Etx-105ec + autostar

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.

The AZ worm gear is not engaging the gears. There is a spring next to the gear which applies pressure -- open up the base and see if the spring is loose or broken.

Many schematics and instructions located at the Mighty ETX web site:

http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

also check out this ETX "tune-up" web site:

http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips/etxtu.htm

Good luck.

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.

The ETX125 is notorious for bad motor control. Weasner's Mighty ETX web site has links to repair centers that are more reasonable than Meade. They also have a QA section to assist with diagnostics.

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!

This is probably not what you want to here but it most like needs to go back to Meade for repair. There website is here: http://www.meade.com/.

You may want to also check here for further support: http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html. Mike Weasner is quite knowledgeable about the ETX line.

Good Luck!

-jodair

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.

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.

With the power off, check the connectors are properly plugged in at both ends. Like a network cable, the clip bit should spring out when properly located. Then power on. Within a couple of seconds there should be a long bleep and the display will show a startup message
( A U T O S T A R and Version number).

If that doesn't happen, and the batteries are fresh (and inserted the right way round), try connecting the curly cable the other way round (apparently that sometimes fixes it - personally I reckon it may just give another chance to plug it in correctly). If the doesn't work, you may have a faulty cable or a faulty Autostar or a faulty control panel. Take it back to the reseller to sort it out!