MtnGoat
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 1213
Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA
|
|
Well, I was downloading info on the 497 handset I just ordered when I ran across the info on the cable kits for various telescopes. It appears I have been in error thinking I need a 497 handset to run my ETX from Meades Autostar Suite.
Is this true? If so, I am going to cancel the 497, get a 506 cable set, and order up one of Orion's Starblast F4 astrographs, and get PC control of my ETX and a new OTA for about the same money as the 497.
--------------------
"Ignorant people think it's the noise which fighting cats make that is so aggravating, but it ain't so; it's the sickening grammar they use." Mark Twain
|
tjay
sage
Reged: 02/03/07
Posts: 370
Loc: Brooklin, Ontario (just east o...
|
|
Quote:
Well, I was downloading info on the 497 handset I just ordered when I ran across the info on the cable kits for various telescopes. It appears I have been in error thinking I need a 497 handset to run my ETX from Meades Autostar Suite.
Is this true? If so, I am going to cancel the 497, get a 506 cable set, and order up one of Orion's Starblast F4 astrographs, and get PC control of my ETX and a new OTA for about the same money as the 497.
I'm pretty sure the 506 cable will let you control your ETX 70 with your PC. I'm basing this on this page of one of my local Meade dealer's sites: link
I think I also read on Weasner's ETX Site that the 506 cable would only work with 494 controllers, and that a different cable was needed for 497s based on this thread:
494 and 506 cable discussion
--------------------
Clear Skies
Tom
Nexstar 8 GPS
GSO 8" Dob
Meade ETX 80
Canon XSi (unmodded)
Kendrick Dew Heater
11mm, 20mm Agena Astro UWA
40mm, 32mm, 26mm, 20mm and 15mm Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl
25mm and 10mm GSO Plossl, GSO 2x barlow
GSO 2" Dielectric diagonal
Antares f6.3 focal reducer
Philips SPC900NC
|
jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
|
|
I've used both the Meade #506 cable to control my #494-equipped ETX-60 and the Meade #507 cable to control my ETX fitted with a #497 controller. There's no comparison between them. I found the #506 to be marginally functional with the supplied software, though it might be better through 3rd party software. In contrast I love using the Remote Handbox function to control the #497 from my computer. This gives you all the functionality of the #497 and it's much easier to use. You might want to try the #506 just out of curioisity, but for real functionality the #507/#497 combination is hard to beat.
--------------------
-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
|
cnstarz
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/22/07
Posts: 549
Loc: Kentucky, USA
|
|
I have the 506 cable which has the firmware integrated with the cable. I also had to buy a rs232 to USB converter. The supplied software is limited (which really irked me) but you wouldn't need it since you have the full autostar suite with your DSI. There still may be an advantage to upgrading to the 497 with respect to more memory and upgradability of the firmware, check Weasners site for the specifics.
I'm satisfied with the 494/506/usb-rs232 combo although I have to do telescope setup with the handset then move to the autostar planetarium for point and click sky navigation.
I believe the 497/507/usb-rs232 system operates the same way but I've no experience with it. I think the real advantage of both is that you have a way of updating the tours, events and other transient functions kept in flash memory.
Hope this helps,
--------------------
Matt
Apogee 50mm BB scope
ETX-60 BB
Meade 70-az
5" DIY Newt (wip)
C6-N on CG-4 GEM
Gallery
|
jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
|
|
Matt; thanks for the info. I'll have to give my #506 another try using the Autostar Suite. I'd really like to get the #506 option to work well as it's a simpler solution than moving one of my #497's over to my ETX. The operation of the #507/#497 is very different as you can use the Remote Handbox function; this gives you all of the functions of the #497 controller but is easier to use than the handbox. I'll have to set up my ETX today and give the #506/Asutostar Suite a try.
--------------------
-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
|
MtnGoat
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 1213
Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA
|
|
From the discussion so far it appears the 497 and cable has some fans and some benefits over the 506/494 combo. I'm thinking I will leave my 497 order intact, and I'll just put off the Starblast OTA for another time.
--------------------
"Ignorant people think it's the noise which fighting cats make that is so aggravating, but it ain't so; it's the sickening grammar they use." Mark Twain
|
Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7905
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
|
|
I just recently purchased the #506 set(software and cable),along with the Serial To USB adapter and software.
