Advertisement
The Serial Connector Cable Set provides access to two Autostar
operations:
•
Telescope Control: Use a personal computer (PC) to directly
control a Meade Autostar-compatible telescope through the
use of an astronomical software program with telescope control
capabilities with Autostar Suite.
Download from a PC: Download a new version of the Autostar
•
software or object information (e.g., new satellite orbital
parameters) from the Meade web site (www.meade.com)
through a PC to Autostar with the Autostar Updater.
PARTS LIST
The #505 Connector Cable Set is supplied with the following:
•
6-pin to RS-232 serial interface adapter
•
6-foot, 4-pin to 6-pin Autostar cable
•
6-foot, 6-pin to 6-pin Autostar II cable
The 6-foot cables connect an Autostar handbox and a PC using the
interface adapter.
#497 AUTOSTAR TELESCOPE CONTROL
To use this function, complete the following procedure:
1.
Verify that telescope and computer power are OFF.
Connect the serial interface adapter (1, Fig. 1) to the RS–232
2.
port on a PC.
3.
Connect the 6-pin end of the 6-foot, 4-pin to 6-pin round cable
(2, Fig. 1) to the serial interface adapter, then the 4-pin end to
the
RS-232
port
at
(3, Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Do not connect either cable to the AUX port on
the telescope's computer control panel or damage may
occur to the cable connector.
4.
Connect the Autostar coil cord between the HBX port (4, Fig.
1) on the telescope computer control panel and the coil cord
connector port on Autostar.
5.
Apply power to the telescope and computer, then complete
basic Autostar initialization as detailed in the telescope's
instruction manual.
6.
If the astronomical software requires it, configure the computer
Com Port as follows:
•
Baud Rate
9600
8
•
Data Bits
None
•
Parity
•
Stop bit
1
•
Flow Control
None
7.
Complete telescope alignment as detailed in your telescope's
instruction manual.
Operating Instructions
Autostar Suite Serial Connector Cables
For use with the Meade
the
base
of
the
Autostar
®
™
Autostar Suite
MEADE
MEADE
MODE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
?
HBX
3
2
1
Fig. 1: Connector Cable connects between a PC and Autostar for
telescope computer control or download capabilities.
(1) Serial Interface Adapter; (2) 6-Foot Cable; (3) Autostar;
(4) Handbox (HBX) port on the telescope's computer control panel.
Telescope control can now be accessed using a PC astronomical
software program or with the Autostar Suite software: Go to the
Telescope menu, and select "Protocol," then "Autostar via comm
port." Follow instructions provided with the software to provide PC
telescope control (if using Autostar Suite Software the telescope is
controlled using the Auto Tracking function).
NOTE: The Autostar GO TO function is still active when connected
to an astronomical software program, allowing control either from
the PC or Autostar.
LX200 AUTOSTAR TELESCOPE CONTROL
To use this function, complete the following procedure:
1.
Verify that telescope and computer power are OFF.
2.
Connect the serial interface adapter (1, Fig. 1) to the RS–232
port on a PC.
3.
Connect one end of the 6-foot, 6-pin to 6-pin Autostar II cable
(2, Fig. 1) to the serial interface adapter, then the other end to
the leftmost RS-232 port of the LX200 computer panel.
4.
Follow steps 4 through 7 in the #497 Autostar Telescope
Control section.
If you have a question concerning use of the Autostar Suite or the
Connector Cable Set, call the Meade Instruments Customer Service
Department at (949) 451-1450. Customer Service hours are 7:00
AM to 6:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
4
14-4520-00 Ver. 10-04
Advertisement
