206 replies to this topic

[Ice Cube]

you might need a slightly older version of CFM than 2.9.3170 to do the update of the HC.

the latest version kicks an 'old package' error when trying to update the StarSense HC.

 

2.7.9144 (found at the software.celestron.com) will work

 

don't forget to install the prolific PL2303 driver (from the apple app store) before running CFM from java

[BMWalla]

Apologies if this is elsewhere on the forum, but I cannot get the CFM.jar file to launch at all.

 

- I've downloaded the JRE and the JDK.

 

- in terminal, 

java -version

 spits out:

java version "21" 2023-09-19 LTS
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 21+35-LTS-2513)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 21+35-LTS-2513, mixed mode, sharing)

- If I point to the file through terminal it just gives me the message that 'Could not create Java Virtual Machine.'

 

I'm on a 2020 M1 w/16gb RAM, Mac Ventura 13.4.

[mlord]

java  -jar  CFM.jar

[BMWalla]

java  -jar  CFM.jar

Thank you for the quick reply. But when I run it this way through terminal, it spits this message out—

Unrecognized option: -jar/Users/xxxxx/Desktop/CFM_2.9.3260/CFM.jar
Error: Could not create the Java Virtual Machine.
Error: A fatal exception has occurred. Program will exit.

Any ideas?

[mlord]

Any ideas?

Read every post in this thread.  The answer is in there somewhere.  Others have managed it, you can too!

[johnnydecimal]

Any ideas?

1. On an M1 Mac, make sure you 'download the ARM64 version of the JRE'. This isn't the big green button at https://www.java.com/en/download/, it's a link in the paragraph below.

 

2. Install the package, which is currently `Java 8 Update 381`.

 

3. Close any open Terminal windows, get yourself a fresh window.

 

4. `java -version` for me shows:

java version "1.8.0_381"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_381-b09)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.381-b09, mixed mode)

5. `java -jar CFM.jar` then launches the Celestron applet. I see the splash screen. It then immediately crashes for me but I don't have my scope plugged in.

 

At least that's further than you're getting, give that a try. I suggest removing your current Java install, the version numbers don't match up with mine.

Edited by johnnydecimal, 09 October 2023 - 04:52 PM.

[BMWalla]

1. On an M1 Mac, make sure you 'download the ARM64 version of the JRE'. This isn't the big green button at https://www.java.com/en/download/, it's a link in the paragraph below.

 

2. Install the package, which is currently `Java 8 Update 381`.

 

3. Close any open Terminal windows, get yourself a fresh window.

 

4. `java -version` for me shows:

java version "1.8.0_381"
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.8.0_381-b09)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 25.381-b09, mixed mode)

5. `java -jar CFM.jar` then launches the Celestron applet. I see the splash screen. It then immediately crashes for me but I don't have my scope plugged in.

 

At least that's further than you're getting, give that a try. I suggest removing your current Java install, the version numbers don't match up with mine.

Thank you for this info. I actually got a little further using the information in this thread here - https://www.cloudyni...acs/?p=12993389

 

The problem is now that it won't point to the correct library. Hopefully someone on that thread can point us in the right direction. 

 

- I followed the steps described in post #17 on that thread, outlined here:

This was solved for me (M1 MacBook) by ensuring I was running Java 8. One way to do this is to first install Homebrew (see And then:
brew install --cask temurin
brew tap homebrew/cask-versions
brew install --cask temurin8
export JAVA_HOME=$(/usr/libexec/java_home -v1.8)
java -jar CFM.jar

 

So I get the splash screen, but it always gets terminated before it fully loads.

[Ice Cube]

Apologies if this is elsewhere on the forum, but I cannot get the CFM.jar file to launch at all.

 

- I've downloaded the JRE and the JDK.

 

- in terminal, 

java -version

 spits out:

java version "21" 2023-09-19 LTS
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 21+35-LTS-2513)
Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 21+35-LTS-2513, mixed mode, sharing)

- If I point to the file through terminal it just gives me the message that 'Could not create Java Virtual Machine.'

