I would like to return my SG-2/Aluma filter wheel to the factory for troubleshooting

Last May, I purchased a new Aluma CCD 694 with a filterwheel and SG-2 autoguider. The camera was late and so was the filterwheel and autoguider. I did not get the autoguider/SG-2 until October. And, when I did receive them, I never could get them to function properly. I have posted questions and tried many many times to resolve the issue, but I am at the point, where I think I'm going crazy. So, in order to move forward on an important project, I think it time for the experts to take a look.
The problem is, the autoguider never sees any stars, only lots of hot pixels. I have tried exposures up to 60 seconds long and parking the scope in the middle of a dense starfield looking for guide stars. I even tried using the Moon. I've wasted enough time and I would like to have your technical support staff take a look.
I have gone through the entire focusing range at multiple exposure times, still--nothing. I will attach a few images I took earlier this evening that shows nothing but hot pixels and perhaps you can tell me if this is normal and maybe what I can do to have the system looked at. I love the Aluma. I don't love the SG-2.

 

Mine works great, Aluma 47-10/FW8/SC2 on my Meade 12". What is your Telescope, image train? You can focus the main camera no problem? This must be done first before focusing the SC2. Your mirror is slid more towards the imaging chip?

 

Hello Mike:
I am using a Celestron CM1100 at f/6.3 and a Moonlight Zero Image Shift focuser. I have no problem focusing the camera. It operates fine. It is the SC-2. No matter how I position the pick-up mirror, I see no stars. I move the scope to a rich, dense starfield so I know there are plenty of stars. I tried a wide range of exposures--no stars. I let the scope drift through dense regions of the milky way knowing that there are stars everywhere, still no stars just lots of hot pixels. It did take me a while to get the SC-2 talking to TheskyX-Pro camera add-on, but everyone is playing nicely--no problem connecting at all. Just no guide stars are visible.

 

Hello Tim:
I move the pick-off prism into the full in position to try to see the shadow on an image from the main camera. I am attaching several test images. Thank you for any suggestions you may have.

 

Images...

 

I am using a Celestron CM-1100 working at f/6.3. This gives me a FL of 1764mm. I am using a Moonlight motorized focuser and then my Aluma CCD694 with FW8 and my SC2.

 

It may be Colin. But, my pointing is very good, my tracking is fair and theSkyX talks to everything very well. I have no connection issues at all. Once I start messing around with software versions and drivers when the devices are communicating properly, I feel I'm just asking for trouble. I will do that if I must. Also, just to be clear I always have the main camera focused before I try to use the autoguider. I appreciate all the help though, everyone!

 

Since my observatory is located in a wooded area and the Moon isn't visible too frequently, could I instead try to image on a terrestrial target, like some tree branches? They are big and easy to see and have a distinct shape. I don't think the SC2 is seeing anything and it is fully extended into the light path from the scope.

 

Here are a few additional images I took this afternoon with the scope pointing at the tree line. The first 3 are from the SC2, the next 2 are from the 694. All are short exposures as you'll see.

 

Thank you, Colin:

I will try this. Do you know how may turns covers the complete range of adjustment for the SC2?

 

I think I made some progress today. Same trees. I'll post two images; one from the SC2, one from the 694.