206 replies to this topic

[Martin7]

Here is a pict of the CFM screen on MacOS after the update.

 

Edited by Martin7, 24 April 2024 - 01:53 PM.

[DaveBolton]

How I wish I had found this thread a week ago, although I pretty much remembered CFM from my Evolution 8 that I had five years or more ago. Since then that first Evo had long since gone and three 10" Dobs have come and gone too along with all my astro equipment. But, as is the way with these things, a robot scope, the Vaonis Classic, rekindled the fire and last week I got myself a second user Evo 9.25 in immaculate condition, but no warranty.

 

I also got a motor focus drive and on fitting that found that the firmware for the Nexstar+ HC and the StarSence HC were both a step behind the minimum required for the focuser to work. The Evo itself also had out of date firmware.

 

I began the update at 9.30am and on first run-through on wifi I saw a 'file corrupted' message flash briefly on screen and found my Nexstar+ HC seemed to be bricked with two rows of squares visible instead of the expected words. Nothing I could do would change that, but I still had the StarSence HC, until soon after that also bricked, although StarSence itself had successfully updated, which gave me hope that I was doing things correctly. The Evo itself though refused to update at all even though CFM told me there was an update and it had found and downloaded it, so I persisted. Then the Evo stopped broadcasting its wifi signal and declined to be turned off. I reverted to a wired link but the next message from CFM was that the Evo itself now had corrupted files! Things had gone as bad as it was possible to get and I was getting nowhere. CFM though was displaying that happy message that all my files were up to date, which didn't help me in the slightest! I was by now pretty frazzled but finally I found another thread here on CN from 2019 (thanks member Ventner!) that mentions a reset button on the Evo. I never knew it had one but more in hope than expectation I pressed it, got the wifi back up, got the Evo up and running again and then both hand controllers were reborn. By 5.30 I had everything updated and working and the motor focuser performing.

 

Eight hours of intense struggle during which I all but physically collapsed, but it eventually all came right.

[mlord]

Congratulations.

 

For others who may find this thread, the mistake above was using the Evo WiFi to do the updates.  Old versions of Evo firmware have WiFi bugs that can sometimes lead to CFM failures.  So always update the mount over a wired (hand-controller) connection first, unless you know this has already been done at least once in the past.  After that, the WiFi is reliable enough.

[derikd]

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

Wha.... Becareful!

If you are getting an "old package" error, that is a problem with the website and we should FOR SURE fix it.  Contact Tech support right away.  I promise we will get it fixed in a day (2 at the most).  I will double check to make sure that isn't still happening later today.

The reason you see stuff like "old package' is because CFM is updated periodically to address new versions of the hardware.   We always make our new firmware compatible with older hardware, but we can't always install old versions of the firmware on new versions of the hardware.   CFM is changed to make sure you don't make this error.  This requires that we update the minimum required firmware to make sure it backwards (and forwards) compatible.   If you load an old version of CFM with an old version of the firmware on a new version of the hardware you could brick your hardware.

[mlord]

The "Old Package" error has been happening ever since that release came out, and nobody at your end (Celestron) has shown any interest in fixing it properly.

Edited by mlord, 21 May 2024 - 03:59 PM.

[elwaine]

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 Johnnydecimal. I followed your instructions but still no luck updating firmware from my M1 iMac. 

 

Latest Java installed.

Prolific (PL2303Serial) installed without a hitch

Downloaded latest CFM (2.9.4104) 

 

Before attaching USB cable, and hitting Celestron logo + #7, message reads, "Boot Loader Serial User Keypad Entry"

 

Serial cable from my iMac to the HC connected.

 

CFM opened. Within a few seconds it supposedly downloaded all packages.

Seeking compatible telescopes ran for about a minute then reported: CFM was unable to find a device. and also the following error message:

CFM detected serial ports on your PC but found no devices attached to them.

Your telescope may not be connected properly. This connection assistant will help you connect your telescope to your PC.

 

I'm hoping my C to Mini USB cable is at fault, especially since I had to use an adapter on the front end to convert USB A to C in order to attach it to my iMac. New cable ordered.

Edited by elwaine, 14 October 2024 - 12:18 PM.

[elwaine]

New computer cable obtained. Using a relatively new iMac with an M1 chip, I still can’t update firmware for my EVO mount, StarSense HC, SSAA, Nexstar+ HC, or SSAG. Any suggestions short of buying a Windows PC?

TIA

[mlord]

What firmware version is already on the Evo mount?  The HC will tell you this.

[elwaine]

What firmware version is already on the Evo mount?  The HC will tell you this.

