What do you Need to Connect Your Celestron Telescope Mount to a Computer? (Part 1 of 2)

[@LaFlamaBlanca00]

spent the last hour trying to research what I needed in order to do this, then I found this video, lifesaver. thanks for taking the time to create this content!

[@genefoster5124]

Have to agree with others that your videos are concise and clear. Thanks for taking the time to create them.

[@castlegrande]

Cody, most helpful thing I've seen on this topic! Your common sense way of answering questions that you know people have is amazing. Even Celestron email communication didn't cut to the chase as you have here, giving clear, concise instruction. I was only told that the auxiliary ports can only be used with Celestron gear. My CGX-L has a PC port on it. I asked why. No reply. And the tech support guys at popular online stores don't clearly nail it as you have.

[@gaganakaram4515]

They need to make his video official :)

[@PollySpin]

I have gone back and forth with celestron to get this to work. Thanks to you it is now.

[@terrymichael5821]

I thought Celestron CPWI can use the ASCOM drivers? Is the Prolific driver really needed for the latest hand controller with Mini USB-B?

[@dolcay1]

Thank you so much for this video. As a new owner of a Celestron 8SE I can say the instruction manual left me frustrated and confused. I can now connect my mount to my PC! Thank you for the easy to follow videos and keep em coming!

[@hjhuk555]

Any suggestions? I am starting to make a list to get this done!

[@juanjosemoreno1348]

Thanks Cody!!!! I spent days trying over and over to connect my Celestron to my laptop and never could. It was frustrating to find no Com port existed and the celestron drivers I downloaded did not work. Many discussions on different forums were confusing to me. Your video is great and very clear.

[@goylucas4929]

hello, do the windows driver still work for windows 11 ?

[@bradcdavis00]

This video is going to be a big help for me when I set up CPWI. Thanks for making the video.

[@jdogbirdeye]

Can you do the same with Celestron NexStar 8SE? thanks

[@kennytran2860]

Yes.

[@kennytran2860]

The OTA doesn't matter, it's the mount that does the work.

[@juanpablomartinez1671]

The best explanation ever on this topic. Thank you very much! 👏👏👏👏

[@AstroBlender]

Glad you liked it, thanks.

[@pawanenrique]

Thank you so much, I owned a 4SE for 2 years and didn't know that I could connect it to my computer

[@soltantoSergio]

First, I want to compliment you, because your videos are fast concise and accurate. my question: why do you use a driver that converts USB to serial if the connection with the keypad is via USB cable?

[@stanvans3214]

I have the most up to date version of Java, properly extracted the CFM files from the zip and tried to run CFM from my downloads, desktop, and with shortcuts, and it is still stalling on me, only showing the cmd terminal for a brief flash. Any idea what i'm missing here?

[@patrickb.6465]

Hello Cody Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all of this. Really very helpful information.👍

[@willissutherland8516]

Cody...I downloaded firefox and installed and will use as opposed to the Google...because then I can follow you easier not only in the CFM video but in all your videos...I owe you...a Sailing Trip...Cheers

[@willissutherland8516]

yOUR WERE pERFECT SPEED...i AM JUST A SLOW LEARNER...BUT FOLLOWING EVERYTHING CLOSELY AND DOING AND INSTALLING AS YOU GO ALONG...i BELIEVE i GOT IT vERY vERY wELL DONE SIR

[@willissutherland8516]

aNXIOUSLY ON TO pART 2...yOU ARE TRULY A BLESSING...i WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN ABOUT DOWNLOADING WHICH FILES ETC...SO VERY THANKFUL...

[@eplerizer]

Thanks for this. But, you addressed everything about how ASCOM can control everything with one cable to your computer, but you did not show how to plug everything in. Assume a Celestron Alt/Az mount. Where do you plug your camera (ZWO)? Assume I have a focuser. Where does that plug in? Assume I have a filter wheel. Where does that plug in? Cabling details would be REALLY helpful. Thanks.

