What do you Need to Connect Your Celestron Telescope Mount to a Computer? (Part 1 of 2)

Рет қаралды 111,695

Күн бұрын

This video is the first part of two showing you how to connect your Celestron computerized mount to your computer. Connecting your mount to your computer gives you a variety of options from controlling your telescope, controlling your accessories, and giving you the ability to update the firmware. In this video, I show you the cables you need to connect to your mount, the driver you will need, and some useful software.
Links:
Windows OS Prolific Driver: www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowPro...
Apple MacOS Prolific Driver: www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowPro...
Celestron Software: software.celestron.com
How to Update Version 5 NexStar+ HC & Mount: • How to Update a Celest...
How to Update Version 6 NexStar+ HC & Mount: • How to Update a Celest...
Part 2 of this video: • What do you Need to Co...
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Пікірлер: 135

@gabeovercast8136 3 жыл бұрын

spent the last hour trying to research what I needed in order to do this, then I found this video, lifesaver. thanks for taking the time to create this content!

@castlegrande 3 жыл бұрын

Cody, most helpful thing I've seen on this topic! Your common sense way of answering questions that you know people have is amazing. Even Celestron email communication didn't cut to the chase as you have here, giving clear, concise instruction. I was only told that the auxiliary ports can only be used with Celestron gear. My CGX-L has a PC port on it. I asked why. No reply. And the tech support guys at popular online stores don't clearly nail it as you have.

@gaganakaram4515 Жыл бұрын

They need to make his video official :)

@dolcay1 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. As a new owner of a Celestron 8SE I can say the instruction manual left me frustrated and confused. I can now connect my mount to my PC! Thank you for the easy to follow videos and keep em coming!

@hjhuk555 2 жыл бұрын

Any suggestions? I am starting to make a list to get this done!

@PollySpin 2 жыл бұрын

I have gone back and forth with celestron to get this to work. Thanks to you it is now.

@RTFM70 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Cody, just what I need as the new owner of a Nexstar 6SE. Brilliant! Thanks so much 👍

@genefoster5124 9 ай бұрын

Have to agree with others that your videos are concise and clear. Thanks for taking the time to create them.

@SpaceFactsWax 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for uploading. I had the chance to witness a rocket launch in 2018. Amazing experience. I shared a pretty cool montage of the trip to my channel.

@bradcdavis00 10 ай бұрын

This video is going to be a big help for me when I set up CPWI. Thanks for making the video.

@patrickb.6465 Жыл бұрын

Hello Cody Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of this. Really very helpful information.👍

@juanjosemoreno1348 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Cody!!!! I spent days trying over and over to connect my Celestron to my laptop and never could. It was frustrating to find no Com port existed and the celestron drivers I downloaded did not work. Many discussions on different forums were confusing to me. Your video is great and very clear.

@goylucas4929 Жыл бұрын

hello, do the windows driver still work for windows 11 ?

@pawanenrique Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, I owned a 4SE for 2 years and didn't know that I could connect it to my computer

@willissutherland8516 3 жыл бұрын

aNXIOUSLY ON TO pART 2...yOU ARE TRULY A BLESSING...i WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN ABOUT DOWNLOADING WHICH FILES ETC...SO VERY THANKFUL...

@juanpablomartinez1671 2 жыл бұрын

The best explanation ever on this topic. Thank you very much! 👏👏👏👏

@AstroBlender 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it, thanks.

@jrose1970 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks this worked perfectly, was crashing with blue screen when trying to update the telescope before i installed the prolific and ascom driver!

@citronfrais 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. I was missing the drivers and didn't know where to look.

@drfritz142 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Right to the point. Excellent. No worries about going too fast - there is the pause and rewind button ;-)

@soltantoSergio 2 жыл бұрын

First, I want to compliment you, because your videos are fast concise and accurate. my question: why do you use a driver that converts USB to serial if the connection with the keypad is via USB cable?

