GUIDESTAR
25-01-2006, 03:49 PM
It is now possible to Guide non LX200 compatible scopes on Envisage/Autostar using a "Software Based" LX200 Command interpreter. You simply execute this program and it will accept LX200 commands from a Virtual Serial Port and drive the PC's Parallel Port. Any LPT1 ST-4 based connector going to the mount's autoguider port (or relay box connected to the paddle) can now be controlled by any Meade LX200 compatible autoguider software (such as Envisage) that doesnt have ST-4 control capability. With this setup, you dont need an external LX200 translator hardware to drive the autoguider port of your mount. You only need the usual Parallel Port to ST-4 converter cable. The program also supports Meade's Autofocus control and drives the lower 4 bits of the parallel port. A set of relay circuits is needed to drive the focus motors from the lower 4 bits of the PC's parallel port. download can be found at:
http://www.skyinsight.com/wiki/index.php/GuideStar_LX200_Software_Emulator (http://www.skyinsight.com/wiki/index.php/GuideStar_LX200_Software_Emulator)
http://www.skyinsight.com/wiki/index.php/GuideStar_LX200_Software_Emulator (http://www.skyinsight.com/wiki/index.php/GuideStar_LX200_Software_Emulator)