I have been stuck on this for over a month with conflicting information on how to update my 6se hand controller. Its been a disaster spanning across 3 different computers with multiple operating systems, java updates, 3 different firmaware upgrade platforms, several cables purchased and soldering. This worked. Thankyou!
Thanks for posting, was able to update my firmware from 4.15 to 4.21. And for the life of me, I couldn't figure out where to plugin the RS-232 cable, until you video mentioned the NexStar hand remote.
I Didn't realize I was using the CFM program for the nexstar + controller to update. Tried the HCupdate and worked like a charm. Thanks for the great video.
For NexStar plus you "MUST" download the special driver on your computer or it will not connect to the mount for update. Took me a long while to discover this.
Anthony Haines The video is Excellent and so clear in explaining the various steps to update you Hand Controller...One question though:-I never turn of my CGE PRO mount until I have Hibernated it and saved all my alignments etc. When we are told to turn off the Mount can I hibernate first? I would like to know. Thanks.anthony
Anthony Haines When updating the firmware many things in memory are reset. I've never used the hibernate feature. I would think it would be safe to try to hibernate when doing a firmware update but I suspect that it won't work or at least you will lose your settings. You should wait for a clear night to do the update because you will probably have to align your mount again.
Many thanks for this, and for the links below. I just got a gps for Christmas, but the Starsense controller does not have the option to enable it. As my Starsense version is 01.03.1140 (bld May 20 2011) it looks like I will have to update my SW. but the telescope didnt come with a cable. So another wait and another purchase. As Tore says 'who uses serial ports today'. Apart from these niggles, my Celestron Prodigy is amazing.
J Coker Hi, were you able to upgrade your StarSense HC using this process? I have the same 01.03.1140 (bld May 20 2011) version & wondring if SS is compatible with this update process as SPodigy is not coming with the cable...
Hello I have a Nextstar 6SE and I upgraded using CFM and for some reason I don't know which MC's firmware was damaged. I've tried everything and I can't recover the firmware. Do you have any idea how to help me restore the firmware. Thanks.
thanks for this video i just got my (old used) celestron 6 with the old handcontroller with rj11. Bought rj11 to rs232 and rs232 to usb adapter. problem i have not the utilities in my menue, any suggestions?
@@alexschmitt8862 There are links in this video's description but I'm thinking the best way to get answers would be to ask on the Celestron Computerized Telescope forum on Cloudy Nights. www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-computerized-telescopes/ The guy from NexStarSite.com will possibly respond and he is the expert.
Is it possible to update a Celestron SE8 with the Skyportal through WiFi? Considering buying cables but it's not far away the total prize of a skyportal
I appreciate the video. Unfortunately, I think perhaps because I am dealing now with Windows 10, I cannot get the connection between my scope and the computer to work. The downloaded software will not recognize the scope and only shows "none" as port. I get the scope in "transmit" mode and connect to USB port and hear the Wiindows chime but thats as far as it goes. Any ideas?
+Dwight Davis In the video description I tell you everything I know. To get to the video description you have to click the "show more" link (not the "more" link). If that doesn't help then check out the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights. www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
I can't even get the hpupdateinstall program to install! I keep getting a goofy error message that it "is not allowed to run on Win (6.2)"! I need to update the firmware because my controller is malfunctioning and often ignores keypresses or forgets to show options. It also refuses to let me enter the date.
This video only applies if you have version 4.xx. Most newer scopes have version 5.xx. Ask on the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights. www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
If you have version 5.xx then you need a different update program. I don't have an answer for you but the people of the world who see your request on Cloudy Nights may know exactly what to tell you.
Once again, your reply is irrelevant to the point, that the update program, itself, seems to be incompatible with the current version of Windows. Also, the Celestron website is quite different from what you show in your video, and the URL shown on your screen is invalid and redirects. I appreciate your making and posting the video, but it seems to be so outdated that it is pretty much useless.
Great. I am closer to updating my old Celestron however HC update does not think i am in Transmit data mode when i am. I have tried all ports and pre-downloaded version 4.22. Tried restarting and all other combos of on/off plug unplug but i cant get it to work. Can anybody help?
It has been many years since I had any experience doing this so I'm pretty sure I can't help you now. My former self did leave some troubleshooting tips in the video description though that might help.
Hi, I have A NExtastar 4. I find my self with the "INvalid Pkg. : 008" Error. When I downlaod the CFM program and try to connect my control to the computer. The computer doesnt detect de control. can you help?
