You can control your NexStar telescope with a computer via this RS-232 cable. Once connected, the NexStar can be controlled using popular astronomy software programs.
Features:
Interface your NexStar telescope with your laptop or PC
Control telescope by clicking on sky maps on computer monitor
RS-232 jack on one end of cable, standard serial connector on other
Certain telescopes allow downloading new data into database
62-inch length
Customer Reviews:
Works perfectly My laptop doesn't have an RS-232 port (as usual) so I had buy a USB to RS232 converter (on ebay). After installing the proper ASCOM driver, my Celestron NexStar 114 can nicely be controlled from SkyMap. Just click on a star on the chart and the telescope slews there. Position/time synchronization is also really easy.
NOTE: Before you buy this item, do find out what an RS-232 port is, and if your computer doesn't have one, buy an adapter first....more info
does not fit newer laptop My laptop is 1 yr old and this cable does not fit. The newer computers do not have 9-pin ports and the only adapter I could find was $37.00 at Best Buy. The 9-pin end on this cable is female and so is the one on your computer. I strongly advise shopping around first before buying this cable because it probably will not fit your computer....more info
used for Celestron 8 SE This interface cable was essential for updating the software on the hand control and scope motor. Required the purchase of an after market cable to connect the RS-232 cable to hand control base outlet(no need to connect to the outlet on the scope base with the SE)....more info
RS 232 Cable Exactly as stated. Most all laptops will need a USB/RS-232 adapter, and driver in order to use this.
Will probably require some computer knowledge.
I cannot understand why the telescope manufacturing companies seem to stay about 10 years behind the current technology?...more info
need a Serial to USB adapter Yeah, these cables were created some years back and they need a mated serial to USB adapter added. I've used this config to plug it into a USB port and control my Celestron Nexstar using DeepSky and this cable. Also need to download the ASCOM files and free ASCOM Celestron driver....more info