Celestron AS CG5 GT

Hello:

I bought a Advanced Series CG5 Go-To by Celestron last year. Due to the same malady that plagues us allm(namely, not enough time and good weather), I have only taken it out to a viewing site about 4 times. To make matters more troubling, I have had issues with the Go To operation of the mount every time I have tried to do the 3 star autoalign.

Despite ensuring that date, time and coordinates are correctly loaded into the drive controller, it often points way far away from the stars in question. I then use the controls to each one of the three stars to complete the sequence. Thereafter, the Go To operation is good for about 5 or 6 objects before the mount starts to do point off target. During my last outing, after choosing a target from the database, it repeatedly "went crazy". The motors were just whirling away moving the telescope all around while the hand controller displayed a "NOT RESPONDING" message. On the plus side, the mount tracks fine if I find the object my moving the scope manually and then lock the motor gears.

Has anyone out there had similar problems? Is this mount a dud? Is there any hope for it, or should I take it out in back and shoot it right now? :C

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Rey Cordero
TeleVue 60
TeleVue 85
Meade ETX 125
Celestron Super C8+
Celestron 9.25 on AS CG5 GT

Thanks a lot for this information. I believe I have the type of controller that cannot be upgraded but will look into finding a later generation replacement through Celestron.

Others have also suggested ensuring an adequate powersource for the mount ( I use a portable power pack ), and resetting the controller to the factory settings. The last two suggestions will be easier to accomplish as soon as the next viewing opportunity arises.

I am glad to hear that Celestron has worked the bugs out of newer generation NextStar. Enjoy it.

Rey Cordero