[@kennethstevens5711]

I don’t suppose you can do the same video using the wi-fi adapter to do the updates?

[@DavidPavlich]

Hi Cody...nice video! however, when I click on the Prolific link, it doesn't take me to a driver, just what looks like a home page. Am I missing something?

[@RTFM70]

Great video Cody, just what I need as the new owner of a Nexstar 6SE. Brilliant! Thanks so much 👍

[@deanannable1294]

Hi Simon, thanks for the video. I have a question. After following all steps my CPWI connection options doesn’t show the hand controller option. Do you know why this is happening?

[@JethroXP]

Curious why the serial port driver is needed for the mini-USB connection?

[@jeffslade1892]

It's not. Only if you have the RS232 socket in the older handset. And you need a serial to USB driver for it.

[@jbar6618]

Because the Celestron hand controller uses a Prolific USB to seraial converter in the hand controller. Basically the hand controller is still serial, but to keep the user from having to buy a usb to serial adapter celestron built one into the hand controller.

[@jrose1970]

Thanks this worked perfectly, was crashing with blue screen when trying to update the telescope before i installed the prolific and ascom driver!

[@willissutherland1494]

Cody...You Mentioned making sure (in Part 1 or Part 2) the nexstar + handcontroller is instructed in the HC Utility Menu to know it is talking to a Computer by clicking on such...Cody...I cannot find this instruction within the Utility Menu...Help Please...Thank You

[@edruiz4684]

Thanks for the instructional videos. I bought the Celestron edge hd 11" and trying to download some software ir looks like not all of them can be install or available for Mac Pro . Also ZWO camera instructions only mention window application

[@Cgconst1]

Excellent presentation and guide! Celestron should pay you for these videos. I appreciate your help with my telescope gear. Thank you.

[@AstroBlender]

CGCONST I’m glad you find them useful!

[@michaelfrazier9537]

Hi Cody, I live in Illinois and the weather is cold now. Should I purchase a 50ft Type A to mini B cable to reach into my house? Would that work with my 8se hand controller? Thank you!

[@SpaceFactsWax]

Thanks for uploading. I had the chance to witness a rocket launch in 2018. Amazing experience. I shared a pretty cool montage of the trip to my channel.

[@kennethschroeder2789]

Excellent presentation and information. I only wish you could bring your teaching/technology expertise to help those of us with Meade scopes. I would love to be able to do this computer control with my Meade LX90 ACF 8" scope.

[@citronfrais]

Thanks for this. I was missing the drivers and didn't know where to look.

[@dipakcrpf]

Dear astroblender what is the name of your clestron telescope and what is the aperture of your clestron telescope pls????????????

[@megadeth1763]

You're great for the best guides for helping everyone al!! Thank's Cody!

[@AstroBlender]

L 1 Glad you find them useful!

[@freetime9922]

Can you make a video about cpc 800 please

[@JesterRoll]

Will this allow to hook up and live stream the view from the telescope to the PC?

[@compubyte2010]

I"m confused?? I"m already connect to the system.. but didn't download the prolifice drivers?? ( On win 11 ) .. I realize this is a few years old.. but .. I've never downloaded this. even back in 2020 when I setup my system? IS this a special driver or something?? does it make things more stable? etc? thanks

[@Intheskyes1]

You are amazing at giving instruction. Thank you!🙌🏻

[@AstroBlender]

Happy to help!

[@dg2604]

Very helpful video, Thankyou for sharing

[@lazylazyshark]

what about connecting the Celestron to a Mac..? I went up to install the PL2303 OSX driver, and then..?

