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Customer Support
 Meade Autostar Supplementary Software Downloads

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

#506 Connector Cable Kit – for use with

Handbox
Telescope
#494 Autostar
All DS Models
All DS-2000 Models
ETX-60 / 70

LX200 Interface Cable – for use with

Handbox
Telescope
Autostar II
All LX200GPS or later models

LX400-ACF USB Cable – for use with

Handbox
Telescope
Autostar II
All LX400-ACF models
These files and applications will be updated frequently, and are dated for easy identification. Check back often for the most current updates, files and applications.

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 a family of applications that function to transfer the event files and software updates from your computer, through the serial port and Connector Cable Set, to your connected Autostar. The Autostar Update application is available as a stand-alone client application for Windows.

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.
   

4/13/07

Autostar model #497 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
   

12/18/05

Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows, Version 4.6 (1,654 KB). This is the latest Autostar Update. Rev. 4.6 is compatible with the LX400-ACF Telescope and Max Mount. This version is compatible with all versions of AutoStar II, #497 and #494 AutoStar computer controllers. This installation will automatically update the Update Client Application in AutoStar Suite™ Software. If you have previously installed the Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows, Uninstall the old version before installing this new version.

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

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