I have an ETX-70 and an ETX-80,I am going to use with this.I do have a Meade DSI Color(1st generation)along with a Meade LPI,so I have some of the extra software I need.
I am looking to see how well this works,or if I am going to need the #497 Autostar to get a better experience with the remote control capability.
I look forward to finding out others thoughts on this matter as they also try what I am trying.And of course,I will post my finds and feelings on this as well.
--------------------
Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
|
cnstarz
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/22/07
Posts: 549
Loc: Kentucky, USA
|
|
Note about configuring using the USB-Rs232 cable, make sure the cable is Actually RS232 compliant, some are for PDA's and won't work. Another thing the com port setup in the communications option will need to be pointed to a specific usb port, designated as comm * (* = port number in device manager), so don't get flustered.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I may be able to help.
--------------------
Matt
Apogee 50mm BB scope
ETX-60 BB
Meade 70-az
5" DIY Newt (wip)
C6-N on CG-4 GEM
Gallery
|
1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
|
|
hi guys
I use the 494/506 on my ETX-60 I use the serial port (no USB).
I've never had any issues using the supplied software, total control.
I also use CDC sometimes and no issues with that program either, again total control.
The only thing I would like to add to my whole setup is a much longer 506 cable, say about 50', then I could sit in my shop when the mosquitos are out in full.
I really don't see the benefit to upgrading to the 497 hand box, so I can't comment on that.
OD
--------------------
old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
|
Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7905
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
|
|
Well I will have a chance to see how the differences may play out.
I recieved my ETX-70 yesterday(Thanks To The Kind Seller Who Drove Quite a While to deliver the scope)and when I opened the hard case for the optical tube and twin fork mount,I found not just a #494 Autostar but also a #497 AutoStar Hand Controller.(I have to say Thank You To the Seller Again In Including The #497 Hand Controller)
So I will be in the market to purchase a Meade #506 Remote Software and cable for running the #497 Autostar From my Laptop.
So,I Will Be Able To See For Myself,which should work better.
--------------------
Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
|
1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
|
|
Hi Talstarone
Wow thats good news, I will be interested to read your report, if you choose to let us in on your findings.
I'm always open to new and better ways to do things.
Please let us know.
OD
--------------------
old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
|
jeffs555
newbie
Reged: 05/12/08
Posts: 3
Loc: Wake Forest, NC
|
|
Quote:
So I will be in the market to purchase a Meade #506 Remote Software and cable for running the #497 Autostar From my Laptop.
This was probably just a typo, but you need a 505 cable to work with the 497 autostar. The 506 only works with the 494 autostar.
There are quite a few people selling aftermarket cables on ebay for use with the 497 at very low prices, or you can search the web and find details on building your own. If you got a CD with your scope it probably has the same astrofinder software that is sold with the Meade cables.
I bought a DS scope off ebay only to find out that the cheap cables would not work with the 494 autostar. It cost me nearly as much as the scope to get a 506 cable. The astrofinder software that came with the cable was the same as on the CD that came with the scope.
I am a retired electrical engineer, so I analyzed the signals going over the 506 cable. If anyone has any questions I would be glad to help. The 506 cable actually has a microprocessor in it to translate from RS-232 into the Meade Aux protocol. Because of this translation stage it will be slightly slower than the cables for the 495/497, but I don't know how noticeable the difference would be. I actually designed my own 506 cable which seems to work just as well as the Meade cable. I am considering building a few and selling them on ebay.
Jeff
|
cnstarz
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/22/07
Posts: 549
Loc: Kentucky, USA
|
|
Jeff that's interesting to know, I'd say that there will be some interest in your cable. I would think you'd have a smash hit if you made one that was USB compatible. In other words one that went from usb to scope with just one nodule in between. Let me know if you develop this further.
Regards,
--------------------
Matt
Apogee 50mm BB scope
ETX-60 BB
Meade 70-az
5" DIY Newt (wip)
C6-N on CG-4 GEM
Gallery
|
jeffs555
newbie
Reged: 05/12/08
Posts: 3
Loc: Wake Forest, NC
|
|
Matt,
I had looked at doing USB direct to the scope, but it would at least double the cost, not to mention all the support nightmares. You can order a USB to RS232 adapter off ebay for $4 shipping included. I couldn't even buy the parts for that much unless I were building thousands of units a month.
