[Barrykgerdes]

Hi Tony

You have not mentioned what controller you have with the LXD55. The early type had a 494 controller or a hand controller that just moved the scope and provided simple tracking.

If you have a 497 controller I expect you will have already found that the computer connects via the RS232 socket in the base of the 497 as in the picture. This follows the standard RS232 protocol as all Meade sets can use. This leads me to suspect that you have one of the simple controllers. The LXD manuals are available on the Meade site and If you have not already got one, download it and read it.

If you have a 494 controller or the simple controller there is no RS232 socket on the controller. In this case you need to purchase the accessory cable kit 506. This cable has a 6pin RJ connector from a little box molded into the cable that does the conversion from RS232 to TTL and plugs into the auxiliary socket. There is also an inherent delay caused by the conversion that may prohibit proper control from some computer programs. The Meade Autostar suite works OK and the Software bisque programs work but we had to modify the Stellarium controller to make it compatible.

If you don't have the 497 controller I think the expense is worthwhile considering the use you require of the telescope.

Barry

PS I checked out the Skywire connector and it mentions that it only works with a 497 controller and amongst the list of applicable telescope it mentions the LXD and other series with the 497 controller.

If you do in fact have the 497 controller and can't get a connection it could be due to the allocation of the com port number. The Skywire as far as I can acertain is just an active USB to RS232 connector and we all know how cantankerous these can be at times.

B.G