--- In ETXASTRO@yahoogroups.com, "tcris52" <blue172@...> wrote:

> It's V1.1j so I'm assuming I'll need to do a lot of work to
> get it up to date.

On the other hand, it may be willing to update in one swat.
You won't know until you try (and then you'll tell us, right?).

> I'll have to find (or make) a cable. Is there a USB cable
> available or were they still serial in that era?

The Autostar end is serial. Dan posted the link to Mike's site
which has a "how to build one" article. Or you can buy Meade's
505 cable. The cable also allows remote control of the telescope.
If you're thinking of getting an LPI or DSI camera, a 505 is
included in those kits.
If you need a USB adapter, the one i -recommend- is a Keyspan
USA-19HS. I've heard good things about the FTDI brand, too.
*Avoid* Belkin. Many "white box" (generic) USB to serial
adapters work, too. Meade also sells one, the Keyspan is better.

If your Windows PC is a desktop, it probably -has- a "real"
COM port (9-pin male) socket, and you won't need the USB adapter.

Once you have the cables (etc), try using the ASU Updater to
"retrieve" and "send" the Asteroids/Comets/Satellites, to get
practice with using the hookup and the (lack of) speed involved.

The reason i -don't- recommend AutostarX is due to your firmware's
age... somewhen near that version Meade's Updater will install
the "Safe Load" section of the firmware, and i don't trust
AutostarX knowing how to do that. I've sent a note to Chris
Carson, the author of my favorite updater "StarPatch", to see
if StarPatch (free from www.stargps.ca/starpatch.htm ) knows
how to handle installing SafeLoad.

On the other hand, v1.1j was quite servicable... why not just
use it?

have fun
--dick

> I see there is a Meade dealer in the country so I can probably
> order from them. If not, I'll order on line and have my brother
> send it to me. Do you have a reference to a part number for that?
>
> Thanks again for the help.
>
> Tony
>
> --- In ETXASTRO@yahoogroups.com, "autostaretx" <rseymour@> wrote:
> >
> > The Autostar i use every day was built in 1999.
> > It was delivered with v1.1j of the firmware,
> > and has been easily updated to Meade's newest (43Eg).
> >
> > So: yes, you can update to the newest firmware.
> > I'd use a PC to avoid adding the non-Meade Mac updater to the mix
> > (**especially if it's currently pre-v1.3 firmware**)
> >
> > What version do you have -now-?
> >
> > The full identifier is visible under
> > Setup/Statistics[enter][scroll up]
> >
> > If it's older than v1.2, you'll probably have to use its keypad
> > to get into "download" mode, but ASU (the updater) should be able
> > to take it from there...
> >
> > have fun
> > --dick
> >
> >
> > --- In ETXASTRO@yahoogroups.com, "tcris52" <blue172@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > I purchased an ETX-90 with Autostar controller in 1999. I used it a few
times then it went into storage (yes, I removed all the batteries and it was in
a dry area).
> > >
> > > When I recently moved to Thailand, I had it shipped over. However, things
have changed so much that I'm not even sure where to start. I guess my main
questions have to do with updating something this old. I'm using a Macbook but
have a PC available. Does the scope or Autostar of this age allow for updates
via computer.
> > >
> > > I have found several sites with a lot of info and that's the problem. I'm
not sure what I'm looking for in terms of applicable info for this generation of
equipment. If somebody could give me some direction, I would appreciate it very
much.
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Tony
> > >
> >
>