Is it possible to have the ETX90 Autostar controller operate with an ETX60
base?

Thanks,

Mike

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 2:09 PM
Subject: [M]: FYI: ETX60 w/ Autostar 497



I bought an Autostar #497 controller off EBay this week to try with the
60AT. After upgrading the firmware (free program from the Meade site), the
hand control recognized that it was connected to a 60AT/70AT. It appears to
control the telescope just fine. Unfortunately, I have no way to actually
field test it, since my 60AT now consists of a pile of motors & gear
assemblies connected together by alligator clip jumpers.

The 60AT comes with the #494 controller, which doesn't have the second jack
to connect the hand controller to your PC. Meade sells a special cable to
connect the scope to a PC. It's my understanding that this cable assembly
includes circuitry to enable the serial comm. with the PC.

On the other hand, with the 497 you can connect the hand controller with a
simple RJ to DB9 cable (I built one for $3 yesterday). As an added bonus,
the 497 supports a subset of the LX200 command set. Right now I'm connected
to the "scope" with Hyperterminal and it is responding fine to the
applicable LX200 commands.

Nick

View index by [date] [author] [subject]
Previous message: [M]: RE: The SAO catalog, Anthony J. Kroes
Next message: Re: [M]: Software for MAC, Paul Rodman
Next message in thread: Re: [M]: RE: FYI: ETX60 w/ Autostar 497, Email address hidden
Previous message in thread: [M]: FYI: ETX60 w/ Autostar 497, Nick Birrer