+psyk92 Great. I was going to suggest asking on Cloudy Nights. They have a NexStar forum with plenty of people who have answers to all sorts of questions. I've learned a lot there. www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
beautifulworld1988 I just visited NexStarSite.com and it appears that you are right. The people that know the most about these versions of hand controllers can be found on Cloudy Night's Celestron NexStar forum. It is free to join and you can get quick answers.www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
I have a new computer but had a com port cable with the rs232 connector, installed that into my PC and plugged into the motherboard, In windows 7 under device manager the com port is listed as com 1 and is working properly. when I try to connect to the HCupdate it keeps telling me to plug in the HC. I did all the steps exactly as you said and have checked and rechecked, any idea? I am plugged directly into the com port not the usb cable convertor.
I remember years ago trying to get things to work via RS232, way back before USB. It was always a chore. Now that I have the USB to RS232 adapter cable I have about a 100% success rate. It just works. There is a link to the one I have in the video description. I'm trying to remember what things I tried, years ago. The only thing I can think of is to try to change the com port as described in the video description. If that doesn't work I would just get the cable. It is about $10 right now. You might also ask on the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights.
wwgeb Thanks so much for your help, ya I tried all those things, I have already ordered the cable, Im just one of those guys who has to understand why its not working...The videos are great by the way, I would like to one using the wedge mount that comes with the 4,5 and 6se.
Has anyone been able to update theirs recently? I have an old Celestron Advance GT with this controller and a Windows 10 computer and none of the programs I've downloaded seem to work.
If you can't get answers on www.nexstarsite.com/ then try www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-computerized-telescopes/ The guy who runs NexstarSite.com will see your question on CloudyNights.com. -- wwgeb
Bhoopathi Raja You may have the new NexStar Plus hand controller. The UNDO button has been renamed BACK and the INFO button has the Celestron logo. Check out the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights for the best advice.
Bhoopathi Raja I don't have any experience with the new hand controller. I can only suggest going to@Firmware.htm nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm and www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/ The people on the Cloudy Nights forums are very helpful.
I have some hints in the video description. The best place to get answers is the Celestron NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights. www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/nexstar There you will find people who have experienced just about everything. You say it didn't work, then you reset the controller, then it behaved differently but still doesn't work. What was it doing before you reset the controller? What do you mean when you say you reset the controller? You re-flashed it? Now the thing is blank when you turn it on? What has changed before and after? I hope you get it working, or at least that it is cloudy right now. :-)
You have the latest model. Check out the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights for help with how to update the newer version. www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
IT DO NOT WORKS! I have the NexStar (HC 3.03 MC 5.04) and did everything exact like in your video. My hand controller looks exactly like yours, but if I do so like in the video: shows no "Initializing..." only "Acamar..."
This video is for upgrading from 4.xx. I would ask on the NexStar forum of Cloudy Nights www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/ and also check out www.nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm
I have been stuck on this for over a month with conflicting information on how to update my 6se hand controller. Its been a disaster spanning across 3 different computers with multiple operating systems, java updates, 3 different firmaware upgrade platforms, several cables purchased and soldering.
This worked. Thankyou!
It would be very bold of me to ask if you still have the installer file... on Celestron it is no longer there!!
I got an older Nexstar and could not find info on how to do this until I stumbled on this video. Thanks so much!
Thanks for posting, was able to update my firmware from 4.15 to 4.21. And for the life of me, I couldn't figure out where to plugin the RS-232 cable, until you video mentioned the NexStar hand remote.
I Didn't realize I was using the CFM program for the nexstar + controller to update. Tried the HCupdate and worked like a charm. Thanks for the great video.
For NexStar plus you "MUST" download the special driver on your computer or it will not connect to the mount for update. Took me a long while to discover this.
Great video. Can anyone explain how updating the firmware actually affects the user experience.. That is to say is it worth the effort? Thanks so much
Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for such a comprehensive guide. I was not left guessing at any part in the video.
Thanks for this, most helpful ! i've been wrecking my brain trying to get the CFM to work only to realise that it only works for 5 upwards.
Thanks for the video, I've been looking for this info for a while, great, thank you so much.
Thank you for a presentation which is very demonstrative and easy to understand...I really appreciate your step by step approach
Anthony Haines
The video is Excellent and so clear in explaining the various steps to update you Hand Controller...One question though:-I never turn of my CGE PRO mount until I have Hibernated it and saved all my alignments etc. When we are told to turn off the Mount can I hibernate first? I would like to know. Thanks.anthony
Anthony Haines When updating the firmware many things in memory are reset. I've never used the hibernate feature. I would think it would be safe to try to hibernate when doing a firmware update but I suspect that it won't work or at least you will lose your settings. You should wait for a clear night to do the update because you will probably have to align your mount again.
Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for such a comprehensive guide.
So, I have 5.0...should I update that too?
Wouldn’t the celestron firmware update program do this with all other updates needed?
Many thanks for this, and for the links below. I just got a gps for Christmas, but the Starsense controller does not have the option to enable it. As my Starsense version is 01.03.1140 (bld May 20 2011) it looks like I will have to update my SW. but the telescope didnt come with a cable. So another wait and another purchase. As Tore says 'who uses serial ports today'. Apart from these niggles, my Celestron Prodigy is amazing.
J Coker Hi, were you able to upgrade your StarSense HC using this process? I have the same 01.03.1140 (bld May 20 2011) version & wondring if SS is compatible with this update process as SPodigy is not coming with the cable...
No, I ended up sending it to the dealer as the Star sense cable pulled on the port and it wasn't working properly
Hello I have a Nextstar 6SE and I upgraded using CFM and for some reason I don't know which MC's firmware was damaged.
I've tried everything and I can't recover the firmware. Do you have any idea how to help me restore the firmware.
Thanks.
Man you're a life saver, thank you so much for all the helpful tips and walkthrough's you provide,
Gracias!!! From Chileee!!
thanks for this video i just got my (old used) celestron 6 with the old handcontroller with rj11. Bought rj11 to rs232 and rs232 to usb adapter. problem i have not the utilities in my menue, any suggestions?
and pressing the 2 buttons while powering on doesnt work too mhh not good?
@@alexschmitt8862 There are links in this video's description but I'm thinking the best way to get answers would be to ask on the Celestron Computerized Telescope forum on Cloudy Nights. www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-computerized-telescopes/ The guy from NexStarSite.com will possibly respond and he is the expert.
I have an Advanced GT i cant seem to connect it to PC.
Thanks. Now how do you do that on an Imac?
hey there is a new Version from the updatetool,now it´s really simple to update the Firmware ! Version:2.0.5150
Is it possible to update a Celestron SE8 with the Skyportal through WiFi? Considering buying cables but it's not far away the total prize of a skyportal
To find out I would start at nexstarsite.com/ and then you could ask questions on this forum: www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
I appreciate the video. Unfortunately, I think perhaps because I am dealing now with Windows 10, I cannot get the connection between my scope and the computer to work. The downloaded software will not recognize the scope and only shows "none" as port. I get the scope in "transmit" mode and connect to USB port and hear the Wiindows chime but thats as far as it goes. Any ideas?
+Dwight Davis In the video description I tell you everything I know. To get to the video description you have to click the "show more" link (not the "more" link). If that doesn't help then check out the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights.
www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
I can't even get the hpupdateinstall program to install! I keep getting a goofy error message that it "is not allowed to run on Win (6.2)"! I need to update the firmware because my controller is malfunctioning and often ignores keypresses or forgets to show options. It also refuses to let me enter the date.
This video only applies if you have version 4.xx. Most newer scopes have version 5.xx. Ask on the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights.
www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
How is your reply supposed to address the fact that the update program won't install on the PC???
If you have version 5.xx then you need a different update program. I don't have an answer for you but the people of the world who see your request on Cloudy Nights may know exactly what to tell you.
Once again, your reply is irrelevant to the point, that the update program, itself, seems to be incompatible with the current version of Windows. Also, the Celestron website is quite different from what you show in your video, and the URL shown on your screen is invalid and redirects. I appreciate your making and posting the video, but it seems to be so outdated that it is pretty much useless.
@@mrnickbig1 I had the same issue. Right click on the installer and select to "solve compatibility issues". Later there you select Windows 7.
I have a problem... I cannot find the right file "hand control firmware updates v1.1.1.4"... If somebody have it i wolud be so thankfull to help me!!
Thank you so much for the excellent quality video!
Olá,amigo. poderia atualizar a instalação do firmware . abraços e obrigado. I,m from Brazil. Thanks.
Great. I am closer to updating my old Celestron however HC update does not think i am in Transmit data mode when i am. I have tried all ports and pre-downloaded version 4.22. Tried restarting and all other combos of on/off plug unplug but i cant get it to work. Can anybody help?
It has been many years since I had any experience doing this so I'm pretty sure I can't help you now. My former self did leave some troubleshooting tips in the video description though that might help.
