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Pages: 1 hamdul super member Reged: 06/23/09 Loc: Litchfield NH, USA Curioue regarding HC       #5632177 - 01/19/13 08:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As a strong believer in the old adage, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" I'm a little more than curious about those who have "Upgraded their HC?" When I first got my 8SE I had what eventually turned out to be the normal problems getting the Go To to work properly. Of course like most newbies I thought that upgrading my HC would take care of them. Fortunately I was warned before I did any thing to the HC and from what I've read on this forum all I can say is "Thank God" Tel and others were a great help getting me on the right path. While I still have a few quirks I'm sure they will work out as time goes by. But back to my original question. I'd like to know who has upgraded their HC and been succesfull? Also, if succesfull what ailments did it cure, or were any benefits noticeable? Fred Post Extras:       Midnight Dan Postmaster Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Hilton, NY, Yellow Zone (Bortl... Re: Curioue regarding HC [Re: hamdul]       #5632198 - 01/19/13 08:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I think most people who upgraded their handsets have been successful. However, I was not. After having my scope for less than a year, I updated the handset and motor controller firmware and made my handset unusable. I had to send it in to Celestron (under warranty) and get it fixed and returned. Took a couple of months out of my observing season and to be honest, I didn't see anything change after the upgrade. I think Bob has the right idea. Unless you really need some new feature or bug fix, don't risk a firmware update. -Dan Post Extras:       herrointment Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/12/11 Loc: North of Hwy. 64 Re: Curioue regarding HC [Re: Midnight Dan]       #5632746 - 01/20/13 08:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   If your HC locks up with a "no response 16/17" or "transmit data" reflashing/upgrading the firmware may be required if cycling the power or resetting to factory settings fail to resolve the situation. Agree about leaving it alone if it's working although I personally find this mindset unnatural. Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Curioue regarding HC [Re: herrointment]       #5632839 - 01/20/13 09:51 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Fred, While, as you know, I subscribe to the "Leave it alone brigade", I'm intrigued to learn what the "Quirks", you mention, might be. (?) Maybe we can help you overcome them ? Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       RTLR 12 Post Laureate Reged: 12/04/08 Loc: Capistrano Beach, Ca Re: Curioue regarding HC [Re: Tel]       #5632945 - 01/20/13 10:46 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have upgraded my SE mount MC and HC firmware a few times since it was purchased in '08. I haven't had any issues in doing so and haven't notice that much of an improvement in the performance of the controller or the mount. I have also upgraded my 4 EQ mounts numerous times and there has been a great deal of improvement there. I have done upgrades for others at star parties and outreach and have never had a problem with the HC, MC, or CFM firmware programs. I paid the extra bit of money and purchased the Celestron USB to RS232 converter cable rather than one of the cheaper alternatives. Stan Post Extras:       Bob Griffiths Getting Grouchy Reged: 10/10/05 Loc: Frederick Maryland Re: Curioue regarding HC [Re: RTLR 12]       #5633143 - 01/20/13 12:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have up-dated my HC several times... My first SkyAlign HC was version 4.00(?) Never had a problem...I currently am running 4.13 in both my 8i and my CPC1100 ... NONE of the individual updates Improved performance..accuracy or tracking ... They all fixed minor bugs ... I'm at 4.13 because that one fixed a "little" problem with the cord warp function I guess it worked because I normally run without the cordwrap turned on anyway IF I ran on a Gem mount or used a wedge..I would up=date to version 4.18 I think that version makes Polar aligning a little easier but since I run on Alt/Azm mounts I have no need for that update either... It not only has to be broke for me to update but it also has to be of some BIG or VERY useful advantage for me to do it... Bob G. Post Extras:       Bob Griffiths Getting Grouchy Reged: 10/10/05 Loc: Frederick Maryland Re: Curioue regarding HC *DELETED* [Re: RTLR 12]       #5633146 - 01/20/13 12:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Post deleted by WaterMaster as it was a copy of the above post. Edited by WaterMaster (01/21/13 11:11 AM) Post Extras:       hopskipson professor emeritus Reged: 06/24/10 Loc: Queens, New Yawk, Light pollut... Re: Curioue regarding HC [Re: Bob Griffiths]       #5633388 - 01/20/13 03:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Bob, I think I have dejavu because it's too early for Groundhog's day! I've only updated my cgem after it had developed some below the horizon slews during polar alignment. The update fixed the problem and it's running fine. Post Extras:       Pages: 1

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