NexSXD

· NexSXD now supports Sphinx-SXW mounts with old motors (TSUKASA). Our most sincere thanks to Fernando Martel (marques) for his trust and support in developing this version.

· New Firmware for Sphinx-SXD: V1.2

· New Firmware for Sphinx-SXW: V1.2

NexSXD

Replacing the original Vixen control in SXW – SXD mounts

Replacing the original Vixen control in New Atlux mounts

Installing the USB driver

Controlling the brightness of the LEDs

Controlling the mount

Hand Control (HC)

NexRemote

ASCOM

Using 3^rd party software

Operating the mount

Limiting the range of motion (firmware ≥ v1.4)

The Status LED (firmware ≥ v1.4)

Aligning the telescope control

PPEC (firmware ≥ v1.4)

Updating NexSXD Firmware

Links

NexSXD Firmware History

NexSXW Firmware History

NexAtlux Firmware History

PC-NexSXD History

Pricing & Availability

What is NexSXD?

NexSXD is a motor control with NexStar communications protocol for the Vixen Sphinx mounts. The control of the mount is no longer done by the StarBook; you may use the Celestron Hand Control (HC), NexRemote, ASCOM and all the programs that implement NexStar protocol.

The main advantages of NexSXD are:

· StarBook is no longer needed.

· Tracking: smooth and quiet.

· ASCOM Drivers with updated support.

· ST-4 port embedded in the mount.

· Permanent PEC

· Allows robotic operation.

· Emulation of a CG5-GT (firmware < 1.4) or CGE-Pro (firmware ≥ v1.4) mount:

o 40.000 database object.

o User-definable objects: celestial-terrestrial

o Objects Identification.

o Tour mode.

o Anti-backlash GOTO (2 movements).

o OTA’s initial orientation.

o GOTO behavior near the meridian.

o Limits for RA axis.

o HOME position.

o GOTO RA:DEC

o Hibernation

o Tracking Sidereal / Solar / Lunar

o Tracking ON / OFF

o Alignment:

§ Alignment stars

§ Calibration stars

§ Polar Alignment

§ Sync / UnSync

o Alignment methods:

§ Quick

§ 1 star

§ 2 stars

§ Solar system

§ Last Alignment

· And more …..

Support for GPS, RTC and permanent PEC is “on the way”, and the mount will support all the functions in a CGE-Pro.

Requirements

Power supply:

Hand Control (HC):

NexRemote.exe:

NexRemote.dll:

NexRemote firmware:

10 … 15 Vdc @ 2 Amp

GEM V4.16

V1.6.25

V1.6.23

GEM V4.15

The Circuit

Internal Connections

RA port

DEC port

Polar finder

LED

External Connections

TTL HC port

USB PC port

Status Led

12 Vdc

ST-4 port

TTL HC port:

USB PC port:

Status LED:

12 Vdc:

ST-4 port:

Hand Control (HC, PC-Interface box, …).

Direct connection to PC (NexRemote,….).

Displays mount status.

Stabilized power supply.

Auto-guiding port.

12 Vdc - The power supply connector is NOT compatible with the one in the Starbook. You need a power supply with a “2.1mm DC plug”, and Center Tip is POSITIVE.

ST-4 port: is a CMOS compatible input port and has internal pullups tied to +5Vdc. Absolute maximum ratings are 0 to +5Vdc and should be never exceeded or the control could be damaged. To drive this port, an interface with relays or open collector output is recommended.

ST-4 Autoguide port connections
Pin 1	-------	Not used
Pin 2	GND	0 Vdc
Pin 3	RA +	left movement
Pin 4	DEC +	up movement
Pin 5	DEC –	down movement
Pin 6	RA –	right movement

Installing NexSXD

NexSXD control is designed to replace the original motor control circuit of the Vixen Sphinx mounts; it is housed in the same frame and has the same connections.

Vixen Sphinx

NexSXD

Ready to go?

A few tools are needed to replace the Vixen control board with NexSXD: an Allen key, a Phillips screwdriver and your hands.

Replacing the original Vixen control in SXW – SXD mounts.

