Do a factory reset on the hand control and try again to see what happens. After that the next step would be to re-flash the hand control by connecting it to the INTERNET. Check to make sure that you have version 4.13 in the hand control.

It is now possible to update your motor control firmware via your flash upgradeable hand control. You first need to update your Hand Control to the latest firmware version (4.13).  Connect the hand control to the telescope mount and connect your hand control to your computer, using our RS232 cable (#93920). The cable has a phone style jack at one end (for connecting to the hand control) and a serial connection (DB9) at the other (for connecting to your PC).

If your computer does not have a serial port, you can use an accessory serial to USB connection device (#18775).   Adapters such as these are also available through most computer supply retailers.

Keep the power to the telescope off. Hold down the Info and Undo buttons simultaneously. Turn on the power to the mount while still holding the buttons. The hand control should say "Initializing" upon power up. Release the buttons once you see the "Initializing" message. You will then see a "Transmit Data" message. Your hand control is now ready to be programmed using the HCupdate program on our website.

First, select your COM port and press NEXT. You will need to select the correct firmware for your telescope model. NXS 4.13 is for NexStar SE models, CPC models, and all older NexStar models using the new flash upgradeable hand control. SLT 4.13 is for NexStar SLT models, and GEM 4.13 is for the Advanced GT and CGE mounts. When you click and highlight a specific firmware version the mount model will be displayed in the field below along with update information.

If firmware for your mount model is not displayed here you will need to click on ”download via the web“.  After highlighting your selection, click Next to download the update.   Select Begin to flash upgrade your hand control.   Press Exit when done.

After you are finished updating your hand control you need to check that the reprogramming has worked.  Turn the power off then on again and go to Menu ->Utilities ->Version.   The top line should say HC 4.13.    At this point your hand control can now update your motor control firmware. You do not need to put your hand control into ”Transmit Data.“ Just launch the MCupdate program and your hand control will automatically display ”Locked“.  Next select the correct motor control version (to find your motor control version you must select ”Download via the Web“) and begin the update program.

The NexStar i and NexStar iSE models use the NexStar_GPS firmware, the rest are as shown.  If you select an incorrect model, you will receive an error message. The motor control update utility will not update your telescope with another model’s firmware. 

Again, when the update is done check that the update has worked by turning the power off then on and go to Menu ->Utilities ->Version.