How To Set Up A Mini PC To Control Your Celestron NexStar 6SE/8SE Telescope On A Wedge | COMPLETE!

In this video I'm going to cover the steps of how I mounted, installed, and configured a mini PC to control a Celestron NexStar 6SE or Celestron NexStar 8SE on a wedge
The software components are the same as what you would use on a laptop, and largely the same if you are using a GEM or non-Celestron mount. I have tried to be as comprehensive as possible to go over the process end-to-end.

Let me know if I've missed anything, or if you have any tips or suggestions!

Thanks for watching, and clear skies!

#Astrophotography #minipcastrophotography #NexStar6SE #NexStar8SE

In This Video:

1. Before You Get Started
2. Mini PC Windows 11 Setup
3. Mini PC Physical Install
4. Control Software Installation
4.1 Install Additional Drivers
5.1 Configure Astro Software
5.2 First Light, Plate Solving, and Imaging Plan

Software Links:
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ASCOM: Universal Standards For Astronomy
You need these so that different components can talk to one another
https://ascom-standards.org/Downloads...

CPWI: Celestron PlaneWave Instruments Telescope Control Software
Celestron drivers IF you are using a Celestron mount, such as a NexStar SE in Alt-AZ mode or on a wedge, on an SLT or GT in Alt-AZ mode
https://www.celestron.com/pages/celes...

Unified Telescope and Focuser ASCOM Driver For Celestron
Only if you are using a Celestron mount, and you can't (or don't want to use) CPWI
https://download.ascom-standards.org/...
Specifically look for Celestron Telescope and Focuser Setup
https://download.ascom-standards.org/...

PHD2 Guiding Software
If you want to guide your mount with a separate guide scope and guide camera
https://openphdguiding.org/downloads/

SharpCap
Easy-to-use and powerful astronomy camera capture tool
I personally use it for Planetary Imaging, and to run my Web Cam for a live view from the Telescope
https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap/d...

Astro Photography Tool (APT): Imaging and Telescope Control Software
It does everything I need for it to do for an imaging session (focusing, plate solving, imaging plans, etc).
You can buy a license if you like it. I bought a license to support the cause.
Other favourites: NINA, SharpCap
https://astrophotography.app/download...

BackyardNIKON/BackyardEOS
Great image capture software if you are using a DSLR. I still use it to control my NIKON camera if I need a more complicated capture plan.
Requires license for most useful functions.
https://www.otelescope.com/files/cate...

SVBONY Camera Drivers
If you have SVBONY imaging or guide cameras
https://www.svbony.com/support-softwa...

ZWO Camera Drivers
If you have ZWO imaging or guide cameras
https://www.zwoastro.com/software/

ASTAP, the Astrometric STAcking Program
Great utility, required by APT for Plate Solving (i.e. figuring out what you're pointing at)
NOTE: You will need the ASTAP Program Installer AND a STAR DATABASE (I use D80, the largest databse)
https://www.hnsky.org/astap.htm

All Sky Plate Solver
Used by APT for Plate Solving
https://www.astrogb.com/astrogb/All_S...

PlateSolve3
Another Plate Solver from PlaneWave Instruments, used by APT for plate solving.
https://nighttime-imaging.eu/docs/mas...

Comnand Line command to get your Windows License Key
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Mini PC I'm using:
BOSGAME B95 Mini PC W11 Pro, Intel 12th Gen N95 (up to 3.4GHz) 16GB RAM 512GB M.2 SSD Minipc, Mini Desktop Computer Support 4K UHD Dual HDMI & Type-C, WiFi 5, BT 5.0