@willissutherland8516 3 жыл бұрын

yOUR WERE pERFECT SPEED...i AM JUST A SLOW LEARNER...BUT FOLLOWING EVERYTHING CLOSELY AND DOING AND INSTALLING AS YOU GO ALONG...i BELIEVE i GOT IT vERY vERY wELL DONE SIR

@edruiz4684 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the instructional videos. I bought the Celestron edge hd 11" and trying to download some software ir looks like not all of them can be install or available for Mac Pro . Also ZWO camera instructions only mention window application

@Intheskyes1 3 жыл бұрын

You are amazing at giving instruction. Thank you!🙌🏻

@AstroBlender 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@dg2604 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful video, Thankyou for sharing

@kennethschroeder2789 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation and information. I only wish you could bring your teaching/technology expertise to help those of us with Meade scopes. I would love to be able to do this computer control with my Meade LX90 ACF 8" scope.

@willissutherland8516 2 жыл бұрын

Cody...I downloaded firefox and installed and will use as opposed to the Google...because then I can follow you easier not only in the CFM video but in all your videos...I owe you...a Sailing Trip...Cheers

@Cgconst1 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation and guide! Celestron should pay you for these videos. I appreciate your help with my telescope gear. Thank you.

@AstroBlender 4 жыл бұрын

CGCONST I’m glad you find them useful!

@asmxh 2 жыл бұрын

Very nicely done👍

@lewislawson5461 Жыл бұрын

absolutely brilliant

@th3challenger895 3 жыл бұрын

Your tutorial was amazing it really helped me a lot.But I have a problem,when I open the cfm it says it's offline mode and does not work

@felixalmeida4429 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Cody. I really enjoy watching your videos. I learn a lot! Thanks! I'm new to astrophotography (bought a NexStar 8SE a few months and attached my DSLR to it). I recently added a guidescope and a SSAG camera too, but I can't make PHD2 work... very frustrating. I'm waiting for the wedge to arrive, not sure if this is the problem. Please, would you be willing to make a quick video on how to use the 8SE (with a wedge) for astrophotography? I'm sure there are more poor souls in the same situation than me. 😁 Thanks!!

@rsrichardsonBSU 2 жыл бұрын

I had a similar problem with it not guiding. I had to choose "on camera" in the mount selection and it works every time

@spartansmith7223 2 жыл бұрын

VERY HELPFUL

@randytalley7177 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, my 8SE arrives next week (yea!) but now I'm worried a lot of Celestron's software isn't available for Mac OS users. Should I be concerned?? Enjoying your videos for sure. Thanks!

@haythemhamdi3995 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, it was very helpful.

@AstroBlender 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@stanvans3214 3 жыл бұрын

I have the most up to date version of Java, properly extracted the CFM files from the zip and tried to run CFM from my downloads, desktop, and with shortcuts, and it is still stalling on me, only showing the cmd terminal for a brief flash. Any idea what i'm missing here?

@DSimonJones 2 жыл бұрын

awesome instructions thanks so much peaceout:)

@alexjohnson7991 2 жыл бұрын

thanks

@megadeth1763 4 жыл бұрын

You're great for the best guides for helping everyone al!! Thank's Cody!

@AstroBlender 4 жыл бұрын

L 1 Glad you find them useful!

@sharonjohnson1789 3 жыл бұрын

Wow this is just what I needed! Could this be why I have had trouble tracking i have not updated at all. Does this also work with my Celestron CPC 800xl and my computer is a windows 8 will that be ok?. I watch all of yoyr videos and you explain so well! I thank you. Can not wait to setup this year I have the most amazing place no light pollution I have 360 view on top of a hill where I can only see maybe 8 houses in the distance. Happy gazing.

@neps4773 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@crelles1 3 жыл бұрын

thanks so much. very helpful

@AstroBlender 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@diemnzz Жыл бұрын

hi, Thank you so much for all your info. Ive had this Celestron 1100hd for some time now and its great but never really got arnd to using it til now. anyways ive updated HC and everything else and downloaded the CFM, CPWI, ASCOM on PC, also have starry night skysafari etc lol. My problem is I use a Mac more than a Pc so I was wondering if you can download the Ascom for Mac. Im all new to this software stuff. All I really wanna do is hook telescope and camera to computer to look thru computer instead of eye piece. I might take few pics but still learning as of now. Im a greenie... Oh my camera is a ASI183MC. which is a great camera but im still learning that to. Any help would be appreciated. Really hard to find help here in Fort myers Beach. Hope you have a Happy Holiday. and Thanks again for all your Great Info. Dawn

@willissutherland1494 2 жыл бұрын

Cody do you download all the essential software every time you are going to connect Mount to the telescope....or do you just open up the essentials that are already on your desktop prior to connecting...thank you again

@Sarimae23 3 жыл бұрын

i got an lcm mount, which cable do i need from Laptop to the LCM Hand Controller ?

