AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Sept. 12 (Friday Night) I was imaging Jupiter. The HBx started making some loud beeping noise and displayed jumbled letters eg: @3m7!~` etc. I had no control of the HBx except to slew 8x to different spots in the sky. I switched off...then stared again. When the scope booted up it displayed " 16X2 Ver[1.4]" then PUSH KEYS:__ with a blinking cursor. I switched off again and rebooted. Same thing. Last night...I did a RESET....CALIBRATE SENSORS...AUTOALIGN. Worked fine for 2 minutes..then a similiar thing happened, but I had control etc. The same jumbled symbols started reappearing. I took pics of the jumble...but the red light did not come out too clear. See below. Can you guys help out here. Thanks.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Another
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Last
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
   
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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I'm not sure if the issue is really the handbox of the processor in the scope. I would connect the system to the PC and load the autostar firmware update program and execute the garbage collection routine.
-------------------- -Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
I'm not sure if the issue is really the handbox of the processor in the scope. I would connect the system to the PC and load the autostar firmware update program and execute the garbage collection routine.
Hi Marcus....I don't have a computer right now...it died. I'm in the process of buying a new laptop. I have another thread on that purchase.
I already have the new autostar firmware with my scope. It's less than three years old and has version 4.2g. I don't know if that's what you mean?
Thanks for you assistance as usual.
Cheers.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
Edited by AstroTay (09/16/08 08:49 AM)
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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First cold night in a while?
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
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Spoonsize
Vendor/Clothing
   
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 2184
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I'm not sure about the first or third pictures you posted, but the second is quite normal, I think.
-------------------- Steve Durham
www.margesmonograms.com
(Marge made me do it)
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
First cold night in a while?
Hi Joe. Nope...just wind breaker kinda viewing. I'd say about 13 deg cel. Not cold. I remember I was observing in socks and slippers.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
I'm not sure about the first or third pictures you posted, but the second is quite normal, I think.
Hey...how did you brighten up the reading
It was right after the 10'....the minute symbol started to show @#m7 etc in sequence. I pressed MODE which took me out to the SYSTEM: screen eg:-
SYSTEM:
JUPITER @#*m7p!~ etc started to appear.
I'm stumped as to what is causing this.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
Edited by AstroTay (09/16/08 09:25 AM)
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Steve....I increased the Gamma on this one to brighten up the red letters to indicate what I mean...
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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Joe Lalumia
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 2572
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Well you already did a RESET -- so try this reverse the cable to the hand controller-- if it does it again see what happens if you "jiggle" the cable-- my guess is you have a bad hand controller. But you should try reloading the latest firmware 43Eg-- and then see what happens.
-------------------- LX90 8" LNT, SV Nighthawk & TelePOD, SV 80/9D & M4 mount, ETX 90, Orion XT10i, 20x80 binoculars, SV-BV3s.
"The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax." - Albert Einstein
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
   
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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Quote:
Quote:
....I would connect the system to the PC and load the autostar firmware update program and execute the garbage collection routine.
..... I already have the new autostar firmware with my scope. It's less than three years old and has version 4.2g. I don't know if that's what you mean?
Garbage collection is different than reloading fireware. The Garbage Collection routine get rid of bits of code and data in your handbox, which isn't needed anymore.
-------------------- -Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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KimB
member
Reged: 02/28/08
Posts: 90
Loc: UK
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It looks to me as if the firmware has been corrupted. Most likely due to power failure(s). If reloading the software doesn't fix it you could try a safe load. Instructions http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/lx90/message/41697
Most likely culprit for power losses is the HBX cable. Best fixed by recrimping the rj45 plugs and adding strain relief boots. The pinouts are here Jans lx90 pinouts
-------------------- 8" Meade lx90 LNT
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
Garbage collection is different that loading fireware. The Garbage Collection routine get rid of bits of code and data in your handbox, which isn't needed anymore.
Thanks Marcus. Didn't know that. I'll have to wait until I get a new laptop. That seems to be harder than I anticipated. Every computer is bundled with Windows Vista 64 bit.....and this seems to be a no-no with most software that runs on 32-bit technology.
I was hoping that the HBx problem was more simple. I'll try my local scope store and see if they have a used HBx that I can try to help solve this by weekend.
Thanks.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
Well you already did a RESET -- so try this reverse the cable to the hand controller-- if it does it again see what happens if you "jiggle" the cable-- my guess is you have a bad hand controller. But you should try reloading the latest firmware 43Eg-- and then see what happens.
Hi Joe......the LX200R HBx runs on AutoStar II using version 4.2g. I bought the scope brand new with 4.2g installed. I believe 43g you are referring to is for the LX90 (?) not sure.
Cheers.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Joe....I cannot reverse the cable. The HBx side is smaller than the LX200 side. I'll check the cables for cracked/broken wires this evening.
I really need to get a new laptop to download the firmware.
Cheers.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
   
