AUTOSTAR FEEDBACK Last updated: 30 September 2007

Welcome to the AutoStar feedback page. This page is intended to provide user comments on using the Meade Autostar #494, #495, #497, cables, and the AutoStar updater software. See the AutoStar Info page for information from Meade and other users on the AutoStar, cables, and software. Send your comments and tips to etx@me.com. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranties on your ETX and accessories. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips.

Subject:	Autostar misbehaving
Sent:	Saturday, September 29, 2007 18:43:34
From:	paulv@alphawatch.com (paulv@alphawatch.com)
When I goto using my auto star I have noticed I am alway off in
declinations.  I went back and retrained in declination and I noticed
that when I center my object and start the process the scope moves away
from my object like it should but then when the motor reverses itself to
return to the object the scope moves very little as if the clutch is
slipping.  I had the whole scope apart and degreased it so the problem
does not seem to be there.  Would changing the percentages help?

Paul

Subject:	ETX/Bluestar connection
Sent:	Friday, September 28, 2007 00:56:08
From:	Henrik van Holthoon (henrik.van.holthoon@wanadoo.fr)
Hello Tristan,
 
you are not saying what ETX you have but if it is an ETX60/70 or 80 you
need the #506 cable as this has AUX to serial converter integrated in
the cable. You can not make the the #506 cable forget it. I am afraid
you have use my drawing to make the connection which uses the #506.

If you have ETX90/105/125 or LX90 you have to use the cable which came
with the Bluestar, this cable goos from Autostar 479 (serial port)
directly to Bluestar and do not use the #505 cable in this case.
 
If you have other questions let Mike or me know.
 
Good luck
Henrik

Subject:	RE: no tracking
Sent:	Thursday, September 27, 2007 07:50:19
From:	Jeff Corrick (jcorrick@stoneway.com)
I finally got my friends hand-controllers and his work fine with my
scope, so the answer is that my hand-controller is toast. The issue with
Autostar was set-up.  Life is good once again !

Jeff

Subject:	RE: Autostar #497 patch for Meade 4504 - which one to use?
Sent:	Thursday, September 27, 2007 00:56:18
From:	Callum Elliot (info@sakurabrae.co.uk)
Cables, autostar (patched!) & a webcam all connected has now produced
some awesome viewing - especially as the constant cloud on the W. coast
of Scotland has lifted this week!

Now I just need to learn how to use the tools properly!

A big THANK YOU for all your help!

Regards
Callum Elliot

Subject:	494 Autostar Problems
Sent:	Wednesday, September 26, 2007 23:48:11
From:	Brian Miller (millers18@att.net)
I just wanted to thank you for your advice and assistance when my 494
Autostar started acting up. As I explained in an earlier post, I have
owned my ETX 60 since September 2001, and have not experienced a problem
I could not resolve until now.

When switching Alignment mounts between Polar and Alt Azimuth, my
Autostar began locking up in the Alignment mode. I could not seem to
Reset the Autostar no matter what I tried, so I posted my plea for
assistance on your website. My problem was as follows:

#494 Autostart will not start in "Safe Mode".

Holding down the Enter and Scroll Down key on power-up does not initiate
a "Safe Mode" start. Nor does any other key configuration I attempted
initiate a "Safe Mode" start.

Opened Hyperterminal, made sure settings were as follow: 9600, 8, none,
1, none.

Hit "Control D".

Autostar displayed "Downloading Do not turn off."

Sent binary file I downloaded from your site that was provided by
Richard Seymore via Hyperterminal "Send Text".

Autostar rebooted.

Hit Speed button:

Got a "Testing Motors" on start up. Motors tested fine.

Autostar seemed to reset: Had to enter all set-up data.

When it got to "align", it displayed Proc Trap 4 error message again and
the Autostar locked up.

Using the supplied "Autostar Suite Astronomer's Edition" Update mode,
the 494 is forced to software Reset, but upon alignment, the Proc. Trap
4 message displays again and the 494 Autostar is again non functional.

On September 26 2007 as a test, I received a replacement 494 Autostar
this afternoon. Checked it out that same evening. ETX 60 booted, but on
initial alignment, the Autostar reported a Motor Failure. I reset the
Autostar, and it aligned in Alt Azimuth correctly, and tracked objects
on command without fault or error.

As an experiment, I tried the original Autostar controller. It booted
fine, but when it got to the "align" segment of the boot cycle, the
Autostar failed again. On the second attempt to realign with the
original Autostar, it display the Proc. Trap 4 error message.