My Evolution mount is using Firmware 7.17.0098. 

I believe the latest version is 7.18.2214

 

My StarSense HC has version 01.22.22187

My Nexstar+ HC uses version 5.35.3177

 

Larry

[mlord]

My Evolution mount is using Firmware 7.17.0098. 

Okay, that version is new enough to already include the WiFi/CFM bug-fixes.  So an option for you is to use DirectConnect from your Apple computer to the Evolution's SSID, and then run CFM over WiFi.

 

Cheers

[elwaine]

Thanks, Mark.

 

I turned on my mount. Set my iMac WiFi to the Celestron channel. (Good signal.) Booted up CFM and got the following Message:

"Can not find download directory:http://software.cele...dates/CFM/SLT/" *

 

I shut down the mount. I went into "Connections" under the CFM Options menu, and set the CFM on WiFi instead of cable. I then turned the mount back on, holding down the logo and #7 keys to get the HC to read BOOT LOADER. I then re-booted the CFM only to get the same error message about not finding the Celestron directory.

 

*(the above error message read "...celestron.com/updates/CFM/SLT)

 

Larry

Edited by elwaine, 15 October 2024 - 07:37 AM.

[mlord]

Ah..  So your Apple device uses only WiFi for internet.

 

Okay, just connect your Apple device to the home internet, run CFM once to allow it to update its packages, and just CANCEL out of any prompts for connecting to the mount.  Once it is idle, go to the CFM Options menu, and select "Work Offline".  Quit from CFM.

 

Now try the WiFi thing again with your mount. 

Edited by mlord, 15 October 2024 - 07:43 AM.

[elwaine]

I just tried it again and it seemed to work! I will have to confirm by checking the firmware version numbers but will have to do that later today.

 

Larry

[elwaine]

Ah..  So your Apple device uses only WiFi for internet.

 

Okay, just connect your Apple device to the home internet, run CFM once to allow it to update its packages, and just CANCEL out of any prompts for connecting to the mount.  Once it is idle, go to the CFM Options menu, and select "Work Offline".  Quit from CFM.

 

Now try the WiFi thing again with your mount. 

 

Hey Buddy, thank you for sticking with this. Here's the latest:

 

I was able to successfully update the firmware on my Evo mount, both HCs, and the SSAA. But I am still stuck with not being able to update the firmware on my SSAG. (Currently at 35.10.30, and I need 35.10.32.)

Following your suggestions, I was able to get the CFW to detect the mount and the SSAG.

But no matter how many times I tried to update the firmware for the SSAG, it would only load part of the package and then report an error message. The most it would update was 18% before reporting an error. -- I even tried deleting the SSAG package that the CFM downloaded and replaced it with a copy that I downloaded directly from the Celestron website. It neither helped nor hindered. -- So I am stuck.

 

Edited by elwaine, 15 October 2024 - 05:39 PM.

[mlord]

I am still stuck with not being able to update the firmware on my SSAG.

 

Here's a link to the product manual.  READ IT!!

https://celestron-si...5_Languages.pdf

 

See "Section 10" on page 11.

The firmware file is linked from the product page, here:  https://www.celestro...pport-downloads

[elwaine]

Here's a link to the product manual.  READ IT!!

https://celestron-si...5_Languages.pdf

 

See "Section 10" on page 11.

The firmware file is linked from the product page, here:  https://www.celestro...pport-downloads

Mark, We are going around in circles. I have read the typeface off of that manual and did so many days ago… before seeking help in this forum.

 

#10, on Page 11 of the SSAG manual says the alternate route, via USB cable without the CFM requires a PC, and directs one to download two files which require the use if a Windows PC. As I have stated, I have an iMac with an M1 chip. The two downloads needed are:
StarSense Autoguider Firmware for Updating via USB-C (contains an swu file which a Mac can't open)
StarSense Autoguider Windows Driver (a file folder containing 3 files that require a PC and will not run on a mac.)
 

And finally, entering http://169.254.54.1 in my web browser (Safari or FireFox) as instructed in the manual does nothing cannot connect with that site. 

[mlord]

Did you follow the instruction to connect the camera to your computer first? No need for a mount connection, and there should be no need to install any drivers

It works fine with Linux, so I expect it to also work with Apple stuff. Usually it's only Windows users who are forced to hunt for and install extra drivers.

The camera will show up as a plug-and-play network interface. Find it in the network settings and tell the iFruit to connect. Then try the given URL for the camera's built-in web interface.

The .swu firmware file is not something one can click on and run. Just download and save it. Then in the SSAG web interface there's a place to click to install it on the camera.

