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.
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
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.
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
