With a database of over 38,000 objects and a built-in speaker, this telescope. Reviving a Seemingly Dead 495/497 Autostar Controller the 505 cable you can upload the firmware using the Autostar Updater from Meade or Starpatch.
Update: I just found my Meade #07507 USB to RS-232 Bridge Cable (3-8-12 9:30am) in my AutoStar Suite box and it loaded the driver for that cable (I have both drivers on my pc) and it still doesn't communicate correctly. Autostar MEADE During a moving message, this key decreases message speed.
I go to Protocol/ AutoStar via Serial Port and get the message Communication Error "Read Timeout" Communications Terminated" My laptop is a Pavilion g7 running win 7 if that helps out. The Autostar controller is plugged into the telescope HBX socket as usual The serial to USB cable is plugged into the other socket on the Autostar and connected to the PC's USB just like a usual update The telescope is switched off. I have also tried using the driver for what came w/ the Gigaware and have also tried the driver from Meade to no avail. I have followed the instructions for the #505 connector cable set exactly. I have updated my AutoStar Suite to the latest version 5.50. Every time I try to connect it times out. Meade Instruments LX200-ACF 10-Inch (f/10) 145K object Database Advanced Coma-Free Telescope with Autostar II Hand Controller. Integrated to one of the fork arms, the telescope's control panel serves as a central connection point for the hand controller (the HBX port), as well as for the RS-232 serial interface adapter (the AUX port), an adapter included with the optional 506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit. The equipment I have for the connection is: Gigaware USB-A to Serial Cable, Meade RS-232 connector set #505. Fork Mount with Dual-Axis Drive System: In conjunction with the telescope's Autostar hand controller, precision worm gear systems on each axis permit smooth pushbutton motions of the telescope. Sorry for the late response as I forgot to update my email to what I'm using now so I didn't know anybody had responded to this thread.