Edited by mlord, 16 October 2024 - 05:49 AM.

[elwaine]

I'm about ready to give up. 

 

I did connect the SSAG directly to my iMac via a C to C serial cable. The SSAG "info ring" lit, indicating it was receiving power. It also opened a browser with http://169.254.54.1 in the window, but my iMac would not open that site: not with Safari and not with FireFox. In Network Settings, there is nothing that even recognizes the SSAG's internal WiFi. There was nothing I could over ride.

I went back and tried to install the SSAG update via CFM and WiFi (as per my efforts yesterday). It loaded 44% of the file and then reported an error in not being able to upload the file.

 

I've had intermittent WiFi drop outs with the EVO mount and would have bought one of your HB3 devices, but again, I have a Mac and not a PC. Anyway, I monitored the WiFi connection from the mount and the signal was strong. It did not drop.

 

It's odd that the CFM/WiFi worked for two HCs, my mount, and my SSAA, but not for the SSAG.

 

Larry

[mlord]

The HBG3 cannot be used for firmware updates (difficult for me to test, so it doesn't work), so don't consider that as an option.

 

Strange that your Apple device doesn't report a network adapter -- it takes 10-15 seconds to show up after plug-in:

 

[183705.721425] hub_port_init: device speed=3
[183705.721433] usb 3-1.3: new high-speed USB device number 9 using xhci_hcd
[183705.823648] usb 3-1.3: New USB device found, idVendor=0525, idProduct=a4a2, bcdDevice= 5.04
[183705.823654] usb 3-1.3: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
[183705.823659] usb 3-1.3: Product: StarSenseAG-169.254.54.1
[183705.823662] usb 3-1.3: Manufacturer: StarSenseAG
[183705.823665] usb 3-1.3: SerialNumber: SSG-EEK-XXX
[183705.828260] cdc_eem 3-1.3:1.0 usb0: register 'cdc_eem' at usb-0000:39:00.0-1.3, CDC EEM Device, aa:87:b8:6c:4b:9f
[183705.857933] cdc_eem 3-1.3:1.0 ssag: renamed from usb0

 

That's a bog-standard USB CDC EEM network device, which is supposed to be plug-and-play on any modern operating system (except perhaps MS-Windows) .  Apple had support for those way back in 2012.

 

EDIT:  See here:  https://www.segger.c.../cdc-ecm-class/

Support in MacOS since version 10.2 (Tiger).  So maybe there's just manual step needed somewhere to actually "activate" the new network device there.

Edited by mlord, 16 October 2024 - 03:24 PM.

[elwaine]

Apple is funny that way. They see the world as being one big apple and everything else as worms seeking to attack it. 

[mlord]

It should work.  But I don't have an iFruit to try it on.

 

That said, it's easy enough to do on any Linux machine, and not much harder on a MS-Windows box.  So hunt down a friend to use their system for a few minutes.  No mount required, just the USB connection.

[elwaine]

It should work.  But I don't have an iFruit to try it on.

 

That said, it's easy enough to do on any Linux machine, and not much harder on a MS-Windows box.  So hunt down a friend to use their system for a few minutes.  No mount required, just the USB connection.

 

Will do.

It's people like you, who are willing to share their knowledge, that makes Cloudy Nights the worthwhile forum that it is. Thanks again..

 

Larry

[elwaine]

It should work.  But I don't have an iFruit to try it on.

 

That said, it's easy enough to do on any Linux machine, and not much harder on a MS-Windows box.  So hunt down a friend to use their system for a few minutes.  No mount required, just the USB connection.

Hi Mark,

 

I found the solution to the problem. Just spoke with Celestron Support. They said that the firmware on the SSAG needs to be updated to the latest version (35.10.32) in order to work properly. The ONLY way to update the firmware on the SSAG is via direct connection between the SSAG and a Windows PC. It cannot be done using a Mac. Furthermore, using the CFM to update the SSAG is NOT recommended because the CFM can cause a lot to trouble with the SSAG.

 

The SSAG instruction the Manual is incorrect. It should not read "Alternately, you can update SSAG’s software directly via USB." According to Celestron Tech Support, that is not an alternate route. It is the only route that should be used. The rest of the instructions are accurate and clear.

 

Thanks again for all your help. Even though my attempts to update the firmware using my iMac failed, you taught me a lot and I am grateful.

 

Larry

[mlord]

I upgraded my SSAG over USB/network directly from my Linux box, using the SSAG Web interface.

No issues.

[elwaine]

Linux is not MacOS. I will download UTM so that I will be able to run both operating systems on my Mac.