Meade AstroFinder 506 User manual

The #506 AstroFinder Software and Cable Connector Kit provides
access to two #494 AutoStar operations:
•Telescope Control: Use a personal computer (PC) to directly
control a Meade #494 AutoStar-compatible telescope through the
use of an astronomical software program with telescope control
capabilities such as Meade AutoStar Suite Software.
•Download from a PC: Download a new version of the #494
AutoStar software or object information (e.g., new satellite orbital
parameters) from the Meade web site (www.meade.com) through a
PC to the #494 AutoStar.
PARTS LIST
The #506 Cable Connector Kit includes the following:
• 6-foot, 4-pin to 6-pin cable with integrated AUX-to-serial converter
• 6-pin to RS-232 serial interface adapter
• AstroFinder software (CD-Rom)
TELESCOPE CONTROL
A powerful feature of AutoStar is that it serves as an interface between an
astronomical software program, such as Meade AutoStar Suite Software.
To use this function, complete the following procedure:
1. Verify that telescope and computer power are OFF.
2. Connect the serial interface adapter (1, Fig. 1) to the RS–232 port
on your PC.
3. Connect the 6-pin end of the 6-foot cable (2, Fig. 1) to the serial
interface adapter, then connect the 4-pin end to the AUX port at the
base of the telescope mount (5, Fig. 1).
4. Connect the #494 AutoStar to the HBX port (4, Fig. 1) on the
telescope computer control panel.
5. Apply power to the telescope and computer, then complete basic
AutoStar initialization as detailed in the AutoStar instruction manual.
6. Be sure that the computer Com Port is configured to the following
specifications:
• Baud Rate 9600
• Data Bits 8
• Parity None
• Stop bit 1
• Flow Control None
7. Complete telescope alignment as detailed in your instruction
manual.
Follow the instructions provided with the software to control your
telescope.
NOTE: The AutoStar GO TO function is still active when
connected to an astronomical software program, allowing
control either from the PC or AutoStar.
DOWNLOAD FROM A PC
To download software or object information from a PC to AutoStar, follow
this procedure:
NOTE: Downloading information is a two-step process: First,
information is downloaded from a website to your PC; second,
information is downloaded from the PC to AutoStar.
Download from the website to the PC
1. From your PC, connect to the Meade website (www.meade.com) to
download an AutoStar file or files (i.e., new software, orbital
elements, etc.).
2. Follow the instructions from your web browser (i.e., Internet
Explorer, Netscape, etc.) on how to download a file from the Internet
to the PC. Once downloaded, the data reside in a PC desktop
program titled AUTOSTAR UPDATE (a READ ME file is also attached).
Download from the PC to AutoStar
1. Complete steps 1 through 6 of TELESCOPE CONTROL detailed
earlier in this instruction sheet, then return to this procedure.
2. Open the AUTOSTAR UPDATE program on the PC.
NOTE: Not all files downloaded from the website to the PC
have to be transferred to AutoStar (i.e., software and orbital
data may be downloaded to the PC, but you may choose to
update the software now and the orbital data at a later time).
3. Within the AUTOSTAR UPDATE program, select the file or files you
wish to transfer and follow the instructions provided in the READ ME file.
4. When downloading is complete, AutoStar beeps and the
initialization sequence begins. When complete, turn off the
telescope’s power and disconnect the cables.
AutoStar downloading from a PC is now complete.
If you have a question concerning use of the #506 Cable Connector Kit,
call the Meade Instruments Customer Service Department at
[phone], or fax to [phone]. Customer Service hours are
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Operating Instructions
#506 AstroFinder™Software and Cable Connector Kit
For use with the Meade®#494 AutoStar™Computer Controller
Fig. 1: The #506 Connector Cable Set connects between a PC and #494
AutoStar for telescope computer control or download capabilities. (1) Serial
Interface Adapter; (2) 6-Foot Cable; (3) #494 AutoStar; (4) Handbox (HBX) port
on the telescope’s computer control panel; (5) AUX port; (6) CPU.
MEADE
ENTER
GOTO
MODE
HBX AUX
MEADE
1
2
3
4
Ver. 0805 Part no. 14-4020-06
5
[phone] www.meade.com
6