CEM 7O Problem with N.I.N.A.

iOptron CEM70 Stefan Berg Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy (N.I.N.A. / NINA) Equatorial Mount Equipment
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Mossyback avatar
Mossyback avatar

I established the Zero and Park positions using the hand controller. Using N.I.N.A. I select “Home”. Sometimes the scope moves to where the home position is but never (on the computer screen) does it say the operation is complete. Other times the mount doesn’t move. In either case, I can’t proceed any further and have to shut down and start again.

If I use the iOptron Commander the mount will “Zero” and Park.

Is there some kind of conflict involved. IOptron Commander loads whether I want it or not. Also, do I leave the hand controller plugged in? I connect to the observatory via Remote Desktop.

What am I doing wrong with this setup?

Hank

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andrea tasselli avatar
andrea tasselli avatar

I always connect the computer to the hand controller’s USB port. Unless something else gets stuck the park command from NINA sends my GEM28 mount to the predefined home position all the times.

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Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar

Make sure you are using the ASCOM drivers for iOptron Commander. I don’t think you would use the hand controller at all in this situation:

connect the mount to the controlling PC via usb

make sure the mount is in the park position

power on the mount

Open commander and connect to the mount

In NINA connect to the mount ASCOM driver for commander

Press unpark in NINA

At this point the mount is tracking and should respond to all the movement commands set from NINA

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Mossyback avatar
Mossyback avatar

I tried the above without success. I’m going to post to the iOptron site also in case there are people there who are not on Astrobin.

Hank

Tony Gondola avatar
Tony Gondola avatar

Good idea. If the basic setup isn’t working my best guess is it’s a setting somewhere that’s causing it, assuming the drivers are up to date. Hope you get it sorted and please back post the solution if you get one.

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Mossyback avatar
Mossyback avatar

Will do.

Mihai Barbu avatar
Mihai Barbu avatar

I have the same mount in an observatory. I never use the hand controller. It is actually not plugged in the mount. I have park position and home position and both of them work.

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Dale Ghent avatar
Dale Ghent avatar

General advice with iOptron products when running into issues like this is to always ensure your installation of iOptron Commander is up to date and ensure that your mount has the latest firmware available for it.

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Richard H avatar
Richard H avatar

I have two different models of iOptron Mounts that I run in remote observatories without any issues, One is a non-EC encoder and the other is enhanced. Both mounts do not use the hand controller connected to the mounts.

Dale is correct that the firmware installed in the iOptron mount must be the correct version (mount firmware matched to Commander) for Commander to function properly. Though firmware and Commander don’t seem to be the problem here.

Another is to remove the hand controller from the mount and connect the mount directly to the computer. Ensures prevention of any potential communication issues. I had this discussion with iOptron support staff a few years ago when T-shooting a com problem on my older mount where I updated the firmware in it. FYI you do need the hand controller to upgrade the mounts firmware and the hand controller at the same time. Remove the hand controller after the update.

A tip I found useful when setting up a NINA sequence for the night. When all the apps are loaded, i.e. Commander, use the mounts Zero function in Commander to zero the mount. If for any reason you think the zero position changed use the Search Zero Position. Monitor the mount as it moves. It should move some distance and return back to the zero position.

Next, from the correct zero position set the mounts Park position to where you want it and save it through Commander. Now when NINA is connected you should have full control of the mount and when the image session is completed it sholld park the mount to your desired location all without a hand controller installed.

Another thought is to make sure ASCOM is updated to the latest version and any drivers needing update. I found I had to update my ASCOM to the latest when I updated NINA to the latest build. Now everything is running smoothly.

Last, Taking the suggestion from a previous poster, it would be a good idea to contact iOptron Support and hear what they may suggest,

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Mossyback avatar
Mossyback avatar

Thanks for all of the suggestions. The first thing I’m going to do is check my iOptron updates. I understand that this has to be done through the handset. When I go to firmware information it lists stuff but no where does it give a method of updating. BTW, the handset is 8410 if that matters.

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Ashraf AbuSara avatar
Ashraf AbuSara avatar

Mossyback · May 30, 2026, 01:03 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions. The first thing I’m going to do is check my iOptron updates. I understand that this has to be done through the handset. When I go to firmware information it lists stuff but no where does it give a method of updating. BTW, the handset is 8410 if that matters.

You can connect your miniPC directly to your mount control hub and update the mount firmware without needing the HC at all. You can check which firmware you have through the iOptron Commander.

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