[@michaelchambers717]

The prolific site has changed (as of 3/21/24) and I can't locate or identify the correct driver. Any tips? Thanks

[@felixalmeida4429]

Hi Cody. I really enjoy watching your videos. I learn a lot! Thanks! I'm new to astrophotography (bought a NexStar 8SE a few months and attached my DSLR to it). I recently added a guidescope and a SSAG camera too, but I can't make PHD2 work... very frustrating. I'm waiting for the wedge to arrive, not sure if this is the problem. Please, would you be willing to make a quick video on how to use the 8SE (with a wedge) for astrophotography? I'm sure there are more poor souls in the same situation than me. 😁 Thanks!!

[@rsrichardsonBSU]

I had a similar problem with it not guiding. I had to choose "on camera" in the mount selection and it works every time

[@z-manoverstreet]

Your windows link doesn't work

[@th3challenger895]

Your tutorial was amazing it really helped me a lot.But I have a problem,when I open the cfm it says it's offline mode and does not work

[@thevet2009]

Amazing how a pain in the ass method you have to follow…thanks Celestron for not making things not easy.

[@ssnoc]

Will this work on my 8i SE hand controller? It seems like nothing works with the 8i SE - it has 4.18 version on it. I want to use the CWPI software with my 8i … possible?

[@joem7334]

I followed your video on installing CPWI - Java - CFM and all However, the CFM does not load up. I see a flash of something in the background. I have Java installed, I have and see the CFM .JAR file. What on earth am doing wrong ?. FYI am running it on a 6 months old Dell. Wud appriciate some assistance..Thanks

[@tullyfisher]

First you show Profilic Windows and Mac. - Is there a Mac CPW version available?

[@drfritz142]

Thanks. Right to the point. Excellent. No worries about going too fast - there is the pause and rewind button ;-)

[@willissutherland1494]

Cody do you download all the essential software every time you are going to connect Mount to the telescope....or do you just open up the essentials that are already on your desktop prior to connecting...thank you again

[@nartholemew8224]

Hi, need help. I've celestron nexstar slt 90 (for beginners)I'm trying to connect pc with a hand controller (using cable = USB to 4 pin plug-in controler) No response :/ in Device Manager got that = Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge. On this video is something different.

[@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!!

[@lewislawson5461]

absolutely brilliant

[@Southdakotaphoto]

I downloaded the software mentioned in the two videos and other software, to a computer in my home. I will be using the ZWO ASIAir Pro Wireless Imaging Controller (connected ethernet cable) on the telescope. Do I need to download the software to the mini computer or do I just use the ASIAir software to do the controlling? Will some of the software downloaded to home computer be of no use now? Thanks

[@danjensen9425]

Great video. So I’m wondering I bought a cgem2 Mount and C8 . I have downloaded phd2 and ascom plus drivers for the asi 120 mm mini camera for the 60mm guidescope. Can I open phd2 connect the hand control to mount and laptop and have it working or do I have to update hand control first.

[@AstroBlender]

That should probably work. Just make sure you're polar aligned, and star aligned. Move to your object, make sure your HC is plugged into your computer, boot-up PHD2 and you should be ready to pulse guide via ASCOM. Just make sure you have the right camera and mount settings in PHD2.

[@danjensen9425]

I use a qhy pole master and love it it justifies my lazy don’t want to crawl around hold iPad in one hand and see where I need to be with polar scope . So when I connect PhD should have my mount in choices to use . This autoguiding has been a long road and yes I’ve watched your video on it another good one . I had to contact celestron to have them send me longer screws for guidescope Mount , I’m assuming your losmandy fit with the screws it came with , but will use my space cat until they get here . Thanks again

[@truptitanuja]

mac supported ??

[@justinmcfarland-p1v]

What will happen if the type mini B won’t connect to the celestron CPWI

[@randytalley7177]

Hi, my 8SE arrives next week (yea!) but now I'm worried a lot of Celestron's software isn't available for Mac OS users. Should I be concerned?? Enjoying your videos for sure. Thanks!