Based on my observations, the original Autostar is experiencing a fatal
fault from which it cannot recover. The replacement Autostar aligns
without experiencing any faults, and the telescope tracks perfectly. Do
you think my original Autostar has "bit the dust"?
 
Regards,
 
Brian Miller
Spring Valley, CA 

And:

Thanks again for your help with my recent #494 Autostar problem. I
really appreciate all the time and effort you put into your website, and
I really appreciate all the suggestions to help resolve my problem.
Unfortunately, it appears that my Autostar has croaked, but my
replacement Autostar seems to be working fine and it's great to have my
ETX 60 back among the living in time to admire my favorite deep sky
objects again.
 
Thanks and keep up the good work.
 
Sincerely,
 
Brian Miller
Spring Valley, CA

Subject:	Poor/no power
Sent:	Wednesday, September 26, 2007 11:56:45
From:	ben (ben@wooding.org.uk)
I haven't used my etx90ec telescope for a couple of month.
I was looking at your site and the Meade site and noticed a more recent
Autostar update from the one I'd been using.

I decided to do a bit of maintenance, nothing drastic, software upgrade,
re-train and calibrate.

I put in a new set of batteries and nothing happened.
The light came on, but no life from the Autostar at all.
I tried a different set of batteries and a 12v power supply.
The ordinary handset works, but not the autostar.

I get a click as I turn it on, or sometimes a repeated click, but no
beep and no lights/startup.

The only other consideration is that the power switch appears to have
developed a wobble so that it can sometimes be off (with no power light)
when it is on.

Any thoughts would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks
Ben

Subject:	ETX - bluestar cable
Sent:	Sunday, September 23, 2007 04:49:20
From:	Tristan (tristan@redgecko.co.za)
Dear Mike & Hendrik

Mike, what a great site! Thank you making ETX ownership so much easier!

Does either of you know if there is a 'plan' available that outlines the
connectors & pin positions to construct a home-made cable to connect a
BlueStar to the ETX, without the Meade cable in -between? (like here:
http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar/2007/bluestar.html). Sort of
'straight thru'.

Thanks in advance,

Greets from Johannesburg, South Africa

Subject:	RE: ETX 105AT Autostar malfunction
Sent:	Saturday, September 22, 2007 04:53:31
From:	aschil02 (aschil02@mintel.net)
Mike, it may have been the power supply.  I purchased a new adapter
yesterday and used it for three hours last night and the scope did not
malfunction once.  If it goes wild again I will do the steps you
outlined and will let you know the results.  Thanks.

Andy

Subject:	Autostar (for my LXD55) boot error - answer not seen on your site...
Sent:	Friday, September 21, 2007 06:28:57
From:	John E nsworth (johnensworth@yahoo.com)
I have the autostar #497.  When it boots I get to "Welcome to Autostar"
and that's it.

I CAN access the device from my computer and upload the latest bios, but
when it auto-reboots, it doesn't go beyond the welcome.  (I have the
bios that was current last weekend in the device).  The reset trick (two
buttons pressed during power-up does not fix it either.

Meade wants $80 + shipping for me to send it in.  A new one is $150-200
(and they sell for $100ish on eBay).

Are you aware of a fix for this, or is Meade my only hope?
 
Thank you for your time!
 
John Ensworth
Springfield, VA

And:

Unfortunately I'm using an AC/DC converter powering the telescope.  I
have another Autostar 497 that is working just fine in this
configuration.

And:

I'll report back to you when I try these avenues. Thank you very much
for your time!!!

If I can get it to work, I'll donate some of my repair/mailing savings
to your site.

John E

And:

Here is an informative update.  I tried the HyperTerminal trick and it
DID pop it past the start up screen, but when I restart/turn off the
Autostar, it locks in the same place. Darn.  So I tried to download the
rom to my hard drive and install it from there (by your suggestion) but
I had an internet glitch and couldn't get the newest version. So I
loaded a 34Ec version that I happened to have, and it worked perfectly!!
So I went right back to the newest (43Eg) and it locked again. Not
fixed.

Poking around in the upper 40's (from your site) I installed a few at
random. All of them locked.  So I started in the upper 30's and
installed one after another.  Something changes between 40Ef and 41Ec. 
Versions 41Ec forward either lock on the first screen (showing the rom
version) or the second screen (the Welcome screen).

How strange is THAT?!

