Celestron Nexstar hand controller

[RichardJ]

Hi,

I have a Celestron Nexstar hand controller surplus to requirements. A few months old. Has flash programmable memory. [New $249 from Andrews Com]

Asking $120 (plus P&H)

regards,

RichardJ

[MikeyB]

Do you know which NexStar models it is for, Richard?

[RichardJ]

Hi Michael,

I have been using it on a Nexstar 4GT but it is the more recent hand controller and should work the SE.

regards,

Richard.

[RichardJ]

Hi,

Should also work the Nexstar SLT series also.

regards,

Richard.

[MikeyB]

Unfortunately, according to Mike Swanson's NexStar Hand Control Version 4 User's Guide (http://www.nexstarsite.com/download/manuals/NexStarHandControlVersion4UsersGuid e.pdf), it is not quite that simple. Although outwardly all recent Celestron hand controls are the same, some GT controllers are user-upgradeable and apparently can drive SE's, but later-model GT controllers cannot.

If you plug the unit into the scope, turn on, select Menu, then Utilities and Version, the display will show HC: ____ and MC:____ ____ (these are the Hand Control and Motor Control firmware versions). Then press Undo, which will show Mount Model: ____. Can you please advise what the HC, MC and Mount Model results are for your one.

Thanks.

[RichardJ]

Hi Michael,

Did as requested.
HC: 4.03
Could not find MC information.
Mount model Nexstar 4,130,114,102,80,76,60,4

Thanks for your help.

regards,

RichardJ.

[MikeyB]

Those model numbers appear to indicate that the controller is only suitable for SLT and GT models, Richard. (I was hoping for 6/8 SE compatibility).

[RichardJ]

Hi Michael,

Thanks. When I bought the new handcontroller it had no firmware so I downloaded just the HC version 4.03 from the celestron website. Is it possible to download HC and MC firmware to make the handset compatible for the SE series?

regards,

Richard.

[RichardJ]

Hi,

I've played around with the firmware this evening. I think the handset can be used on a number of telescopes (GPS,CPC,SE,SLT, GT and GEM) but you need to download the specific firmware and have the handset connected to that particular telescope to complete the process.

If anyone has detailed knowledge about this I would appreciate your comments.

At the moment I'll leave it set for the GT and SLT series.

regards,

RichardJ.

[RichardJ]

Hi,

If anyone would like to check the handset out it will be for sale at the SPSP. I'll also have the cable that allows the handset's firmware to be changed/updated.

regards,

RichardJ.