7 replies to this topic

[hipertec]

Received this spare controller from a friend. When I plug it into my telescope, the screen lcd shows wierd characters. 

Anyone know the issue? I tried to press the 7 and logo key to get into boot loader but can't tell due to the screen like this.

Any suggestions?

 

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by hipertec, 16 June 2025 - 10:58 AM.

[mlord]

Stuff like that has happened from time to time in the past.  If it has a USB port on the bottom, then disconnect it from the mount, and connect it to a PC via that USB connection.  Run CFM and update/reinstall the firmware.  This sometimes clears up the issue.

[hipertec]

Stuff like that has happened from time to time in the past.  If it has a USB port on the bottom, then disconnect it from the mount, and connect it to a PC via that USB connection.  Run CFM and update/reinstall the firmware.  This sometimes clears up the issue.

Thanks for the reply.  I tried to plug the USB to the computer and CFM but it stated it couldnt detect the controller and I cant tell if its in Boot Loader mode since the screen is unreadable. 

What is the best way to try to update the controller?  Im hoping this would solve the issue.

[JMP]

Have you tried turning off power then holding down the Zero button when you power up? A factory reset might let you choose English.

[mlord]

That is how to update it.

 

But if you're not using Linux on the PC, then you'll also have to ensure that MS-Windows has the device driver loaded for the USB Serial chip in the hand-controller.

 

That's an entire other can of worms, and nothing will work until it is solved.

I don't normally use MS-Windows, so no help from me.

 

Cheers

Edited by mlord, 16 June 2025 - 01:57 PM.

[Notdarkenough]

Windows 11 needs a Prolific driver to "see" a NexStar hand controller. When it is connected to the windows machine, go to Device Manager and check your COM ports. There will be a error for a Prolific driver, and a link for the download. There are several detailed threads about this from a couple of years ago when windows 11 first came out, if you want more details. If you just want it to work, click that link in the device manager, restart the PC, connect the hc again, and check device manager COM port setting. Then try CFM.

[mlord]

Note that once the MS-Windows driver conundrum is solved, the USB connection of the hand-controller will show up in the Device Manager, even if the firmware on the hand-controller is hosed.

[mclewis1]

Thanks for the reply.  I tried to plug the USB to the computer and CFM but it stated it couldnt detect the controller and I cant tell if its in Boot Loader mode since the screen is unreadable. 

What is the best way to try to update the controller?  Im hoping this would solve the issue.

You can try the link to drivers on Mike's website - https://www.nexstars.../USBDrivers.htm This should get you a functional Prolific USB driver so Windows will see the controller properly.