|
1
|
What is the original LX200 handset called? Is it Autostar? Is there a way to upgrade the software/firmware? I just bought a used 12" LX200 EMC. Everything works, but I don't know how old it is & I can't seem to find much information about the software & firmware. The handset is labeled Version 3.20 & during start up it reports version 4.32L. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks, Ed |
||
|
|
|
1
|
Specific to your question, the label on the handset is the firmware version of the handset only, the ROMs on the motherboard are reported at startup. IIRC 4.34 was the last version that Meade released - though it is some time since I had my LX200 and upgraded the ROM. http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/AstroDesigns/MAPUG/Miscs1_LX200.htm#version Try the Meade Advanced Product User Group for LX200 classic information. Look in the archive. http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/ DocG's information site - LX200 info in bottom right hand corner. |
||
|
|
|
0
|
You are experiencing the same thing that I did when I bought my "Classic" LX200, less than two months ago. If you have had any experience at all with the modern "Autostar" line of controls on Meade products, you were quickly disappointed in how the Classic handset looked, felt and communicated with you; Not to mention the limited database. As you begin to learn more about the electronics in that era of telescope, you will also find that you probably have the latest and greatest that the "patchwork" methods afford you, and that you can expect to have trouble with future repairs and getting parts when things go wrong; And they DO go wrong. You have two options at the current time. You can keep what you have, and contact one of the several people that repair the old stuff when it breaks, or you can, for about the cost of a good EP, buy an upgrade kit for it that will allow you to control the telescope with the modern, Autostar-400 series handsets. That means any Autostar-493, 494, or 495/497 handset, which is easily updated via your home computer, will now control your telescope. It will consume less power and, since the "brains" are in the handset, and it's modern, efficient design is in thousands of scopes everywhere, you will be in a good place for many years to come. The LX200 has an awesome reputation and the 12" is a nice unit. (Wish I had one ;-) Here is a link to a Yahoo Group that has more information about this. http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/LX200Autostar/ I hope you find this to be helpful. .. George Dudash |
||
|
|
