Bug fix: "BOOT LOADER Serial Invalid Pkg: 0002" of the NexStar hand controller

Celestron mount with NexStar hand controller
You turn on your Celestron NexStar hand controller and it only displays "BOOT LOADER Serial Invalid Pkg: 0002."
The error messages can vary in number, ranging from 0001 to 0090.
This (fairly common) error occurs after extended use and can be easily resolved with a firmware update.

Even without this error message, regular controller/hand controller updates are worthwhile, as new software brings new features and fixes other bugs.

Procedure:

Download the Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) from the Celestron website: http://www.celestron.com/support/manuals-software
Be sure to unzip the software to your desktop (no subfolders) - make sure you have the latest Java version on your PC for the CFM.jar file.
Start the software - the menu will guide you through the necessary steps.
If the program asks for the telescope type, simply select "Automatic..." in the lower box.
After a while (approx. 5-10 minutes), the program will happily report "All your devices are up to date."
Disconnect the hand controller from the RS cable and turn the mount off and on again. The error should now disappear, and the controller should ask for the language. Select the desired language number and wait a moment until the controller reports "NexStar Ready."
Enjoy and observe.

The cable and the correct COM port are a bit tricky. It must be an RS-232 cable, and for newer PCs, a USB serial port adapter is also required.
Caution: Make sure you use the correct COM port number and also set it in the program.

ATTENTION: Please make sure you are using a NexStar+ and not a NexStar* controller. The NexStar* hand controller is an older model and (unfortunately) needs to be updated with different software.

If all that seems too complicated for you, we always have the necessary cables and software (for both NexStar versions) on hand and are happy to perform the firmware update for a small fee.

This service is free for mounts purchased from us.