Step #1 – Removing the lateral covers.

To remove the Vixen logo plates, press gently to slide them.

BE VERY CAREFUL or you could break some of the plastic tabs.

Now you have access to the 2 screws that fix each lateral cover. To remove these screws you need the Allen key.

Once the lateral plastic covers are removed, you will see the inner of this part of the mount; motors, encoders, worm gears, …..

Step #2 – Removing the bottom cover of the DEC axis.

Firstly, unlock the clutch of the counterweights bar. Then, using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw of the clutch knob.

Inside the hole for the screw of the clutch there is a small cylindrical piece of brass. BE CAREFUL not to lose this small piece.

Now you can remove the bottom cover of the DEC axis. Turn this cover counterclockwise until it is completely unscrewed.

This is the bottom cover once removed.

Step #3 – Removing the electronics box.

The electronics box is held in place by four screws, two on each side of the box. You need the Allen key to remove these four screws.

To remove the electronics box pull it gently. When the box is loose, BE CAREFUL not to stretch the cables.

Now you can unplug the 3 connectors. DO NOT PULL THE WIRES, use a small screw driver.

This is the electronics box once removed from the mount:

Step #4 – Replacing the original Vixen control with NexSXD.

The cast of the housing that holds the electronics has burrs left by some closures. Before assembling the circuit in the housing, it is very important to remove the burrs and any trace of shaving that may be in the housing.

Now you have to install the NexSXD board.

Carefully place the board in the housing and tighten the 4 screws to hold it in place.

Place the metal plate that covers the electronics in its original position and tighten the 4 screws to secure it. (Note for SXW users: due to the heatsink needed to drive the high power Tsukasa motors, the metal plate that covers the electronics won’t be installed).

The electronics box is ready with NexSXD.

Step #5 – Reinstalling the electronics box.

Follow step #3, but in reverse order.

Make sure you have plugged the connectors into the correct socket.

Before going on, now it’s a good time to verify that everything is working fine. Make sure the internal wires are routed properly, keeping clearance with the moving parts (worm gear, ….). Is everything OK? Please, double check.

Let’s see the mount running:

1. Attach your Hand Control (*Note 1) to NexSXD.

2. Plug in the power connector, and switch on the power supply.

3. The Status Led will turn on for about 3 secs, and then will become flashing.

4. Select rate 9.

5. Using the RA+ and RA- keys, move the RA axis.

6. Using the DEC+ and DEC- keys, move the DEC axis.

7. Check the Polar Scope Led is lighting (maybe very dim).

Everything OK? Then, proceed with steps #6 and #7 to finish the job.

*Note 1: If you want to run NexRemote instead of the Hand Control, you should first install the USB driver; see Installing the USB driver.

Step #6 – Reinstalling the counterweight shaft cover.

Follow step #2, but in reverse order.

Step #7 – Reinstalling the lateral covers.

Follow step #1, but in reverse order.

Congrats, you’re done !!!!.

Replacing the Original Vixen control in New Atlux mounts.

The New-Atlux mounts have a serious problem related to the wiring. There are 3 ground points: one in the power board and one in each encoder (gnd) wire. This configuration together with the mount body is called a “Ground Loop” and should always be avoided. The current of the motors flowing in parallel with the wires of the Ground Loop induces electrical noise in the encoder signals that sometimes makes the mount behave quite erratically. In some circumstances this noise is so high that the encoder inputs in the power board could be damaged, so the first action to take is to eliminate the ground loop (keeping ground connection only at the power board). This is mandatory because a failure in NexSXD encoder's inputs is not covered by our warranty for New Atlux mounts !!!! Follow steps #1 and #2 to break the ground loop.

Step #1 – Removing ground connection in RA encoder.

Remove the 4 screws that hold in place the Vixen logo plate. You will see the RA axis gears.

The black wire that grounds the RA encoder has to be insulated.

Remove the gear attached to the motor shaft; then remove the screw that holds the black wire terminal in place.

To insulate the black wire terminal use a quality insulating tape. Make sure the insulation is good enough.

