Telescope Reviews: Autostar version

Hi Gents,

I just went through this same issue. I now know I have one of the "old" 497 controllers, simply known as the "497", which came with my new ETX-125AT. The new controller is called the "497EP", but I understand the only easy way to know it is a 497EP is to turn it on when it then briefly displays 497EP. I've read there is a slight physical difference between the two controllers, but quite subtle -- check here to see 497 and 497EP Pics I was able to confirm using the pics that I have a "classic 497" controller -- the female plug receptacles are different on the 497 vs the 497EP.
Bottom line is this: the latest firmware for the old 497 is version 43Eg, period. As this is now an outdated model, Meade may not come out with any more updates for this old controller. The new 497EP controller, which has a faster processor and more memory is getting lots of updates because the bugs are a real problem for the new controller and its latest firmware version is 5CE1.

For either 497 or 497EP controller, here are a couple of quick tips.

First, be sure to use the Meade #505 patch cord for your firmware upgrade and be sure to connect the multi-pin side of this cord to your laptop or desktop PC's RS-232 port and the phone jack end to the SMALLER RJ telephone jack found on the bottom of your 497 (and NOT NOT NOT to one of the two smaller RJ jacks on the base of your telescope - unless you want real trouble).

Then, plug your controller's normal Meade connection cord into the usual larger jack on the base of your 497 and plug the other end into the usual jack on the base of the telescope. Next, be sure you have downloaded and installed Meade's latest autostar updater (ASU) program to your PC or laptop, which at this time is their version 5.9 found here
Meade download page

Next, with either your 497 or 497EP fully connected as described above, turn on your telescope's power which also powers-up your 497. Then, open the Meade autostar updater (ASU) version 5.9 on your PC and press the "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" button, seen on your PC's screen. If you are then also connected to the internet, the ASU program will automatically detect 1) your telescope type, 2) your controller type of either 497 or 497EP and 3) the firmware version presently on your controller and will then select and AUTOMATICALLY install the LATEST firmware version for your particular controller, whether it's a 497 or 497EP.

Notes:
1) The ASU software version 5.9 is NOT firmware for your controller, but software for your PC which really must be used for fairly fool-proof updating of the FIRMWARE on your 497 or 497EP controller.
2) For the 497 controller, firmware 43Eg is the latest and perhaps the last update we will ever see for the old 497.
3) For the 497EP controller (only), firmware 5CE1 is the latest version.
4) Firmware 5BE2 is an outdated version and only for the 497EP -- use the 5.9 ASU and it will install what you need which is the 43Eg for the 497 and 5CE1 for the 497EP.
5) The upgrade of my 497 from firmware version 43Ed to version 43Eg took about 45 minutes -- so don't hurry it up and don't do anything else on your PC other than keep it from going into sleep mode until the update is done.
6) When complete, your controller will reboot automatically and the ASU will tell you it's done on your PC screen.

Enjoy!

--------------------
Charles

2X Meade/Terabeam ETX-125 variants w/DDII Control
One more Meade ETX-125AT UHTC
Just one APM/TMB 80/480 LZOS Super APO, FT Focuser
Working on 8"f/12 D&G folded bino-refractor
Denk binoviewers until work is done on above
Still working on elevated observatory/spaceship