sojourneyer

Firstly by SSE I am alluding to the system whereby one affixes their cell phone to a cradle which is either attached to the mount or OTA. I have several versions of Nexstar Mounts – GT, SLT and SE – and several Starsense Explorer scopes with their mounts. In trying to find objects in the sky to me there is no comparison. SSE wins hands down. With the Nexstar Mounts you need a power source, the larger mounts are much heavier, and you must align the unit. Sometimes the latter takes several attempts. With SSE you just need to locate one dark object (including a planet which Nexstar does not allow for in their aligning process) and off you go. The only issue is the requirement for a dark sky. But then again this is a Nexstar requirement as well. SSE is a time saver and truly helps newbies learn about the night skies. Celestron has now expanded the SSE product range, even having it on a 12” dob, really makes it a god-send to people first venturing into astronomy. I even use a Celestron Sky Prodigy 6 inch SCT on my SSE DX mount. Goto or pushto? This pushto wins in my mind.

I tried it last night, and everything seem to be working quite well. I am both surprised by the outcome and more importantly, happy with it.

I got it all worked out TG Well, I found out my first problem trying to download the firmware.. I needed to download Java or update it. That is why I never could get CPM. Once that happened bingo. It was pretty clear thereafter. Also I used firefox and Celestron told me no do not use that browser Use Edge or Chrome. It is all set. on alt az and the firmware now is HC NXS 5.35.3175 MC 5.21 5.21 I am a happy camper! (I hope) Going out tonight and fingers crossed that it works!

I just purchased the 18/12/9/ 7mm versions. What has been your experience using them?

Often the Svbony Zooms are on sale at Amazon for 50% off

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Aha... it is a mini B USB connector. I am surprised that Celestron has not updated their hand controllers

I do not know what cable I am supposed to get in order to update firmware on my hand controller. USB to RJ9 Cable for Celestron NexStar or ??

That is a boat load of tools to use. I would not be able to keep track of them..LOL

I’m glad you figured it out. Let’s hope that that is the solution. why would you be running sky safari if you have the Starsense app?

also one thing I have noticed with the Skymak maks is that some have a proper dovetail while others have this inverted type dovetail only good for block mounting

Thanks . I know the handset came from the Advanced VX line of scopes which are all equatorial mounts.. ..... sadly. Actually the GT mounts came after the SLT was first introduced. The difference is that the GT does not have an on/off switch, no aux port and the batteries go into an external pouch rather than the plastic mount hub. The actual motor, etc is the same. My handset is Nexstar+ I just worry that the handset will not accept 4.0 firmware and then I have a useless handset as well. One thing i can do is slew the mount with that handset and manually find objects but the software to find objects does not work.

they definitely are not compatible. I wonder if I could change the firmware on the controller.

I found out that the version is HC: GEM 5.31.9102 MC: 5.21 5.21

I certainly am not bagging maks. I have owned more maks than fingers on my hand. Buy, sell, buy back... repeat. I have limited ability raising my arm.(torn rotator cuff) so anything light and thin is my soup (scope) of the day. That is why I purchased a 90 Skymax and sold my 127 SLT. The purchaser loves it. Such a great scope in an utterly small package.

i am in an unusual conundrum. My mount is from a Nexstar 90 GT scope but the hand controller says ADVANCED GT which means it came most likely from Celestron's Advanced VX line of telescopes. I purchased the controller because there was none when I purchased the used scope, and I did not know that they are all different. Whenever I try to align after finding a star I press "enter" and the scope raises to almost Zenith.. Is there a way you can get around this such as clearing out the memory, etc? Any input is appreciated.. thanks

I have the same mount and instead of purchasing a vixen bar I just installed a RACI finder.. Works great. But the way I have it set up the focuser is at 12 oclock.. It does not bother me in the slightest. See my photos above.

I would have a 102ED over a 127 Mak. Short cool down, dual focuser, rotating focuser,built in dew shield. Wider FOV as well. No collimation .Often with a 127 Mak,given the atmospheric conditions, I found my 90 Mak gave Crisper views Have you checked out the Svbony MK 105? Initial production was bad, but apparently they’re now really excellent. Mine was a dog mainly because they somehow sent me one that was being tested.

I forgot to add that I had to set up my power station as well.

thank you.. Very interesting reading

I have read in some places that you should affix the barlow before the diagonal and other places where you should put the barlow after the diagonal. What do you do and how does the location affect magnification. ??

There is a drawback to the Skymax and that is because the dovetail is at 6 oclock and all my mounts have dovetail clamps at 3 oclock. Thus I had to purchase a RACI finder for the scope in order to find anything in the sky.

FLO sells the 6 inch version. My Celestron 6 inch SCT worked on it

By the time I get my chair, table for a cuppa, and everything else (vib pads, weight on accessory tray) the little Mak has cooled down. I also have to align the Nexstar and some time is used up as well for that. I believe the weight of this little guy is under 1.5 kgs

Yes, I totally agree with that. It is much more preferable to have it that way rather than on the finder saddle. Also, putting it on the actual OTA near where the dovetail bar is aligned is more stable