How to Troubleshoot an Autostar

Autostar enhances your stargazing experience.

Autostar is a software application made by the Meade Instruments Corp., makers of a line of telescopes and astronomy equipment. Autostar allows you to connect and control the ETX-90AT, ETX-105AT, and ETX-125AT telescopes with your computer and link it to a database of known stars. Using a computer controller included with the telescopes, Autostar gives you the ability to quickly identify and observe heavenly bodies from your computer screen. Like any software package, Autostar has known bugs and errors, however they are overcome with proper troubleshooting techniques.

Instructions

1. Verify that the system is properly set and configured. Ensure that the power switch on the telescope is set to "on." Open the battery compartment to ensure that the cells are seated properly or that the power cable is plugged into an outlet or power strip that is turned on.

2. Toggle or turn the power switch on the telescope controller from off to on to reinitialize the system.

3. Check your task bar for a flashing box during installation. The installation window can become hidden, making it appear that installation has stopped.

4. Look for the "Meade LPI not found" error. Fix this problem by visiting Windows Update and installing the most current version of Direct X, which Autostar requires to function properly.

5. Update your Autostar firmware. Insert the disk that came with Autostar and wait for the auto run window to appear. Click "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

6. Reinstall the system software if the program doesn't start or displays errors when you attempt to launch it. Insert the disk and then click "Install." Click "Yes" when prompted to install .NET from the onscreen instructions.

7. Restart the Lunar Planetary Imager software. Press the "Control," "Alt" and "delete" buttons on the keyboard simultaneously. This opens the task manager. Click " Meade LPI" and then click "End Task" to kill the process. Next, unplug the LPI unit from the telescope and wait a moment before reconnecting it. Once reinserted, the LPI reestablishes a connection with the computer and a red light indicates the connection is working.

References

• Meade Instruments Corporation: Meade Autostar Troubleshooting
• Meade Instruments Corporation: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Meade Instruments Corporation: Meade LPI Imager

Resources

• Microsoft: WIndows Update