==2024== Celestron Telescope Hand Controller Firmware Update

Quick guide on updating the firmware on your Celestron telescope hand controller.
Software:
Java: www.java.com/download/ie_manu...
Celestron CFM: www.celestron.com/pages/drive...
******Guide for the older controllers: www.celestron.com/blogs/knowl...
Need the Cables?
Buy on Amazon to Support AVT-Astro:
FOR NEW USB CONTROLLERS:
USB: amzn.to/3TuBZ51
Need BOTH of these for older serial controllers:
Serial: amzn.to/3IMlEDD
Serial to USB: amzn.to/3TJLT3R
Get AVT Astro Gear and Apparel: avt-astro.com/shop/
My Blog full of great Astro content/reviews: www.avt-astro.com

[@marvhalsey7544]

Thanks, Vlad. Very timely! I've been wanting to update the firmware for several different scopes. My AVX, my SE, and my Original StarSense HCs. I once had a very bad experience with CFM downloading an AVX update; then my mount motors locked up! Had to research how to go backwards one version to get the mount to work again!
That was a few years back, so I think it's time to roll the dice again and update everything.
Your tutorial is very helpful, as always!

[@AVTAstro]

Glad it was helpful! Yeah I have done quite a few scopes and so far I have not had any issues. Fingers crossed. Lol

[@marvhalsey7544]

@AVTAstro I've learned that the HC doesn't have to be plugged into the mount to update the firmware. I had no trouble last time I updated NexStar+.

[@jalbert9613]

Thank you for sharing

[@AVTAstro]

Thanks for the support 👍

[@marvhalsey7544]

Thanks!

[@AVTAstro]

Thanks for the support! Means a lot, and much appreciated!!! 👏👍

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Interesting.

[@AVTAstro]

Glad you think so!

[@A0111.]

Probably need to mention that StarSense Autoalign comes with its own hand controller that replaces the one which comes with the mount, so in order to use Starsense Autoalign you don't need to update your old hand controller.

[@AVTAstro]

Well, the original Starsence did. The unit in the video is the newer Starsence Autoguider that works with your existing Nexstar+ Controller.

[@A0111.]

@@AVTAstro sure, but autiguider is another thing. They just use Starsense name for too many products ;)

[@garryfreemyer7187]

Awesome catch!!!

[@AVTAstro]

This new unit does the same thing as the original as far as aligning your scope and also autoguides! It's pretty awesome actually, but pricy....

[@A0111.]

@@AVTAstro AFAIR, Autoguider can also help to polar-align,
while Autoalign doesn't do it.

[@KJRitch]

What version is your hand controller showing now?

[@AVTAstro]

I'm guessing the latest one. I will check next time I have the scope out.

[@Space-Stuff]

Hey Vlad, I've seen some of your videos about your Meade telescope, I'm not sure which profile I used, at that time, when I watched, and I was wondering if you knew where I could get a new Autostar ll controller for my 14" Meade LX 850? I'm having a really hard time finding a replacement, or something else that would work, for my telescope. Actually, I suppose I should say for my LX850 mount. I've tried Meade already and they cannot a solution to this issue. And I've searched the Internet for other astronomy gear suppliers with no luck locating one. There are so many gear suppliers and so it's possible that I just may not have gone to the right place...yet. Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated. If you do know of a place, please provide me with an affiliate link and I will purchase it from that link and hopefully earn you some commision.
Thank you Vlad and keep up the great work on your videos.
Sincerely, Rich Williams
Astor, Florida 32102 USA!

[@AVTAstro]

Hi, as far as I know they can only be bought used at this point. Are you on CloudyNights and Astromart? You can make a wanted ad on there and likely find one. If all else fails shoot me an email as I have a spare.

[@Space-Stuff]

@@AVTAstro I am on CloudyNights and I have not tried to find one there and, actually, I didn't even think of that. I will give that a shot and maybe I'll get lucky. Just in case I cannot find one there, can I ask how much you would sell me the one you have? I would trust buying one from you more than I would from someone on CloudyNights. In either case thank you for getting back to me so soon. Also, I have a SkyFi WiFi controller that just stopped working because one of the controller chips, litterally, blew out. Smoke and a pop. When I took it apart I found the chip that blew but I cannot read the number on the top of it so I can buy a new one and replace it. So I wrote Simulation Curriculum and asked them if I could a copy of the schematic for the WiFi's PC board an the components on it and they will not release it to me, for some reason. I even told them that I would even sign a non-disclosure agreement. I have looked for other WiFi units that would work with my mount but so far no luck. Anyway, thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I really appreciate it. I hope that some day I'll be able to use my really expensive telescope again.
Thanks again Vlad.
Sincerely, Rich Williams
Astor, Florida 32102 USA!

[@AVTAstro]

If you buy from someone on CN with good feedback, I'm sure you will get as good a unit as I have. Sorry to hear about your electronics issues;( Bummer.

[@garryfreemyer7187]

I managed to upgrade my firmware wirelessly via a wifi module. Downloaded cfm, switch to the celestron wifi, start cfm.jar, switch cfm to wifi mode, run upgrade button, don’t touch the hand controllers while running upgrade. When finished exit cfm, enjoy!!

[@AVTAstro]

Did not know that was possible. Very cool!

[@seeker4430]

What features does new firmware have?

[@AVTAstro]

Unless you have the StarSense I'm not sure there are any new ones.

[@seeker4430]

@@AVTAstrooh... what features does ot have for starsense?

[@AVTAstro]

The starsense let's you align your scope, polar align, and guide. Without the firmware update it does not work.