This guide describes how to control a Celestron telescope mount using the Celestron NexRemote hand controller (serial port based only) software and ASCOM drivers over Bluetooth. This guide is based on a Celestron telescope GT Mount (similar to SLT mount) with NexStar+ hand control (serial port based only). Communication is confirmed with Cartes du Ciel which uses ASCOM drivers. NOTICE: If you don't require using the NexRemote software then an |
How To Use Nexremote
The Setup
View and Download Celestron NexStar 8 instruction manual online. Celestron NexStar 8: User Guide. Celestron NexStar 60 User Manual 241 pages. Once there, the display will ask you to use the arrow buttons to aim the Star Pointer at the star. If the star is not visible (perhaps behind a tree), press UNDO to select a new star.
The setup looks like this:
- View and Download Celestron NexStar 6SE quick setup manual online. NexStar 6SE Telescope pdf manual download. Also for: Nexstar 8se, 11068, 11069. The Sky® CD,NexRemote Telescope Control. CD,RS-232 cable. Telescope Celestron NexStar 60 GT User Manual (37 pages) Telescope Celestron Ultima 60SV 52256 Specifications (3 pages).
- Advanced Series 130mm Maksutov - no manual yet available from Celestron's web site, but the ED refractor manual above should work well for the mount features CGEM Series NexStar+ Hand Control Addendum - from Celestron, explaining the differences between this newer hand control and the previous versions (button functions, etc.).
You will need two serial Bluetooth adapters (part UCBT232B). The local (master) serial Bluetooth adapter is connected to your computer by using a USB to serial adapter (part XS8801). The remote (slave) serial Bluetooth adapter is connected to the hand control via a RJ11 to DB9 female cable. The hand control is then connected to the telescope mount.
You will need a null modem adapter and a male/male gender changer to connect the remote serial Bluetooth adapter to the DB9 end of the RJ11 to DB9 cable.
Make sure you have the ASCOM drivers and Celestron drivers installed on your computer. The drivers can be downloaded here:
Install ASCOM Platform 6.1:
http://ascom-standards.org/Downloads/Index.htm
Celestron Unified (5.0.30):
http://ascom-standards.org/Downloads/ScopeDrivers.htm
(Optional, only if you use a USB to RS232 adapter)
FTDI drivers for the USB to RS232 adapter:
http://www.usconverters.com/downloads/drivers/ftdi_drivers_manuals_all.zip
Configuring the Bluetooth adapters
Start by configuring the two Bluetooth adapters parameters. You do that by connecting them one by one to your computer via the USB to serial adapter and then configure the parameters using the configuration utility downloadable from www.usconverters.com. Alternatively you can use a terminal program such as Tera Term or Putty to configure the adapters.
You will need to set the following commands for the local (master) Bluetooth adapter:
role=m
auto=y
baud=9600
These commands sets the adapter to “Master”, makes it auto connect with the slave and sets the baud rate to 9600 baud.
The following command must be set for the remote Bluetooth adapter:
baud=9600
This command sets the baud rate to 9600 baud.
The DCE/DTE switch on side of adapter must be in position DCE(F) on both adapters
Now connect the local (master) Bluetooth adapter to your computer via the USB to serial adapter and the remote (slave) to the telescope mount’s hand control.
You will need a null modem adapter and a male/male gender changer to connect the remote Bluetooth adapter to the DB9 end of the RJ11 to DB9 cable going to the hand control.
Turn on the two Bluetooth adapters; after a few seconds the blue LED light on both adapters should change from flashing to solid blue which means that the two adapters are linked.
Setting up NexRemote
Download NexRemote from:
http://www.celestron.com/support/manuals-software
Make sure the USB to serial adapter is connected to your computer's USB port.
Install and run NexRemote. Select the virtual COM port which has been created in your computer by the USB to serial adapter. You can see what the COM port number is in Windows Device Manager (in this example COM 5).
In NexRemote also select the mount model, firmware and virtual port; then click the OK button.
In Windows Device Manager you should now be able to see the virtual COM port created by NexRemote. This is also the COM port which will be used by ASCOM.
Now you can align the telescope as usual.
Start Cartes du Ciel
Start Cartes du Ciel. In the menu line click ‘Telescope’ -> ‘Telescope Settings’ and select ‘ASCOM’.
Click ‘Telescope’ again and then click ‘Control Panel’. Click ‘Select’ in the ASCOM telescope interface window and then select ‘Celestron Scope Driver’ from the dropdown menu.
Click the ‘Properties’ button and set the serial port number to the number created by NexRemote; in this example COM 4.
Select the Scope type and click ‘OK’. Also click ‘OK’ in the ASCOM Telescope Chooser window.
Now click ‘Connect’ in the control panel window:
Is There A Celestron Nexremote User Manual 2017
You can now control the telescope mount by clicking on a star in Cartes du Ciel and click the ‘Slew’ button.