Celestron CG-5 GT GOTO computer control via APT?

[billw]

CG-5: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-mounts/celestron-cg-5-gt-goto.html

Originally I was going to get a HEQ-5 GOTO but seeing as the CG-5 is on offer and seems pretty good I am considering it. What I want to know is what is required to drive it via The Astrophotography Tool? I know APT uses ASCOM and had done the research to tell me I could use the HEQ-5 with it, but I don't know where to look to find out how to drive the CG-5!

ASCOM: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-eqdir-adapter.html

The ASCOM controller seems designed for SkyWatcher mounts only, is there an equivalent for Celestron Nexstar? I don't have RS-232 on my laptop I need USB! Or...

WiFi: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/slt-series/celestron-skyq-link-wifi-adapter.html

I did see there is a Wifi controller but is that compatible with anything other than NexRemote? I really would like my telescope control integrated into APT, but Wireless is obviously tempting as the less wires the better!

Any help would be very appreciated!

[billw]

Okay well I solved this myself after rethinking my google search terms!

Celestron RS232 to USB cable: http://www.celestron.com/astronomy/celestron-cable-usb-to-rs-232-converter.html

Celestron unified ASCOM drivers (3rd down as of writing): http://ascom-standards.org/Downloads/ScopeDrivers.htm

And regarding SkyQ Wifi control, the NexRemote creates a virtual RS232 port that (I presume) ASCOM can then control the telescope through: http://www.nexstarsite.com/PCControl/NexRemote.htm

Oh well hopefully this info will be useful to someone else.

Seems like this mount is better than the SkyWatchers when you want to control via a PC. Still it's pretty poor that these mounts all still come with RS-232 ports instead of mini usb, its so last millennium...

[Wildwood]

Can you please explain how you managed to get the two to talk to each other as I am tearing my hair out.

I have the same mount

I guide using phd via GPUSB - this works fine

I align using the hand set - this works fine

When I run APT it will not recognise the mount

Thanks

[Anweniel]

Im using Cartes du Ciel to control the mount, took a a few goes trying out which COM port was communicating with the mount but eventually got there and it works very nicely. Do your GOTO alignment, then the PA routine, set mount to goto home then connect the mount to the software and voila

[astrosathya]

I would seriously think twice about a CG5. They are now phased out and replaced with a newer model, the VX. The old CG5 had a problem with gears, guiding etc, and the loading compared to the HEQ5-PRO is only 12.5kg max v/s 18kg. Its not worth it. My CG5 was faulty out of the box and I heard that during the period of my purchase 9 of 10 were faulty and were returned.

I sold my CG5 and bought a HEQ5-PRO.

Regards

[Anweniel]

I strongly disagree, for the price I think the CG5 performs very well. An HEQ5 would certainly be a better choice but for a significant price hike. If you have a small scope the load capacity is less relevant. I may be wrong the VX seems to just be a tweaked CG5 anyway.

Any product could potentially be delivered faulty, just look at the mass recalls some respected car manufacturers have to make, however I can well understand how receiving a duff mount would make you reconsider using that brand.

Personally I have no issues with gears or guiding that inherent issues with the mount itself, in fact the issues I have experienced have been user error! Now I can guide for 10 minutes confidently and on good nights longer but I have yet to prove this as excessive LP restricts exposure times.

We seem to have strayed a little from the initial post though - I do like the way I can use a skychart to direct the mount and the idea appeals to me more than having controls in what is essentially a camera controller. Would be nice if you could integrate everything (camera, mount, guiding) onto a single window though