Sky-WatcherV5 Hand Controller for EQ and AZ Telescope Control

Works perfectly as a replacement. Mine was version V, the latest.

Works perfectly on my early 2000's Orion Atlas EQG. Had to use my old cord of course but it does the job.

Right out of the box, all buttons on this hand controller, with exception of slew rate and slew direction, were not working (non-responsive). I tried three different versions of firmware and all of them behaved the same. It was connected to a SkyWatcher Star Adventurer GTI (Equatorial) which was also brand new. I returned the HC for a replacement. If that one does not work, I will request a refund. Currently I am controlling the mount using an ASIAIR PRO and seems to work fine.

it worked as intended

Hand controller seems to perform basic functions okay for my SkyWatcher EQ-AL5i mount, but the handset is loaded with an old firmware version 3.1. The unit came with a notification that the firmware should be updated to version 4.39.15. The problem is, that in order to make this upgrade (why wasn’t my controller shipped with the latest firmware version???) you have to go to the Sky Watcher web site and download a separate firmware loader and then a firmware data file named SynScan VXXXX.ssf where the XXXX represents the latest version number (which should be 43915 but is no longer available). And then when I try to download the newer version (e.g. 44002) I’m instructed to connect the middle port of the handset with the serial port on my windows computer. What?. Who has a serial port on their computer anymore in 2025? So it’s off to Best Buy to spend another $25 on an Ethernet to USB connector, followed by the downloading of a serial driver for the USB port. What a circus. No plug and play for this old antique. (I suspect I’ll probably be using the original older version of firmware for a while longer than I’d like).

Update: It is working, I was able to update the software. All is well. Still concerning that it didn't come with a manual and in a random box...Haven't tested it yet, but now that I read other reviews (hey it was a mixture, I had a 50/50 chance of a new one, right?) I may update this if it really works, but not really too hopeful.

I use this for my Skywatcher AZ-GTi mount. It came already updated with the latest, version 6, firmware. I imagine they all are shipping like that but you should verify that for yourself. Functions just fine. I use this mount and controller in conjunction with my ASI Air Plus astronomy computer from ZWO.Clear Skies

Works as expected. Bought as an upgrade to an older mount and to use with an AZ-GTi. Get to know the manual and work flow and everything is great. I've tracked 2 minute exposures once properly polar aligned with a 2 or 3 start alignment using the hand controller.