LX200 replacing LX200GPS controller

[David]

At the observatory where I am a member, we are having a problem with the
Autostar II controller. The scope is a 14" LX200GPS. I don't know if
someone has dropped the controller and won't fes up, or if the controller
has simply gone bad. Last night, while trying to do some observing, after
going to three objects, the controller went crazy: could not enter objects,
the autofocuser would only focus in one direction and be in a race
condition, etc.... Basically, the controller was not working properly.
At the observatory, we also have a Meade 16" LX200. Can I simply hook up
that controller to the 14" and work with it, or are there differences in the
bases that would not allow me to do this? Has anyone else been having the
problems that I described above. Thanks in advance for any help.

David

[Dave Jessie]

Post by David
At the observatory where I am a member, we are having a problem with the
Autostar II controller. The scope is a 14" LX200GPS. I don't know if
someone has dropped the controller and won't fes up, or if the controller
has simply gone bad. Last night, while trying to do some observing, after
going to three objects, the controller went crazy: could not enter objects,
the autofocuser would only focus in one direction and be in a race
condition, etc.... Basically, the controller was not working properly.
At the observatory, we also have a Meade 16" LX200. Can I simply hook up
that controller to the 14" and work with it, or are there differences in the
bases that would not allow me to do this? Has anyone else been having the
problems that I described above. Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi David,

If the 16" is an LX200GPS, rather than a classic LX200, then yes, you most
definitely can exchange controllers.
I'd recommend you joining the LX200GPS Yahoo! group...there are MANY experts
over there and tons of great advice.

Clear Skies,
Dave Jessie

[Dave Jessie]

David

I should have added that if the 16" is a classic (rather than a 'GPS' model)
then DO NOT attempt to swap controllers - they are most definitely NOT
compatible. Autostar II controllers can be had from Meade for around $50.
Keep in mind that a controller for the LX200GPS series (as well as the
RCX400 and new LX200R) is nothing more than an Input/Output device - the
brains are in the base of the scopes.

Dave Jessie