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I don't want to fight a controller while under the stars that much. The NexStar and Autostar II handboxes provide very nice touches that the Gemini can't do with its handbox design (shortcuts to common catalogs, and quick number entry for example) which make finding and slewing to targets quick and easy.

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I could not disagree more, but that's just me.

The fact I need to buy a dongle and contend with even more esoteric driver issues I find ridiculous and really cannot think of a parallel in any of my other interests. That NO computer I can buy will work 'out of the box'...

We are talking ZERO. I think if every other manufacturer of every other gadget available even very inexpensive ~$15 can do it - mount manufacturers at several thousand $$ per pop could pull it off.

We need to stop making excuses for them. Interesting that we require so much of all our software and gadget providers and yet when it comes to this hobby - we just make excuses for them. I suppose it could be even more ridiculous... thank goodness it doesn't use two cans and a string

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I'd rather ask why the computer manufacturers fail to put serial ports on laptops. It isn't difficult.

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5v VS. 12V. Green vs. Non-Green. Many laptops don't have the reserve to last powering 12v to a device.

I hear what you are saying Chris but from a end user standpoint, what you are saying is greek and borders on gibberish to the casual user. (Not dissing what you said by the way).

I know about the USB issues and Serial is so clean to talk to but until a replacement comes about I would think the hardware guys will have to support the interfaces that are being sold, in the millions. Particularly when the serial, despite its simple beauty, isn't being supported by the computer assemblers. Quite frankly I'd like to see the basic parallel come back or HP-IB or some other always worked system.

As a side note, I think serial died because of the OS and not the hardware. Windoze likes to "own" everything and serial ports don't work well being owned and turned on and off whenever.

So I guess I agree with you but what is the answer? Maybe having the mount mfg's provide a serial/USB cable as part of their package and provide their own set of drivers based upon the mount requirements.

Ahh what do I know?

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Bobby - laptops and desktops for that matter stopped shipping with serial and ports some time ago - we all know this. You ask USB 'for what' - I assume you are kidding here...

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ummmm how about all your other computer periphs - you do use USB? I am not saying it is a requirement for data throughput to the mount, but really, I ask 'serial - what for?'

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Yes I do use USB for all my COMPUTER peripherals but the last time I looked my mount wasn't considered a desktop peripheral Why serial you ask? Maybe it's the ease of programming for it. Not needing a driver for it. Unequaled compatibility. Not hampered by 12' cables and the need for expensive repeater cables.

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Just curious as you must purchase something extra to get any 'modern' computer to talk to these mounts... not as if it would be a brain breaker to have included it (USB -even slow USB) in design cycle, at least for computer connection... And of course it is not included and last I looked was abs ridiculous expensive to buy the dongle from Chinestron... (thankfully others have this for sale far cheaper with Vista drivers) and then there's the Vista issue with the drivers... this isn't a MS issue or a computer manufacturer issue, it is a mount manufacturer issue.

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Personally, if we move away from Serial, I'd go for Ethernet.

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Hah! I was considering dropping my on this yesterday, but held off. Ethernet (i.e. 10/100-base-T) is certainly a great way to go. Sockets are pretty easy to program on any OS these days, and little net modules aren't all that expensive (though typically more than the cost of a USB to serial adapter, on whichever side of the cable you choose). At any rate, it would definitely resolve some of the concerns related to USB drivers, although it might require a bit more savvy for those connecting to it, especially if they have to switch between that and a normal network connection. Still, longer cable lengths, locking cords, etc. would address a number of the other complaints mentioned as well. Of course once you take that step, why not just embed Wi-Fi?!!

Beo

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The CGE is still offered. It will likely be discontinued, as the CGE Pro has succeeded it.

Since it has been succeeded, it's a good year to pick up the CGE. I've heard of them bieng sold for less than 2500.

We will support the mount for years after it is discontinued.

Clear skies,
Name removed
Celestron Technical Support

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As far as the "dongles" go I assume you mean a serial to USB cable? I paid $9 for mine and it worked fine. Than again, I satyed away from the "Kool Aid" and never went to Vista. XPPro works perfectly fine for me.

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I've got two dongles that work fine in Vista and Win7. One won't work with the CGE for upgrades, or for the programming cable, but that is the dongle's fault. Both work great on the Mac via Starry Night to control the CGE as well.

As for the topic...

While I am sad that this means the G11 is now alone in its class, I've been very pleased with the CGE so far. The one I got will probably be kept around until it dies.

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I sent an email to Celestron to get a straight answer about the future of the CGE.

I got this email:

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The CGE is still offered. It will likely be discontinued, as the CGE Pro has succeeded it.
Since it has been succeeded, it's a good year to pick up the CGE. I've heard of them bieng sold for less than 2500.
We will support the mount for years after it is discontinued.
Clear skies,
Name removed
Celestron Technical Support

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There it is direct from Celestron. The CGE does not have a extended future in Celstron's lineup. So a great time to get some great prices on the CGE and C will continue to support it.

So the speculation is over and there will not be a change to the CGE to update the mount.

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Actually, that isn't an answer at all! With the qualifying words, "...will likely be discontinued..." the person that answered the question has provided ample wiggle-room so that anything that happens is covered. Now, if they'd said "...is definitely discontinued..." then you'd have a definite answer. But they didn't say that. We're right back to where we were, in my opinion.

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