Now, remove the 3 remaining screws that hold the motor in place. Extract partially the motor and place the insulated wire behind the motor.

Put the motor and the 4 screws in their place but don’t tighten firmly the screws. Then, put the motor gear in its place.

Press firmly the motor gear against the other gear while tightening the top and left screws. Then, remove the motor gear and tighten the remaining 2 screws (bottom and right).

Place again the motor gear but this time, with an Allen key, tighten it firmly. There should be a minimal play between the 2 gears; otherwise, repeat the previous steps until there is no appreciable backlash. Then, screw the Vixen logo plate and the work on the RA axis will be finished.

Step #2 – Removing ground connection in DEC encoder.

Firstly, unlock the clutch of the counterweights bar. Then, using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw of the clutch knob and then the knob and the screw of the clutch.

Using an Allen key, remove the 2 screws that hold the bottom cover of the DEC axis. Now you can remove the bottom cover of the DEC axis; you will see the DEC motor assembly (motor, reduction gear and encoder), the gears, worm gear,….

The black wire that grounds the DEC encoder has to be insulated.

Loosen the screw that holds the ground wire terminal and remove the terminal. Then, tighten the screw.

To insulate the black wire terminal use a quality insulating tape. Make sure the insulation is good enough. Then, place the insulated wire behind the motor.

Now you can put the bottom cover of the DEC axis back into place. Tighten the 2 screws that hold the bottom cover.

Put the screw of the counterweight bar clutch back in place, then the clutch knob and tighten the screw of the knob. Your work on the RA axis is finished.

Step #3 – Removing the electronics box.

Using an Allen key remove the 3 screws that hold the base of the mount. Te electronics is inside this base.

Now you can unplug the 3 connectors. DO NOT PULL THE WIRES, use a small screw driver. It’s a good idea to put some mark in the connectors, so later you will know where to plug them.

Step #4 – Replacing the original Vixen control with NexAtlux.

Use a Philips screw driver to remove the 4 screws that hold the electronic board in the base. Then, remove the electronic board.

Place your NexAtlux board in the base …

… and tighten the 4 screws.

Step #5 – Reinstalling the electronics box.

Plug the connectors into the sockets. Make sure you have plugged them into the correct socket. Then, put the mount base back into place and tighten the 3 screws that hold it.

Congrats, you’re done !!!!.

Installing the USB driver.

To use the USB PC Port, it is necessary to install the VCP driver. You should follow these steps:

1. The mount should be switched OFF and disconnected from the PC.

2. Download the USB PC Port driver (link).

3. Run the driver installation file.

4. With the mount switched OFF, connect the mount (USB PC Port) to a computer’s USB port. The computer should recognize the serial port of the mount. You can check it in the Windows Device Manager:

5. If you like, you can change the COM number assigned by one who is free in your computer.

6. The mount is ready for operation; now you can switch it ON.

Controlling the brightness of the LEDs.

PC-NexSXD program allows you to change the brightness of the 2 LEDs in the mount:

· Polar finder LED.

· Status LED, in NexSDX control board.

PC-NexSXD program communicates with the mount through NexRemote and / or the Hand Control.

To control the brightness of the LEDS:

1. Select the COM port to communicate with the Hand Control (HC), or with NexRemote (Virtual Port).

2. The brightness is controlled by sliders or by entering a numeric value, the valid range is 0 a 0 to 1000.

3. Once you select the brightness of both LEDs, you can exit the program (Press QUIT).

4. The brightness values selected will be recorded in the mount, even if it is switched off.

Controlling the mount

The mount can be controlled with NexRemote and/or a Hand Control (HC).

To control effectively the mount it is necessary to take into account the following considerations:

· Controls (NexRemote and / or Hand Control) that we will use during an observation session must be connected to the mount since the start of the session (before aligning the mount). Each time a control (NexRemote or Hand Control) connects to the mount, the first action that this control does is tell the mount that is targeting the North Celestial Pole (NCP). Therefore, if after aligning the mount another control (NexRemote or Hand Control) is connected, the mount will lose its alignment with the sky (and the HOME position,…), and the observation session will be stopped; to continue, you must perform another alignment process.

