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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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