206 replies to this topic

[Ice Cube]

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

was that from the first tier of support? or higher up?

[mlord]

Sounds like first level to me.  It's fairly obvious (to me) that CFM is not the way to go for a multi-megabyte firmware update.  The built-in Web Server of the SSAG is better suited.  All that one needs is to connect it via USB to a computer, and have the computer's OS support CDC-EE devices.  Linux does. MS-Win does after a driver load.  OS/X used-to or still partially does, but apparently not enough in the case discussed earlier here.

 

There is NOTHING specific about needing a Windows PC.  Just a system that can treat the SSAG as a network interface, and then run a web browser (I used FireFox).

[elwaine]

was that from the first tier of support? or higher up?

I didn't ask his pedigree. -- I called Celestron Support. Whoever it was that I spoke with was familiar with the problem. He said he had many complaints about updating the SSAG firmware on Macs and that another customer called with the same problem shortly before I called. He said the CFM should not be used and the direct serial link between computer and SSAG is the only way to go. The issue is not browser specific. It's the OS on which the browser runs that is at fault. As I already posted, FireFox did no better than Safari on my Mac (running v15.0.1). Neither browser was able to connect with the URL specified in the SSAG manual.

 

If you can get the SSAG firmware updated using a Mac, please let me know. Perhaps older version of the Mac OS can do the trick. The latest version won't let it happen.

 

I will soon get into Lunar and Planetary imaging so I will be getting a Windows laptop in a month or so... so even though I've downloaded UTM, I may wait until I get the new PC instead of running both Mac OS and Linux on my Mac.

Edited by elwaine, 18 October 2024 - 10:06 PM.

[mlord]

It's the OS on which the browser runs that is at fault. As I already posted, FireFox did no better than Safari on my Mac (running v15.0.1). Neither browser was able to connect with the URL specified in the SSAG manual.

It's not the OS, and any Web Browser would do.  That URL won't work unless the computer has first established a "network" connection to the SSAG over the USB CDC-EEM protocol.  So the only thing missing from your Mac, is a working USB CDC-EEM implementation.

 

The end-result from your point of view remains the same though -- your Mac is not configured to work correctly in this situation.

 

Heck, I'll bet even my ASUS router has a USB CDC-EEM implementation and would do the job!  Except I'm not going to try it, since pretty much every other computer in the office here can also do the trick, and my SSAG was already updated by one of them.

 

USB CDC-EEM Description:  https://www.usb.org/...s/CDC_EEM10.pdf

 

EDIT:  After more online research, it appears Apple once did have CDC-EEM support in MacOS, but removed it again at some point.  Leaving MacOS as the only significant operating system that lacks it now.  Bummer.

Edited by mlord, 19 October 2024 - 09:33 AM.

[astrobeast]

I have a NextSar V4 hand controller that I may need to update the software and am iOS limited.

 

Can I use this same process, or at least the Mac specific part to accomplish this?

 

Thanks

[mlord]

I have a NextSar V4 hand controller that I may need to update the software and am iOS limited.

Can I use this same process, or at least the Mac specific part to accomplish this?

No.  The V4 hand-controller requires the HCUPDATE.EXE program, which is MS-Windows only.
 

[elwaine]

Updating the SSAG Software:

As already posted, I spoke with Celestron Tech support. I had also written them but did not get a reply until this evening. This is what they wrote:

_____________

 

Do not  use CFM to update the SSAG.  Simply connect the SSAG to the PC with a USB-C cable.

 

Follow the steps below:

Download  these two things: (under the product page : "Support and Downloads"
       StarSense Autoguider Firmware for Updating via USB-C
       StarSense Autoguider Windows Driver

Connect the SSAG to the PC with a mini USB-C cable. Do not connect it to the mount.

The back ring led should turn on after 5-10 seconds. When it turns on, open your web browser and just type the numbers 169.254.54.1 and hit  Enter. 

Next, go to your "downloads" and look for SWU file. Right click on it and drag to the window that opens up when you click on "software update".  
You will see the  files downloading ...that's all."

______________

 

The two files mentioned by tech support can be found here. Scroll down 1/2 way. The files are on the Left, just above the 5 star reviews.

 

Larry