I also think that some #497's can be updated, some cannot, it depends on the memory if them, and possibly the software already present. There will/may be one or two but in general Meade did not throw out a lot. This came from the Weasner site some years back.Ĭoncerning software upgrades, Meade didn't really do updates. The #497 does not have the ETX 70 as an option, but if you change the Alt and Az gear ratio data of say an ETX 90 in the #497 to the ratio's of the ETX 70 then apparently it all works fine. The main handset aspect is the gear ratio's that the handset has within it for each scope. I am not sure what scopes are in the handset. If the newer #497 has your model in the list of scopes then it should work by simply plugging in, powering up and setting the scope. My #497 simply says Autostar at the top, no reference to #497 anywhere. I tried to find a cheaper one, but my google-foo is failing.Meade started out with Autostar and then appeared to have the #494 and #497 as the main handsets. What are my options? I was told there are no other hand controllers that work for this system, but that was from a Meade representative. It flashes correctly at first, and then dies away with only some faint dancing of letters which are dying to be seen. The issue is that the LCD display barely works, and is almost entirely unreadable. Sure no problem, what could they cost, 20 bucks? No.try $150 for a HAND CONTROLLER! I called up Meade and they said, you have to replace it. Been hoping for this day for a long time, but I remember a long standing issue which used to put a damper on using the telescope's most expensive feature, the GPS tracking / guiding, specifically the hand controller. I have used it for years coming back from school and he was clearing out his garage and didn't want to deal with it. I recently got a hold of my dad's old LX200GPS 8 inch telescope. Nick Strobel's 'Astronomy Notes' Textbook.Heavens Above (Satellite/Spacecraft Tracking).What Was That Bright Moving Object I Saw? Tonight's Sky (For advanced users, requires latitude & longitude) This Week's Sky at a Glance (Sky & Telescope)

How do I Become an Astronomer/What do Astronomers Do?Īdvice for First Time Telescope Buyers by Joe Roberts

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Meade autostar ii hand controller