Good review; thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, I see Celestron as stuck in the 90s. They have great OTA's, but they are basically all from an era of innovation that has carried them forward to today. Now, Celestron manages its bottom line, which is not customer satisfaction. If you wanted to see ways Celestron could innovate, look no further than the origin. They could have built a mount, portable computer, and sensor lineup, which could have competed well in the market. Still, instead of doing the material, software, and hardware engineering, they slapped a few things they had lying around that no one was going to buy and made what amounts to a package deal which they marketed as an intelligent telescope. I like that you broke out all of the issues and documented all of your steps. Well done!
Thank you! That sounds all very plausible. Especially when considered that they could have known about the issues and I fear it seemed not important enough to make this thing really as easy and customer friednly as promised. What a good way it would be to bind people to Celestron if you really could put this thing on it would work like promised and you would have sold a mount and this thing together. This way it's just: next time I'll propably bet on another horse
@@WitscherLast summer I bet on another horse: ZWO AM5 and ASI Air Plus. The $899 device from Celestron had been announced but who knew when it would actually be available. So I went with what I described above and am glad I did. It works superbly with my Redcat 61, and I’ve found it works very well with my Celestron C6. Seeing the issues you’ve found really reinforces my decision.
@@ABCMO-bl5pi absolutely! That was indeed a good decision. Yes, ASI AIR was always tempting to buy. I would have bought it if there were'nt the regular public observation nights. Just for those the SSAG seemed like the perfect helper. Sadly it isn't as it looks right now.
I tried the system with my new AVX mount briefly but returned it. As you describe, should be simple but in fact complicated. I decided to go to ASIAIR with much better success. This year ASIAIR forced an update that required me to update the AVX firmware, so like you I went through all the steps getting JAVA to run CPWI
my friend you are right on point with this review. i bought it did all the firmware update and have only used it twice....NOT as easy as they sold it to be.
I agree completely. It is good to see a review like this. I thought I was the only one who was having trouble. I also agree on the software. USB to Serial drivers, Java, comm port issues... seriously? I'm surprised I don't need Prodigy and ICQ as well.
Great review. Sorry, same sad experiences here on AVX and Star Sense I, binned after power switch burn-out. Now I use the Tripod on an AM5 mount. Celestron should go the same way as Mead... bankrupt!
I have to admit I still have some love for Celestron products but this was the first time I rly got angry. Problems are'nt solved yet. What you've experienced is a very good reason to switch completely.
I have a SSAG and love it. You dont mention doing the autoguider Callibration which may be the source of some of your problems. Trying to learn the Celestron firmware update process and CPWI at the same time as the SSAG is a lot to absorb but it does all work together.
I must own a one off? Running the avx with ssag out of the box with outstanding results excellent guiding using cpwi and nina with dither very happy with my setup (I have experience with ioptron and Sky-Watcher mounts and enjoy them all).
For me...with a nexstar 8se on a DIY wedge, works almost perfect....center calibration no problems, auto align great and guiding I would say very good (in average 75 and 20 stars) considering all that on a altaz mount. The only thing to consider, is the uv/ir pass filter that celestron recommends, for me, plate solving doesn't work, so I am not using it.... One very important thing.....Make sure you update everything, mount, celestron manager, cpwi/skyportal, AND the starsense autoguider....that is a must...!!!
@@evastronomy8048 true, I've updated everything. It seems as if 50% have no issues with the ssag and 50% are experiencing similar issues like me. I'm fine with using it as an autoguider right now. I'm glad it does it's job on your se mount! :)
After updating the firmware for the SSAG, my AVX mount could not find any stars anymore. Then after a lengthy of troubleshooting sessions, I decided to factory reset that thing and now all works flawless. So the factory reset is now part of my procedure when updating the SSAG firmware.
Wow! I thought I was the only one not able to make the damn thing work properly. I have a CGX and a CPC. The CPC needed a Beta file to work, and Celestron provided it, but I had no idea how to get it to load into the handcontrol so I didn't try the SSAG on the CPC again until a few months later when Celestron had the correct software on the CPM site. OK, good, should work. Not so fast. It seemed to load, the SSAG was recognized, but would not guide properly. Enough of that. Then I used it on my CGX (which I seem to have a periodic glitch where one of the motors seems to "run away" momentarily.) But the SSAG worked well and guided....for a while. Now when I take it out to the desert, it does not automatically align, and requires me to align the CGX first, then I go to the SSAG and try a Polar Alignment. Seems to work and off and on will take me to my object the next time I go to Precise Go To. But if it does not, I need to use the Center Calibration to pull the object into the center of my view. That guides well then. But may or may not get me precisely to the next object. And this is "easier?"
