Wireless Meade Autostar 497??

[Arthur Alchin]

The astrophiles are quite resourceful so i pose a question, not a stupid one but maybe one that is out there (nearly).

I have a meade S/N 8" on the standard base (GEM) running Autostar 497 with a "leaded" controller box. I am aware that you can purchase a wireless remote for the Autostar 2 (LX200's etc) but can anyone suggest a way of making the 497 "wireless", I am all ears.

[AndrewJ]

Gday Arthur



Get bloody quick wireless
ref
http://www.astrogene1000.com/DIY/497_serial_proto/serialized_497.htm

It works on the bench, but is very susceptible to speeds as the comms arent "std":D

Andrew

[Arthur Alchin]

Thanks for that Andrew3, boy it looks rather complex, maybe i should think about something using Infra red like modifying a TV remote and receiver unit out of an old tv, they look multi channel

[AndrewJ]

Gday Arthur

Its not "physically complex", its just a mess on his testbench.
( as are all good breadboard jobs )
You have no hope of doing it with IR remotes etc due to timings
and reqt for line of sight.
Remember, the system is multiplexing 3 clock lines and 2 data lines,
using proprietary SPI, not simple serial.
The prototype uses a PIC at each end to do this multiplexing
but it requires a very high rate for the rf transmission.
Thats the killer at present.

Andrew

[5ash]

Hi arthur why not just get an extension lead for the handbox i got one frrom the uk for my lx90 and it worked fine.
regards philip

[Arthur Alchin]

sounds good, might look at it as a much cheaper option, any idea where from in the uk??

[AndrewJ]

Gday Arthur

If you want to make an extension cable for a 497,
The simplest and cheapest way is to use a cat5 patch cable with a joiner to connect it to your coiled cable.
They make two types of joiner, crossover 1-1 or straight through 1-8.
you need to get the right one ( its a crossover 1-1 IIRC ).
Doing this allows you to keep the pin polarity correct

Andrew