13 replies to this topic

[chrisastro64]

I wonder if there is any kind soul out there who could help me with a vexing problem regarding my Meade Autostar II handcontroller which I use with my Meade 30 cm LX200 from 2007.

 

The problem I have is that that the telescope doesn't slew to the target object when I press the GOTO button; I just get information about when the object rises, sets etc.

 

I suspected a problem with a worn out GOTO button and so I ordered a brand new handcontroller, identical to my previous controller but the problem repeats itself.

 

There don't appear to be any mechanical or power problems with the telescope. Autostar II goes through its alignment procedure perfectly and the manual slewing is fine with the arrow buttons.

 

Upon successful alignment, I check the alignment by slewing to a couple of named first magnitude stars which works fine. The problems start when I try to slew to other objects. There is a slight humming sound consistent with the lowest slew speed (x8 or guide) when I press the GOTO button but otherwise nothing happens. Could it be that the telescope reverts from the  max slew default speed to guide speed following the first couple of initial slews?

 

Has anyone experienced a similar problem? How can I solve it?

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

Chris Allen / Sweden

[wbutts]

If tried a new controller, then bad controllers are ruled out.  Local clubs can probably loan you another hand controller to completely rule out bad controller. I'd be very happy to buy one of your autostar II controllers since mine in on it's last legs.   Have a Meade LX200 GPS 10".  

 

Wade Butts / Virginia, USA

wbutts@cybco.net

[OzAndrewJ]

Gday Chris

Have you "selected" the target first ???

You can scroll to the planet using the menus but you must then hit enter

first ( to recalculate the new RA/DEC ) and then hit goto.

"Selecting" will put the planet name on the top line of the LCD with data on the second line.

Hitting goto at that point should go to the object

If you hit goto when the planet name is still on the second line, nothing happens :-)

 

Andrew Johansen Melbourne Australia

[michael8554]

"the telescope doesn't slew to the target object when I press the GOTO button; I just get information about when the object rises, sets etc."

 

After the info is displayed, Press ENTER or GOTO again, I can't remember which.

[chrisastro64]

Thanks for your input! I'm not convinced I have entirely solved the problem but the telescope last night was slewing correctly between user objects on the computer (I'm a variable star observer). I tried manually slewing backwards and forwards after each user object slew and that worked at least last night.

 

Chris Allen

Sweden

[chrisastro64]

If tried a new controller, then bad controllers are ruled out.  Local clubs can probably loan you another hand controller to completely rule out bad controller. I'd be very happy to buy one of your autostar II controllers since mine in on it's last legs.   Have a Meade LX200 GPS 10".  

 

Wade Butts / Virginia, USA

wbutts@cybco.net

Hi Wade,

Let's keep in touch about this. I would only sell my old handcontroller if I'm 100% convinced that there are no electronics problems with the handcontroller  itself rather than sell a dud. After a 9 month wait I was however able to take delivery of a new handcontroller from astroshop.eu. They first told me that Meade where no longer manufacturing these units for the older LX200 Meades and then suddenly one was on its way. Perhaps get in touch with Astroshop and see what they can do.

 

My email address is christopher.allen@telia.com  if you want to keep in touch!

 

Best

 

Chris Allen / Sweden

[wbutts]

Sounds like a plan, my box controller is completely out of service now, so have to purchase a new one or go the the wifi route. 

 

Cheers,

Wade Butts / Virginia, USA

wbutts@cybco.net

[Thrifty1]

Sounds like a plan, my box controller is completely out of service now, so have to purchase a new one or go the the wifi route. 
 
Cheers,
Wade Butts / Virginia, USA
wbutts@cybco.net

Meade is selling new AutoStar II controllers for $80 plus $15 shipping. $95 is a good price for a new controller with coiled cable. I just bought one from them last month so I would have a backup if needed for my 15 year old 10” LX200R.

[OskiBear]

Meade is selling new AutoStar II controllers for $80 plus $15 shipping. $95 is a good price for a new controller with coiled cable. I just bought one from them last month so I would have a backup if needed for my 15 year old 10” LX200R.

where are you seeing this? Can't find it on the Meade site

thanks

[Thrifty1]

Send an inquiry to: customerservice@meade.com

I never saw it on their website. Someone had posted about it over on a Facebook group.

They were back ordered about a month when I ordered mine in Feb/March but got it in April.

[OskiBear]

thanks Ralph - I'm off to customerservice

[OskiBear]

thanks Ralph - I'm off to customerservice

 

just an update - as of this am backordered, but I'm in the queue

[Thrifty1]

thanks Ralph - I'm off to customerservice

just an update - as of this am backordered, but I'm in the queue

Are they still selling them for $80 plus $15 shipping? It took 1-2 months for mine to come in as they were back ordered at that time too.

[OskiBear]

Are they still selling them for $80 plus $15 shipping? It took 1-2 months for mine to come in as they were back ordered at that time too.

I didn't get a price yet. But I think $80 is a good deal.