My Autostar 497, with its original version 26 I.c (?--that's what it looks like on the smudged label) was working very slowly even indoors (I had to hold keys down for over 1 sec, and arrows often didn't work). Then, when out observing at about 28 degrees F last night, having just coaxed it into doing a successful alignment of my ETX 125AT, it froze. When I turn it off and on again, the display reads "(c)02 Meade [26E]", then "initialize", it freezes every time on the J of "22 Jan 2008". None of the buttons does anything. The batteries are fresh.
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. 06/02/09Autostar 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.
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The contrast and brightness can be reset --- here is the manual -- how to do this is listed in the manual. If this does not repair the controller then you will need to buy a new hand controller-- the 497 hand controller is available used on Ebay from time to time.
You may need to reload the firmware by following these instructions for Safe Load:
From the Autostar 2.0 README file: "SAFE LOADER MODE IN YOUR Autostar:
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 (version release 1.1G and above).
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."
This is for the 497 controller. There is NO safe load for the 494 controller.
Many Meade dealers can order you a new hand controller, either Autostar II, or the 497 controller. Contact a large telescope dealer in the UK, or you can order direct from Meade here: http://www.meade.com/support/index.html
There is a small spring inside that sometimes gets STRUCK DOWN-- this automatically turns off the internal batteries, as the scope things a separate 12volt power pack is plugged in.
Get an external 12 volt power pack and the correct 12 volt cable, and power it up.
If the light comes on and it works the switch is broken. Not really a problem as you should always run a goto scope on a separate power pack.
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
The manuals are all available to download from www.meade.com.
If your scope has the motor drives and a control panel into which a controller could be plugged, then you just need to buy an Autostar 497 - always available on eBay for about £85. However, there are older models of the ETX which only have one motor or as a spotting scope for terrrestrial use with no motors - Autostar cannot be connected to these.
Look at the pictures of scopes on eBay which come with Autostar - if your looks like these, Autostar will fit. Else you are out of luck!
Try doing either a garbage collect or a safe load-- and then reinstall the hand controller firmware--
Instructions-- depending on the type of controller
Autostar 495 or 497: You enter Safe Mode by holding the [enter] and [scroll down] keys pressed when you power up the telescope. The Autostar will say "Flash Load Ready"... now go start the ASU.
Autostar II: if you need to use Safe Mode to recover from a disaster, turn on the telescope, and key 999 before it says "Initializing" The Autostar will say "Flash Load Ready"... now go start the ASU.
LX200gps: BEFORE proceeding further, click on the OPTIONS item on the Top Bar. Now click on "Garbage Collect Hbx" ... this will perform data cleanup within the Autostar which will avoid potential mess-ups.
I assume the small red light on the power panel is ON. ???
If it is the scope is receiving power--- check to make sure the cable from the hand controller is plugged in properly-- jiggle the cable to see if you have a loose BAD cable. Before you panic --- try another cable or reverse the ends ---
Before you buy another hand controller try a new cable-- scopestuff.com sells a nice long flexible one for the 497 hand controller.
Your reseller is correct. The wire (Meade cable #505) goes from an RS232 serial port on PC to a 4pin RJ plug. This plugs into the 2nd socket on the bottom of an Autostar 497 handset, the other socket being used for the curly lead to the telescope. So it goes PC to Autostar to telescope.
A common error is to try plugging the serial wire into an "AUX" ort on the telescope control panel - same connector. Not only does this not work, it can cause a lot of damage.
Wired like this you can control the scope from Meade's Autostar Suite (or many other planetarium softwares). You can also update the Autostar software to the latest 2009 version.
What else can go wrong? Well, many people want to control from a laptop, and modern ones don't have RS232 serial ports. Then you need a USB-to-serial convertor dongle, which effectively add a serial port to a laptop. But they often give it a very high port number (eg COM17) that the planetarium software does not find. Use Control Panel to reset the USB-serial-port to COM 1, 2, 3 or 4 and all should be well. But it can be a right fiddle!
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