Software and Updates

Quick start

If you have… Download
  • CDK12.5 thru CDK24 telescope with any of these accessories:
    • EFA Kit
    • IRF90 Rotating Focuser
    • Hedrick Focuser
    • Delta-T Dew Heater
PlaneWave Interface 3 (PWI 3)
  • L-Series mount
  • PW1000 telescope system
  • RC700 telescope system
  • Series 5 focuser or rotator
PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI 4)
PlateSolve 3 star catalog
  • CDK700 with EFA Kit and IRF90
PlaneWave Interface 2 (PWI 2)
PlateSolve 3 star catalog
  • A200 mount
  • Mathis mount with SiTech controller
SiTech Interface (STI)
APM star catalog
  • PlaneWave Mirror Cover System
PlaneWave Mirror Cover Control

PlaneWave Interface 3 (PWI 3)

Control software for IRF90 / Hedrick Focuser and Delta-T accessories on CDK12.5 thru CDK24 Telescopes

PWI 3 controls the IRF90 and Hedrick Focuser accessories that connect via the Electronic Focuser Assembly (EFA), along with the Delta-T Heater on PlaneWave telescopes. Includes ASCOM Focuser and Rotator drivers. Compatible with most CDK12.5, CDK14, CDK17, CDK20, and CDK24 telescopes.

If you communicate with your EFA through a cable connected to a Celestron hand controller, please install PWI Focus instead. To upgrade from PWI Focus to PWI 3, please contact PlaneWave Instruments for information on a cable upgrade kit.

PlaneWave Interface 3.5.7 12.24 MB 27086 downloads

Latest stable release


PlaneWave Interface 3.5.7 12.24 MB 21663 downloads

Latest experimental release


View Recent Changes to PWI 3

 


PlaneWave Interface 4 (PWI 4)

Control software for L-Series mounts (L-350, L-500, and L-600) and the PW1000

PlaneWave Interface 4 controls the L-Series mounts, and the PW1000 telescope system. The software includes an ASCOM Telescope driver for mount control, as well as optional ASCOM Rotator and Focuser drivers for the PW1000 telescope.

PWI 4 includes the AutoTuner utility, which allows you to optimize the direct-drive motors in the L-Series mounts for your exact payload. This video takes you through the tuning process that should be performed after installing your mount or changing the payload.

PlaneWave Interface 4.0.16 3.12 MB 25403 downloads

Latest stable release - recommended for most users.
Series 5 focuser and rotator users should download the 4.0.99 preview release below.


PlaneWave Interface 4.0.99 Beta 27 14.56 MB 38161 downloads

Preview the next major release of PlaneWave Interface

The upcoming PWI 4.1 release will support a wider array of hardware. This preview version includes support for Series 5 Focuser and Rotator hardware.

This version supports both Maxim DL and ASCOM-based cameras when building pointing models and performing focus runs.

If you have a custom LMount.cfg that was generated for an older version of PWI4, it will automatically be migrated to the new configuration scheme for this version.

If you use a PW1000 and currently use a PW1000_custom.cfg config file, these settings are not yet automatically migrated. This will be added in a future release.


PlateSolve 3 Star Catalog Installer (Part 1 of 2) 323.90 KB 26842 downloads

This star catalog is used by the PlateSolve routine in PWI 2 and PWI 4 to build automated pointing models. Part 2 must also be downloaded alongside Part 1. For the installer to function correctly, this file should be named "Setup_PlateSolve3_Catalog.exe".


PlateSolve 3 Star Catalog Data (Part 2 of 2) 2.0 GB 30411 downloads

Large file (2.0 GB). This file should be placed in the same directory as the Part 1 installer. For the installer to function correctly, this file should be named "Setup_PlateSolve3_Catalog-1.bin". If you have trouble with this download, try the alternative download link.