@@tomc8608 that sounds very similar to my experiences. I tried it again, it looks for stars under the horizon and says alignment successful then. It's not the focus, i could check this in the meantime. So It's overall a system not holding what it promises. I'll send it back. Btw, I can't ue it just for guiding. After an alignment of my mount I tried to activate it for guiding but then it wants a new alignment - wgich will not work. Even if itvwould, I will not pay 900€ for guiding only which costs me 300€ with a good scope and zwo cam.
I recently bought the star sense to go with my CGX mount. To be honest I haven't had a chance to put it to full use. Now I can't speak for other telescope mounts but I did not encounter the same issues as discussed in the video when I used the Celestron CGX mount. Ok covering the points mentioned in the video: 1: I did have concerns when I first read the instructions about changing the bracket. Thankfully I didn't do any harm when I switched around the bracket. When I later tested the SSAG after sun down it was able to successfully polar align without any problem. Note: as it states in the instructions if it goes out of focus you will receive the "No Stars!" error message. 2: Prior to testing the Star sense/CGX combo I made sure I did the necessary firmware updates as was suggested in the documentation so this was not an issue. After connecting everything, the CGX mount recognized the Star Sense without issue. 3: I agree about the USB cable that one should be included. Fortunately I had one stashed away in a draw with all my other thousands of cables I have collected over the years but this should come standard with the either the CGX mount or the Star Sense. 4: The CFM software link is listed in the documentation or as suggested in the video a Google search for Celestron CFM will be the first hit. So this wasn't an issue for me. As for the Java runtime environment (JRE), I guess I am still stuck in the 2010's as my PC has it installed. Even so Celestron should mention that you need JRE in the documentation although looking at the _ReadMe.txt file of the CFM software it does state this. 5: Doing the actual firmware update using CFM was a little confusing but it seemed to handle the detection easily enough, and yes you do need to press the Update button. It doesn't automatically do it unfortunately, maybe this is to give you one last chance to check what you are doing before you do the update? Not sure. As I mentioned earlier I can't speak for any other mount but I had no issue polar aligning with the CGX mount. Following the step by step prompts with the hand controller made the task very easy and was able to align within a few minutes. 6: For fun part no 6. since I did not have any issue with the star sense focus I can't comment on this part. For me the biggest concern was the potential focusing issue that could have occurred when I swapped the mounting bracket. I think it would be better to have a mounting bracket that can be swapped easily without having to unscrew the SSAG housing. This would eliminate the potential problem with focusing and having to use CPWI software to refocus the SSAG.
@@blackrain1708 I'm happy to hear that your ssag does it's job properly. I made no progress sadly. The mount only works perfectly without the auto align function I bought the ssag for. At least the guiding works well. Yes, absolutely, the kind of bracket youre describing would be so much better and it should be managebale to deliver one that doesnt need the detachement. I'll try the alignment process soon with another avx but I don't want to reset everything in the observatory bc that one aligns so good rn with 3 star alignment. It saves the position of the objects in the sky and finds them directly - even without slewing much.
@@Witscher UPDATE: Ok, so when I first go the SSAG I really didn’t get to use it that much initially with my CGX due to weather conditions. Melbourne winter weather is very annoying! Anyway, when I did get the intermittent clear night, I did have some issues with the SSAG at locating objects. I had no problem polar aligning the mount and doing an auto alignment however the problems for me began when I tried to use the SSAG to Go-To an object in its database. Oh boy did I nearly pop a blood vessel trying to figure out what was happening!! I think there is a serious problem with SSAG and its database maybe? I only figured out that if I manually plug in the RA/Dec coordinates under the Menu option I was able to centre objects I wanted to find. It doesn’t seem to centre objects using the SSAG menu. It’s a work around for me at least until they release a firmware update to this maybe? I tried sending Celestron an email asking about it but all I got in response were “crickets chirping”. So whether they respond or not (highly unlikely) at least I have my work around for now. I am a little disappointed with Celestron in regards to this and with some of the earlier points mentioned in my original post. Thankfully the polar alignment does work as does the autoguide. Those two things I can’t fault!