@kennethstevens5711 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t suppose you can do the same video using the wi-fi adapter to do the updates?

@JesterRoll 5 ай бұрын

Will this allow to hook up and live stream the view from the telescope to the PC?

@Southdakotaphoto 3 жыл бұрын

I downloaded the software mentioned in the two videos and other software, to a computer in my home. I will be using the ZWO ASIAir Pro Wireless Imaging Controller (connected ethernet cable) on the telescope. Do I need to download the software to the mini computer or do I just use the ASIAir software to do the controlling? Will some of the software downloaded to home computer be of no use now? Thanks

@freetime9922 2 ай бұрын

Can you make a video about cpc 800 please

@PaulHummerman 3 жыл бұрын

does CPWI work on a Mac?

@johnreid5814 3 жыл бұрын

what if you don't have a hand controller but have and ethernet coming out of the encoder. Is there a way to have the computer act like a controller?

@terrymichael5821 Жыл бұрын

I thought Celestron CPWI can use the ASCOM drivers? Is the Prolific driver really needed for the latest hand controller with Mini USB-B?

@dipakcrpf 4 жыл бұрын

Dear astroblender what is the name of your clestron telescope and what is the aperture of your clestron telescope pls????????????

@upnorthoffcuts929 2 жыл бұрын

Any issues with Windows 11? I just installed it on my laptop and I really do not like it. Hope it works out. Thanks for the content because I just got my 8se this week and I going to need some help with things. Keep up the great work.

@daviddahlke3293 3 жыл бұрын

I am just getting started but have a older Windows 8 laptop. Will this driver work with that?

@z-manoverstreet Жыл бұрын

Your windows link doesn't work

@carlostirado9541 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, can you do the same with the Celestron 130 slt? Greetings from Mazatlán, México

@EminiMe7 3 жыл бұрын

the driver tab for the CGX mount are .info files? Was not able to see the drivers?

@lazylazyshark 2 жыл бұрын

what about connecting the Celestron to a Mac..? I went up to install the PL2303 OSX driver, and then..?

@deanannable1294 7 ай бұрын

Hi Simon, thanks for the video. I have a question. After following all steps my CPWI connection options doesn’t show the hand controller option. Do you know why this is happening?

@ronaldviust6491 3 жыл бұрын

does work with a Celestron SLT 130?

@michaelfrazier9537 8 ай бұрын

Hi Cody, I live in Illinois and the weather is cold now. Should I purchase a 50ft Type A to mini B cable to reach into my house? Would that work with my 8se hand controller? Thank you!

@tunascuba1 2 жыл бұрын

On to Part 2...ThANKS SO VERY MUCH CODY

@tullyfisher 2 жыл бұрын

First you show Profilic Windows and Mac. - Is there a Mac CPW version available?

@jdogbirdeye 3 жыл бұрын

Can you do the same with Celestron NexStar 8SE? thanks

@kennytran2860 2 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@kennytran2860 2 жыл бұрын

The OTA doesn't matter, it's the mount that does the work.

@willissutherland1494 2 жыл бұрын

Cody...You Mentioned making sure (in Part 1 or Part 2) the nexstar + handcontroller is instructed in the HC Utility Menu to know it is talking to a Computer by clicking on such...Cody...I cannot find this instruction within the Utility Menu...Help Please...Thank You

@ssnoc 2 жыл бұрын

Will this work on my 8i SE hand controller? It seems like nothing works with the 8i SE - it has 4.18 version on it. I want to use the CWPI software with my 8i … possible?

@deborahmiller5989 2 жыл бұрын

If your 6se comes with the programs cpwi do i need to download anything else besides the app

@deborahmiller5989 2 жыл бұрын

Can i hook up the hand controller without alignment

@thevet2009 Жыл бұрын

Amazing how a pain in the ass method you have to follow…thanks Celestron for not making things not easy.

