--- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "intrepid7772000" <intrepid7@...>
wrote:
>
> Is the 494 database upgradeable with the 506 cable?

The USer Objects (Comets, Asteroids, Tours, Satellites) are
upgradable/changable with a 506 cable and Meade's Updater.

The fundamental "9,000 object" database is not changable.

> If I got the 497 HC how can I get it to recognize the 114eq-dh4?

There are now two flavors of the "497 Autostar".
One is the older model, and in Nov 2008 they started shipping
the "new" model. The new model identifies itself as a 497EP
(note the "EP") and flashes "Bootloader" on the screen for an
instant during the boot process.

The -old- model can be reprogrammed ("patched") to present the
4504/114eq as a known model. The "patch kit" required for that
is in this group's Files area, in the "Starfinder and Autostar"
folder, in the "patches" folder under that.
(hmmm... i should update that kit... i've made many additions
since the v43Eg "4th edition" posted here...)

We're still working on analyzing the "new" model, so there's
not a patch kit for it (yet). (we're finding stacks of bugs).

> The 497 seems to have a much larger database but how much is
> useable with a 4.5"? Thanks

Consider that the 497 Autostar is shipped with the 3" ETX-90.

Yes, there are thousands of objects you won't see with a 4.5"
scope, but i find it kind'a fun to see the "neighborhood" of
things too dim to see by themselves.

have fun
--dick

>
>
> --- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "autostaretx" <rseymour@> wrote:
> >
> > --- In Meade4504Telescopes@yahoogroups.com, "STEVEN C. FOSTER" <intrepid7@>
wrote:
> >
> > > I just got a Meade 114EQ-DH4 and I'm looking for:
> >
> > > 2. 505 controller kit for this model (the cd that came with it said
> > > to order the 505 controller cable kit) is there a special version?
> >
> > > 4. Hand unit upgrade? Says starfinder on the bottom of the hand unit
> > > but display says autostar 1.0?, when turned on, don't know which
> > > version.
> >
> > Those two questions are related.
> > You probably have the original "Starfinder" controller.
> > If it does NOT have a numeric keypad, that's the case.
> > A "Starfinder" is (hardware-wise) what's called an Autostar 494.
> > (but programmed -specifically- for the 4504 or 114EQ-DH4)
> >
> > That style of starfinder/autostar can NOT use a simple 505 cable.
> > You need a 506 cable/converter, which includes a mid-cable lump
> > of active electronics. These sold for $30 to $50 in the early
> > 2000's.
> >
> > Gene Chimahusky has managed to create plans and circuit boards so
> > that you can make your own 506, or buy it from him.
> > http://home.comcast.net/~lynol1000/as_909/as_909_clone.htm
> > (the project grew to become a Meade 909, but programming can make
> > it a 506).
> >
> > If you buy a new (to you) Autostar 497 or 495, you will gain a
> > numeric keypad, but it will not natively "know" the 114EQ-DH4.
> > It will work with a 505 cable, but not with a 506 cable/converter.
> > The lack of "knowing" a 114EQ-DH4 can be overcome in a variety
> > of ways.
> > A 505 cable has no active electronics, and it's simple to build
> > your own, and they're available from 3rd party (i.e. not Meade)
> > builders. But sort out -which- Autostar/Starfinder you're going
> > to be using before acquiring a 505 or 506.
> >
> >
> > have fun
> > --dick
> >
>