So I can run my LXD55-10" on the 40Ef from Jan '06 for now and do some
more research.  At least it is better than just "Welcome to Autostar"!

Does this information tell you anything about my Autostar?

Thanks much!

John E

P.S. What is your mailing address or paypal name so I can send you a few
'thanks' bucks as promised?

Subject:	Autostar #497 patch for Meade 4504 - which one to use?
Sent:	Thursday, September 20, 2007 01:12:29
From:	Callum Elliot (info@sakurabrae.co.uk)
thanks for all your useful information on your site! I am quite new to
all this and would appreciate a little guidance.

I have a Meade 4504 with the Starfinder #494 - I have no AUX ports at
all.

I want to connect the telescope to a PC to run the scope from Starry
Night Pro, so I need to get an AutoStar #497, a Meade Connector Cable
#506 and patch the AutoStar #497....

The only problem is I have no idea which patch I am meant to be using! I
do not actually own the AutoStar #497 yet (watching one on ebay)

I am sure it is mentioned somewhere, but I have not figured that bit
out.

Thank you vey much for your help
Callum

And:

Thank you for the reply.

Is there a way of connecting a PC directly to the HBX port and so saving
me having to buy a new autostar? Preferably without having to make my
own cables as I am really not good at getting these things right the
first time, and would hate to fry my motors!

Thank you for your help

Callum

From:	richard seymour (rseymour@wolfenet.com)
The patch kits all have a section with makes the 4504 a "known" model to
the 497 Autostar.  You could download the newest (43gg) patch kit from
Mike's site, unpack it, and read the ReadMe for more background. The
patch kits are in the right column of this page on his site:
http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar_info.html

Even if you don't use a patch kit, with versions of the 497 firmware
newer than (roughly) 30Ea you can select any LXD 55/75 model, and change
the Ratio settings to match the values displayed in your current
Starfinder.  (the LXD's are GEM mounts, like the 4504, and the Ratio
describes the gear system to the Autostar).

have fun
--dick

Thank you both for all your help!

Thank you
Callum Elliot

Subject:	ETX 105AT Autostar malfunction
Sent:	Monday, September 17, 2007 18:30:15
From:	aschil02 (aschil02@mintel.net)
I have a new ETX I bought in August and have used almost every weekend
since to great enjoyment.  My only problem is that I may be observing an
object and all of a sudden autostar gets a mind of its own.  The tube
starts descending towards earth and then stops.  I can then try to have
it return to an object but it is way off and needs to be realigned.  Any
help in resolving this would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.  Andrew

Subject:	Re: Proc. Trap 4 Error Message
Sent:	Monday, September 17, 2007 16:00:48
From:	Brian Miller (millers18@att.net)
Just wanted to give a quick update on my Autostar situation. I took your
advice and ordered the #506 cable from OPT this afternoon. I will try
the solution you suggested when the cable arrives... you were right (as
usual!); the LPI came with a #505 cable which is not supposed to be
plugged into the AUX port of the ETX 60.
 
Regards,
 
Brian Miller
Spring Valley, CA

Subject:	Autostar Tours
Sent:	Sunday, September 16, 2007 12:07:47
From:	Colin Martin (colin@cfwmartin.co.uk)
Under tour guides on my handset it says "no tours".
How do I get these tours?
I seem to remember seeing "what's up tonight" for a specific location
and date but can't find where I saw it.
Can you point me in the right direction please?
Thanks
Colin

Subject:	497
Sent:	Friday, September 14, 2007 09:58:08
From:	Craig Combes (craigc@hawaiiantel.net)
Is there a functional difference between an AutoStar 497 controller that
has "ETX Autostar" printed on it's face as compared to one that just has
"AutoStar" printed on it's face?

Thanks!

Craig

Subject:	Tracking a Manually Aquired object
Sent:	Monday, September 10, 2007 01:51:58
From:	Peter Lawrence (lawrences@adam.com.au)
If I perform a Two Star Easy Align, and then mnaually aquire an object
by using the arrow keys, with the Autostar continue to successfully
track that object?   It's unclear from the user manual.
Peter Lawrence (ETX125AT)

Subject:	Autostar 497 restricted version
Sent:	Sunday, September 9, 2007 23:03:05
From:	Andrew Telford (aht31@hotmail.com)
Great site. Congratulations, I have recommended it several times to
friends.

I have just bought, in a job lot of a load of stuff from a closing down
sale, two Autostar 497s.