Also, it is easier and cheaper to extend a serial RS232 cable than it is to extend a USB cable. The maximum distance for USB is 5 meters without active repeaters.
Jeff
|
cnstarz
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/22/07
Posts: 549
Loc: Kentucky, USA
|
|
Thanks Jeff,
I picked up a couple off the bay but they were different somehow (see earlier post) and wouldn't work, I went to BBuy and paid $19, all tolled I think I have about $70 invested in the 506 solution which isn't very economical (maybe comical) considering the scope was only $50. It still grates my nerves that they distribute the "lite" version of the software with the package too.
Anyway I was thinking more on the lines of a usb dongle that one just connects with RJ11 cable, or whatever that last link is to the telescope. As it stands it's some Rube Goldberg set of converters and cables to get the job done.
--------------------
Matt
Apogee 50mm BB scope
ETX-60 BB
Meade 70-az
5" DIY Newt (wip)
C6-N on CG-4 GEM
Gallery
|
MtnGoat
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 1213
Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA
|
|
I'm kinda 50/50 on the whole USB dealo. Yeah, I need the bandwidth for imaging and yeah, it's handy because it usually plugs in and works OK.
On the other hand, the drivers can be a pain in the butt, especially on USB/Serial units where some models will assign different port #'s every time you plug in the USB dongle, and at least every fourth time I plug USB devices other than my mouse into my machine, it says 'new device' and has to reinstall the drivers (from internal sources, if I needed the disk again I'd be ticked).
This kind of thing happens at work as well, where a USB based GPS and video capture dongles are always pulling this 'new device' and random port # dance on me.
And the less than 5m cabling without boosters/buffers thing is very annoying.
Serial is robust, long range, and hard to screw up other than swapping RX and TX but at least it won't smoke anything. But it's really low bandwidth. Oh well. It just goes to show, it's always something.
497 handset supposedly arrives tomorrow.
--------------------
"Ignorant people think it's the noise which fighting cats make that is so aggravating, but it ain't so; it's the sickening grammar they use." Mark Twain
Edited by MtnGoat (05/14/08 06:38 PM)
|
cnstarz
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/22/07
Posts: 549
Loc: Kentucky, USA
|
|
I wonder if a pcmcia to serial would be better for scope control leaving the USB free for the DSI, etc. It's not much more expensive ... web page
It would be a non issue if my laptop had a serial port but they don't make em like they used to 
--------------------
Matt
Apogee 50mm BB scope
ETX-60 BB
Meade 70-az
5" DIY Newt (wip)
C6-N on CG-4 GEM
Gallery
|
MtnGoat
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/18/07
Posts: 1213
Loc: Columbia Gorge, WA
|
|
Wife called to tell me the 497 arrived today. All right! Now Drizzle will really pack a punch. No longer will I see the 'Drizzle will not steer telescope' warning when I start a capture! No more up arrow and down arrow foolery as I page through entry pages to add an NGC I want to aim at. Yeehaw!
Edited by MtnGoat (05/15/08 03:14 PM)
|
1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 435
Loc: Smoky Mnts
|
|
Quote:
It would be a non issue if my laptop had a serial port but they don't make em like they used to
you're absolutely right, they don't make-em like they used to.
I went to ebay looking for a dedicated laptop, for $185.00 I got myself an IBM thinkpad T23 P3 1.3ghz w/512 ram. It's fast and has a serial port.
MntGoat keep us informed as to how things work out for ya. I'm quite interested in your findings. Maybe the 497 is the way to go?
OD
--------------------
old stuff but good stuff
http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
|
jeffs555
newbie
Reged: 05/12/08
Posts: 3
Loc: Wake Forest, NC
|
|
OD,
One of your previous posts talked about extending the cables so you could control from inside your shop. I had looked at various ways of being able to control from inside the house. Extending the RS232 cable is easy, but would also have to extend the USB cable to the imager. Have seen the devices that allow USB over CAT5 out to 150ft, but have seen bad reports about how they work. I think my next step is to try to find a cheap laptop with WiFi. That way I could put the laptop out in the yard connected to the scope and imager and access it wirelessly using remote desktop from in the house.
Matt,
Main problem with USB serial ports is getting the correct driver. Many don't have drivers for Vista, but all I use is XP. The other is that depending on how things are installed, the port numbers can change when you reboot. You could have the same problems with PCMCIA.
Jeff
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: 