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

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

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.

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.

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,

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.