Aside from the problems you are having with getting the controller try
www.astrogeeks.com. They have a free downloadable controller for the 8i I
believe. I have the GPS and it works like a dream on that.

--

Thanks,
Dave
For Nexstar11GPS tips, tricks, and general information visit
http://www.nexstar11.com. astronomy software visit www.nexstar11.com, select
"Downloads"
The UNOFFICIAL site for NexstarGPS information.
All information is "In my opinion" and not to be taken as fact.


"Roger Hamlett" wrote in message
...

"Ted Wilson" wrote in message
...
Okay, here's my sob story. I received my Celestron Nexstar 8i with the
Starbright SLT coating over a month ago, and the hand controller (HC)
was
a
turkey. I sent it back and am still waiting for a replacement. I
called
service and they tell me the things are backordered until........well
they
don't know.

Anyhow, I think it stinks that I plunked down $1,500 for a new scope,
and
it
still hasn't seen first light.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Celestron? I read on
previous
posts that they were a good company as far as customer service was
concered,
but I "ain't" seeing it. I'm thinking they could just yank a controller
off
another scope or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of
sending the whole scope back.

I sold my 4.5" equatoria and 8" dob for this thing, and I am not happy.
Generally, Celestron are pretty good for their customer service.
Unfortunately, it sounds as if you have hit a time when the service
department, is unable to help, because they don't have access to the part.
:-(
Now the key at such times, is to keep your own cool, and to write a really
clear, but also very firmly worded letter, and send it to them recorded
delivery. The 'key' to this, is that letters, have a legal standing
(technically the telephone conversation also has such standing, but try
proving it!...).
The US is different from the UK, but in the UK the letter in the UK should
go to the supplying company (since your contract is actually with them,
not
with Celestron). The letter should point out, that at this time, you have
_not_ yet received the goods you ordered in working order. The 'point' is
that the supplying company, has contracted to sell you a product, and you
have not yet received that product in working order. In the UK, you would
then say that you will be contacting the credit card company (assuming you
paid using a card), and registering a dispute with them, if they have not
provided a working system in a reasonable time (perhaps ten days). This is
one of the most powerful things about using credit cards for purchases,
since in the UK at least, the the purchase made using such cards, actually
forms a contract between the credit card company, and the supplier. I
don't
know how close the US comes in this regard, but I would suspect that there
is some leverage that can be made using this route. One question, is how
long ago the scope was paid for, and supplied?. In the UK again, there is
a
'reasonable time' set down for the supply of goods. Though Celestron
provide
the warranty and support in the US, this would not in my mind, absolve the
supplying company from responsibility to provide the goods ordered in a
fit
state...
Normally the credit card company, publishes details of it's terms and
legal
relationship, and if you want to use this leverage, some careful reading
will be needed.

Best Wishes