 

I'm on a 2020 M1 w/16gb RAM, Mac Ventura 13.4.

did you install the prolific_2303 serial driver?

if not, grab it directly from the apple app store

 

then java -jar CFM.jar

[Donacton]

I too have had issues updating my evolution 8. Having followed this topic and spending all day yesterday to no avail I was somewhat discouraged. On a whim I tried to update my Apple operating system to Sonoma, it just came out yesterday. I tried to connect with the Celestron download manager and unlike yesterday, it went right through. I was able to load the file and unzip the application and update my evo  8. No problem, hope this helps.

 

Don

[mob21]

Wow.  I know this post is years old but man did you help me!  I have M1 and M2 Macs running MacOS 14.  I downloaded the Microsoft JDK 21 x64 for Java and then the Celestron CFM package and boom! It worked!.  I was able to update both my AVX mount, the Nexstar+ controller, and the Starsense Autoguider following your instructions.  Thank you!

[johnnydecimal]

This here is the very best of the internet. It's what they imagined it would be when they invented it. 

[NoCloudyBeer]

New Celestron owner here.  Tried to update firmware, but totally incredibly jenky.  So jenky that I actually think far lower of Celestron and am considering returning items.

 

1.  On a Mac.  Have to install Java?  No, no, no...Java is way obsolete and is known to be a huge security risk with many exploits.  No reputable software is still Java-based.  This is a huge black-mark that Celestron requires Java.

 

2.  Risked it, and installed Java.  CFM crashed.  So, even if I install Java, the process is still jenky.  The jenkiest in a year...wow is Celestron archaic.  Immediately uninstalled Java.

 

We are all surrounded by hundreds of items that occasionally need firmware updating...this is 2024, it happens in the background, reliably, without user intervention...unless you are Celestron using 15-year software tech, I suppose.

 

I believe in voting with your feet...so I will be returning, and I want the world to know: Celestron == Java (and buggy at that).

[mlord]

No reputable software is still Java-based. 

Practically all smartphone software is Java-based.

And having CFM done in Java means it works on nearly all platforms without need for customized versions for each.

[johnnydecimal]

1.  On a Mac.  Have to install Java?  No, no, no...Java is way obsolete

It’s the 4th most popular programming language, sitting above JavaScript upon which the entire web depends and way above PHP, in which this forum software is certainly written. No more forum for you!

 

https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/

 

https://www.itpro.co...t-lists-in-2024

 

Look, I don’t love it any more than you do. But you’ve got a great ‘scope there. Get the software, update the thing, uninstall the software, and enjoy it for decades.

[NoCloudyBeer]

Practically all smartphone software is Java-based.

And having CFM done in Java means it works on nearly all platforms without need for customized versions for each.

"no JVM running on the iPhone. This means that the only way you have to develop apps for iPhone in Java is to have a compiler that will compile your java code down to Objective-C code."

 

Original vision for Java was, yes, to have code have complete hardware independence.  Java's vision was shot to hell in 2010 when Oracle/Larry Ellison bought Sun.  Apple hasn't supported Java since 2011, if memory serves.  

 

So, for half of the US phone market (the best half), and 10% (?) of the world's PC's, Java is not officially supported.

 

Oh and don't forget about the 700,000 JVM's (JREs?) that were infected with a trojan horse around the same time.

[NoCloudyBeer]

It’s the 4th most popular programming language, sitting above JavaScript upon which the entire web depends and way above PHP, in which this forum software is certainly written. No more forum for you!

 

https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/

 

https://www.itpro.co...t-lists-in-2024

 

Look, I don’t love it any more than you do. But you’ve got a great ‘scope there. Get the software, update the thing, uninstall the software, and enjoy it for decades.

Wow!  I'm shocked!  I had no idea of the volume of JS programmers!  I was wrong!

