Well, I just found out that the freaking Celestron Ascom driver the manual recommends DOES NOT WORK using the PC direct setting on the controller, so I downloaded the EQMOD ascom driver and used that instead.
NOW I have the scope sitting in my study connected to my hard wired serial port on my old computer talking to Stellarium and spinning around when I tell it to slew...!
Almost there. All I have to do is duplicate the settings on my laptop and try it with the serial to USB (NEVER worked before coz I was using the STUPID Celestron driver like the manual said. JEEZ! It definitely didnt work as the home computer is controlling the scope fine using the EQmod controller. Sweet.
Fingers crossed. The final piece could be coming together for tonight.
Cheers
Chris