{"product_id":"celestron-nexstar-hand-control-usb-with-az-easy-pc-updates","title":"Celestron NexStar+ Hand Control USB with AZ - Easy PC Updates","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Celestron NexStar+ AZ Hand Control is evaluated as the standard computer accessory for altazimuth NexStar telescopes. It is best for amateur astronomers who want reliable go-to control and easy firmware updates; the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a large 40,000-object database and direct mini-USB PC connectivity, which makes keeping the unit current and integrating third-party software straightforward. The hand control runs the scope, supports SkyAlign setup, and offers clear, adjustable dual-line display feedback during observing sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40,000-object database:\u003c\/strong\u003e Access an extensive catalog including Messier, NGC, Caldwell and SAO entries to quickly find popular and obscure targets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMini-USB PC connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connect directly to a computer for firmware updates or optional control with third-party software when observing from a laptop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlash upgradeable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Update the hand control via the Internet so the unit can gain new features and bug fixes without hardware changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-line LCD with backlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 16-character display with adjustable backlighting provides readable status and menu information under dark skies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTour Mode and catalogs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in tour and popular object lists help users decide what to observe on any given night without prior planning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NexStar+ AZ Hand Control is aimed at owners of altazimuth mounted Celestron telescopes such as SLT, LCM, SE, NexStar Evolution, and CPC models who want straightforward go-to performance and regular firmware support. It suits hobbyists who use a laptop in the field or who plan to update features over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who own non-altazimuth mounts or expect wireless smartphone-only control should look elsewhere, since this unit is designed specifically for AZ NexStar mounts and relies on a wired mini-USB connection for PC interaction and updates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, built-in database makes locating a wide range of celestial objects quick and reliable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePC connection via mini-USB enables easy firmware upgrades and optional third-party control integration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear dual-line, 16-character display with adjustable backlighting keeps information legible in the field.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatibility is limited to altazimuth NexStar telescopes, and some users report mismatches with other models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible mounts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAltazimuth (AZ) NexStar telescopes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDatabase size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40,000 objects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisplay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual-line, 16-character LCD with adjustable backlighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnectivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMini-USB to PC (cable not included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpgrade method\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlash upgradeable via Internet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded modes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTour Mode, Messier, NGC, Caldwell, SAO and planet lists\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NexStar+ AZ Hand Control is a practical, well-supported controller for owners of Celestron altazimuth go-to telescopes; its expansive database, reliable display, and mini-USB update path make it good value for observers who want firmware longevity and PC integration. Buyers should confirm mount compatibility before purchasing, but for supported models this controller streamlines setup and target acquisition without unnecessary complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this hand control work with my Celestron altazimuth scope?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is compatible with current altazimuth NexStar mounts such as SLT, LCM, SE, NexStar Evolution, and CPC models; confirm your mount is an AZ NexStar variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I update the hand control firmware myself?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the unit is flash upgradeable via the Internet and connects to a PC with a mini-USB cable for updates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the hand control include a cable or software?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe hand control does not include a mini-USB cable; third-party software may be used for telescope control when connected to a computer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48188153004251,"sku":"B01LYQU7W4","price":143.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51XsLMusQ_L._AC_SL1041.jpg?v=1769615411","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/celestron-nexstar-hand-control-usb-with-az-easy-pc-updates","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}