@nartholemew8224 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, need help. I've celestron nexstar slt 90 (for beginners)I'm trying to connect pc with a hand controller (using cable = USB to 4 pin plug-in controler) No response :/ in Device Manager got that = Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge. On this video is something different.

@danjensen9425 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. So I’m wondering I bought a cgem2 Mount and C8 . I have downloaded phd2 and ascom plus drivers for the asi 120 mm mini camera for the 60mm guidescope. Can I open phd2 connect the hand control to mount and laptop and have it working or do I have to update hand control first.

@AstroBlender 4 жыл бұрын

That should probably work. Just make sure you're polar aligned, and star aligned. Move to your object, make sure your HC is plugged into your computer, boot-up PHD2 and you should be ready to pulse guide via ASCOM. Just make sure you have the right camera and mount settings in PHD2.

@danjensen9425 4 жыл бұрын

I use a qhy pole master and love it it justifies my lazy don’t want to crawl around hold iPad in one hand and see where I need to be with polar scope . So when I connect PhD should have my mount in choices to use . This autoguiding has been a long road and yes I’ve watched your video on it another good one . I had to contact celestron to have them send me longer screws for guidescope Mount , I’m assuming your losmandy fit with the screws it came with , but will use my space cat until they get here . Thanks again

@markcadien5012 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Cody can you help me ? I have a Skyprodigy celestron130. I have been trying to update but the CFM cant seem to recognize my telescope. I am using a Ioptron Telescope Control Cable USB RS232 RJ9 . I have tried contacting Celestron and they told me to watch your videos which i had done before. Its been a year since i have been able to use my telescope , so i desperate to get it going again.I have tried all the drivers but still no joy .

@user-im5jr5yp2v 4 ай бұрын

What will happen if the type mini B won’t connect to the celestron CPWI

@compubyte2010 Жыл бұрын

I"m confused?? I"m already connect to the system.. but didn't download the prolifice drivers?? ( On win 11 ) .. I realize this is a few years old.. but .. I've never downloaded this. even back in 2020 when I setup my system? IS this a special driver or something?? does it make things more stable? etc? thanks

@DavidPavlich 8 күн бұрын

Hi Cody...nice video! however, when I click on the Prolific link, it doesn't take me to a driver, just what looks like a home page. Am I missing something?

@michaelchambers717 4 ай бұрын

The prolific site has changed (as of 3/21/24) and I can't locate or identify the correct driver. Any tips? Thanks

@dickobrazz 2 жыл бұрын

regarding CFM in Win10 - if you still cannot run CFM, try moving it to different folder.. mine was named "D:\!! Astro !!\CFM" and it did not like special characters like exclamation marks... after copying everything to D:\CFM it started working..

@eplerizer 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for this. But, you addressed everything about how ASCOM can control everything with one cable to your computer, but you did not show how to plug everything in. Assume a Celestron Alt/Az mount. Where do you plug your camera (ZWO)? Assume I have a focuser. Where does that plug in? Assume I have a filter wheel. Where does that plug in? Cabling details would be REALLY helpful. Thanks.

@skiesunlimitetd 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a way to connect the Celestron to a computer running Linux Lubuntu?

@joem7334 2 жыл бұрын

I followed your video on installing CPWI - Java - CFM and all However, the CFM does not load up. I see a flash of something in the background. I have Java installed, I have and see the CFM .JAR file. What on earth am doing wrong ?. FYI am running it on a 6 months old Dell. Wud appriciate some assistance..Thanks

@Athikaful 3 жыл бұрын

I followed all these steps but it still does not open CFM. :( Any further tips?

@truptitanuja Жыл бұрын

mac supported ??

@JethroXP 3 жыл бұрын

Curious why the serial port driver is needed for the mini-USB connection?

@jeffslade1892 3 жыл бұрын

It's not. Only if you have the RS232 socket in the older handset. And you need a serial to USB driver for it.

@jbar6618 3 жыл бұрын

Because the Celestron hand controller uses a Prolific USB to seraial converter in the hand controller. Basically the hand controller is still serial, but to keep the user from having to buy a usb to serial adapter celestron built one into the hand controller.