@@wwgeb ah ok, cheers. i wonder if its because i dont have the "official cable" thanks for the response
Hi, I have A NExtastar 4. I find my self with the "INvalid Pkg. : 008" Error. When I downlaod the CFM program and try to connect my control to the computer. The computer doesnt detect de control. can you help?
+psyk92 Nevermind, Tried on an other computer and it worked.
+psyk92 Great. I was going to suggest asking on Cloudy Nights. They have a NexStar forum with plenty of people who have answers to all sorts of questions. I've learned a lot there.
www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
My hand controller has 3.04 version nad its probably not possible to upgrade. Can you help ?
beautifulworld1988 I just visited NexStarSite.com and it appears that you are right. The people that know the most about these versions of hand controllers can be found on Cloudy Night's Celestron NexStar forum. It is free to join and you can get quick answers.www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
Can you use the Rj45 to USB rather than the serial to usb to update the firmware?
Ted Williams did you ever get an answer? Cuz I have the same question
No it will not work, USB is a 5 volt system and rs232 is up to 20 volts.
no longer works ....celestron file will not extract from either w7 or w10....contacted celestron for fix...awaiting reply
I have a new computer but had a com port cable with the rs232 connector, installed that into my PC and plugged into the motherboard, In windows 7 under device manager the com port is listed as com 1 and is working properly. when I try to connect to the HCupdate it keeps telling me to plug in the HC. I did all the steps exactly as you said and have checked and rechecked, any idea? I am plugged directly into the com port not the usb cable convertor.
I remember years ago trying to get things to work via RS232, way back before USB. It was always a chore. Now that I have the USB to RS232 adapter cable I have about a 100% success rate. It just works. There is a link to the one I have in the video description. I'm trying to remember what things I tried, years ago. The only thing I can think of is to try to change the com port as described in the video description. If that doesn't work I would just get the cable. It is about $10 right now. You might also ask on the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights.
wwgeb Thanks so much for your help, ya I tried all those things, I have already ordered the cable, Im just one of those guys who has to understand why its not working...The videos are great by the way, I would like to one using the wedge mount that comes with the 4,5 and 6se.
thank you so much, I did it in a very easy way, following your recomendations step by step...congrats
GREAT WORK ... THANK YOU TO SHOW US STEP BY STEP
Has anyone been able to update theirs recently?
I have an old Celestron Advance GT with this controller and a Windows 10 computer and none of the programs I've downloaded seem to work.
If you can't get answers on www.nexstarsite.com/ then try www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-computerized-telescopes/
The guy who runs NexstarSite.com will see your question on CloudyNights.com. -- wwgeb
i cant find undo and info on my hand controller
Bhoopathi Raja You may have the new NexStar Plus hand controller. The UNDO button has been renamed BACK and the INFO button has the Celestron logo. Check out the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights for the best advice.
wwgeb but i tryed that both bottom,but if i power on it it straight away get into llanguage option so plz help me since im new to this
Bhoopathi Raja I don't have any experience with the new hand controller. I can only suggest going to@Firmware.htm nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm and www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/ The people on the Cloudy Nights forums are very helpful.
wwgeb thanks mate
It didn't work for me until I reset the controller first. Even then I'm not seeing the controller showing anything.
I have some hints in the video description. The best place to get answers is the Celestron NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights.
www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/nexstar
There you will find people who have experienced just about everything. You say it didn't work, then you reset the controller, then it behaved differently but still doesn't work. What was it doing before you reset the controller? What do you mean when you say you reset the controller? You re-flashed it? Now the thing is blank when you turn it on? What has changed before and after? I hope you get it working, or at least that it is cloudy right now. :-)
my hand control doesn't have a phone jack, it has a mini usb plug.
You have the latest model. Check out the NexStar forum on Cloudy Nights for help with how to update the newer version.
www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
Thanks a lot!!!
Great video; thank you.
thank you a lot !!!
IT DO NOT WORKS!
I have the NexStar (HC 3.03 MC 5.04) and did everything exact like in your video. My hand controller looks exactly like yours, but if I do so like in the video:
shows no "Initializing..." only "Acamar..."
This video is for upgrading from 4.xx. I would ask on the NexStar forum of Cloudy Nights www.cloudynights.com/forum/90-celestron-nexstar/
and also check out
www.nexstarsite.com/Firmware.htm
nice I will do it
Use compatibility for Windows 7 or it will not run under Windows 10!
I guess I have a NexStar plus...
Thanks for the help.
Nobody uses serial ports today :-)
+Tore Aurstad no shit thats why you Need an Adapter !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m sorry, thumbs down because this was not a step by step, this was clickbait