@@blackrain1708 thanks for your update! Meanwhile I bought a CGX as well and I love it but I did not buy another ssag as usually planned. I went back to 50mm guider with planetary camera. Cheaper and reliable. I still use my ssag on the AVX but only as a guider. I gave up trying it to get the auto alignment done. The "last alignment" rly works well. So it is not a big problem but its still a big deal that the ssag is not doing it's intended job. That's why I switched cameras: Im using a zwo asi 2600mc duo with asi air now and guide it with the ssag - That's great. Keep me updated if anything changes :) Btw I'm envy, I'd love to live in Australia 😁
The truth is, this isn't actually a Celestron product. It's another version of the "StarAid Revolution." Celestron purchased the rights, made some minor adjustments, and rebranded it under their name. So, it’s no surprise if the issues with this product are fixed very slowly.
I said no to any Celestron electronics after owning the CGX mount. I'm not at all surprised by the issues with the SSAG, and I haven't seen anyone happy with this product. Many topics have been created, and there are no answers. Celestron has abandoned it to create a new pile of junk called Origin
@@kayldomaj6493 1. The quality of the parts of this mount is terrible. Just by looking at it, you can tell it’s not a perfect product. The surface is rough with many bumps and dents. The tripod and counterweight shaft rust quickly. The price of this mount, over $2,000, is way too expensive for such a product. 2. Poor design: - This mount is very hard to balance due to its poor finish. Additionally, it has two oversized knobs to lock the dovetail, making the balancing process unnecessarily complicated. - You can't install electronic polar scopes (like PoleMaster) without spending an extra few dozen dollars for additional accessories. - If you use this mount at mid-latitude regions like around 20 degrees, the counterweight will hit the mount, forcing you to disassemble the mount for adjustments. 3. Frequent small issues: - My mount sometimes loses connection with the computer in the middle of a session, even though everything seems to be connected properly. I then have to re-align from the beginning. - Guiding error is significant for most users. Some people manage to fine-tune it for better performance, but overall, it takes way too much time.
the autoguider has been the most frustrating purchase. I find myself using my dob with astrohopper more than my 9.25 evo, even when it does work the tracking is horrible. I was told to not update the firmware via CFM, that you have to plug into the camera via USB-C, download the windows driver, then use the url to download the firmware. It works better after that but the tracking is still not good enough.
Good review; thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, I see Celestron as stuck in the 90s. They have great OTA's, but they are basically all from an era of innovation that has carried them forward to today. Now, Celestron manages its bottom line, which is not customer satisfaction. If you wanted to see ways Celestron could innovate, look no further than the origin. They could have built a mount, portable computer, and sensor lineup, which could have competed well in the market. Still, instead of doing the material, software, and hardware engineering, they slapped a few things they had lying around that no one was going to buy and made what amounts to a package deal which they marketed as an intelligent telescope. I like that you broke out all of the issues and documented all of your steps. Well done!
Thank you! That sounds all very plausible. Especially when considered that they could have known about the issues and I fear it seemed not important enough to make this thing really as easy and customer friednly as promised. What a good way it would be to bind people to Celestron if you really could put this thing on it would work like promised and you would have sold a mount and this thing together. This way it's just: next time I'll propably bet on another horse
@@WitscherLast summer I bet on another horse: ZWO AM5 and ASI Air Plus. The $899 device from Celestron had been announced but who knew when it would actually be available. So I went with what I described above and am glad I did. It works superbly with my Redcat 61, and I’ve found it works very well with my Celestron C6. Seeing the issues you’ve found really reinforces my decision.
@@ABCMO-bl5pi absolutely! That was indeed a good decision. Yes, ASI AIR was always tempting to buy. I would have bought it if there were'nt the regular public observation nights. Just for those the SSAG seemed like the perfect helper. Sadly it isn't as it looks right now.
I tried the system with my new AVX mount briefly but returned it. As you describe, should be simple but in fact complicated. I decided to go to ASIAIR with much better success. This year ASIAIR forced an update that required me to update the AVX firmware, so like you I went through all the steps getting JAVA to run CPWI
my friend you are right on point with this review. i bought it did all the firmware update and have only used it twice....NOT as easy as they sold it to be.
I agree completely. It is good to see a review like this. I thought I was the only one who was having trouble. I also agree on the software. USB to Serial drivers, Java, comm port issues... seriously? I'm surprised I don't need Prodigy and ICQ as well.
@@briangleeson1528 haha exactly 😄
Great review. Sorry, same sad experiences here on AVX and Star Sense I, binned after power switch burn-out. Now I use the Tripod on an AM5 mount. Celestron should go the same way as Mead... bankrupt!
