iOptron Controller Cable - 6P4C
- 6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor) Connector
- Replacement cable for iOptron hand controllers
- Durable Locking Tabs
This 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.
The 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.
While 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.
Using 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.
iOptron does not list Celestron mounts for this cable. It is sold as a controller cable for iOptron hand controllers and mounts with a 6P4C HBX port.
The numbers refer to the connector's physical size and the number of electrical contacts.
• 6P4C 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.
• 6P6C 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.
No, you should not. 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.
First, 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.
"6P4C" is a standard designation for a modular electrical connector. It stands for 6 Position, 4 Conductor. 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.
No. This cable connects an iOptron hand controller to the mount's HBX (Handbox) port; iOptron does not list Sky-Watcher mounts for it. 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.
| Connector Type | 6P4C (6 Position, 4 Conductor) |
| Application | Telescope Hand Controller to Mount Connection |
Controller Cable - 6P4C
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