View Recent Changes to PWI 4

 


SiTech Interface (STI)

Control software for A200 and Mathis fork mounts

STI controls the PlaneWave A200 German Equatorial mount and Mathis fork mounts that use a Sidereal Technology control system. The installer includes an ASCOM Telescope driver to allow third-party programs to control the mount.

STI 1.4.3 Final 5.80 MB 14532 downloads

Latest stable release


APM Star Catalog Installer 405 MB 82270 downloads

Installs the APM star catalog required for running PlateSolve to build a pointing model in STI.


STI Southern Hemisphere Config for A200 1.31 KB 12896 downloads

This modified copy of SiTech.cfg provides a starting point for configuring an A200 mount in the Southern Hemisphere. See the included README file for more details.

View Recent Changes to STI

 


PlaneWave Interface 2 for CDK700 (PWI 2)

Control software for CDK700 telescopes

PWI 2 controls the mount, focusers, rotators, M3 mirror, and auxiliary hardware on PlaneWave CDK700 telescopes. ASCOM Telescope, Focuser, and Rotator drivers are included with the installer.

PlaneWave Interface 2.2.0.38 for CDK700 9.88 MB 14040 downloads

Control software for CDK700 serial numbers 005 and higher



PlateSolve 3 Star Catalog Installer (Part 1 of 2) 323.90 KB 26842 downloads

This star catalog is used by the PlateSolve routine in PWI 2 and PWI 4 to build automated pointing models. Part 2 must also be downloaded alongside Part 1. For the installer to function correctly, this file should be named "Setup_PlateSolve3_Catalog.exe".


PlateSolve 3 Star Catalog Data (Part 2 of 2) 2.0 GB 30411 downloads

Large file (2.0 GB). This file should be placed in the same directory as the Part 1 installer. For the installer to function correctly, this file should be named "Setup_PlateSolve3_Catalog-1.bin". If you have trouble with this download, try the alternative download link.

View Recent Changes to PWI 4


PlaneWave Mirror Cover Control (PWShutter)

Controls the optional mirror cover system for PlaneWave telescopes.

PlaneWave Mirror Cover Control 1.12.0 10.27 MB 21778 downloads

Control software for the PlaneWave Mirror Cover, with ASCOM driver included.

 


 

PWI Focus

Used for pre-2013 CDK telescopes that connect to the EFA via a Celestron hand controller.

PWI Focus is no longer supported. If you wish to upgrade to the latest supported version of the PWI control software, please contact PlaneWave Instruments about a PC Cable Upgrade Kit.

PWI Focus 1.0.20 2.56 MB 22203 downloads

PWI Focus is used on legacy systems where the PC connects to the EFA through a Celestron-branded hand controller.


ASCOM Driver for PWI Focus 525.64 KB 21453 downloads

ASCOM Driver for PWI Focus

 


PlateSolve 2

Standalone version of the PlateSolve utility. If you are downloading PWI3, STI, or PWI2 for CDK700, PlateSolve is already included and does not need to be downloaded separately.

PlateSolve2 v2.28 520.24 KB 46604 downloads

Standalone version of PlateSolve 2. Also download either the APM or UCAC3 star catalogs below to perform star matching.


APM Star Catalog Installer 405 MB 82270 downloads

Installs the APM star catalog required for running PlateSolve to build a pointing model in STI.


UCAC3 Star Catalog 401.19 MB 46290 downloads

UCAC3 Catalog, formatted for PlateSolve2, compressed as a .zip file.

 


Delta-T Firmware Update

Update your Delta-T firmware to the latest version.

Delta-T Firmware Update 9.96 MB 15505 downloads

Delta-T Firmware Update (firmware 1.0.13219 and 2.1.16054)

 


EFA Firmware Update

Update your EFA box to the latest version.

EFA Firmware Update 3.10 MB 14911 downloads

EFA Firmware Update (firmware 1.06)

 


Hand Controller Update

Update your Celestron-branded hand controller to the latest version.

Hand Controller Update 3.24 MB 13288 downloads

Hand Controller Update (firmware 1.02)