Lpi Help

[mat,v]

G'day all,,I have a MEADE LX-90 SCT and have just purchased a MEADE LPI, The problem is i have to connect the AUTOSTAR HANDBOX to my LAPTOP (which is new) using a SERIAL INTERFACE ADAPTER that plugs into a RS-232 port on my laptop,,,my laptop deosn't have a RS-232 port,,:doh:(5 pins on top,,,4 pins on bottom),,does anyone know if there is an adapter or similar so i could maybe use USB etc,,ANYBODY had this problem before or have any ideas,,,,all correspondance VERY much APPRECIATED,,,MAT :help:

[peter_4059]

Why do you need to connect the handbox to the laptop to make the LPI work?

If you really need to make this connection get a USB-serial adaptor - I have a Keyspan one that works well. Belkin also makes them. Hervey Norman stock them.

Peter

[mat,v]

thanks Peter,,If i can connect the handbox to my laptop,I believe i can use the LPI to autoguide the scope (to some extent), Please correct me if i'm wrong,,i'm hoping this will work but it's all new to me,,,,THANKS again,,,MAT:thumbsup:

[peter_4059]

I don't know how the meade scopes work but I'm guessing you have an autoguider port on the mount? It is a bit like a phone connection (RJ12 plug and might be labeled ST4).

Some people make a connection from a self contained autoguider to this port (in this case the autoguider will have a similar RJ12 connection)
or from your PC via an interface device like the shoestring GPUSB. Your LPI would normally be pluged into the laptop USB port and you would use some guiding software like PHD to do the math and send siganls to the GPUSB.

Hope this helps?

Peter

[mat,v]

G'day peter,,Unfortunately the LX-90 doesn't have a dedicated autoguider port,,,thats why i'm trying to get out of it cheaply(for now) hopefully this will keep me keep me amused until i can afford to buy a shoestring and associated self contained ST4 and guidescope etc etc etc,,:whistle: Thanks champ,,,MAT

[renormalised]

What you need, and what Meade don't make anymore is a #909 APM...a port module that you could connect an autoguider to. However, if you goto this site... #909 Clone (http://home.comcast.net/%7Elynol1000/as_909/as_909_clone.htm), you can get a clone of the APM which is actually better than the original. That'll solve your problems as far as an autoguider connection goes.

Before I forget.... you'll also need a #505 USB to Serial connector and cable to connect the Autostar handbox to your computer and scope at the same time...goto Bintel (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm), they have them in stock.

[aworley]

Hi,

I don't use the 909...I simply connect my DSIPro II to USB port on computer and connect the computer to the handbox via a USB/Serial connector....because the DSI & LPI is a meade bit of kit, the handbox connection works without the APM...

Alex

[mat,v]

Thanks guys,,I just got a USB to SERIAL connector from Harvey Norman,,should connect handbox to laptop,,"fingers crossed" will let you know how i go,,,:prey: MAT