 

Anyway great post, especially the last line.  It motivated me to spend another half-day trying to "update the thing".  I probably have 15 hours in this just trying to update drivers, without any success (on an M1 Mac).  I want to look at stars, not spend my life upgrading through obsolete hardwares (RS232?  Really?) and softwares (RS232 driver that hasn't been updated since M1...)

 

Unless Celestron gets back to me today, I'll be boxing up the scope this weekend and returning it.  

 

A few days ago I was truly excited about my new telescope.  Now, I'm completely frustrated with it.  I clearly do not want to spend my life struggling to update drivers.  If that's what it takes, then this hobby is not for me.  

 

Unless something changes in a hurry, no more Celestron for me.

[Rac19]

 (RS232?  Really?)

It's hard to believe that Celestron is so slow to move on from RS232.. Even the newer Handle Controller, with a Mini USB port, has a built in Prolific RS232 to USB converter (also ancient), to hide the ugliness.

[mlord]

It's asynchronous serial, not RS-232.  Async serial is a very easy and inexpensive thing to implement in both hardware and software, so it is extremely popular in the embedded systems space -- which is where the hand-controllers and mounts fit.  Tons of very state-of-the-art devices have async serial ports for debug and bring up, as well as for firmware updates.

 

It is definitely not out of place yet! 

[KJR]

I just got a new MacBook Pro M3 14" with Sonoma 14.4. I downloaded the Prolific driver from the App Store and restarted, installed Java version for ARM and the latest CFM.

 

When I try to start CFM.jar via the Terminal the CFW window pops up but then it crashes.

 

Anyone having the same issue on a M3 with Sonoma?

 

I still have it installed on my 2015 MacBook Pro Intel version and it works. I can start CFM and it states no device, plug in the USB cable and it finds my handset.

 

 

Celestron Firmware Manager Debugging file.
Cause: Unexpected Termination
Welcome to CFM.

16:55:58.583_000.000.031_CFM Version: 2.9.3260
16:55:58.584_000.000.182_Computer's locale: en_US
16:55:58.584_000.000.200_Operating System: Mac OS X
16:55:58.584_000.000.204_OS version: 14.4

16:55:58.584_000.000.207_Testing permission to local HDD.  creating tempDir
16:55:58.584_000.000.387_The tempDir was succfully created and deleted.
16:55:58.611_000.028.077_MasterTask Terminated by Exception: java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: Can't load library: /var/folders/pf/0bcfjlvd32j9c3fj99qr1z8c0000gn/T/jna-1142648991/jna6933917940687225933.tmp
16:55:58.612_000.028.417_java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: Can't load library: /var/folders/pf/0bcfjlvd32j9c3fj99qr1z8c0000gn/T/jna-1142648991/jna6933917940687225933.tmp
at java.lang.ClassLoader.loadLibrary(ClassLoader.java:1823)
at java.lang.Runtime.load0(Runtime.java:782)
at java.lang.System.load(System.java:1098)
at com.sun.jna.Native.loadNativeDispatchLibraryFromClasspath(Native.java:761)
at com.sun.jna.Native.loadNativeDispatchLibrary(Native.java:736)
at com.sun.jna.Native.<clinit>(Native.java:131)
at jtermios.macosx.JTermiosImpl.<clinit>(JTermiosImpl.java:55)
at jtermios.JTermios.<clinit>(JTermios.java:317)
at purejavacomm.CommPortIdentifier$1.<init>(CommPortIdentifier.java:200)
at purejavacomm.CommPortIdentifier.getPortIdentifiers(CommPortIdentifier.java:193)
at cfm.link.SerialLink.buildPortalList(SerialLink.java:668)
at cfm.link.SerialLink.<init>(SerialLink.java:71)
at cfm.DeviceController.<init>(DeviceController.java:84)
at cfm.DeviceController.<clinit>(DeviceController.java:33)
at cfm.MasterTask.run(MasterTask.java:316)
at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:750)

16:56:05.065_006.481.321_SAVING DEBUG INFORMATION
Welcome to

Celestron Firmware Manager

Thanks

Edited by KJR, 23 March 2024 - 07:02 PM.