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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Quote:
It looks to me as if the firmware has been corrupted. Most likely due to power failure(s). If reloading the software doesn't fix it you could try a safe load. Instructions http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/lx90/message/41697
Most likely culprit for power losses is the HBX cable. Best fixed by recrimping the rj45 plugs and adding strain relief boots. The pinouts are here Jans lx90 pinouts
While it may be a firmware issue and the handbox should not be disconnected or connected with the power on, the firmware for the LX200GPS, R and ACF is contained in the base of the scope not the handbox.
-------------------- -Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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KimB
member
Reged: 02/28/08
Posts: 90
Loc: UK
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My bad, sorry didn't read the original post properly. Thought is was an LX90.
-------------------- 8" Meade lx90 LNT
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Joe Lalumia
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 2572
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Yes sorry also-- thought it was an LX90--- BUT still check the cable and RELOAD the firmware.
-------------------- LX90 8" LNT, SV Nighthawk & TelePOD, SV 80/9D & M4 mount, ETX 90, Orion XT10i, 20x80 binoculars, SV-BV3s.
"The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax." - Albert Einstein
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
Yes sorry also-- thought it was an LX90--- BUT still check the cable and RELOAD the firmware.
Joe...I checked the cable. You are correct. The cable can be reversed from the HBx to the scope. Thanks.
Ok..I reversed the cable about 6:30pm yesterday. Did another RESET. The Sun was still high, so I couldn't do a CALIBRATE SENSORS. I just did an AUTOALIGN and pressed enter at both stars it chose. I then went to Jupiter. Amazing...without proper alignment the scope pointed to Jupiter...this was about 7 pm. I focussed on Jupiter and saw Ganymede on the surface of Jupiter....guys..this was whilst the sun was shining. Well I kept it on Jupiter for 15min. and it held the readings. Pressed MODE to go back one step... SOLAR SYSTEM: JUPITER then the jumbled garbage started again.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Pressed MODE again to backup one step:-
SELECT ITEM: OBJECT and the garbage continued
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
Edited by AstroTay (09/17/08 06:52 AM)
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Since I had this scope almost 3yrs .... it was mounted on the tripod sitting on rollers. I just rolled in and out of my garage for observation. I have another scope that I use for camping and dark sites. The LX200R is as pristine as the day it came out of the box, with the sticky plastic still on the face of the HBx. My computer at home is Kaput, until this weekend when I will decide on a purchase.
As the scope still is accurate and points to Objects etc...I'll just monitor the HBx for now. Here's a pic of the scope..
I cut the Meade Dew Shield in half, Kendrick heaters, Laser pointer. That's the only attachments. The Kendrick control box is shielded and shouldn't contribute to spikes that would affect the HBx (?) I hope. There is a Hartmann Mask (homemade) in front of the cut-off Dew Shield.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
Edited by AstroTay (09/17/08 07:09 AM)
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
   
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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It only takes one bit to go from a zero to one to corrupt things. Hopefully you can get a computer hooked up soon and that will have you back at 100% again.
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Ok...update. I bought a *New Laptop* last night and I'm having my ISP come over tonight to hook me up to the internet. I'll then load all of Meade's software etc and be online again at home. I also bought a used laptop as a back up from the "Flea Market"....will load all software also.
When this is done.....I'll go over this thread and do what was suggested.
Thanks for all the suggestions and replies.
Cheers.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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KerryR
sage
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 317
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Is it possible the issue is with the power source? I've heard of Autostars freaking out if the power isn't 'filtered', whatever that means... But I don't know if freaking out includes the odd characters you get...
Kerry
-------------------- Kerry
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Quote:
Is it possible the issue is with the power source? I've heard of Autostars freaking out if the power isn't 'filtered', whatever that means... But I don't know if freaking out includes the odd characters you get...
Kerry
I really don't know. I've been using my power source...a 12V Eliminator battery (the type that boosts cars, inflate tires) for the last 2.7 yrs with no problems. Actually, it also powers my laptop at the same time with 120V and powers the Celestron scope also when I use it. I'm sure the problem may have shown up 2 yrs ago....I use this scope alot. Roll in...Roll out, real easy to use. One of the more experienced guys may have some input though.
Cheers
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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UPDATE: Could not do the Garbage Dump as Marcus suggested. My version of Meade Astronomical Software V3.17 does not have that feature. Did anyone install the new Meade Astronomical Software V5? Does the V5 have HBx Garbage Dump?
Marcus did indicate that his version --> 3.6 had it.
Thanks guys.
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
   
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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The Garbage collect is part of the Autostar update program, not the Autostar Suite. The Autostar updater (AU2.exe) can be run separately from the update folder or executed from within the Autostar program. If executed from the Autostar Suite it can be found under the "Telescope" tab on the toolbar. It is listed as product updates.
-------------------- -Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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AstroTay
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 946
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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Thanks Marcus....I found it. It was in another section of the menu. I should have looked at every function....it was hidden away in a sub menu.
I also bought a New HBx (wireless as a backup) It's good to know that I can retrieve that as well in case of 'garbage' again.
Cheers
-------------------- Meade 10"LX200R w UHTC "Ocean Liner Anne" + wireless Autostar II
DSI Pro w CCD Color Filter Set
Celestron NexStar 102 SLT "SteamShip Anne"
Celestron SkyMaster 15X70 Binoculars "Can-U Anne"
*New* Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D DSLR Camera Now Moded
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