NexStar Resource Site

line.gif (861 bytes)
Pop-Up Info Window
(close when finished)
line.gif (861 bytes)

Firmware Versions on the CGE Pro Series

Non-English Hand Control Owners - read this.  The
information below is for English-version hand controls.

CGE Pro scopes have two sets of processors. There are processors in the hand control (HC) and there are processors in the base of the scope in a section known as the motor control (MC).  The MC firmware can be updated by the owner (read this).

There have been two versions of hand control available for the CGE Pro:

  • Hand control version 4.X.  This hand control can be updated by the owner.  Read this for step by step instructions on upgrading the firmware.
  • The NexStar+ hand control.  This hand control can be updated by the owner and began shipping with new CGE Pro scopes in January 2012.  It is also available for purchase since February 2012.  Read this for info on this new hand control and this for step by step instructions on upgrading the firmware.

line.gif (861 bytes)
NexStar+ Hand Control

Celestron has posted an official page detailing all firmware versions for the NexStar+ hand control:
https://www.celestron.com/pages/firmware-update-history
Check back periodically for updates or click the link to sign up for notifications.

line.gif (861 bytes)
Version 4 Hand Control
(firmware files are named GEM)

  • 4.22 - Fixes the date when the scope is used with a GPS receiver that returns a date 20 years in the past.
  • 4.21 - Fixed bugs related to tandem operation (OTA orientation), Meridian Mode and land objects.
  • 4.20 - Fixed a problem with a runaway slow slew if a GoTo is too near the meridian flip point.  No Response errors now give a "Press UNDO to continue" option.  For mounts with a GPS module in use, changed the messages displayed to clarify when the GPS was still attempting a link and when it was successful.  Fixed and error when syncing on stars in southern hemisphere via the RS-232 sync command (for example, from a planetarium program running on a laptop).
  • 4.19 - Adjust communication protocol to assist MCupdate.  Added "Custom Rate 9": the ability to set the maximum slew rate during a GoTo (requires MC version 6.12 or higher).  Fixed an error in the GoTo RA-Dec menu item.  Hand Control now reports immediately if the are communication ("No Response") difficulties at start up.
  • 4.16 - Corrects alignment system errors for use in the Southern Hemisphere.  Fixed error when using SAO stars (selected from the STAR button) as alignment objects.
  • 4.15 - Original version for the CGE Pro Series.  This version is largely unusable in the Southern Hemisphere.

line.gif (861 bytes)
MC Versions

  • 6.51 - Improves guiding in Declination: solves problems caused by mechanical backlash and motor cogging,  Smoother and more precise anti-backlash compensation.  Improved tracking. This version may consume additional power and some people have noticed a different sound from the motors while slewing.
    * One beta tester (of many) observed violent oscillations, if this happens to you, please report it Celestron and discontinue use.
  • 6.17 - Fixed problem with sudden motor deceleration for high values of "Custom Rate 9".   The final GoTo approach is now faster and quieter. Fixed error in GoTos near celestial equator.  Partial fix for declination guiding error (final fix to come in next version).
  • 6.12 - Fixed a backlash correction error.  Support for "Custom Rate 9" (introduced in HC version 4.19 - see above).  Added new "Aux" command to support better autoguiding via RS-232 communication via the port on the bottom of the hand control.  Fixed an error that prevented some user settings from being restored when the scope is powered up.
  • 6.09 - Fixed an error which caused RA limits to partially active even when disabled.  Fixed errors which caused GoTos to fail in rare circumstances.  Pauses motors while trained PEC values are stored to permanent memory.  Fixed an error causing bad GoTos after canceling PEC training or using PECTool.
  • 6.07 - Activated user defined RA Limits.
  • 6.06 - Original version on the CGE Pro Series.

line.gif (861 bytes)
Determining Versions

Use the Version option on the Utility menu.


line.gif (861 bytes)

line.gif (861 bytes)
Copyright
Michael Swanson
 
  Contact the webmaster:
swanson.michael@usa.net