[johnnydecimal]

Time for me to update my previous post! I just tested this on an M1 MacBook Air with a Celestron 6SE, last updated in 2020, and it worked. This Mac has not previously had any of this software installed.

 

 

My technology

• 2020 M1 MacBook Air, USB-C ports.
• Sonoma 14.4 (the latest, as of writing).
• Plain old USB-A to USB-mini cable, plus Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter.
• Celestron 6SE.

 

Steps for success – follow them exactly!

 

1. Install the Prolific driver

• PL2303 Serial from the App Store.
• https://apps.apple.c...624835354?mt=12

 

2. Open the PL2302 Serial app that you just installed

• A popup will appear: System Extension Blocked.
• Click Open System Settings.
• Settings should open to Privacy & Security.
• Find the Allow button next to System software from application “PL2303 Serial” was blocked from loading and click it.
• Authenticate with your Touch ID or password.
• The PL2302 app now has a window telling you how to uninstall it. Quit the app. You won’t need to launch it again (but don't uninstall it).

 

3. Install Java

• I tested this with the ARM version of Java for Mx Apple Silicon Macs and it does not work.
  • They might fix future versions: I tried with Java 8 Update 401.
  • The error that appears (in Terminal, when you try to launch CFM) is java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: Can't load library: /var/folders/zz/zyxvpxvq6csfxvn_n0000000000000/T/jna-3506402/jna6608500860578415239.tmp. Just for future reference.
• Go to https://www.java.com/en/download/ and download Java for macOS Intel regardless of the chip inside your computer.
• In your Downloads folder, find the installer that looks like jre-8u401-macosx-x64.dmg.
  • (From here on, all version numbers may be different to mine. I won’t keep noting this.)
• Open it. A window will appear with Java 8 Update 401. Open this installer.
• You’ll be warned that this is an app from the internet. Click Open.
• The Java installer will launch. Click Install and enter your password.
• On Sonoma you’ll see notifications that Background Items [were] Added. Close them.
• Java will tell you it has successfully installed. Click Close.

 

4. Download Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM)

• From this page: https://www.celestro...rs-and-software
• Or this appears to be a direct link: https://software.cel...release/CFM.zip
• It comes as a .zip, which should decompress itself in your Downloads folder. If not, double-click it to do that.
• You should now have a folder CFM_2.9.3260 in your Downloads folder. (Or similar.)

 

5. Run CFM

 

Try this the first way first. If it doesn’t work, try the second method.

• Navigate to the CFM_2.9.3260 folder in your Downloads folder.
• Right-click CFM.jar and select Open.
  • Double-clicking the file will show you a warning and will not work.
• When prompted to open the scary file from an untrusted developer, click Open.

If that didn’t work:

• Launch Terminal.
• Navigate to the place where CFM.jar is located. For me the file was still in my Downloads folder, so this did it:
  • cd ~/Downloads/CFM_2.9.3260
  • Note that you can type cd ~/Downloads/CFM and then press the Tab key to complete the rest of the path regardless of version number.
• Now run the Java file with this command:
  • java -jar CFM.jar
• This assumes that the file name doesn't change from CFM.jar. Update accordingly if it does.

For either method:

• Bingo! CFM launches and does a bunch of updates and downloads. Wait for it to finish, at which point...
• ...it will complain that it didn’t detect a device. Quit CFM.

 

6. Connect your 'scope

• Do not connect the USB cable yet. It will deliver power to the controller and the next step won’t work. Your controller’s screen needs to be FULLY OFF.
  • You should also remove any AA batteries. Use AC power for this.
• Holding down the Celestron logo + number 7 buttons on the controller, power the device on.
• The screen should say BOOT LOADER Serial.

