CP2102 USB to RS232 Serial Cable for Celestron NexStar Telescope
USB Telescope Programming, Control and Communication Cable
This CP2102 USB to RS232 serial communication cable is designed for connecting compatible Celestron NexStar computerized telescopes and hand controllers to a Windows PC or laptop.
Featuring a Silicon Labs CP2102 USB-to-Serial converter chipset, this USB telescope programming cable provides a convenient connection for telescope computer control, serial communication, astronomical object positioning and compatible hand controller firmware updates.
The cable connects directly to the dedicated RS232 communication port on compatible Celestron NexStar hand controllers, eliminating the need for a separate USB-to-serial adapter.
Key Features
-
USB Chipset: Silicon Labs CP2102 USB to UART Converter
-
Computer Interface: USB Type-A
-
Telescope Connector: 4P4C Modular Plug
-
Connector Compatibility: RJ9 / RJ10 style 4P4C socket (verify actual device interface)
-
Communication: Serial RS232 (requires internal RS232 level conversion)
-
Driver: Silicon Labs CP2102 VCP Driver
-
Connection Type: USB to Serial Telescope Programming Cable
-
Applications: Telescope Control, Computer Connection, Data Communication and Firmware Upgrade
Main Applications
1. Telescope Computer Control
Connect your Celestron NexStar telescope to a computer for telescope movement and computerized mount control using compatible astronomy software.
2. Telescope Programming and Configuration
Establish serial communication between the PC and the NexStar hand controller for supported configuration and communication functions.
3. Hand Controller Firmware Update
Use compatible Celestron firmware update software to update supported telescope hand controllers.
4. Astronomical Object Positioning
Work with compatible astronomy applications to locate stars, planets, galaxies and other celestial objects.
CP2102 USB Serial Driver
The cable uses the Silicon Labs CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge chipset.
Download the official CP2102 VCP driver:
https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
After driver installation, the cable will appear as a virtual COM port in Windows Device Manager.
Compatible software must support the telescope model and serial communication protocol.
Technical Specifications
| Item |
Specification |
| Product Type |
USB Telescope Programming Cable |
| Chipset |
CP2102 |
| USB Interface |
USB Type-A |
| Telescope Connector |
4P4C Modular Plug |
| Communication |
Serial RS232 |
| Driver |
CP2102 VCP |
| Application |
Telescope Control / Programming / Firmware Update |
| Compatible Brand |
Celestron |
| Product Series |
NexStar Computerized Telescopes |
Package Includes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I connect this cable directly to my computer?
Yes. Connect the USB Type-A plug to your computer and install the CP2102 driver if required.
Q2: Does this cable support Celestron NexStar SE and SLT telescopes?
It is designed for compatible NexStar hand controllers with a dedicated 4P4C RS232 communication port. Please verify your controller version before purchasing.
Q3: Can this cable update telescope firmware?
It can be used for supported hand controller firmware updates with compatible Celestron software.
Q4: Do I need a separate USB-to-RS232 adapter?
No. The USB-to-serial converter is integrated into this cable.
Q5: Is this an ordinary RJ45 Ethernet cable?
No. It uses a 4P4C modular serial connector, not an RJ45 Ethernet connector.
Important Compatibility Notice
Please distinguish the dedicated RS232 port from the AUX port on your telescope hand controller. They are not interchangeable.
Some newer Celestron hand controllers have built-in USB connectors and require a different communication cable.
