Celestron Nexstar RS 232 PC Interface Cable

My laptop doesn't have an RS-232 port (as usual) so I had buy a USB to RS232 converter (on ebay). After installing the proper ASCOM driver, my Celestron NexStar 114 can nicely be controlled from SkyMap. Just click on a star on the chart and the telescope slews there. Position/time synchronization is also really easy.

NOTE: Before you buy this item, do find out what an RS-232 port is, and if your computer doesn't have one, buy an adapter first.

This interface cable was essential for updating the software on the hand control and scope motor. Required the purchase of an after market cable to connect the RS-232 cable to hand control base outlet(no need to connect to the outlet on the scope base with the SE).

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Just works, haven't had any issues with this product. Used a serial to usb adapter and this works great for controlling my cg5 via a computer.

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The cable does what it claims: It provides a 5' long link from the Celestron Nexstar hand controller to the RS-232 port of your computer. That few, if any laptops (or desktops) have an RS-232 port doesn't seem to matter to Celestron. You will need a serial port to USB adapter, meaning more expense and complication. If you want a lot of expense, Celestron will be happy to sell you one. I got this one.

Another comment. Five feet is quite short for use in the field. Some USB adapters add length, but you may also want to budget for another extension cable.

Finally, I control my mount with a Linux powered netbook running Debian Linux, and the program Cartes du Ciel. In addition I installed the package Indi-bin. The USB device that pops up on the computer is usually /dev/ttyUSB0. You will need to ensure your user is in the "dialout" group. Even then you may run into trouble "writing" to the USB device. The simplest workaround is to make /dev/ttyUSB0 universally writable by issuing the following command as root, or by prefacing the following command with "sudo":

chmod 666 /dev/ttyUSB0

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These cables while easy to make are still cheap enough that it would barely be worth my time. Since they are just about what I'd pay in parts and time I ordered it on Amazon and got it within a few days. With this cable you can upgrade the firmware(s) in your CG5 and likely other mounts using the same controller technology. It literally took minutes to upgrade the Controller, and the firmwares for each motor. Another added benefit of owning this cable is you can now use programs like Stellarium to control your mount.

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