· The mount can be controlled with NexRemote and/ or a Hand Control, but the alignment of the mount should only be done with one of the two controls, never both at once. The sky model resulting from the alignment of the mount lies in the control (NexRemote or Hand Control).

If when aligning the mount we take into account certain factors, we could align first with one control and then the second one, getting in each control slightly different models of the sky; this procedure is absolutely NOT RECOMMENDED.

The recommended way is to perform the alignment function with only one of the two controls.

o The control that performs the alignment will be the "brain", will own the model of the sky and will have full functionality.

o The second control works without a model of the sky, will be a "slave", and its functionality is limited to move the mount at the speed we want using the RA and DEC buttons, but in no case we can do a GoTo from it.

NexRemote will normally be the "brain" and the Hand Control will be the "slave."

· Programs (planetarium, CCD control, ...) we want to connect to the mount will be connected through the control (NexRemote or Hand Control) that is aligned. A control (NexRemote or Hand Control) that is NOT aligned does NOT contain a model of the sky; it doesn’t know where the telescope is pointing (RA / DEC), the RA axis limits .... Therefore, through this control we can not perform basic functions such as GoTo, GetRaDec ... . To gain full functionality of the mount through a control (NexRemote or Hand Control), the control must be previously aligned.

Hand Control (HC)

The Hand Control must be updated to V4.16 GEM type mount. There is no need to configure anything; the Hand Control recognizes the mount as a CGE-Pro.

The Hand Control stores some parameters of the mount, so the first time you connect the Hand Control to the mount it is recommended to:

1. Reset the Hand Control and the mount: Menu à Utilities à Factory setting

2. Calibrate the GoTo: Menu à Utilities à Calibrate Mount à Goto

In case The Hand Control is used to control several mounts, it is also advisable to repeat these actions every time you change the mount.

NexRemote

NexRemote version should be 1.6.25 (EXE-V1.6.25 y DLL-V1.6.23).

You should configure NexRemote to connect to an Advanced Series GT mount (Mount Model) with a GEM 4.15 version (Firmware)

You also have to select the COM port to communicate with the mount (PC Port) and you can select a virtual COM port (Virtual Port) so that other programs can connect to NexRemote.

NexRemote, as the Hand Control does, stores some parameters of the mount, so the first time you connect NexRemote to the mount it is recommended to:

1. Reset NexRemote and the mount: Menu à Utilities à Factory setting

2. Calibrate the GoTo: Menu à Utilities à Calibrate Mount à Goto

In case NexRemote is used to control several mounts, it is also advisable to repeat these actions every time you change the mount.

ASCOM

ASCOM platform and its drivers provides the means to interface third-party software to NexSXD. It is advisable to visit The ASCOM initiative website. Para utilizar ASCOM primero hay que instalar la plataforma ASCOM V5 , y después se puede actualiza a la plataforma 5.5 .

You must first install ASCOM platform ASCOM V5 , and then you can upgrade to the platform 5.5.

El Driver ASCOM es Celestron Unified (5.0.14)The ASCOM Driver is Celestron Unified.

Using 3rd party software

To connect other applications (planetarium, etc ...) to the mount, you should use the virtual com port (VCP) that NexRemote provides or the serial port in the Hand Control:

· If the program has ability to control a NexStar mount (TheSky6, …) the connection to the serial port in NexRemote or the Hand Control can be done directly.

· The most common is that the NexStar protocol is not implemented in the program but is able to connect to a mount (and other devices) through the appropriate ASCOM driver. In this case the program will connect to the ASCOM driver, and the ASCOM driver to mount through the serial port in NexRemote or the Hand Control.

In some cases, we would like to connect at the same time multiple programs to the mount (planetarium, CCD control, ...). The simplest solution is to use an ASCOM Hub (as POTH,…), connect all the programs you need to the ASCOM Hub, the ASCOM Hub to the mount’s ASCOM driver, and mount’s ASCOM driver to the VCP in NexRemote or the serial port in the Hand Control. All programs will have access to the mount simultaneously.