One appears to have a "demo" programme installed. When switched on, it
starts scrolling with " I am an autostar, watch me move your telescope
on a tour of the stars etc..." Limited functions are available, you can
move the scope with it, but whatever you press, it can't be set up with
location, date/time etc. Inside it looks like a normal 497.

I have tried updating from the Meade website following the usual
instructions, but it won't do it.

The other Autostar appears to be a display model. It is Brand new in a
box and also looks complete inside. It is completely dead.

Any advice on how (if possible) to get these up and running?

The Black and white cat on the left looks just like our old cat Domino!
 
Best wishes, Andy. 

And:

Thanks for the quick reply Mike. It is a good working coil lead, the
scope is an ETX90EC. Can you explain what Safe Load is and how I go
about loading/getting it? Thanks again, Andy

And:

Brilliant Stuff Mike, Thanks..

Subject:	Meade #497
Sent:	Saturday, September 8, 2007 21:20:17
From:	Robert Black (rjblack_2@sympatico.ca)
I have a meade LX90 8" SCT.It has a #497 hand box control.

My problem is---when I push the left,right buttons the scope moves in
the proper direction.    But when I push the up-down arrows, the scope
does not respond at all.

Is there any way to check  the hand box or curly cable to see if it is
the problem. Just maybe I could get away with just a new handbox or
cord.

I have tried to find someone with the same system and try my box on his
unit but just can't seem to find anyone willing to do it.

Thankyou in advance,sincerely, bob black

Subject:	Drives Training Procedure, Single or Multiple keystrokes to re-center object
Sent:	Wednesday, September 5, 2007 06:17:42
From:	Jaime Ramirez Barajas (jaime.ramirez@cemex.com)
I have been using your drive training procedures on my DS2130LNT
telescope, got a question:

c) the telescope will slew in Azimuth in the opposite direction and
again stop and ask you to "center" and press "Enter;" do so;

To center the object should I key the ">" or "<" multiple times or just
keep it pressed and release it when object is back in center position?

Best Regards

Jaime Ramrez Barajas MSc.

And:

If I modify the ALT/AZM percentages, drives must be retrained?, Should I
reset the Autostar before changing the ALT/AZM percentages and retrain?

Subject:	Autostar Update - USB-Serial AETN UC-232A Woes
Sent:	Tuesday, September 4, 2007 12:15:36
From:	John Edelmann (edelmann@hcst.net)
I tried to update my autostar 497 for the first time since I had a new
motherboard/pc w/o a serial port ... using the subject bridge device. 
Unfortunately, COM4 was as low a COM designation as I was able to get it
to be discovered at. (?)  If I moved it around to other USB ports, it
went up from 4 to 11 at one point.

So... i'm at a loss ... I ended up using an older compaq system that was
sort of handy, but i'm wondering why my AETN adapter doesn't seem to
work with Autostar updater at all.  It kept saying no telescope
found..regardless if I set the port to 4, 5, etc.

I'm using the July 2003 released drivers ..(2.0.0) . which it doesn't
look like there are any subsequent ones for -- but I could be wrong.   I
found a 2.1 driver, but after doing the install, windows said that no
valid driver more recent than what was already in use, could be found in
the directory wherein the update was unzipped.

I checked /searched your site for UC-232A and found the articles where
it appears the adapter works just fine.
 
Not the end of the world, by any means ... but troublesome, all the
same.
 
thanks
 
john edelmann

Subject:	Autostar Goto off
Sent:	Sunday, September 2, 2007 19:32:59
From:	paulv@alphawatch.com (paulv@alphawatch.com)
Out of the blue my Autostar decided to go on strike.  My goto's were
tens of degrees off so last night I retrained several time to no avail. 
This evening I reset, calibrated, and retrained again but no difference.
The training seemed to work because the scope will goto my landmarks
without a problem but as soon as I try to align my first star the scope
is not even close.  The scope does track well so I am at a loss.  It is
also telling me stars are below the horizon that are not and yes my
location and time are correct.  I am lost.

Paul

And:

The second star is off as well and by quite a bit.  The gotos don't work
very well after that either. I checked ALL setting again this morning
but everything is fine.  I am lost.  Since it finds my landmarks but not
the gotos and the only difference is the input of time and date I would
think that there is where the problem is but I know time and date are
correct. Maybe time for Dr, Clay?

Paul

And:

Thanks Mike, I will try that.

Paul

And:

Thanks for all you do Mike.  Just one last question. I know I need to
calibrate and train but do I also need to reset once the ROM is updated?

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