jcrew
member
Reged: 08/07/08
Posts: 81
Loc: Mechanicsville, VA.
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What is the current number for the 494 autostar controller version? Mine says it has 13E. My guess is that I need to update it, but I don't want to do it if it is currently the updated version. Any ideas ladies and gents?
Thanks,
Brad 
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Mead ETXX90 on a DS-2080 mount
Orion Skyquest XT10i with a Rigel Quickfinder
40mm, 25mm, 10mm Plossl & 2x Barlow
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yock1960
super member
Reged: 06/22/08
Posts: 149
Loc: SW Ohio, USA
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That is the version on the 494 that came with my ETX80 that I bought back in June. I don't think there is an update offered in any case.
Steve
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Discovery 6" Dobsonian
ETX80 Backpack Edition + Meade #884 Tripod
Astronomiser ASTSC1C
Meade DSI II
Televue Powermate 2.5x
Gallery
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jcrew
member
Reged: 08/07/08
Posts: 81
Loc: Mechanicsville, VA.
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ok thanks...I thought there was 14 or something...could that be the number for a different controller?
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Mead ETXX90 on a DS-2080 mount
Orion Skyquest XT10i with a Rigel Quickfinder
40mm, 25mm, 10mm Plossl & 2x Barlow
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Joe Lalumia
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 2545
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Correct me if I am wrong-- but I understand that certain versions of the 494 controller will accept the 43Eg- 497 firmware, updating the features...... is this correct?
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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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jcrew
member
Reged: 08/07/08
Posts: 81
Loc: Mechanicsville, VA.
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I have no clue Joe...i'm just trying to see if I have the latest version so that the pointing accuracy is correct.
--------------------
Mead ETXX90 on a DS-2080 mount
Orion Skyquest XT10i with a Rigel Quickfinder
40mm, 25mm, 10mm Plossl & 2x Barlow
|
jcrew
member
Reged: 08/07/08
Posts: 81
Loc: Mechanicsville, VA.
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So any idea if the 43-Eg update will work or is for the 494 controller even though it says it is for the 497 controller?
--------------------
Mead ETXX90 on a DS-2080 mount
Orion Skyquest XT10i with a Rigel Quickfinder
40mm, 25mm, 10mm Plossl & 2x Barlow
|
yock1960
super member
Reged: 06/22/08
Posts: 149
Loc: SW Ohio, USA
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I've not read anywhere that this can be done. Ask Meade.
--------------------
Discovery 6" Dobsonian
ETX80 Backpack Edition + Meade #884 Tripod
Astronomiser ASTSC1C
Meade DSI II
Televue Powermate 2.5x
Gallery
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Joe Lalumia
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/07
Posts: 2545
Loc: Rockwall, Texas, USA
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Here is the answer-- The 495 can be upgraded using the 497 firmware-- but not the 494. You need number buttons which the 495 and 497 have.
On the Might ETX site--- this page about half way down.
http://www.weasner.com/etx/archive/feedbackJun05/ds.html
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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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jcrew
member
Reged: 08/07/08
Posts: 81
Loc: Mechanicsville, VA.
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Well, shoot! I have the 494 and I guess it is useless or will be as far as gotos are concerned?
Thanks for finding that Joe!
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Mead ETXX90 on a DS-2080 mount
Orion Skyquest XT10i with a Rigel Quickfinder
40mm, 25mm, 10mm Plossl & 2x Barlow
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 5329
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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The #494 Autostar works fine, it's just that the firmware is fixed and can't be upgraded. I have two #494's (one on my DS-2130 the other on my ETX-60BB) and I haven't had a problem with them. Version 13E sounds about right.
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-John
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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), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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1_old_dog
sage
Reged: 09/07/07
Posts: 357
Loc: Smoky Mnts
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Yup John is correct the firmware is fixed and can't be ugraded.
We've have never had any problems with the #494 HC on our ETX60 BB, the goto's and tracking are spot on.
OD
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http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html
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yock1960
super member
Reged: 06/22/08
Posts: 149
Loc: SW Ohio, USA
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Brad,
I don't think the 494 is useless, but it definitely sounds like you're having some kind of issue. Things to check:
1) Make sure your location info is correct. I can't remember if you can actually see what is in there for a 494 as far as longitude & latitude, but at least double check by zipcode.
2) Check that your daylight savings time setting is correct and the time also.
3) Be sure your tripod is as level as you can get it and don't trust the built in level on the tripod if you are using that. Take the scope off the mount and level it and keep in mind that if you level it, then move it...it's probably not level anymore.
4) Make sure you 'calibrate motors' and 'train drives'.
5) Make sure your ALT/AZ home position is good. Scope should be point to true north (not magnetic) as close as possible and the tube should be horizontal.
6) Make sure your alt/dec & az/ra clamps are just right easier said than done I know. Also watch it slew in the daytime to see if you can pickup on any slippage.
7) I've read that doing the 2-star alignment is best, but I still do easy alignement...because it's 'easy'.
This should get you pretty decent goto's. If not, you can either open her up and try to see if there's anything you can do, or call Meade. Lots of info out there. I still have an adversarial relationship with mine, but it's mostly just noticeable doing 5 second or greater image exposures. My goto's are pretty good especially when I can actually see both alignment stars, which from my viewing location, is not often enough!
Steve
--------------------
Discovery 6" Dobsonian
ETX80 Backpack Edition + Meade #884 Tripod
Astronomiser ASTSC1C
Meade DSI II
Televue Powermate 2.5x
Gallery
|
jcrew
member
Reged: 08/07/08
Posts: 81
Loc: Mechanicsville, VA.
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Thanks for the info. and the tips. I will surely try all of those tips (during the day) and on a clear night...If one of those comes around soon! *sigh*
Thanks y'all
Brad
--------------------
Mead ETXX90 on a DS-2080 mount
Orion Skyquest XT10i with a Rigel Quickfinder
40mm, 25mm, 10mm Plossl & 2x Barlow
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