Tonight, when I went to update the database on my telescope, it informed me that there was a new version of the Meade Autostar software – version 59Ef. I went ahead and installed it and it bombed my 497 handbox. I booted the handbox in load mode and kept on trying to load it, but it bombed every time. I then noticed that the previous version, 43Eg, as well as all other previous versions were exactly 1028 KB while 59Ef was 1031KB. I don’t know for sure that this is significant, but I suspect that the Handbox may only have 1028KB of memory. I’ve found that other folks have had this version bomb their handbox too, while I’ve seen no one who has successfully loaded it. Incidentally, in order to load the software onto a hosed handbox, you turn off the telescope, then hold down the ENTER and PAGE DOWN (next to the question mark, not the down arrow) and then turn it on. It will go into a loading mode into which you can load the working version, 43Eg. I plan on contacting Meade and letting them know so they can get it updated.
February 20, 2009
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I have also had this problem with the 59Ef. software, unfortunatly i didn’t have any success in installing an older version of software (i don’t think i tried to use 43Eg, and i have now had to send off for repair as i cannot even start safe load. I contacted the main Meade dealer here in the UK and they were only just aware of the problem. “Apparently” during Meade relocating site, the 59Ef. update was inadvertantly realeased and is thought only to be a beta version, plus was not intended for the 497 handset, this has since been removed for the ASU. A friend of mine also had this issue and has received a replacement handset back with no bill! Hope this helps.
Thanks
Comment by Jamie — March 5, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Ouch Jamie – I’m glad I was able to get the safe load to work. It does make sense that it’s some sort of beta version.
Comment by Ed — March 5, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
Just an update from my earlier comment, I have now “finally” received a replacement handbox (brand new) and with no charge, so I guess I was lucky this time!
Comment by Jamie — March 16, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
I’m glad to hear it. Hope you have success with the new handbox.
Comment by Ed — March 16, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
Has anyone figured out, or know if Meade will offer a ’1 click’ update option? (1 click-where you plug in your autostar and then click update for it to find the latest software (and element sets) and automatically update it? Its the 21st century. (I haven’t updated my LX200 in a while since previously it was so primitive)
Thanks!
Vic
Comment by Vic — September 21, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
The Autostar Updater software is pretty decent, but 1-click it is not.
Comment by Ed — September 23, 2009 @ 7:04 pm