@rogeliorivera2682 3 жыл бұрын

I've followed ur video to the tee and cfm still won't open. I have windows 10

@willissutherland1494 2 жыл бұрын

ASCom everytime you want to connect to the Computer

@naturewatcher7596 2 жыл бұрын

And a driver for Linux?

@trackevac 10 ай бұрын

What about is=f you are connecting wirelessly with Celestron Wi-Fi

@jimfreeman3636 3 жыл бұрын

Ahhh, Cody, I'm back again. Now I get a blinking status light on the arm and I get error codes 16 & 17. I'm trying to get ahold of Celestron, but that's not easy these days. Any suggestions??

@AstroBlender 3 жыл бұрын

Jim Freeman That error means your handcontroller isn’t talking to the mount. If the standard fixes don’t work then your mount would need a new motor control board.

@jimfreeman3636 3 жыл бұрын

@@AstroBlender Yep, 'fraid so. I finally got ahold of Celestron which is no small feat these days. OPT finally jumped in and snagged them for me. I'm under warranty, so it's just the bother of sending all the electronics in. I'd put the board in myself, but what the hey? Thanks

@AstroBlender 3 жыл бұрын

Jim Freeman It’s pretty easy. I’ve replaced a few old Celestron Motor Boards. I just grounded myself and it took less than 10 minutes to complete.

@jimfreeman3636 3 жыл бұрын

@@AstroBlender I was a diesel mechanic at one time. Think that'll do? Our catch phrase was "get a bigger hammer". You haven't gotten rid of me yet. Once I get back in action, I'll be baccccckkkkkkk!

@jimfreeman3636 3 жыл бұрын

By chance, have you looked over Prolific's page lately? It's changed. PL23XX has morphed into several PL23 numbers. Can you tell me which one I need - PL2303TA/TB/GE/GC/GR/GD/GS/GL/GT/SA or one of the others listed. Thanks. Really great instructionals.

@gofastufo 2 жыл бұрын

same- did you find out which one?

@dankahraman354 3 жыл бұрын

It isn't working for me. I cannot cut and paste the CFM directory to my desktop..Just fixed it! Does not work on my laptop where it matters.

@charlesp9681 2 жыл бұрын

None of this worked on my Mac. Kept getting messages saying files couldn't be opened because they weren't supported on Mac OS.

@timraines4093 Жыл бұрын

cant download anything for mac.

@natty55555 7 ай бұрын

As you connect your telescope via the Hand Control (USB port), the Hand Control itself stops working. :(

@jimfreeman3636 3 жыл бұрын

Ha! I'm baaaaccckkkk. Celestron said the NexStar+ hand controller and the motor drive were flashed. I can't get info on how that might have happened. Anyway, back in action.

@SmokinAcesUSA 4 жыл бұрын

thank you, much needed

@AstroBlender 4 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@n9wdq 2 жыл бұрын

Just now finding your videos. This says I need JAVA. I use a Mac. So…. What now?

@dirkschulz7282 3 жыл бұрын

Stuff which you are never told about, but need to know.

@stevenyates1996 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video but pretty useless to me. Prolific versions have changed. After finally figuring out which version to download.........I get error......com ports failed......after about 90 minutes of frustration I gave up....

@markpeterson4779 9 ай бұрын

Thank you but sadly, once again, Macs are left out. Celestron software is Windows only. I guess if you have a Mac, you cannot update your mount.

@dipakcrpf 4 жыл бұрын

Sir also make a into video on clestron CPC Deluxe 1100 pls ,pls,pls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

@kisho2679 3 жыл бұрын

How can the Celestron CGEM mount be connected wirelessly (WiFi over LAN) to the PC (Windows 8) and control the Telescope remotely with the computer?

@vBrit 4 жыл бұрын

Great as always, but I goto look at second video and it’s saying it’s private

@AstroBlender 4 жыл бұрын

Karl Newick That will publish tomorrow. :)

@vBrit 4 жыл бұрын

AstroBlender a thought for another video is how to have telescope outside while your in the warmth of our home. Living in the North East makes it hard to do anything in Winter and been researching what I need to do, I just would love your input...if that’s an issue you have :)

@AstroBlender 4 жыл бұрын

Karl Newick ASI Air! It’s the best! I control everything inside on my tablet and use the Celestron SkyPortal Wifi adapter to do everything else on my laptop.