(member)

05/12/09 03:46 PM

ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

I just picked up an ETX-125PE from the original owner of less than 1 year. He claimed he never used it. Took it on a trip, but conditions weren't favorable so he packed it back up. The scope is mint, not a scratch on it. In fact, many of the accessories were still sealed. It was too good to be true. I purchased some AA's to power it up on the way to see it. However, it did not power up. He seemed to honestly be shocked that it wouldn't turn on. The optics seemed fine, so I made him a really low offer, $300. That included a sealed Meade Electronic Eyepiece and an Orion 3x Barlow. Even if I never get it to power up, I still won't feel too bad.

I loved my first night with it. The images are beyond anything I had experienced at home before. I'm sure anyone reading this is well aware of the quality.

I tried reversing the Autostar cable, checked the battery connection and even tried to jump grounds to bypass the battery cutoff switch. I also purchased a 1.5A power supply from Radio Shack. Now the red LED light up, but still no display on the AutoStar controller.

Anyone have any suggestions?

(Post Laureate)

05/12/09 03:51 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Bad hand controller cable-- ??? try reversing the cable and wiggling it to see if light comes on in the Autostar.

(member)

05/12/09 04:14 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

I will say that the connector on the scope doesn't look "perfect." I used a small pick and all the contacts seem like they should make a connection. I will work on it some more when I get home. Thanks.

(sage)

05/13/09 01:30 AM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Don't even bother, I had a PE before my current AT UHTC scope and I'm going to be selling the mount because it is utter trash compared to my CG-5 mount. Sell your mount base and get a better EQ deal. my 2 cents

(Postmaster)

05/13/09 07:49 AM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Take a close look at the connectors on the cable and make sure the slides are clear. I once had a cable set where the plastic guides on the connector were a bit munged and this kept it from making good contacts. Once I cleaned up the guides it worked fine. Just for yucks I'd also check the battery compartment to make sure the previous owner didn't leave a set of bateries in it that have leaked. The Autostar works best when it has a stable power supply and an AC adapter or an external battery pack like a jumpstart battery works well in keeping the ETX-125PE humming all night long.

(member)

05/13/09 02:52 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

I am using a 12 Volt (1.5A) power supply. Last night I wiggled, prodded, pushed, pulled, reversed, cleaned and prayed with no luck. When I pressed a couple of buttons on the Autostar controller, I could get a couple of others to light up. For example, after pressing a lot of buttons, I could press "6" and "4, 5 and 7" would light up. From my 12 volt electronics background, it would seem like something is not grounding right. I want to test the cable. Unfortunately, I don't even have a multimeter anymore. I guess I'm off to buy a new one...

(Post Laureate)

05/13/09 03:03 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

How about just order a new cable from scopestuff.com --
http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_l5hc.htm

Scopestuff has a very nice cable-- longer and more flexible than the Meade stock cable- and or borrow a hand controller from a local Astronomy shop --- and see if it works -- if it does buy it.

Your first step in figuring this out is to eliminate the cable and the hand controller as the source.

(Postmaster)

05/13/09 03:30 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Can you swap the controller with someone? I'd almost suspect a dead controller from what you're describing. You can usually pick up a #497 from eBay for about $100. You can also convert a #495 to a #497 by updating the firmware. However, before going that route I'd want to confirm it was a bad controller to start with.

(Galactic Hitch-Hiker)

05/13/09 04:35 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Eric

I'm wondering if maybe it is a contact issue.

Inside the Autostar handset there is a flexible rubber keypad with carbon pads underneath. These "short out" contact patches on the pcb to "make" the switch for a button press.

Occasionally, dust, dirt, grit, coke, gets in there and stops the buttons from making good contact.

If you are willing to open up the Autostar handset (three screws I think (my ETX is currently back at the Telescope Hospital, so can't look to check) are all that are needed to be loosened and the two halves separate.

You can clean the rubber pads and the pcb contacts with iso-propyl alcohol (do you guys across the pond call it rubbing alcohol?). Be careful though - the ribbon cable that connects the pcb to the lcd display is a kind of very thin & flimsy plastic and easily "nipped" and folded when re-assembling the handset.

If you're game, it might be worth a try. Personally, I'd try the curly cord first and if that doesn't fix it and you can't borrow another handset, then have a look at the contacts.

See if that helps.

Art

(professor emeritus)

05/14/09 07:42 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

If you have access to a Volt/Ohmmeter. Check pin to pin continuity on the cable.

(Postmaster)

05/14/09 08:20 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

The problem is most likely in the motor mount control panel..

You might need to remove the three screws on the motor mount bottom and look inside for a loose or broken connector.

You could also post a question on the Mighty ETX web site..

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

(member)

06/01/09 02:57 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Thank you for the input. I have been enjoying the scope without the controller, but I think it is time to re-visit it. I am picking up a VOM this week and will be checking the cord. I have already had the motor base apart, everything looks fine.+

(member)

06/03/09 12:00 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

What mount would you recommend for it? Not looking to break the bank...

(professor emeritus)

06/03/09 06:19 PM

Re: ETX-125PE Power Issues...???

Check out Mike Weasner's Mighty ETX site. It is a great resource for anyone that owns an ETX with an enormous amount of information. There are also a number of special topics like mount or tripods that others have built for their ETX. Many of these include photos. It is also a good source for the kind of info you are asking for.

John

Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics