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 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 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.

1/06/04

Autostar II version 2.0i (1,793 KB) is available. To get the new version, use either the 2.0i 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 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.
NOTE: Only the RS232 port next to the HBX port can be used for upgrading the handbox.

12/02/03

Autostar model #497 version 31Ee (446 KB) is available. To get this new version, use either the 31Ee 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.

08/21/02

Autostar Update (ASU) Client Application for Windows, Version 3.61 (2,079 KB). This is the latest Autostar Update. Rev. 3.61 adds support for custom user objects (Autostar II only); adds the ability to manage user and site data; improves the reliability of "Verify Downloads" mode; and fixes a connection problem for very old revisions of #497 software. As of Rev. 3.51, the default data transfer rate for Autostar II's was changed to 9600 baud in Safe Mode. This is the safest rate to ensure reliable data transfer. To use a faster rate, click the connect button, and then the Options->Max Baud Rate button. There is no handbox firmware included in this self-extracting executable, but once the Autostar Update program is launched, the latest firmware for your type of Autostar can be automatically retrieved from this web site, if you have an active internet connection. Or select the link for the latest firmware for your type of handbox.

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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