Meade AutoStar Suite on PC Network LX200R

[Mallycat]

I have just bought a Meade LX200R 10" and a DSI II colour cam. Unfortunately I can't take delivery of the scope until next Wed .

Anyway, I have been reading the manuals for the AutoStart Suite and have a question. I am planning on connecting my Laptop to the Scope. I have the software installed on my laptop and all seems straight forward. I see that there is a Network Server feature. I am sure I can configure this OK on my network. My question is this. Once I have my laptop connected to the scope, and have the network server running, how do I then access the scope from my other networked PCs? I assume I have to load the AutoStar Suite software on the other PC too, and configure it to point to the right ports/ip etc. Is this correct? Hope someone can help me out.

Thanks

Matt

[acropolite (Phil)]

The network server feature works OK, I can't remember any specifics but it's easy enough to get going. You need Autostar on the client machine as well and (from memory) you input the IP address of the server machine. I seem to recall that you can't control the camera, just the scope. If you have XP pro on the machine you intend to use as a server, you may be better off just using remote desktop, that way you will have full control.

[Mallycat]

OK, thanks for the reply. I have found another forum that has some information about this, and the camera issue. It's not clear to me if you can or can't control the camera - some comments seem to state that you can. Anyway, I guess I will just set it up and see how it goes.

Matt

[g__day (Matthew)]

For remote access I suggest you simply download VNC client and server - works great and is free!

[Kal (Andrew)]

If you have windows XP (or vista I guess, I've never used vista) you can also used windows built in 'Remote Desktop Connection' feature to gain full access to the machine as if you were sitting at it.