I have an 8" Meade LX90 ACF with GPS. The RA drive is not working.

Calibrate motors and then TRAIN the drives-- this sets the gear backlash.

You should Calibrate motors every time you take it outside and Train drives at least once every year. The symptom you describe is called "rubberbanding".

Train the drives.

You could have a broken clutch ?? -- see Jan's page on the LX90 for dis-assemble instructions.

http://jan.eaglecreekobservatory.org/

Did you update the 494 controller improperly with 497 controller firmware. You must use this updater software :

http://www.meade.com/support/auto/Au2ver59.exe

Hold down the ENTER key and the scroll down arrow key at the same time abd power on the scope. This will place the hand controller into the SAFE load function and you will be able to do another update.

If you plugged or unplugged the controller cable with the scope turned on you may have burned out the controller. Contact Meade:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

This is called "rubber-banding". Your scope needs to be re-trained.

So, setup a target during the day at least 100 feet away from the scope (200 feet would be better, Calibrate motors using the same power source you use at night, and Train Drives. Later after dark, do a Calibrate sensors on Polaris.

You should train drives about once per year, and calibrate sensors about twice per year.

You may want to update the firmware before you Train Drives. The latest version is 43Eg available on the Meade.com web site. You with need the Autostar Updater Software also available on the Meade web site under Customer Service---- Downloads. Version 5.9

www.meade.com

Turn off the scope and plug in your computer update cable.

While holding down the ENTER key and the Scroll DOWN ARROW key on the bottom, turn the scope on.

The controller will go into Safe Load mode-- redo your update again.

Easy.

If the firmware in your Autostar crashes and you cannot access the "DOWNLOAD" menu item on your handbox, you can use the "SAFE LOADER" feature of your new Autostar software. To get into the safe loader, follow these simple steps: 1. Make sure the Autostar and ETX are turned off.
2. Press and hold the "ENTER" key and the Scroll Down Key located to the right of the help key on the Autostar handbox.
3. While depressing both keys, turn on your Autostar power switch. This will require you using both hands.
You should see "FLASH LOAD READY" on your display. This indicates that you can proceed to Update new software to your Autostar.

Start from scratch-

RESET the hand controller.

Calibrate motors using the same power source you will use outside.

Re-train the drives

Calibrate sensors on Polaris

Use either the 110 volt power cord, or buy a 12 volt power pack and the proper Meade 12 volt cable. (www.scopestuff.com carries the right 12 volt cable)

If your scope is NOT the LNT or GPS model you must level the tripod before you align. Go to home depot and buy the $3 small plastic two way bubble level, or the bulls-eye style bubble level.

Further trouble, I suggest going to the LX90 Yahoo group forum, and asking questions there.

Good Luck

You may want to try a new cable to the Autostar.

When warm and indoors (!) connect Autostar to scope and by serial lead to a PC, allow Meade Autostar suite to update the Autostar Firmware to the latest version (2009!!)
Frome www.meade.com/support/auto.html :
How To Upgrade Your Handbox
To upgrade your Autostar first click on the link below to download the Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows. If your web browser allows you to open the installation file, you may choose that option when prompted. Otherwise, just save the install file to your local hard disk drive. When downloading is complete, double click on the saved file to start the installation. Follow the instructions provided to install Autostar Update (ASU) on your machine. When installation is complete, start ASU by selecting "Start Menu" -> "Programs" -> "Meade Inst" -> "ASU". If you have an active Internet connection and your telescope with Autostar is connected using the appropriate cable as listed above, ASU will detect and install the correct Autostar code directly from Meade's web site via the "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" button.
Autostar Update
Autostar Update is an application that functions to transfer the event files and software updates from your computer, through the serial port, USB or Connector Cable Set depending on your telescope model. The Autostar Update application is available as a stand-alone client application for Windows. The most recent versions of AutoStar Update automatically check for the newest versions of the AutoStar Updater and download it if necessary. It is critical that you use the most recent AutoStar Updater to ensure that you get the proper software updates for your system.
06/02/09 Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows, Version 5.6 (1,654 KB). This is the latest Autostar Update. Rev. 5.6 is compatible with the ETX-LS and #497EP Hand Controllers. This version is compatible with all versions of AutoStar II and #497 AutoStar computer controllers. This installation will automatically update the Update Client Application in AutoStar Suite™ Software. If you have previously installed the Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows, Uninstall the old version before installing this new version. 07/27/09 #497 AutoStar hand controller software update. Version 5BE2 (1,039 KB).
General update. Fixes many known bugs. Real time clock corrections. LXD75 polar alignment. Various LX90 pointing and tracking fixes. Adds new magnetic/true north alignment.
REQUIRES VERSION 5.6 AUTOSTAR UPDATER.

Because this is a new purchase i would suggest getting the handbox replaced under warranty. If the guy was rude, then mention this to their management. There have been quite a few prolems with meade gear on our site here. Handbox included.
If you are up to it you can open it up. if so inspect the board for damage, shorts or loose solder joints. Some of these things can be repaired, some cannot. On this last statement it would seem sensible to get the replacement then start again from scratch. I have found about 7 recent problems with this unit, so be aware this is not a fault free unit.

nettiser