[@deborahmiller5989]

If your 6se comes with the programs cpwi do i need to download anything else besides the app

[@markcadien5012]

Hey Cody can you help me ? I have a Skyprodigy celestron130. I have been trying to update but the CFM cant seem to recognize my telescope. I am using a Ioptron Telescope Control Cable USB RS232 RJ9 . I have tried contacting Celestron and they told me to watch your videos which i had done before. Its been a year since i have been able to use my telescope , so i desperate to get it going again.I have tried all the drivers but still no joy .

[@asmxh]

Very nicely done👍

[@jimfreeman3636]

By chance, have you looked over Prolific's page lately? It's changed. PL23XX has morphed into several PL23 numbers. Can you tell me which one I need - PL2303TA/TB/GE/GC/GR/GD/GS/GL/GT/SA or one of the others listed. Thanks. Really great instructionals.

[@gofastufo]

same- did you find out which one?

[@diemnzz]

hi, Thank you so much for all your info. Ive had this Celestron 1100hd for some time now and its great but never really got arnd to using it til now. anyways ive updated HC and everything else and downloaded the CFM, CPWI, ASCOM on PC, also have starry night skysafari etc lol. My problem is I use a Mac more than a Pc so I was wondering if you can download the Ascom for Mac. Im all new to this software stuff. All I really wanna do is hook telescope and camera to computer to look thru computer instead of eye piece. I might take few pics but still learning as of now. Im a greenie... Oh my camera is a ASI183MC. which is a great camera but im still learning that to. Any help would be appreciated. Really hard to find help here in Fort myers Beach. Hope you have a Happy Holiday. and Thanks again for all your Great Info. Dawn

[@Sarimae23]

i got an lcm mount, which cable do i need from Laptop to the LCM Hand Controller ?

[@deborahmiller5989]

Can i hook up the hand controller without alignment

[@EminiMe7]

the driver tab for the CGX mount are .info files? Was not able to see the drivers?

[@carlostirado9541]

Hi, can you do the same with the Celestron 130 slt? Greetings from Mazatlán, México

[@John-ex7fo]

Will it work on a 127 slt

[@Matryoshkabomb]

what if you don't have a hand controller but have and ethernet coming out of the encoder. Is there a way to have the computer act like a controller?

[@tunascuba1]

On to Part 2...ThANKS SO VERY MUCH CODY

[@natty55555]

As you connect your telescope via the Hand Control (USB port), the Hand Control itself stops working. :(

[@spartansmith7223]

VERY HELPFUL

[@charlesp9681]

None of this worked on my Mac. Kept getting messages saying files couldn't be opened because they weren't supported on Mac OS.

[@upnorthoffcuts929]

Any issues with Windows 11? I just installed it on my laptop and I really do not like it. Hope it works out. Thanks for the content because I just got my 8se this week and I going to need some help with things. Keep up the great work.

[@Athikaful]

I followed all these steps but it still does not open CFM. :( Any further tips?

[@skiesunlimitetd]

Is there a way to connect the Celestron to a computer running Linux Lubuntu?

[@PaulHummerman]

does CPWI work on a Mac?

[@ronaldviust6491]

does work with a Celestron SLT 130?

[@sharonjohnson1789]

Wow this is just what I needed! Could this be why I have had trouble tracking i have not updated at all. Does this also work with my Celestron CPC 800xl and my computer is a windows 8 will that be ok?. I watch all of yoyr videos and you explain so well! I thank you. Can not wait to setup this year I have the most amazing place no light pollution I have 360 view on top of a hill where I can only see maybe 8 houses in the distance. Happy gazing.

[@willissutherland1494]

ASCom everytime you want to connect to the Computer

[@haythemhamdi3995]

Thank you very much, it was very helpful.

[@AstroBlender]

Glad it helped!

[@DSimonJones]

awesome instructions thanks so much peaceout:)

[@dankahraman354]

It isn't working for me. I cannot cut and paste the CFM directory to my desktop..Just fixed it! Does not work on my laptop where it matters.

[@timraines4093]

cant download anything for mac.

