New Meade LX200 Autostar Update

[mojo]

Has anybody installed it? Is it worth installing?
And what on earth is Smart Mount?

http://www.meade.com/support/auto.html

Autostar II version 4.0h (1,826 KB) is available for LX200GPS telescopes. To get the new version, use either the 4.0h link and download and unzip the file to the Ephemerides directory under the Autostar Update (ASU) installation directory or use ASU and press "Upgrade Autostar Software Now" and ASU will download the file and upgrade the handbox. If you don't already have ASU use the link on this page to download and install it on your PC. This version is to be used by all LX200 GPS telescopes. It will not affect your Smart Mount status. If you have Smart Mount, you will still have Smart Mount with this version. If you have not paid for Smart Mount, you can still use this version, but it will not have the Smart Mount function. New Initialization instructions for Autostar
NOTE: Only the RS232 port next to the HBX port can be used for upgrading the handbox.

[beren]

Early yet , noticed it last night on the Meade site , worth to monitor chatter on the Yahoo LX groups before going ahead and dissect the techtalk what the new firmware will improve on .Smartmount is a training function that improves/refines pointing accuracy of the GOTO system , the process involves aligning/centering a list of stars {pg 68 in the Lx200gps manual}.Its more suited to a permanent setup , for a mobile setup you have to go through the process each time you get the scope out .Apart from serious study or faint CCD imaging work i think it would be something you would rarely use .

[xstream]

Terry, just a word of advice about Autostar!

If it aint broke, don't fix it. :)

[Dave47tuc]

Terry, I know your scope :whistle: Your scope does not have smart mount. That does not matter. I would leave it as it is. The firmware I uploaded into it is very good for your scope. As John said "If it aint broke don't fix it."
This is to true.
Hope it's all going well :thumbsup:

Cheers.

[mojo]

awww you guys wont let me do anything.... so i should probably thank you for that :)

I'd read the yahoo groups, but they're so anti-social.

[beren]

Meade are going to run out of letters , the latest update is up to version 4.0l :P

[rumples riot]

Have nto touched it yet, but like you Stuart I will wait to see what happens. Am happy with the 3.01i I have at the mo.

[beren]

Paul looks like the latest patch has fixed the HP pointing bugs the new firmware introduced plus i think there was a issue with alignment stars not being being named during setup/alignment and that has been addressed. The positive news though is the Pec training which seems to be improved , the melbourne meade yahoo group is worth looking out for info....but ill continue to wait for a bit