My telescope/autostar not working ,will only display startup info on handbox ,then nothing happens !.

Best I can do for you
http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

The 494 is the HAND CONTROLLER NUMBER--- not the telescope. What Meade telescope do you own??

It depends on which model Meade telescope you own-- you never said?

Yes you can swap a 494 for another 494-- but we need more information to be able to say a 497.

It means the firmware is corrupted.

It may be possible to reset it from software.
Try and reload the Autostar firmware from a PC.
(Download the updater application from Meade's website.

http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar_info
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

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.

Could be a cable problem. REVERSE the cable ends and try it again. Make sure the scope is always turned OFF before you plug or unplug a cable.

If this does not work then try a new cable. Meade sells these, or you can order a nice one from www.scopestuff.com . Not very expensive.

If after installing a NEW cable it still does not light up then time to buy another hand controller.

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

http://scopestuff.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.

That does not help in troubleshooting - can you be more specific?

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