If the reinstall goes well, remember to do a CALIBRATE MOTOR and TRAIN DRIVES afterward. Mike here: StarPatch or cloning should work. I may also have the option to clone from anotherĮTX-125. I heard that same recommendation elsewhere, Of the ETX-125 package I bought from another club member. I'm familiar with StarPatch and actually got their GPS unit 2nd-hand as part
You can get 4.3Eg from the AutoStar Software Archive on the Helpful Information: AutoStar Info page. Mike here: Have you tried StarPatch (It is more forgiving of USB-serial adapter issues than Meade's program, assuming you are using a USB-serial adapter.
I have not had success downloading the ASU from the Meade website into myĪSUSTek laptop running Windows 7, 64 bit. Know of a source of new 497ep's, I'll buy. As much as I dislike it, I'll call Meade and ask. OPT doesn't list an 497EP, onlyĪ used 497. Thanks, Mike, I remember seeing that note. Have you tried reloading 4.3Eg into the bad AutoStar? As to the AudioStar, I don't have one but I believe it will control any of the telescopes that used the AutoStar #497. AutoStar Updater 5.9 or greater can detect either version and load the appropriate firmware." But the "EP" model is newer than Dick's 2008 article. If you have an older version of the #497, it will continue to work with your existing telescope. However, the #497EP Autostar is backward compatible with prior generation telescope that used AutoStar technology. The classic #497, and the newer #497EP, utilize different firmware that is not interchangeable. Mike here: From Meade's AutoStar software page: "Important note about #497 Autostars. What's a #497EP? Dick Seymour mentions an "older" and a "newer" 497 in I know of the AudioStar but that doesn't drive the ETX-125, right? The current model is the AudioStar (and maybe the AutoStar #497EP).Īs to your problem, are you sure the AutoStar is at fault? It could be the mount, gear motors, the HBX cable/jacks/connectors, etc.Ībsolutely it's the Autostar tried another Autostar, works fine with Mike here: I'm not surprised that the 1999 model of the AutoStar #497 is no longer available from Meade. Motor" returns "Testing Motors", but no slew and doesn't report "motor Lights up, can scroll thru menus, but no slew in ALT or AZ. "newer model" 497 conked out after many weeks of use. Waveforms I have O'scope, VOM, and very good soldering capability. I asked if anyone knew of true schematics with Have you heard this? I just ran a post about this on the YahooĪutostar Group, too. Glad all is well again.įrom: John Deriso On Optics told me today that Meade no longer offers the AutostarĤ97. "Mighty" ETX is back in the saddle again! Thanks for your help and the wonderful site you provide us ETXers! My
It back on and everything is working just as it should be. Time) alignment star and began a slewing. Position etc.) It picked out Sirius as the first 8:00 pm (default Stuff I should see after "Align -Easy" (Put the scope in the alt/az but when I used the "Mode"īutton to scroll down to the brightness menu, it gave me all the correct Hope your viewing was good! Sorry to have bothered you.īefore emailing you, I was starhopping as my Autostar was on the fritz To address the text scrolling speed see the ETX FAQ on my ETX Site.Īs to the screen dimming too much, either replace the ETX batteries with fresh ones, ensuring proper orientation, or adjust the contrast/brightness from the AutoStar menu. Looking at or near the sun - are sort or running together and are very Anything you canĪlso, I have noticed recently that the scrolling - warning about no I no longer see any words scrolling on the Autostar. I can use the direction buttons to move the scope just finde, but Stars it is recommending to align on and the scope does not slew (on its Hit enter at "Easy," it fades completely out where I cannot see what All of a sudden, theĪutostar fades completely out at the "Alignment - Easy" command. Subject: Autostar fading out at alignmentįrom:ĝanaGoulette had my ETX 125 since 2005 - no problems. Neither the submitter nor myself are responsible for any damage caused by using any contributed tips. Remember, tips described on this site may invalidate the warranty on your telescope or accessories. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message per the Site Email Etiquette. Send your comments and tips to for posting. See the AutoStar Info page for information from Meade and other users on the AutoStar, cables, and software. This page is intended to provide user comments on using the Meade Autostar #494, #495, #497, #497EP, AudioStar, cables, and AutoStar updater software.