 

7. Perform the firmware update.

• Plug in your USB cable.
  • Your Mac may prompt you to Allow accessory to connect?
  • Click Allow.
• Launch CFM.jar.
  • Note that you should be able to double-click CFM.jar this time; you only need to do the right-click-to-open trick the first time.
• It should detect your ’scope. Mine took a full minute to gather all of the information that it needed before...
  • …the Update button becomes active. Click Update!
• Step back! Touch nothing. Seriously, put your hands up like someone’s pointing a gun at you.
  • The first time I did this CFM told me that my device had corrupted memory.
  • But I had clicked away to type up this note. I tried again and it worked. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • So I really suggest you just step back and let it do its thing.
• After a few minutes — mine installed 11 packages — All your devices are up to date. :-)

 

Clear skies, all. 

Edited by johnnydecimal, 23 March 2024 - 08:58 PM.

[KJR]

Thank you for your quick response.

 

I didn't think of trying the Intel version of Java. I uninstalled the ARM version using the ARM installer. At that splash screen it shows a button to uninstall. I installed the Intel version. I clicked on the CFM.jar file and it opened up fine. Didn't have the the mount connected but as soon as I connected the USB cable from the hand controller it connected.

 

Before I read your reply I also downloaded CFM and Java on to my Windows 11 miniPC that I use for NINA. It works also.

 

So now I have all three of my machines working to install Celestron firmware updates.

 

KJR

[johnnydecimal]

3. Install Java

• I tested this with the ARM version of Java for Mx Apple Silicon Macs and it does not work.

Update: apparently macOS 14.4.1 and 13.6.6 (2024-03-26) fix this Java issue. So the ARM build of Java should start to work.

 

I haven't tested this myself. But it was a well known issue that is specifically noted as being resolved.

 

Note that the Intel build of Java works just fine, so it doesn't really matter. It's not like we need native performance for the one time we update our 'scope firmware.

[CraigB1960]

Update: apparently macOS 14.4.1 and 13.6.6 (2024-03-26) fix this Java issue. So the ARM build of Java should start to work.

 

I haven't tested this myself. But it was a well known issue that is specifically noted as being resolved.

 

Note that the Intel build of Java works just fine, so it doesn't really matter. It's not like we need native performance for the one time we update our 'scope firmware.

Thank you all for your help on this!

 

I just received a Celestron Nexstar 11 GPS XLT (CPC) yesterday and wanted to update the firmware.  I do not have a Windows laptop anymore, I run Parallels on my iMac (M1), which is not able run the software.  My laptop is a Airbook M2 and using a Celestron WFII Skyport was able to successfully update each CPC motor controllers to 5.23, not the HC though.  The HC is old style phone jack and is at 4.13 version.  I read where the newest firmware for the HC will allow for the CFM to wirelessly update it, so I decided to order a new NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL USB, AZ today.  I did not want to buy a cheap laptop just to update and my current controller will not play nice with both SkySafari Pro 7 or /SkyPortal.  The motor control will not work in one direction.  With it plugged works fine.

 

Between this thread and a YT video, the wireless update works great!   BTW, I got the Intel java working even though I am at MacOS 14.4.1 so I did not try the ARM build...leave a working solution alone!

[NoCloudyBeer]

Time for me to update my previous post! I just tested this on an M1 MacBook Air with a Celestron 6SE, last updated in 2020, and it worked. This Mac has not previously had any of this software installed.

....

JohnnyDecimal

 

First I want to thank you for your accurate and thorough post!  You helped me quite a bit and surely saved me hours and hours of time...and very likely just returning the whole shebang to Celestron.

 

I have had success updating everything per your excellent instructions.

 

Some notes:

 

M1 MacBook Pro with MacOS 14.4.1; I used the Java for Intel and did not try to the other

Following the instructions, CFM ran (a first!) and updated everything...EXCEPT the SSAG.

 

I got the file corrupted error.

 

I happened to notice on the hand control that its mode had changed from "boot mode" to "serial pass-through at rate xxx", I think it was 15kbs (?)

