{"product_id":"ioptron-8415","title":"iOptron Controller Cable - 6P4C","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor) Connector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard Replacement for Telescope Hand Controllers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlexible Coiled or Straight Cable Design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable Locking Tabs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n      \u003ch2\u003eController Cable - 6P4C\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThis Controller Cable is a direct replacement cable for connecting a telescope mount's hand controller to the main control board, utilizing the common 6P4C connector standard. The 6P4C plug, often visually similar to a telephone handset jack, ensures a secure, locking connection for reliable communication between your controller and mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003e6P4C Connector: The Standard for Hand Controller Connections\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor) connector has been adopted by many major telescope manufacturers for their GoTo systems. This cable serves as a fundamental link, carrying power and data signals that allow your hand controller to command the mount's motors for slewing, tracking, and alignment procedures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cul\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecure Connection:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plastic locking tab on the 6P4C connector prevents accidental disconnection during an observing session, which could otherwise interrupt tracking or cause a loss of alignment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Application:\u003c\/strong\u003e This cable style is frequently used for the primary hand-controller-to-mount connection on systems from brands like Celestron (NexStar\/CGX), Sky-Watcher (SynScan), and others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eCritical Compatibility Check: Verifying Your Mount's Pinout\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWhile the 6P4C connector itself is standardized, the internal wiring arrangement, or \"pinout,\" is not. Different manufacturers—and sometimes even different mount models from the same manufacturer—use different pinouts for their controller ports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eUsing a cable with an incorrect pinout can lead to erratic behavior or, in worst-case scenarios, damage to the electronics in your mount or hand controller. It is essential to confirm that this replacement cable's pinout matches the specific requirements of your telescope mount before connecting it. Consult your mount's original documentation to verify compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill this 6P4C cable work with my Celestron NexStar 8SE mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eMany Celestron mounts, including the NexStar series, use a 6P4C cable for the hand controller. However, you must \u003cstrong\u003everify the pinout\u003c\/strong\u003e. A \"straight-through\" telephone handset cord will not work and may cause damage. This cable is intended as a like-for-like replacement for the original Celestron controller cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the difference between a 6P4C and a 6P6C controller cable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe numbers refer to the connector's physical size and the number of electrical contacts.\n    \u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003e6P4C\u003c\/strong\u003e means 6 Positions, 4 Conductors. The plug has space for six pins, but only the middle four are present and wired. This is common for hand controllers.\n    \u003cbr\u003e• \u003cstrong\u003e6P6C\u003c\/strong\u003e means 6 Positions, 6 Conductors. All six positions in the plug have pins and are wired. This is often used for autoguider (ST-4) ports or auxiliary ports that require more connections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use a standard telephone handset cord as a replacement 6P4C controller cable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo, you should not.\u003c\/strong\u003e While they use the same 6P4C connector, standard telephone handset cords have a \"crossover\" or \"reverse\" pinout. Telescope controller cables typically require a \"straight-through\" pinout. Using a phone cord can connect power to data lines, potentially damaging your mount's electronics permanently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eMy hand controller doesn't power on with this new 6P4C cable. What should I check?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFirst, ensure the cable is fully seated and the locking tabs have clicked into place on both the mount and the hand controller. Second, confirm that the mount itself is powered on and receiving adequate voltage. If it still doesn't work, the issue may be an incorrect pinout for your specific mount model, so double-check the cable's compatibility against your mount's requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat does the \"6P4C\" in Controller Cable mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\"6P4C\" is a standard designation for a modular electrical connector. It stands for \u003cstrong\u003e6 Position, 4 Conductor\u003c\/strong\u003e. This means the plastic plug has six available positions for pins, but only the central four positions are fitted with metal conductors to carry a signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs this 6P4C cable for connecting my Sky-Watcher mount to a PC?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo, this cable is typically for connecting the SynScan hand controller to the mount's hand controller (HC) port. To connect a Sky-Watcher mount to a PC for computer control, you generally need a different cable, often a USB-to-Serial adapter that connects to the bottom of the hand controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTelescope Hand Controller to Mount Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eController Cable - 6P4C\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  Please see manufacturer's warranty policy for details.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917308883229,"sku":"IOP-8415","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-Controller-Cable-6P4C-1_af3b61b5-e0f1-41f6-97dc-b9c759c1bfeb.jpg?v=1789142491","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/ioptron-8415","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}