The open architecture of the Meade Autostar permits the update of operating software, the loading of events such as comets, satellites, and minor planets, and allows you to share or "clone" this information with other Autostars. Depending on the type of Autostar Handbox and Telescope, you will need to use one of three different optional Cable Connector Sets:

#505 Connector Cable Kit — for use with

Handbox	Telescope
#495 Autostar	All DS Models All DS-2000 Models ETX-60 / 70
#497 ETX Autostar	All DS Models All DS-2000 Models All ETX Models LX-90 LXD-55

Handbox	Telescope
Autostar II	All LX400-ACF models

How To Upgrade Your Handbox
To upgrade your Autostar first click on the link below to download the Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows. If your web browser allows you to open the installation file, you may choose that option when prompted. Otherwise, just save the install file to your local hard disk drive. When downloading is complete, double click on the saved file to start the installation. Follow the instructions provided to install Autostar Update (ASU) on your machine. When installation is complete, start ASU by selecting "Start Menu" -> "Programs" -> "Meade Inst" -> "ASU". If you have an active Internet connection and your telescope with Autostar is connected using the appropriate cable as listed above, ASU will detect and install the correct Autostar code directly from Meade's web site via the "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" button.

Autostar Update
Autostar Update is an application that functions to transfer the event files and software updates from your computer, through the serial port, USB or Connector Cable Set depending on your telescope model. The Autostar Update application is available as a stand-alone client application for Windows. The most recent versions of AutoStar Update automatically check for the newest versions of the AutoStar Updater and download it if necessary. It is critical that you use the most recent AutoStar Updater to ensure that you get the proper software updates for your system.

	Important note about #497 Autostars. The classic #497, and the newer #497EP, utilize different firmware that is not interchangeable. However, the #497EP Autostar is backward compatible with prior generation telescope that used AutoStar technology. If you have an older version of the #497, it will continue to work with your existing telescope. AutoStar Updater 5.9 or greater can detect either version and load the appropriate firmware.
10/07/09	#497EP AutoStar hand controller software update. Version 5CE1 (1,040 KB).General update, from v5BE2. Introduces LT telescope. Updated true and magnetic north alignment. Fixes site selection and clock bugs. REQUIRES VERSION 5.9 AUTOSTAR UPDATER.
4/13/07	#497 AutoStar hand controller software update. Version 43Eg (479 KB) is available. To get this new version, use either the 43Eg link to download and unzip the file to the Ephemerides directory of the Autostar Update (ASU) installation directory; or use ASU and press "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" and ASU will download and upgrade the handbox. If you don't already have ASU use the link on this page to download and install it on your PC. New Initialization instructions for Autostar
09/18/09	The new LS telescope version 1.2g software update includes GPS performance improvements for faster and more reliable alignments. This update is available for download now by running the AutoStar Updater (ASU) on your PC and selecting "Upgrade AutoStar Software Now". Check back frequently for more information on future software updates.
07/27/09	#497 AutoStar hand controller software update. Version 5BE2 (1,039 KB). General update. Fixes many known bugs. Real time clock corrections. LXD75 polar alignment. Various LX90 pointing and tracking fixes. Adds new magnetic/true north alignment. REQUIRES VERSION 5.9 AUTOSTAR UPDATER.
9/27/06	Autostar II version 4.2g ( 1,804 KB ) is available for LX200GPS and later model telescopes. To get the new version, use either the 4.2g link and download and unzip the file to the Ephemerides directory under the Autostar Update (ASU) installation directory or use ASU and press "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" and ASU will download the file and upgrade the handbox. If you don't already have ASU use the link on this page to download and install it on your PC. This version is to be used by all LX200 GPS and later model telescopes. It will not affect your Smart Mount status. If you have Smart Mount, you will still have Smart Mount with this version. If you have not paid for Smart Mount, you can still use this version, but it will not have the Smart Mount function. New Initialization instructions for Autostar NOTE: Only the RS232 port next to the HBX port can be used for upgrading the handbox.
4/13/07	Autostar II version 2.2i ( 2,171 KB) is available for all LX400-ACF telescopes. To get this version, use either the 2.2i link to download and unzip the file to the Ephemerides directory under the Autostar Update (ASU) installation directory or use ASU and press “Upgrade Autostar Software Now” and ASU will download the file and upgrade the handbox. If you don’t already have ASU use the link on this page to download and install it on your PC. This version is to be used by all LX400-ACF telescopes. New Initialization instructions for Autostar
8/10/05	The new PEC Utility Tool allows you greater control over the Periodic Error Correction functions of your LX200GPS and later models, or LX400-ACF telescope. During PEC Training, small corrections made to keep a star precisely centered by a DSI, LPI or via hand controller inputs, are recorded and remembered by your telescope so that they may be automatically replayed by the SmartDrive™ system. After you have performed the PEC training procedure, the PEC Tool allows you to further refine the periodic error corrections made by SmartDrive. Click on the link to download the PEC Utility. Once saved to your hard drive, double click the “InstallPecTool.EXE” and follow the instructions to complete the installation. Your Telescope must have the latest version of firmware to operate with the PEC Tool. PEC Utility Tool Instructions After installation the PEC Utility option is located in the “Start Menu => Programs => Meade => PEC Tool”. NOTE: The PEC Tool is to be used for LX200GPS and later models and LX400-ACF telescopes only.

To transfer event files and software updates, follow the instructions in the manual for your Connector Cable Set.

Orbital Elements
The elements can be saved to your local machine by using your browser's "Save As" facility, ensuring that you select "Plain text" as the format for the saved document. Or you may use the "File" - "Get Object Data from WWW" menu option from within the Autostar Update application.

To enter an individual element into the Autostar, follow the instructions in the online Autostar Manual .

01/14/00	Orbital Elements: Comets
08/01/01	Orbital Elements: Bright Minor Planets 2001
03/08/02	Satellites
03/08/02	International Space Station (ISS)
03/08/02	Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
03/08/02	Starshine
01/18/00	Autostar Tour Files

Related Topics:

• The Autostar/LX200 Command Set and Differences
• #497 Autostar Computer Controller
• Meade Product Instruction Manuals
• Meade LX200-ACF Telescopes
• Meade USB to Serial Cable