[@trackevac]

What about is=f you are connecting wirelessly with Celestron Wi-Fi

[@jimfreeman3636]

Ahhh, Cody, I'm back again. Now I get a blinking status light on the arm and I get error codes 16 & 17. I'm trying to get ahold of Celestron, but that's not easy these days. Any suggestions??

[@AstroBlender]

Jim Freeman That error means your handcontroller isn’t talking to the mount. If the standard fixes don’t work then your mount would need a new motor control board.

[@jimfreeman3636]

@@AstroBlender Yep, 'fraid so. I finally got ahold of Celestron which is no small feat these days. OPT finally jumped in and snagged them for me. I'm under warranty, so it's just the bother of sending all the electronics in. I'd put the board in myself, but what the hey? Thanks

[@AstroBlender]

Jim Freeman It’s pretty easy. I’ve replaced a few old Celestron Motor Boards. I just grounded myself and it took less than 10 minutes to complete.

[@jimfreeman3636]

@@AstroBlender I was a diesel mechanic at one time. Think that'll do? Our catch phrase was "get a bigger hammer". You haven't gotten rid of me yet. Once I get back in action, I'll be baccccckkkkkkk!

[@rogeliorivera2682]

I've followed ur video to the tee and cfm still won't open. I have windows 10

[@crelles1]

thanks so much. very helpful

[@AstroBlender]

Glad it helped!

[@markpeterson4779]

Thank you but sadly, once again, Macs are left out. Celestron software is Windows only. I guess if you have a Mac, you cannot update your mount.

[@neps4773]

Thank you

[@n9wdq]

Just now finding your videos. This says I need JAVA. I use a Mac. So…. What now?

[@alexjohnson7991]

thanks

[@UNDERST0RY]

NexStar will not connect to my laptop for anything. Been trying for three days. Best I can determine so far is the PL2303 chips in the hand controller are at end of life and no one is supporting them anymore. Celestron cannot be bothered, it seems, to produce their own drivers, making their hand controllers obsolete at purchase. I am going to try one more day to get this thing hooked it up to my computer and if it doesn't, it goes back and I'll get a different scope.

[@UNDERST0RY]

Well, after 3 days of trying, I found a way to force it to work by running the NexStar HC through an old 2.0 USB hub into my laptop. That feels good, but Celestron--while they make great optics--really has to get with the times and update the electronic in their mounts.

[@jimfreeman3636]

Ha! I'm baaaaccckkkk. Celestron said the NexStar+ hand controller and the motor drive were flashed. I can't get info on how that might have happened. Anyway, back in action.

[@stevenyates1996]

Nice video but pretty useless to me. Prolific versions have changed. After finally figuring out which version to download.........I get error......com ports failed......after about 90 minutes of frustration I gave up....

[@naturewatcher7596]

And a driver for Linux?

[@vBrit]

Great as always, but I goto look at second video and it’s saying it’s private

[@AstroBlender]

Karl Newick That will publish tomorrow. :)

[@vBrit]

AstroBlender a thought for another video is how to have telescope outside while your in the warmth of our home. Living in the North East makes it hard to do anything in Winter and been researching what I need to do, I just would love your input...if that’s an issue you have :)

[@AstroBlender]

Karl Newick ASI Air! It’s the best! I control everything inside on my tablet and use the Celestron SkyPortal Wifi adapter to do everything else on my laptop.

[@kisho2679]

How can the Celestron CGEM mount be connected wirelessly (WiFi over LAN) to the PC (Windows 8) and control the Telescope remotely with the computer?

[@SmokinAcesUSA]

thank you, much needed

[@AstroBlender]

You're very welcome!

[@dirkschulz7282]

Stuff which you are never told about, but need to know.

[@dankahraman354]

It should not be your job to clean up Celestron's mess! Your helpful videos do not absolve Celestron from liability if its products fail because the customer has not updated their firmware. You are not an official Celestron spokesperson.