I have to admit I still have some love for Celestron products but this was the first time I rly got angry. Problems are'nt solved yet. What you've experienced is a very good reason to switch completely.
I have a SSAG and love it. You dont mention doing the autoguider Callibration which may be the source of some of your problems. Trying to learn the Celestron firmware update process and CPWI at the same time as the SSAG is a lot to absorb but it does all work together.
I must own a one off? Running the avx with ssag out of the box with outstanding results excellent guiding using cpwi and nina with dither very happy with my setup (I have experience with ioptron and Sky-Watcher mounts and enjoy them all).
For me...with a nexstar 8se on a DIY wedge, works almost perfect....center calibration no problems, auto align great and guiding I would say very good (in average 75 and 20 stars) considering all that on a altaz mount. The only thing to consider, is the uv/ir pass filter that celestron recommends, for me, plate solving doesn't work, so I am not using it.... One very important thing.....Make sure you update everything, mount, celestron manager, cpwi/skyportal, AND the starsense autoguider....that is a must...!!!
@@evastronomy8048 true, I've updated everything. It seems as if 50% have no issues with the ssag and 50% are experiencing similar issues like me. I'm fine with using it as an autoguider right now. I'm glad it does it's job on your se mount! :)
After updating the firmware for the SSAG, my AVX mount could not find any stars anymore. Then after a lengthy of troubleshooting sessions, I decided to factory reset that thing and now all works flawless. So the factory reset is now part of my procedure when updating the SSAG firmware.
Wow! I thought I was the only one not able to make the damn thing work properly. I have a CGX and a CPC. The CPC needed a Beta file to work, and Celestron provided it, but I had no idea how to get it to load into the handcontrol so I didn't try the SSAG on the CPC again until a few months later when Celestron had the correct software on the CPM site. OK, good, should work. Not so fast. It seemed to load, the SSAG was recognized, but would not guide properly. Enough of that. Then I used it on my CGX (which I seem to have a periodic glitch where one of the motors seems to "run away" momentarily.) But the SSAG worked well and guided....for a while. Now when I take it out to the desert, it does not automatically align, and requires me to align the CGX first, then I go to the SSAG and try a Polar Alignment. Seems to work and off and on will take me to my object the next time I go to Precise Go To. But if it does not, I need to use the Center Calibration to pull the object into the center of my view. That guides well then. But may or may not get me precisely to the next object. And this is "easier?"
@@tomc8608 that sounds very similar to my experiences. I tried it again, it looks for stars under the horizon and says alignment successful then. It's not the focus, i could check this in the meantime. So It's overall a system not holding what it promises. I'll send it back. Btw, I can't ue it just for guiding. After an alignment of my mount I tried to activate it for guiding but then it wants a new alignment - wgich will not work. Even if itvwould, I will not pay 900€ for guiding only which costs me 300€ with a good scope and zwo cam.
I recently bought the star sense to go with my CGX mount. To be honest I haven't had a chance to put it to full use. Now I can't speak for other telescope mounts but I did not encounter the same issues as discussed in the video when I used the Celestron CGX mount.
Ok covering the points mentioned in the video:
1: I did have concerns when I first read the instructions about changing the bracket. Thankfully I didn't do any harm when I switched around the bracket. When I later tested the SSAG after sun down it was able to successfully polar align without any problem. Note: as it states in the instructions if it goes out of focus you will receive the "No Stars!" error message.
2: Prior to testing the Star sense/CGX combo I made sure I did the necessary firmware updates as was suggested in the documentation so this was not an issue. After connecting everything, the CGX mount recognized the Star Sense without issue.
3: I agree about the USB cable that one should be included. Fortunately I had one stashed away in a draw with all my other thousands of cables I have collected over the years but this should come standard with the either the CGX mount or the Star Sense.
4: The CFM software link is listed in the documentation or as suggested in the video a Google search for Celestron CFM will be the first hit. So this wasn't an issue for me.
As for the Java runtime environment (JRE), I guess I am still stuck in the 2010's as my PC has it installed. Even so Celestron should mention that you need JRE in the documentation although looking at the _ReadMe.txt file of the CFM software it does state this.
5: Doing the actual firmware update using CFM was a little confusing but it seemed to handle the detection easily enough, and yes you do need to press the Update button. It doesn't automatically do it unfortunately, maybe this is to give you one last chance to check what you are doing before you do the update? Not sure.
As I mentioned earlier I can't speak for any other mount but I had no issue polar aligning with the CGX mount. Following the step by step prompts with the hand controller made the task very easy and was able to align within a few minutes.
