Celestron Nexstar 8i Telescope

[Gerry52]

"Off Topic" forum is shut down right now so that's why I'm posting here. I have the above named telescope and am looking for the digital hand controller. Anyone out there have one (or similar) or know where I might find one PLEASE let me know. My telescope is about 15 yrs old & Celestron no longer supports this model's parts. It's got a database of 40,000 pre programmed celestial objects but the digital readout on the controller no longer works. Ordered one on Ebay (could NOT believe I found one) but it was not operable. I've been searching all the obvious astronomy sites & stores but to no avail. Thought I'd try here. Any help is much appreciated!!!

Gerry 

 

[CP598]

Hey Gerry, I think you may be able to use the 8SE go to hand controller. Check this article. I have 6SE, wish it was the 8 inch.



https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/user-reviews/telescopes/schmidt-cassegrains-scts/celestron-nexstar-8i-vs-nexstar-8-celestron%E2%80%99s-newest-8%E2%80%9D-go-to-capable-sct-takes-on-its-older-sibling-r641

 

[Odoyle]

"Off Topic" forum is shut down right now so that's why I'm posting here. I have the above named telescope and am looking for the digital hand controller. Anyone out there have one (or similar) or know where I might find one PLEASE let me know. My telescope is about 15 yrs old & Celestron no longer supports this model's parts. It's got a database of 40,000 pre programmed celestial objects but the digital readout on the controller no longer works. Ordered one on Ebay (could NOT believe I found one) but it was not operable. I've been searching all the obvious astronomy sites & stores but to no avail. Thought I'd try here. Any help is much appreciated!!!

Gerry

Why didn't EBay take care of the buyers protection-guarantee?

 

[Gerry52]

Yodoyle, it IS being returned, no problem with the seller. These are virtually IMPOSSIBLE to find being that the telescope it's for has been out of production for 15 or more years. I'm probably S.O.L. for being able to use that scope in the manner it was intended for. SUCKS!!!

 

[BSJ]

A guy in my club, Bob Horton, did a presentation on building your own controllers. 

DIY GoTo controller. http://vtastro.org/articles/ http://vtastro.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/DIY-Goto-controller.pdf 

The presentation was more specific to his project but he mentioned it is possible to build something for out dated equipment.

 

[jimaok]

If you look on Orion website, telescopes.com I think, they used to have an Opticron tripod with a controller that you could attach your telescope tube to, and it would run all the auto tracking. You might be able to mount your Nextstar to it if it has the connection adapter. I have an older Celestron G5 and it has the mount like used for a camera tripod. I was looking at that Opticon mount when I was thinking of getting rid of my GEM Tripod with the battery motor drive.

 

[Gerry52]

Thanks to all who responded! Found someone who believes he can repair my controller.