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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ
Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ
Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ
Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ

Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ

by Celestron
SKU CEL-93981
$143.95 - $143.95
$143.95
$143.95 - $143.95
$143.95
Price Match Policy!
  • Direct GoTo upgrade or replacement for Celestron alt-azimuth mounts
  • Access a vast database of celestial objects across 4 major catalogs
  • Features Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign technology for fast, easy setup
  • Integrated USB port allows for direct firmware updates from a PC
  • Covered by a 2-Year Celestron Warranty
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ

    The Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ is the standard-issue GoTo controller for over 7 series of Celestron alt-azimuth telescopes, putting a vast database of celestial objects at your fingertips. This flash-upgradeable hand control features an integrated USB port for future-proofing your setup and is backed by a 2-Year Warranty.

    GoTo Control for 7+ Celestron Telescope Series

    This NexStar+ AZ Hand Control is the official replacement and upgrade component for all current Celestron alt-azimuth (AZ) GoTo mounts. It is fully compatible with the NexStar SE, SLT, Evolution, CPC, CPC Deluxe, Astro Fi, and LCM telescope series, ensuring seamless integration and reliable pointing accuracy right out of the box.

    Explore 4 Major Catalogs with Automated Sky Tours

    At the push of a button, you can automatically slew your telescope to thousands of targets. The internal database includes objects from 4 major astronomical catalogs: the Messier, NGC, Caldwell, and SAO (SAO brightest stars). The planets and a curated list of the most popular deep-sky objects are also directly accessible.

    If you're unsure what to observe, the built-in Tour Mode automatically generates a list of the best objects currently visible from your location. This feature makes it easy to discover new celestial sights like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the Hercules Cluster (M13) during any observing session.

    Simplified Alignment with SkyAlign Technology

    Getting your telescope aligned is faster with Celestron's SkyAlign procedure built into the hand control. Simply point the telescope to any three bright celestial objects, and the NexStar+ system will identify them and model the night sky. This intuitive process eliminates the need to know the names of specific alignment stars.

    • Customizable Settings: Adjust the maximum slew speed to your preference and program slew limits to prevent the telescope from pointing below the horizon or hitting the tripod.
    • User-Friendly Interface: The red-backlit LCD screen and buttons preserve your night vision while providing clear, readable text and intuitive menu navigation.

    USB Port and 2-Year Warranty for Long-Term Use

    A key upgrade from older models, this hand control features a built-in USB-B port at its base. This modern connection allows you to update the hand control's firmware directly from your PC using the Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) software, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and bug fixes. The entire unit is protected by a 2-Year Celestron factory warranty.

    NexStar+ AZ vs. EQ Hand Control: Which One Do You Need?

    Celestron produces two versions of the NexStar+ hand control, and choosing the correct one is critical for your mount's function. This AZ version is specifically for alt-azimuth mounts, while the EQ version is required for German equatorial mounts.

    • NexStar+ AZ (This Model): Designed for mounts that move in altitude (up/down) and azimuth (left/right). Its software includes alignment routines like SkyAlign and Solar System Align that are optimized for this geometry. It is the correct choice for fork-mounted SE and CPC scopes, and single-arm mounts like the SLT and Evolution.
    • NexStar+ EQ: Required for German equatorial mounts like the Advanced VX or CGX. Its firmware includes polar alignment routines (like All-Star Polar Align) and understands how to track objects by moving primarily in Right Ascension. Using an AZ controller on an EQ mount will result in improper tracking and pointing.

  • What is the difference between this NexStar+ AZ USB hand control and the older, non-USB version?

    The primary difference is the USB port. This modern version allows you to update the firmware directly with a standard USB cable connected to a PC. Older models had a serial port at the bottom that required a USB-to-RS232 serial adapter, which was often less reliable.

    Can I use this NexStar+ AZ Hand Control on my Celestron Advanced VX mount?

    No. The Advanced VX is a German equatorial (EQ) mount and requires the NexStar+ EQ Hand Control. This AZ version lacks the specific firmware and polar alignment routines necessary to operate an equatorial mount correctly. Using the wrong controller will lead to failed alignments and poor tracking.

    My old NexStar hand control failed. Is this a direct replacement for my NexStar 8SE?

    Yes, this is the correct and current factory replacement for the hand control that originally shipped with all NexStar SE series telescopes, including the 8SE. It is also the correct replacement for SLT, CPC, Evolution, Astro Fi, and LCM series telescopes.

    How do I update the firmware on the NexStar+ Hand Control USB?

    To update, you will need a PC and a USB-A to USB-B cable (not included). Download and install the free Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) software from Celestron's website. Connect the hand control to your PC, run CFM, and the software will automatically detect the device and download the latest firmware.

    Does the NexStar+ Hand Control work as a standalone device?

    Yes, absolutely. The NexStar+ Hand Control is a self-contained computer. It plugs into your Celestron mount's "Hand Control" or "HC" port and manages all alignment, database, and GoTo functions without needing an external computer or WiFi connection.

    What kind of objects are in the NexStar+ Hand Control's "Tour Mode"?

    The Tour Mode generates a customized list of the best objects to view based on your current time, date, and location. It typically includes a mix of popular targets from various catalogs, such as:

    • Bright nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42)
    • Galaxies like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
    • Globular clusters like the Hercules Cluster (M13)
    • Open clusters like the Pleiades (M45)
    • Bright double stars
  • Object Database Access to Messier, NGC, Caldwell, and SAO catalogs, plus planets and popular objects
    Alignment Procedures SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Solar System Align
    PC Connection USB Type-B Port
    Mount Compatibility NexStar SE Series, NexStar SLT Series, NexStar Evolution Series, CPC Series, CPC Deluxe Series, Astro Fi Series, LCM Series
    Firmware Flash upgradeable via PC and Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM)
    • Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ

      NexStar+ Hand Control USB, AZ

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  • Celestron 2-Year Warranty