Fix for "Initializing" Message after a Failed
MCupdate Attempt
The following only applies if you have an older version 4 hand control.
If your hand control is NexStar+ (version 5) or StarSense, the following article
does not apply to your scope.
If the
upgrade process is interrupted, when the mount is restarted the hand control may
display "Initializing" and then a blank screen -- this prevents MCupdate
from connecting to the mount in order to reprogram it. This problem may
happen on SE6/8, AS-GT, or CGE mounts. A special version of hand
control firmware is available below to work around this problem when
upgrading motor control firmware via the hand control serial cable. (Note:
this firmware is not supported by Celestron; in any case reloading the
latest hand control firmware is required after this procedure is complete.)
This NXS firmware can be used
even if you have a GEM mount -- you just need to reprogram the hand control
back to the normal firmware once the process is complete.
Note: if the hand control displays "No Response 16" or "No Response 17", you can hit UNDO multiple times to clear those messages and you do not need this
firmware. Once the messages are cleared, you can then connect to the mount with
MCupdate. You must be using the most recent version of MCupdate in order for
this to work.
- Ensure that you are using the most recent version of MCupdate by running
MCupdate and selecting "None" for the COM port. Then click Next and then
"Download via the Web". If a newer version of MCupdate is available then you
will be prompted to install it. Exit MCupdate.
- Click here to download the
"NXS 99.99.bin" file - you should save it, not open it. Save it or
copy it from where you downloaded into the HCupdate folder, usually under
C:\Program Files\Celestron\HCupdate.
- Run HCupdate and upgrade your hand control to this new firmware version.
It will give you a warning about an unsupported firmware version, which you
can ignore.
- After the HCupdate is complete, exit HCupdate and cycle power on the
mount. The hand control should come up with "No Response" messages. Hit UNDO
multiple times when the messages appear to clear out the errors. The hand
control may display "NexStar GPS" on the main screen even if you don't have
that kind of mount -- this is normal. Do not hit any other buttons on the
hand control.
- With the hand control at the main prompt, connect to the mount using
MCupdate. The hand control should display "LOCKED" and you should then be
able to upgrade the mount normally.
- When complete, be sure to reprogram your hand control back to whatever version you
normally use. The firmware provided here is not supported by Celestron and
may not operate properly in normal use.
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