12 replies to this topic

[Akltsang]

I have an LX90 with Autostar (firmware version 3.2Ea). Recently I bought an old DS2000 mount and want to use the Autostar 497 on it.  However I cannot find DS telescopes in the Telescope model manual.  Is it because of the firmware?  Which version of firmware will have DS telescope to choose from?

[Sheremy01]

I used to own a Meade ds2080 and the 497 controller does not work with that mount.

[Akltsang]

Thanks.  I have seen people using 497 on DS mounts.  Just not sure which firmware works.

[DAVIDG]

 I have 4 DS2000 mount and they work with an Autostar  497 controller.  Update the firmware using  the free version of StarPatch to latest version wihich is 43G and it will have the DS series of mounts if you have none showing now. If you do have any DS series mount showing they will work  like a DS2114 or DSX-90AT since all these models are using the DS2000 mounts. https://www.stargps.ca/starpatch.htm

   The other option is to set the Alt/AZ ratios manually to that of a DS2000 mount  They should be

Alt/Dec ratio: + 01.155000

Az/RA ratio: + 00.840568

 

   Also do a Calibrate motor command since when you swap a 497 from one scope to another I believe it stores the calibration information for the scope that it was lasted calibrated too. You can check that the ratios are correct by going to the menu that reads out the ALT/AZ on the 497. Then slew the scope through say 15 or more degrees in both Alt and AZ and compare what the 497 shows vs what the analog setting circles read. They should agree perfectly if the ratios are correct the mount has no mechanical/electrical problems

 

                 - Dave 

[Akltsang]

Wow, thanks Dave.  That is a perfect answer for me.  Million thanks.

[OzAndrewJ]

Gday Akltsang

Dave has nailed it.

Even if you dont have your specific DS mount listed

as long as the handset recognises there is a scope attached

you can manually edit the ratios if needed to make it work.

The only reason for the specific list of names is to simplify

setting the ratios as well as upper/lower limits and focal length.

Updating to patched 43Eg is a good idea tho ;-)

 

Andrew Johansen Melbourne Australia

[Akltsang]

Thanks for the advice. Does StarPatch run in Win10?  I tried to install but failed.

[OzAndrewJ]

Gday Akltsang

AFAIK StarPatch works on anything from XP to W11

 

Andrew Johansen Melbourne Australia

[Skywatchr]

Thanks for the advice. Does StarPatch run in Win10?  I tried to install but failed.

What exactly was the failure?  I run StarPatch on Win10 with no issues.You may need to tell Windows to "install anyways", and possibly disable any "protection" to get it to install.  After that you can reenable your "protection".

 

Also, once you download StarPatch, do not run the install through the browser.  Instead go to the file where you downloaded it to, and run the install from there.

Edited by Skywatchr, 01 April 2024 - 10:54 PM.

[Akltsang]

I installed on a Macbook (with Win10 on Bootcamp). StarPatch was installed but failed to launch. I installed successfully on my friend's Win10 notebook though. Probably problems of my Macbook.

Edited by Akltsang, 03 April 2024 - 06:05 PM.

[Skywatchr]

I installed on a Macbook (with Win10 on Bootcamp). StarPatch was installed but failed to launch. I installed successfully on my friend's Win10 notebook though. Probably problems of my Macbook.

Yes, StarPatch is Windows only.  Accessing the hardware through software is different on the Mac and probably why it crashes.

[Sheremy01]

Just got around to reading all the replies. I didn’t know the 497 worked. That was 15 years ago when I used that mount so I didn’t know they had updated everything to be compatible. Good info to know.

[Skywatchr]

Just got around to reading all the replies. I didn’t know the 497 worked. That was 15 years ago when I used that mount so I didn’t know they had updated everything to be compatible. Good info to know.

I believe most DS-2000 came with the #494 for the price point.  But most, if not all #494 scopes will also work with the #495/497/497EP, and Audiostar. No real worries if the scope isn't listed as you can still choose a mount type that is similar, and also manually set the gear ratios to match.  The #494 is very limited and cannot be firmware updated.

As a side note, my prototype LX200 Classic to Autostar conversion uses the DS-2000 boards.