NexStar Resource Site

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Hand Control Compatibility between NexStar, CPC, CGE and AS-GT Models

Although all NexStar hand controls (HC) are identical in appearance, they are not universally compatible. Following are the various NexStar hand controls that have been available since the introduction of the original NexStar 5.  It should also be noted that some families have had upgraded HCs to fix problems and add features - when this has occurred I have noted it elsewhere in Odds and Ends.

  • NexStar Upgradeable Hand Control - In February 2005, Celestron announced the CPC series which includes a user-upgradeable hand control.  This hand control is physically compatible with all NexStar, StarSeeker, CGE and AS-GT scopes except the original NexStar 5/8.  The correct version of firmware for each specific mount must be loaded into the hand control for correct operation.  The first version of firmware that is compatible with this upgradeable hand control is Version 4 for all mounts.  As of January 2006,  this hand control is now available for owners with older versions (read this).
  • NexStar 5/8 Hand Control - The original NexStar hand control, it is only compatible with these two scopes.
  • NexStar GT Hand Control - this hand control has been sold with several different versions of firmware (see the Firmware Versions section of the web site for more info).  This hand control is only compatible with the NexStar GT and Tasco StarGuide telescopes (any model of optical tube).  At one time, this hand control was offered for sale separately as Celestron part number 93961.  See also the Upgradeable Hand Control above.
  • NexStar GPS and "i" Series Hand Control - Versions 1.2 and 1.6 are only compatible with the NexStar 8/9.25/11 GPS scopes.  Version 2.2 is compatible with the NexStar 8/9.25/11 GPS and NexStar 5i/8i - at one time this hand control was offered for sale separately as Celestron part number 93962 and was also known as the "iComp" hand control.  Version 2.3 is compatible with the NexStar 8/9.25/11 GPS and NexStar 5i/8i/8i Special Edition.  See also the Upgradeable Hand Control above.
  • CGE Hand Control - Version 3.01 is the original version shipped with the CGE and is only compatible with the CGE mount.  See also the Upgradeable Hand Control above.
  • Advanced Series with GoTo (AS-GT) - Versions 3.03 and 3.04 have shipped with the AS-GT and are only compatible with the AS-GT mount.  See also the Upgradeable Hand Control above.

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