Setup Procedures

The hand control has a "double button" feature that allows you to instantly speed up the motors without having to choose a speed rate. To use this feature, simply press the arrow button that corresponds to the direction that you want to move the telescope. While holding that button down, press the opposite directional button. This will increase the slew rate to approximately 1º per second (equal to rate 7 on the hand control). This feature will not function if the telescope is currently set at a speed rate of 8 or 9.

The slower slew rates (6 and lower) move the motors in the opposite direction than the faster slew rates (8 and 9). This is done so that an object will move in the appropriate direction when looking into the eyepiece (i.e. pressing the right arrow button will move the star towards the right in the field of view of the eyepiece). However, if any of the slower slew rates (rate 6 and below) are used to center an object in the Star Pointer, you may need to press the opposite directional button to make the telescope move in the correct direction.

1 = 2x 2 = 4x 3 = 8x

4 = 16x

5 = 32x

6= .5º / sec 7 = 1º / sec

8= 2º / sec

9= 4º / sec

Nine available slew speeds

The NexStar contains many user defined setup functions designed to give the user control over the telescope's many advanced features. All of the setup and utility features can be accessed by pressing the MENU key and scrolling through the options:

Tracking Mode Once the NexStar is aligned the tracking motors will automatically turn on and begin tracking the sky. However, the tracking can be turned off for terrestrial use:

Alt-AzThis is the default tracking rate and is used when the telescope is placed on a flat surface or tripod without the use of an equatorial wedge. The telescope must be aligned with two stars before it can track in Alt-Az.

EQ North Used to track the sky when the telescope is polar aligned using an equatorial wedge in the Northern Hemisphere.

EQ South Used to track the sky when the telescope is polar aligned using an equatorial wedge in the Southern Hemisphere.

Off When using the telescope for terrestrial (land) observation, the tracking can be turned off so that the telescope never moves.

Tracking Rate In addition to being able to move the telescope with the hand control buttons, the NexStar will continually track a celestial object as it moves across the night sky. The tracking rate can be changed depending on what type of object is being observed:

NexStar HC specifications

The Celestron NexStar Hand Controller (HC) is an advanced control unit designed to enhance the astronomical observation experience for both novice and experienced stargazers. This innovative device is an integral part of the NexStar telescope series and offers a range of features that simplify the process of locating celestial objects.

One of the main features of the NexStar HC is its user-friendly interface. The controller is equipped with a large, illuminated LCD screen that displays essential information clearly, even in low-light conditions. The layout is intuitive, allowing users to quickly familiarize themselves with its functions. The keypad includes dedicated buttons for common tasks, making it easy to navigate the expansive database of celestial objects.

The NexStar HC boasts an impressive database containing over 40,000 celestial objects, making it a powerful tool for astrophotography and observational astronomy. Users can access planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae at the touch of a button. The built-in database allows for precise and efficient locating of objects, significantly reducing the time spent searching the night sky.

One of the standout technologies featured in the NexStar Hand Controller is the GoTo functionality. This advanced tracking technology enables the telescope to automatically locate and track celestial objects with high precision. By entering the desired object into the controller, users can allow the telescope to autonomously adjust its position, providing a hassle-free experience.

Additionally, the NexStar HC supports various alignment methods, including SkyAlign, AutoAlign, and One-Star Align. These alignment techniques assist in calibrating the telescope for optimal tracking and positioning. The SkyAlign method, in particular, allows users to point the telescope at any three bright stars, and the HC will calculate the telescope's location in relation to those stars, making alignment accessible even for beginners.

The NexStar Hand Controller is also compatible with Celestron’s StarSense technology, enabling automatic alignment using a smartphone. This feature allows users to refine their observations seamlessly and provides a modern twist to traditional stargazing methods.

Other notable characteristics include programmable go-to tracking speeds and the ability to save user-defined locations. The controller’s ergonomic design ensures comfort during long observing sessions, while the robust build quality guarantees durability.

In summary, the Celestron NexStar Hand Controller combines a wealth of features and cutting-edge technologies to enhance the stargazing experience. Its user-friendly interface, extensive database, versatile alignment methods, and compatibility with advanced tracking systems make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.