 

This led me to try to connect to the mount (AVX) through WiFi and bypass the hand control serial communication.  I had success connecting, and running CFM, but the communication rate to the SSAG was even slower, as evidenced by the slower progress of the CFM progress bar.

 

I tried updating the SSAG multiple times, and sometimes I would get the fail on 0%, but sometimes up to 10% or 20% or even 30% done.

 

So, I went away from WiFi and back to the Hand Control serial connection, and tried it a few times...I got failure after various %ages, but got lucky and after the say 8th time it worked!

 

I am happy that I have had success, but boy oh boy this is world-class jenkiness....shame on you Celestron!  My advice to any potential SSAG purchasers is to wait, this is not ready for primetime (at least if you are Mac-based).

 

Note: 

If connected to your scope via WiFi, as far as I could tell, you need to connect to your 'scope via an access point, and not directly, so that your laptop will still have access to the web so that you can download all the packages.  (Working "locally" in CFM did not work for me.).  This means that in CFM you'll have to change the IP address of your 'scope to whatever it is on your home network...likely allocated by DHCP.  (I gave my 'scope a fixed/reserved IP address).

 

Thanks JD and good luck everybody else!

 

Now let's hope that these updates eliminate some of the bugs I've been having...stay tuned

[Martin7]

Thanks for this thread, especially the post from @johnnydecimal with the step-by-step. I have a 9.25 Evolution purchased in 2015. Never tried a firmware update, haven't used the scope in over 2 years. I always found the included red dot star finder to move out of position or even fall off on occasion. Horrible design. I recently discovered the StarSense Autoalign and purchased it for my scope. I wanted to make sure all my devices were up to date with the latest firmware so that they work well with the latest versions of SkyPortal and SkySafari Pro 7. I always liked using the SkyPortal app and recently downloaded SkySafari Pro 7 with the sale during the solar eclipse.

 

The Evolution base needed updating, the hand controller and the StarSense/controller didn't need updates.

 

I have a 2020 M1 MacBook Air running the latest Sonoma 14.4.1 OS. I don't have the appropriate USB to serial cables and wanted to update over the built-in WiFi. After some trial and error, I got it working. You have to follow all the steps, exactly as listed, including installing the Prolific PL2303 Serial driver. Since I was updating over WiFi, I didn't think that serial driver was needed until it failed at first and I re-read some of this information. I also downloaded and used the Microsoft Java and not the Oracle Java.

 

My notes:

 

Double-clicking the CFM.jar app in the CFM folder worked for me. It updated to version CFM_2.9.4104, which is the title of the new folder. Opening first failed with Oracle Java, I switched to Microsoft Java and then it worked. I'm not saying Oracle Java will not work, I don't recall if I had the Prolific serial driver installed when I tried the Oracle Java.

 

To update firmware successfully over WiFi, I first opened the CFM app while my MacBook was on my home WiFi. It then downloaded and updated ALL the data files for all Celestron telescopes/accessories in a short period of time. So for WiFi updating, you don't need to change the IP address of your scope to your access point, as @NoCloudyBeer suggests above. (I wouldn't even know how to do that, lol). I connected directly to the telescope's built-in WiFi from my MacBook to perform the firmware update. To do that, you need to turn on your scope. Since you are updating firmware, go ahead and hold down the Celstron & 7 keys on the hand controller when you turn on your scope, so the hand controller screen says "boot loader," indicating it is ready for a firmware update. Then change your computer WiFi connection from your access point/router to the Scope's WiFi. Then in the CFM app, go to Options --> Connections ... --> change "Select Connection Type" from Serial to WiFi, then Default Port Settings I also selected WiFi. Then it takes a little time, a few minutes for me, for the CFM app to detect your scope and connected devices (StarSense/hand controller). Then the "Update" button becomes available to be selected, and the update was very quick, well under half a minute. The app then told me all my devices were updated. 

 

Again, big thanks for all the helpful information. Looking forward to aligning this Star Sense when I can get a clear sky.