Things that make you go hmmm....

[OICURMT]

I've been trying to get my Ultima 2000 up and running for autoguiding... trolled through several forums and finally think I've got it licked. As an engineer, I thought I'd cover all bases and e-mail Celestron...

Their response...

On 1/6/2011 9:45 AM, Elena G. wrote:

Dear <snip>,
I apologize but we only support our current computerized telescope models.
Thank you,

Celestron Tech Support

===========================
<snip> Posted on: Dec 31 2010 11:31 PM
===========================
I need to know if the NexGuide can drive my old Ultima 2000. The pin-out's appear to be different. Is the Ultima 2000 GuidePort (Listed as AUX) ST-4 compatible? It appears that I need some sort of cross-over cable, which I can not find on your website (I can alternatively make one, but need to know if I'm wasting my time).

The NexGuide information does not state if it directly supports the original Ultima 2000.

Thanks
<snip>.


Email Details
Email ID: OGR-127147
Department: International
Priority: Normal
Status: Closed

My reply to their response...

Originally Posted by one Angry American who thinks Celestron has lost the plot...

Sort of a worthless response.... must be a Chinese company....


<snip>.

Honestly, first time I've experienced my countrymen NOT going the extra mile... I'd like to give them a call, but I know my swearing will only end up on YouTube...

I think I'll cry now...

OIC!

[MikeyB (Michael)]

My Googling turned up this, which looks helpful but I guess you may have already found it:

Hardware to guide a Celestron Ultima 8 PEC

[OICURMT]

Thanks Mike, but I already created a cross-cable... will try to test this weekend... If it works out, I'll post the it on both this forum and the U2K on Yahoo Groups (for posterity sake). I was just disappointed at the quality and level of "assistance" that Celestron provided me...

BTW: How's the solar viewing going? Lot's of sunshine during the holiday's, though too warm for a Colorado native like me!...

OIC!
BTW: I'd like to whinge about the Perth concept of weekend shopping hours (It was Sunday, NOT a Public Holiday) ... Honestly, why can't Perth move forward into the mid-20th century? (Yes, I mean 20th...) Finally found a place open (Thanks JayCar)

[astroron (Ron)]

Hi OICURMT
I put a similar question on this forum a while ago and was told it couldn't be done.
I wanted to run my Ultima 8" 1990 vintage from my computer, it has the same hand controller as yours, do you think I could substitute a computer for the ST4 ?
cheers