Controller issue

[gel]

I’ve just unpacked my Meade Lightswitch after many years and the Autostar 111 controller does not turn on properly.it only shows a dim red fraction of the screen,less than 10% of the screen,any ideas. Thanks

[iborg]

HI


I suspect you have a failed screen. Depending on luck and who can find parts, it may be repairable.


There are at least two different LCD modules used and they are not interchangeable. The main difference is the number of wires, either 14 or 24.


I am part way through acquiring parts and really should pull my finger out and re-order the last bit.


Good luck


Philip

[gel]

Looks like I’m stuffed with perfectly good telescope I can’t use anymore,damn .it would be nice if I could detach it and use at least manually?

[iborg]

Do you know anyone with a compatible handset? You could then test the rest of the scope. Perhaps even buy a replacement handset.



The LCD's can be replaced, depending on which one.


Do you feel up to opening it? If so have a look at this instructable (https://www.instructables.com/Meade-Autostar-497-Handbox-LCD-Display-Replacement/).


The part I am currently missing is the adapter board! I have several LCD's and ribbon cables.



Philip

[gel]

I know of no one with a handset - controller,and as for spare parts i wouldn’t have a clue where to start.Looking around the internet I can see no listings for the Meade Autostar 111 controller.my best bet(pardon the pun)is Jaycar,thanks anyway I’ll still have a look at that attachment you suggested,cheers Graeme

[iborg]

Hi Graeme


I have been able to order the part. Assuming the right one arrives this time, I'll let you know if I manage to fix the handset I have.


If it does indeed work, I may be able to fix yours.


Fingers crossed


Philip

[gel]

Thanks Philip,I ended up buying a new one and it has a very similar problem , unsure even if it is in regard to the controller?maybe it’s to do with the telescope?.either way I’ll keep an eye out for you-Graeme

[Leo.G]

It's not a cable issue is it?
It would be the first place I'd be checking because if it is that simple it can save you a lot of time and possibly money.
I'm not familiar with the Meade controls, electronics (and motors) or controllers.
If the unit has been in storage for some time it could be dampness ingress in electrical contacts, even corrosion on contacts, it only takes a little humidity. This can be as simple as corroded RJ 12/45 contacts and as complex as corrosion on an internal board including the screen ribbon cable contacts..


I'll search later and see if I can find any information on the particular models electronics.

[Leo.G]

Sorry, I recently had the most unusual experience with a micro stepper motor out of a digital camera I was trying to repair for a friend. No matter how I tried I couldn't read any coil resistance and we tried
numerous times with a quality multimeter (my son and I). The strangest thing happened I can not possibly explain, the motor was somehow stuck between poles and after rotating the shaft manually started working properly. This after applying a direct signal to the motor and still nothing.


It's beyond any feasible explanation I can come up with, with the coils appearing to be burnt out (open circuit) but the camera went back together and was returned to one very happy owner free of charge (a good friend) after he'd told me not to waste the time and maybe just throw it out.

[gel]

Thanks Leo for your support and Philips,i got a brand new controller and cable so that’s why I’m thinking it the telescope that’s the problem,maybe I should give the telescope a jiggle but I don’t like the idea as it’s in a powered down position.

[Leo.G]

Have you had a close look at the port the controller and cable go into to see if there's the slightest corrosion on the pins?
In my case that's 3 pairs of glasses stacked and a good torch but the slightest corrosion would cause the issue you're having. Plus electronics shouldn't just die being packed away though I am familiar with that happening.

[iborg]

Hi



With a new controller, Leo could well be right about corrosion on the contacts. Did the new controller come a cable? And did you use the new cable?


With the original controller, that looks like a faulty LCD, which can happen during storage.


Jaycar do sell cans of contact cleaner (I think) and that might help.


Good luck


Philip

[Leo.G]

Contact cleaner (better that supercheaps suff) and a toothbrush but if using on RJ12/45 I'd suggest a very soft brush to ensure not lifting/bending or damaging the contacts.
You can also spray the cleaner in and let it sit for a short period (it evaporates (the good stuff does)) and use compressed air as a cleaning assist. If it's something you can soak in a small container of the stuff it won't hurt, if not, plan B.
I've soaked CCD units (very carefully, pins only, I'm not a total idiot) in contact cleaner, CCD and entre circuit board after finding a device didn't work because of corrosion from a former owners Peltier cooling attempts. The camera didn't work and was given to me, it now works reasonably well

DO put on safety glasses if using compressed air (canned or compressor) to assist, you DO NOT want contact cleaner in your eyes. Ask me how I know.........


I am familiar with screens dying in storage but the new controller ruled that prospect out.
Bring back valves, swap enough and the old B&W TV works, till you find the blown cap or resistor or diode or......Wow, that would be a big telescope controller thinking about it, lol

My bigger problem is I can't see modern components now and it keeps getting smaller

[gel]

The new controller came with a sparkling brand new cable,I’ll get my eyes out and a magnifer and see if there’s any corrosion that I can spot.cheers Graeme

[gel]

Maybe it’s corrosion.I’ll get some circuit cleaner next week.

[Leo.G]

You can wrap a little fine steel or brass wool around something like a Q-tip and gently clean the contacts in an in/out motion (not around and around) but ensure you don't bend the contacts up or leave the dust inside the connector when you've finished cleaning. A camera blower bulb should remove the dust if you don't have any sort of blower (and the wife protests when you try her hair dryer, lol) if you choose that route.
While contact cleaner is good it won't get all of the corrosion, you'll still need some sort of brush/abrasion to assist. If you have a hearing centre near by (or a hearing aid) the little brushes which come with these can be had cheap and are amazing for this task as they are very small and reasonably stiff bristled. I'm lucky enough to have a few laying around, not lucky in the sense it's because my son is deaf (formerly partial, now close enough to fully).


EDIT: Disposable nail files, little paddle pop sticks with a fine and course side, cheap at Reject shop I'd suspect.

I restore a lot of old, worthless junk (mainly for myself now), serviced TV's VHS and sound equipment and basically anything which involved electronics including industrial crap (and designed and built crap) for a lot of years and I'm always on the lookout for small convenient aids, I forgot about these things.

[gel]

Might try the nail file,i have one right next to me worn down but hopefully ok-Cheers 👌

[Leo.G]

It doesn't need a lot of abrasion, the less the better especially if they are coated pins and less risk of leaving small steel wire traces.


Just double check you haven't bent and pins after doing them. Myself, I'd open the box up and replace the sockets but I have the experience and probably numerous sockets of varying mounting positions (board mounted I'd assume) laying around even if I had to first remove it from old equipment I keep for bits and pieces I use but can't access locally. Plus my son has the eyes and soldering skills I had when I could see the little things, thankfully (my sight no longer permits fine soldering jobs).
Best of luck with it and I sincerely hope a quick clean up of the pins gets your equipment working again.

[Leo.G]

Sorry, not trying to be a pain or appear as a know it all but my son mentioned yesterday just grab and old cable and insert/remove it several times to clear some corrosion and make contact. My son has a LOT of server gear.

[iborg]

Hi Leo


I've had that idea work for me at times. Generally, worked for a shortish while, then still needed a good clean.


Philip

[Leo.G]

Yes, you're right Philip, still clean the contacts. My son mentioned it's an easy way to diagnose if it is the actual cause IF you get enough crud off the pins.