Operating the mount

To operate the mount you should refer to and updated Celestron CGE-Pro user’s manual. Following you will find some generic and NexSXD specific hints.

Limiting the range of motion (firmware ≥ v1.4)

The range of motion of RA and DEC axis have several limits:

· RA switch limits: are NexSXD firmware-defined, and allow a maximum RA slew of -20º from horizontal position at each side of the meridian (East an West). These limits are absolute positions of the RA axis.

· RA slew limits: are user-defined and can be customized to limit de maximum RA slew between -20º and +40º from horizontal position at each side of the meridian (East an West). The user-define limits can be disable, and the mount will track to -20º on both sides.

· RA cord-wrap: although NexRemote/Hand Control (HC) send a default RA cord-wrap location to NexSXD, you will never reach this limit.

· DEC cord-wrap: limit the range of motion of the DEC axis. The default value is ±180º from the DEC-Index position used when aligning the mount.

For proper operation of the <RA switch limits> the RA axis should be moved by NexSXD to the <RA switch position> and the mount should be leveled and positioned manually at the predefined <Index Marks> at the beginning of the Alignment process.

For proper operation of <RA slew limits> and <DEC cord-wrap>, the mount should be leveled and positioned manually at the predefined <Index Marks> at the beginning of the Alignment process.

Once the mount is aligned, if the clutches are disengaged and the mount is manually moved, the alignment and all the above motion limits will be messed up. The only way to maintain the alignment and the motion limits is using the Set Mount Position menu (see a CGE-Pro updated manual).

The Status LED (firmware ≥ v1.4)

The Status LED provides some useful information to understand the behavior of the mount

Normal operation – no tracking

The mount is in normal operation but not tracking.

This is the default state when the mount is started or reseted, or when the tracking is stopped.

Normal operation – tracking

The mount is tracking (sidereal, solar or lunar rate).

This is the default state when NexSXD has been aligned.

Movement aborted – NexSXD RA Switch Limit

The mount has reached a NexSxd RA Switch Limit (East or West) and cannot continue moving in the same direction.

Movement aborted – NexStar RA Slew Limit

The mount has reached a NexStar RA Slew Limit (East or West) and cannot continue moving in the same direction.

Movement aborted – NexStar Cord-Wrap Limit

The mount has reached a NexStar Cord-Wrap Limit and cannot continue moving in the same direction.

Recording PEC

The mount is tracking and PEC is being trained.

Playing PEC

The mount is tracking and playing PEC.

Aligning the telescope control

Once the tripod is leveled and the RA axis is aligned (using the polar finder or any other method), the next step is to align the telescope control (NexRemote or Hand Control).

Before aligning the control, the RA axis should be moved by NexSXD to the <RA switch position> and the head of the mount should be positioned at the "Index marks" (the telescope positioned in the initial orientation):

· StarBook: initial orientation = WEST

· NexStar(*): initial orientation = NORTH

In order to move the RA axis by NexSXD to the <RA switch position>, you should ALWAYS press ENTER (not UNDO) when asked to set the telescope to the switch position at the beginning of the Alignment process.

Following the previous steps will ensure proper operation of the range of motion limits (RA switch limits, RA slew limits and DEC cord-wrap) and the variable rate Lunar tracking algorithm. Failing to do so, you will reach some of these limits earlier or later than expected and the variable rate Lunar tracking algorithm won’t work properly.

Now you can perform one of the alignment process described in any updated Celestron manual for GEM mounts.

(*) NexStar allows other initial orientation for OTA’s in tandem, ….. Consult any updated Celestron manual for GEM mounts. (Menu à Scope SetUp à OTA Orientation).

PPEC (firmware ≥ v1.4)

In firmware V1.4, PPEC training is only supported through the ST-4 port.

Recording and Playing can be started with the Hand Control, NexRemote or PECTool. Please, refer to PECTool help for additional information (batch training, saving and restoring PEC data, ….).

To obtain good PEC data, it is recommended to align the mount as best as possible.

