CGE handcontroller firmware

I see that Celestron have released a software verson for their hand controller that allows a polar alignment with any star. My current version does not have any alignment routine for polar alignment in the southern hemisphere so I want to upgrade the software. Apparently only version 4 and above hand controllers can be upgraded online. I bought my mount at the end of 2006- not sure what my version is. Have any CGE owners out there upgraded their firmware?


post edit. I found the version under the utilities menu. Its version 4.1 so it should be upgradable.

John, the update process is straightforward enough. There are two firmwares you need to update. The hand controller firmware and the motor firmware. There is a different cable for each. The hand control is updated through the standard serial-> hand control cable (nexremote) the motor control uses a special serial->RJ45 cable. You can make both cables easy enough.

Here's the Serial-RJ45 cable.

nexstarsite.com/PCControl/ProgrammingCable.htm

The celestron update software allows you to download the latest firmware and update it fairly easily.

VERY important: Make absolutely sure the power doesn't go half way through an update or your cables come loose. If it does your in big trouble. Best to use a mains adaptor (in case battery runs low) and also make sure your cables are all nice and tight.

Thanks Dave

I managed to update the hand controller to version 4.16
I had a quick play around with it and it seems to be working. I don't have the motor firmware cable but hopefully it will be OK for the time being with the 4.16 installed.
I will be shippng the mount and scope to Brisbane soon so I needed the southern hemisphere polar alignment function which is not on the 4.10 version I had.

www.nexstarsite.com/Firmware/CGEFirmware.htm

It says here about the HCupdates that if you have "4.13 - This version allows the motor control (MC) firmware to be upgraded via the port on the bottom of the hand control"

Might work that way without making a PC Port cable??

Graham

Graham wrote:

It says here about the HCupdates that if you have "4.13 - This version allows the motor control (MC) firmware to be upgraded via the port on the bottom of the hand control"

Might work that way without making a PC Port cable??

Graham

Certainly looks like it alright. Certainly can't hurt to try the worst that will happen is it will tell you it cant proceed. However it looks like it should work ok.