6: For fun part no 6. since I did not have any issue with the star sense focus I can't comment on this part.
For me the biggest concern was the potential focusing issue that could have occurred when I swapped the mounting bracket. I think it would be better to have a mounting bracket that can be swapped easily without having to unscrew the SSAG housing. This would eliminate the potential problem with focusing and having to use CPWI software to refocus the SSAG.
@@blackrain1708 I'm happy to hear that your ssag does it's job properly. I made no progress sadly. The mount only works perfectly without the auto align function I bought the ssag for. At least the guiding works well. Yes, absolutely, the kind of bracket youre describing would be so much better and it should be managebale to deliver one that doesnt need the detachement.
I'll try the alignment process soon with another avx but I don't want to reset everything in the observatory bc that one aligns so good rn with 3 star alignment. It saves the position of the objects in the sky and finds them directly - even without slewing much.
@@Witscher UPDATE:
Ok, so when I first go the SSAG I really didn’t get to use it that much initially with my CGX due to weather conditions. Melbourne winter weather is very annoying!
Anyway, when I did get the intermittent clear night, I did have some issues with the SSAG at locating objects. I had no problem polar aligning the mount and doing an auto alignment however the problems for me began when I tried to use the SSAG to Go-To an object in its database. Oh boy did I nearly pop a blood vessel trying to figure out what was happening!!
I think there is a serious problem with SSAG and its database maybe? I only figured out that if I manually plug in the RA/Dec coordinates under the Menu option I was able to centre objects I wanted to find. It doesn’t seem to centre objects using the SSAG menu. It’s a work around for me at least until they release a firmware update to this maybe? I tried sending Celestron an email asking about it but all I got in response were “crickets chirping”. So whether they respond or not (highly unlikely) at least I have my work around for now.
I am a little disappointed with Celestron in regards to this and with some of the earlier points mentioned in my original post. Thankfully the polar alignment does work as does the autoguide. Those two things I can’t fault!
@@blackrain1708 thanks for your update! Meanwhile I bought a CGX as well and I love it but I did not buy another ssag as usually planned. I went back to 50mm guider with planetary camera. Cheaper and reliable. I still use my ssag on the AVX but only as a guider. I gave up trying it to get the auto alignment done. The "last alignment" rly works well. So it is not a big problem but its still a big deal that the ssag is not doing it's intended job. That's why I switched cameras: Im using a zwo asi 2600mc duo with asi air now and guide it with the ssag - That's great.
Keep me updated if anything changes :)
Btw I'm envy, I'd love to live in Australia 😁
The truth is, this isn't actually a Celestron product. It's another version of the "StarAid Revolution." Celestron purchased the rights, made some minor adjustments, and rebranded it under their name. So, it’s no surprise if the issues with this product are fixed very slowly.
Oh ok, I didn't know that. Interesting!
I said no to any Celestron electronics after owning the CGX mount. I'm not at all surprised by the issues with the SSAG, and I haven't seen anyone happy with this product. Many topics have been created, and there are no answers. Celestron has abandoned it to create a new pile of junk called Origin
What issues did you have with the CGX ?
@@kayldomaj6493
1. The quality of the parts of this mount is terrible. Just by looking at it, you can tell it’s not a perfect product. The surface is rough with many bumps and dents. The tripod and counterweight shaft rust quickly. The price of this mount, over $2,000, is way too expensive for such a product.
2. Poor design:
- This mount is very hard to balance due to its poor finish. Additionally, it has two oversized knobs to lock the dovetail, making the balancing process unnecessarily complicated.
- You can't install electronic polar scopes (like PoleMaster) without spending an extra few dozen dollars for additional accessories.
- If you use this mount at mid-latitude regions like around 20 degrees, the counterweight will hit the mount, forcing you to disassemble the mount for adjustments.
3. Frequent small issues:
- My mount sometimes loses connection with the computer in the middle of a session, even though everything seems to be connected properly. I then have to re-align from the beginning.
- Guiding error is significant for most users. Some people manage to fine-tune it for better performance, but overall, it takes way too much time.
the autoguider has been the most frustrating purchase. I find myself using my dob with astrohopper more than my 9.25 evo, even when it does work the tracking is horrible. I was told to not update the firmware via CFM, that you have to plug into the camera via USB-C, download the windows driver, then use the url to download the firmware. It works better after that but the tracking is still not good enough.
@@jonathon9739 thanks for sharing your experience with the ssag. Seems like I'm not the only unsatisfied user.