Guiding

There are 2 ways of guiding the mount:

- using the ST-4 compatible port

- using serial commands (pulseguiding).

With both guiding methods the mount is able to guide, at the same time, in both axis.

ST-4 Port guiding

The ST-4 port is a direct connection to the motor speed controller. The guiding rate should be programmed using the controller (NexRemote or Hand Control) and these settings will be permanently stored in NexSXD.

If you want to guide while PPEC is playing, guiding rates ≥ 50 are NOT recommended (at least for RA guiding).

Please, refer to External Connections for the specifications of the ST-4 port.

Pulse-guiding

The guiding rate is fixed at 0.5x Sideral Rate in both axis (the Autoguide rates in the controller are NOT used). There is no way to change this setting as pulseguide commands are actually “Move at rate#1” commands.

The way pulse-guiding is handled depends on the software/firmware you are running. See the following table:

Hand Control / NexRemote	NexSXD	Ascom Driver	Guiding Timer
< 4.19	----------------	----------------	PC controlled
----------------	< 6.12 (CGE-Pro)	----------------	PC controlled
----------------	----------------	< 5.0.20	PC controlled
≥ 4.19	≥ 6.12 (CGE-Pro)	≥ 5.0.20	Mount controlled

PC controlled: pulse-guiding timing is controlled by the Ascom Driver.

Mount controlled: pulse-guiding timing is controlled by the mount.

Switching-off

Before switching off the mount, it is recommended to Stop the tracking. A common procedure would be:

1. Goto “Home” (Menu à Utilities à Home Position).

2. Stop the tracking (Menu à Tracking à OFF).

3. Switch OFF the mount.

Updating NexSXD Firmware.

PC-NexSXD also allows you to update the Firmware in the mount.

To update a new Firmware:

1. USB PC Port of NexSXD must be connected to a computer’s USB port.

2. Run PC-NexSXD.

3. Press the button <Firmware Update>.

4. Select the new Firmware to update your NexSXD board.

5. Select the COM port in the computer connected USB PC Port in the mount.

6. Press the button <Upload>.

7. Follow the instructions:

· Switch OFF the mount

· Switch ON the mount

· Wait for the message of the BootLoader.

8. Since the message of the BootLoader appears, you only have 3 seconds to press the YES button and start the firmware update. If YES is NOT pressed before 3 seconds, the loader will launch the latest firmware you have loaded into the mount.

Pressing the YES button within 3 seconds starts the automatic download of the new Firmware.

9. The progress bar and the RS-232 monitor window show the status of the process.

10. Once the update process is finished, check in the RS-232 monitor window the firmware updated and the mount model. Is it OK? Then, you are done. The new firmware is running !!!

Links:

Celestron Homepage

NexStarSite – Mike Swanson

The ASCOM initiative

ASCOM Answers

Yahoo! – ASCOM-Talk

Yahoo! – Celestron_AS

Yahoo! – CGE-telescopesUNCENSORED

Yahoo! – Nexremote

Yahoo! – Nexstar

Yahoo! – Vixen_Sphinx

NexSXD Firmware History:

Version 1.4-SXD – 2010/Dec/29

- 16bit code rewritten to 32bit.

- Added absolute RA positioning (switch limits).

- PPEC support (Beta).

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (CGE-Pro V6.08)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· PECTool (V1.0.18)

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V6.1.0.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Version 1.3-SXD – 2010/Nov/14

- Fixed LEDs brightness retention.

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V6.1.0.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Version 1.2-SXD – 2010/Jul/17

- Rate-1 changed: was 0,25 x Sideral rate; now 0,50 x Sideral rate.

- Rate-9 changed: was 711 x Sideral rate; now 1200 x Sideral rate.

- Patch to minimize the bug effects in NexRemote (Exe-V1.7.15 / DLL-1.7.10 / Firmware-GEM 4.15/GEM 4.16) when programming <RA Limits> trough the Hand Control or the USB PC Port (HC emulation). If an out of range value is detected, both <East Limit> and <West Limit> will be set to the default value (-6º).

