good charge level.

The firmware was updated in december with the latest.

Anyone else getting this problem or know of a fix?

Thanks,
Gavin

[mithrandir]

I had the same problem with a CG5-ASGT. It wound up getting a new motor board. At first it would run away in dec, other days in ra, then in both.

There have been various problems with Celestron mounts running away. Most of them appear to be related to the mount cover screws not being properly insulated from the processor boards, causing a random short.

Try googling for:

Celestron 6SE run away

You might find the instructions on now to disassemble, insulate and reassemble.

Or if it's new enough you can fault it under warranty.

[gavinadams]

Thanks Andrew for your very quick response.

Yes the unit is brand new (mid december) and also my first telescope.

This is only about the 6th time I've had it out due to cloud cover, so I'm a bit frustrated tonight.

I'll give my telescope scope store a call to discuss.

Thanks.
Gavin

[michaellxv]

Gavin,

This site has some specific Celstron info that may help. http://www.nexstarsite.com/index.html

There is also a yahoo group where you might get an answer to your question groups.yahoo.com/group/NexStar (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NexStar)