Our latest hand control firmware for computerized goto telescopes, version 4.13, now allows you to update the motor control (telescope mount) firmware through the hand control.  Our hand control firmware is still updated by connecting the RS-232 hand control serial cable (part #93920) directly to the hand control, and then to a computer with an internet connection.

Previously, motor control updates were done through the telescope’s PC Port (CPC and CGE series) using our Programming Cable (part #93922). If your telescope did not have a PC Port (Advanced GT, NexStar SE and NexStar SLT series), you would also have needed our Auxilliary Port Accessory Kit (part #93965)

Our NexStar SE and CPC Series already ship with the RS-232 Cable.  And, if your computer lacks a serial port for the RS-232 Cable, you will also need our USB to RS-232 Converter Cable (# 18775) to connect to your computer’s USB port.

For more information on connecting to a telescope to perform an upgrade, please install and run MCupdate and click on the Help button.

• The only change in this version is to add support for the NexStar 6/8SE.

PEC Tool is a "helper utility" for the PEC (Periodic Error Correction) feature. It allows you to record and playback PEC data. It also lets you backup, restore, average, and remove drift information from the playback data.

For more information, please read the detailed help file included with software.

RELEASE NOTES:

• fixed compatibility problem with locales that use commas for a decimal point
• fix potential path problem that prevents an upload at the end of batch training

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

• Microsoft Windows® 98SE and newer
• CPC, GPS, or CGE series mount
• GPS Series firmware 4.06 or later
• CGE series firmware 5.06 or later

Hand control firmware updates can be downloaded and installed using our new HCupdate application.

For assistance with performing a firmware update, simply download and install HCupdate and click on the Help button.  Individual firmware versions and change history are available through HCupdate by clicking on the Download via the Web button.

VERSION: 1.1.12

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

• Microsoft Windows® 98SE and newer.

Hand Controls running version 4.00 firmware or later are user upgradable.  (This does not include GT series Hand Controls with version 100.0 or later.)  The firmware version can be determined by entering the Utilities menu and selecting Version: the top line of the display shows the current hand control firmware version.

Upgradable hand control firmware is available for the following mount types:

• NexStar GPS
• CPC Series
• Special Edition Series
• Advanced-GT
• CGE Series
• GT Series
• SLT Series

Hand Control updates require a PC based computer with either a DB9 serial port or a USB port with a USB to DB9 serial adapter running Microsoft Windows 98SE or newer.
An RS-232 Cable (part #93920) must be made or purchased to connect between the mount and computer.