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control – GEM 4.16

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V5.4.29.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Known issues:

· This version has also been verified with NexRemote (Exe-V1.7.15 / DLL-01.07.1910 / Firmware-GEM 4.15/GEM 4.16). Si se conecta NexRemote con la montura a través del HC GEM 4.16, al acceder al menú < RA Limits > éstos quedan programados con valores erráticos que pueden provocar la parada del seguimiento. If you connect NexRemote with the mount through HC GEM 4.16, when you access the menu <RA Limits> they are programmed with outliers that can stop the tracking. El funcionamiento vuelve a la normalidad después de hacer < Factory settings >. El problema se ha reportado al grupo Yahoo! Celestron_AS , mensaje #26109 . Operation returns to normal after <Factory settings>. The problem has been reported to the Yahoo! Celestron_AS group, message # 26 109.

· Under some conditions, LEDs brightness settings are lost. This issue could happen when aligning the mount with the Hand Control, not when using NexRemote.

Version 1.1 – 2010/May/28

- Improved reliability of the USB connection.

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· VCP Driver– SiLabs V6.1.0.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Known issues:

Version 1.0 – 2010/May/08

- First release.

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

- USB PC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V5.4.29.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Known issues:

· Communication via PC USB Port unreliable.

NexSXW Firmware History:

Version 1.4-SXW – 2010/Dec/29

- 16bit code rewritten to 32bit. Fixed point arithmetic extended in 4 bits (16 times better precision).

- Added absolute RA positioning (switch limits).

- PPEC support (Beta).

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (CGE-Pro V6.08)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· PECTool (V1.0.18)

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V6.1.0.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Version 1.3-SXW – 2010/Nov/14

- Fixed LEDs brightness retention.

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V5.4.29.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Versión 1.2-SXW – 2010/Jul/17

- First release.

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (AS-GT V5.16)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control – GEM 4.16

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V5.4.29.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

Known issues:

· Under some conditions, LEDs brightness settings are lost. This issue could happen when aligning the mount with the Hand Control, not when using NexRemote

NexATLUX Firmware History:

Version 1.4-SXW – 2010/Dec/29

- First release

- 32bit code.

- Absolute RA positioning (switch limits).

- PPEC support (Beta).

- TTL HC Port: Motor Control emulation (CGE-Pro V6.08)

- USB PC Port: Hand Control (HC) emulation (GEM V4.16)

Verified using:

· NexRemote (Exe-V1.6.25 / DLL-1.6.23 / Firmware-GEM 4.15)

· Hand Control (HC) – GEM 4.16

· PECTool (V1.0.18)

· VCP Driver – SiLabs V6.1.0.0

· ASCOM – Celestron Unified (5.0.14)

PC-NexSXD History:

Version 1.0.3 - 2011/Jan/10

· · Actualización de Firmware Firmware Updates V1.4 are embedded in PC-NexSXD.

Version 1.0.2 - 2010/Nov/14

· · Actualización de Firmware Firmware Updates are embedded in PC-NexSXD.

· · Control de LEDs (Polar y Status) Improved communications link to PC-USB port in NexSXD board.

· · Control de LEDs (Polar y Status) Improved communications link though NexRemote (although that's not a recommended method).

· · Control de LEDs (Polar y Status) Improved communications link though the Hand Control (although that's not a recommended method).

Version 1.0.1 - 2010/May/28

- - Funcionalidad completa:Full functionality:

· · Actualización de Firmware Firmware Update

· · Control de LEDs (Polar y Status) LEDs control(Polar and Status)

Version 1.0.0 – 2010/May/08

- First release.

· Limited functionality to control the LEDs (Polar and Status)

Pricing & Availability:

The board cost for PayPal payments is :

NexSXD:

152€

In Stock

NexSXW-SAYAMA:

152€

In Stock

NexSXW-TSUKASA:

157€

In Stock

NexATLUX:

157€

In Stock

We are sending by Express Registered Mail which is an additional cost of 17€ (USA/Europe), insurance included. For other regions, please, contact us.

For wire-transfer payments we offer a 4% discount, but all bank fees should be charged at your end.

Contact us:

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