Update Nexstar Remote and Star Sense Remote

[thelargemonk]

Could someone help me with which download I need to update the Nexstar Remote and Star Sense Remote. Bit confused on which download I need and what is the latest one!

Also I have the lead to connect the two remotes to my computer which is running windows 8.2, but the nex remote cd that came with the cgem dx will not install as it thinks it's an old version of windows. Does this mean I can't connect the download file to the remote or is there something I can download to do this?

[Northern Soul man]

Hi Ya and welcome to the SGL, I've got a link here to the Nexstar site giving an absolute wealth of Info - try this and see if this helps at all.

http://www.nexstarsite.com/

Paul.

[ronin]

What version of firmware/software is on the handset?

Also what is the reason for the update?

I ask about the reason for update as if you just want a newer, or newest, version and no other problem I would suggest  you leave it with what you have.

Worst case is the update goes wrong and you have no handset.

Just about everyone has managed to get updates to be simple and many updates to PC, tablets etc go unnoticed. Scopes tend to be somewhat antiquated in the update procedure.

[thelargemonk]

Thanks for the link Paul I'll have a look at it!

I'm not sure what version I'm on at the moment Ronin I as I wasn't sure how to find out. I think the cd said 17.1.18.

The reason I want to update it was I've been having problems with auto guiding with the lodestar x2 and phd aswell as the nexguide. I've been getting really big star trails from the nexguide and on the phd it won't finish the calibration routine as it says there is a problem with the dec.

I read there was an update to improve the cogging and was hoping updating the firmware might help with these issues

[Northern Soul man]

Hi Ya, nice 1, if you power the scope up and go into the "Utilities" menu, and scroll along to "version" a hit enter (that's in the CPC I have anyway) this will give you the Hand Controller firmware version.

You say your having "Star trails" - maybe you need to check your polar alignment - not sure how accurate your alignment is, but as soon as you mentioned the trails, this would point to inaccuracies in your alignment and would have thought that this would be what you need to check first, as Ronin mentioned, the upgrades may not solve your alignment issues.

Sorry I'm not too up on polar alignment routines and not sure how the CGem routines work, but the trailing points to Polar Alignment - I have the older and smaller CG5 GT EQ mount for my little 127mm Mak, not used it for a while, but had issues with the alignment routine and just done a "factory reset", but, being only visual, this was a "fix" for my alignment routine, even adding calibration stars was a breeze.

Hope that helps a little.

Regards.  Paul.

[thelargemonk]

Thanks Paul! The way I've been doing polar alignment is to get Polaris centered in a high power reticle eye piece or in the zoomed in live view in backyard eos with the mount centered. I then use star sense to do the alignment process and add a calibrating star and then do the alignment process again with the star sense.

I've also made sure the mount is level with the bubble level before I start doing the alignment.

Hope that's along the right lines to be getting it fairly well polar aligned.

[Northern Soul man]

Nice 1, I think once you have the polar alignment sorted I think a lot of guys and gals on here look at the drift alignment method, as with everything, there's a lot to look at to try to get it bang on, things like Periodic Error Correction, Cone error, but I think the mount should sort that I think.  

Once aligned, swing the scope over towards the South and try guiding on a bright star under quite high magnification with preferably a reticle EP centred on the star, this will show any discrepancies in alignment - wether the star tracks above or below  the cross - hairs,  you have to re - position the mount, then when that's adjusted, you have to point the mount over to the East I think, drift again centred on a star under high Mag and adjust again.

I'm sorry that I can't advise anymore, I'm purely visual, with a sighting of Polaris through the hole in the CG5 where the polar scope fits, being accurate enough for me.

Have a look on the drift alignment method on the net or even post on here under a new thread, the info you can get on here is amazing, give it a try and keep us informed.

Paul.

Sorry, I forgot to ask what scope your using, only long focal length SCT's or Maks are very hard to guide due to their long focal lengths F10 +, newts around F5 are much better I think, as said I'm sorry i can't offer anymore info, but there's people on here can better advise you.  Hope that helps.

[thelargemonk]

Hi Paul, I'm using a C9.25 so F10 which could be adding to the problem, I have got a ED80, but just waiting for the screws to arrive to piggy back it on the C9.25, so I have been using a oag at the moment

Started having a read about drift alignment so will def give that a go once we have a clear night again, though looks like I could be in for a wait!

Cheers

Chris

[Northern Soul man]

Nice 1 Chris great mate, I think the drift alignment method is the best and probably will get you very close, as said, I'm no imager just do a little web cam on the Moon/Planets, but the ED80 will be just about perfect for you as the 9.25 will be a battle for you (according to what the imager's have said in the past) its all down to the focal length I think, but I really like the SCT's been doing this Astronomy lark for ages and have settled on the SCT - a wonderful instrument visually and I've had many a great night under the heavens with one, starting with an 8" Meade and upgraded to the 11", visually, for me, has been great, I can put up with the small FOV and just sweep around the double cluster, light pollution is quite challenging here in the Midlands and I've learnt to just live with it and enjoy what I can see and not worry too much about the stuff I can't see.

All the best Chris and keep us informed mate.

Regards.

Paul.