How to Align a Celestron NexStar Telescope (Step-by-Step CPWI/SharpCap Tutorial Using a NexStar 6SE)

Struggling to get an accurate alignment on your Celestron NexStar mount? This step-by-step tutorial, using a Celestron NexStar 6SE, shows you my entire process, from leveling the tripod to capturing a final image of Jupiter to prove it works! I'll guide you through setting up the hardware (tripod, mount, telescope, and focal reducer) and getting a rough focus. Then, I'll show you how to connect your laptop and use Celestron's CPWI software and SharpCap for a precise 4-point alignment. We'll cover my personal tips for star selection (even with a blocked northern view), setup, and the alignment itself. Here's the software you need: CPWI: https://www.celestron.com/pages/celestron-pwi-telescope-control-software SharpCap: https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap/downloads Items used in this video: Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to support the channel and allows me to keep making videos like this. Thanks for your support! 1. Celestron NexStar SE Computerized Telescopes * Celestron Nexstar 4SE: https://amzn.to/3VELnEs * Celestron Nexstar 5SE: https://amzn.to/3I5Ik5c * Celestron Nexstar 6SE: https://amzn.to/42kZbYt * Celestron Nexstar 8SE: https://amzn.to/4nivVtv 2. Celestron Focus Motor: https://amzn.to/3RZlmhp 3. ZWO ASI678MC 12 Bit CMOS Color Camera: https://www.highpointscientific.com/zwo-asi678mc-cmos-color-astronomy-camera 4. Laptop (more memory is better for post processing. I have 16GB, and wish I had 32GB) 5. USB Type-A to USB mini-B connector: https://amzn.to/3H4Ivwz 6. MARBERO 167Wh Battery Power Supply w/ 110V AC Outlet, 2 DC Ports, 4 USB Ports: https://amzn.to/3KaZ9MO 7. Male to Male DC Extension Cord 5.5mm x 2.1m: https://amzn.to/3Z3wnT1 8. Celestron Wedge for NexStar Evolution and SE 6/8: https://amzn.to/3Z8y2qc (wedge instructions coming next!) 9. Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub :https://amzn.to/4iWKJLG 10. USB 3.0 Extension Cable 20 ft: https://amzn.to/43bRQdq Table of Contents: 00:00 - Intro & Overview 03:02 - Step 1: Set Up & Level the Tripod 04:05 - Step 2: Attach the Mount 04:25 - Step 3: Attach the Telescope 05:04 - Step 4: Attach Focal Reducer (Optional) 05:34 - Step 5: Attach Power 05:49 - Step 6: Get a Rough Focus 08:20 - Step 7: Align the Red-Dot Finder 09:21 - Step 8: Connect PC & Launch CPWI Software 09:39 - Begin CPWI Alignment 10:13 - Set Time and Location 12:02 - Point Scope North and Level 12:58 - Align Object 1 (Sirius) 17:15 - Align Object 2 (Jupiter) 19:36 - Align Object 3 (Regulus) 20:39 - Align Object 4 (Hamal) 24:20 - Confirming the Alignment 25:15 - Go-To Jupiter & Final Image Results Thanks for watching! I hope this helps you get a perfect alignment every time. Clear skies! #Celestron #NexStar #Astrophotography #Telescope #CPWI #AlignmentTutorial