Did I just fry my telescope?

[theycallmesash (sash)]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for any help, this is my situation.

I just attempted to update my LX90 firmware from 26ed to 43eg and the update crashed (didnt even move from 0%).

Now the telescope wont boot up in anythign but flash load 2.0 mode.

Is this fixable? Ill be taking it into Adelaide Optical (they service meades)

Is this fixable? Jesus I hope I havent fried it... Have I?!?!?!

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

I doubt you fried it (no excessive voltages involved)...more likely you may have corrupted some files during the update. Can you reset to a factory default?

[theycallmesash (sash)]

Originally Posted by Hans Tucker

I doubt you fried it (no excessive voltages involved)...more likely you may have corrupted some files during the update. Can you reset to a factory default?

trying to do that now but there arent any options given.

attempting to restore it on another computer at the moment :S

EDIT

i think the cause of the problem is a dodgy usb to serial adapter because the unit is saying cannot detect autostar controller when i try update it. I've check the com ports and theyre set up properly.

[Hans Tucker (Hans)]

A few things to consider are that you may not be able to overwrite on firmware plus I see you did a big jump from 2.6 to 4.6. It may be wise to do as you have suggested and take it to a Meade dealer as they may have uncorrupted copies of the firmware and they may know some factory tips to get the upgrades to take provided these versions were in fact compatable with your LX-90

[theycallmesash (sash)]

Originally Posted by Hans Tucker

A few things to consider are that you may not be able to overwrite on firmware plus I see you did a big jump from 2.6 to 4.6. It may be wise to do as you have suggested and take it to a Meade dealer as they may have uncorrupted copies of the firmware and they may know some factory tips to get the upgrades to take provided these versions were in fact compatable with your LX-90

Cheers for the help Hans Tucker. I agree.

I really hope they can fix it

I wont touch it anymore, I've done enough damage already...

[Barrykgerdes]

If the firmware corrupts on down load and the autostar fails to start next time there is a standard start procedure to enable re load of the firmware. I can't remember the exact sequence of keys to hold down when the unit is turned on but Bintel should be able to tell you.

This done the firmware down load can be started again.

Barry

[MikeyB (Michael)]

From Weasner's Mighty ETX Site:

The SafeLoad key combination for a 497 is:
Press and hold ENTER and SCROLL DOWN (the lower right-most key).
While holding those keys pressed, apply power to the scope and Autostar.

[AndrewJ]

If the Handbox boots up in safeload mode, then its recoverable.
I suggest you try using StarPatch ( free )
http://www.stargps.ca/downloads.htm
to do the firmware loading/updating
as it is much more robust than Meades ASU updater,
and gives much better error messages.

Andrew

[traveller (Bo)]

This is a long shot but worth a try.
Open up the hand controller and check the connectors. I had this happen to my Celestron, I pulled apart the single arm fork mount to check any signs of short circut etc, then I opened up the hand controller and found the connector between the main board and the cable is detached.
Give it a go, you only need a small Philips screwdriver.
Cheers,
Bo

[theycallmesash (sash)]

Hey Guys,

Firstly I really appreciate all the feed back.

I went to adelaide optical yesterday and after talking to them we concluded it was due to Serial to usb adapter not being compatible and I got another cable. So i got the official meade one and it worked straight away.

So relieved

Got to use the scope last night with my friends Nikon D80, but all my shots came up blurry : /

Now onto this next mystery! lol

EDIT:

Moral of the story: just because you have something lying around, dont assume it will work as a suitable replacement for the actual part required...

[Screwdriverone (Chris)]

Hey Sash,

A little late but that is what happened to my Skywatcher when I tried to upgrade its database using a serial to USB....I blew mine up and nada...zip....

Once I tried it from a computer with a dedicated internal serial port, voila!!!!

Glad you got it sorted.....USB to serial should only be used for interfacing, not upgrading...

Cheers

Chris

[traveller (Bo)]

Glad you got it sorted. I use a generic USB serial adapter and have successfully upgraded my Celestron software.
Cheers, Bo

[mozzie (Peter)]

great to here its all alright know....
i use the meade serial to usb...i also have a keyspan to usb and it's very computer friendly never had any crashes when running skysafari it's so reliable.just another idea for you...

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi

Most of the older peripheral control programs only connect via the COM ports (RS232) and many of them will only address COM 1,2 and sometimes 3,4 but none of the higher numbers.

Modern computers, particularly lap tops do not have a fitted COM port but use a USB port in lieu although the port address is still reserved.

To provide a COM port facility it is now standard to use a USB/RS232 converter. There are many available but some seem to work better than others.

When these converters install they normally pick the first available port after COM2. This in most cases will be COM3. However if you plug the device into another USB port another COM port will be allocated. This re alloctation can also take place if that USB port is used for another function as well. I believe this is what causes what appears to be the malfunction in most cases . If the peripheral program is already allocated to a specific port.

When I use a USB/RS232 adaptor I now always inspect the device O/S hardware manager and edit the COM port to COM 1 or COM 2, Either or both should be available. Doing this should take care of the programs that only connect to or look for COM 1 or COM 2. Then make sure your peripheral control program is connected to this port. They don't all search.

Barry

[AndrewJ]

Just for others with Meades.
I dont know the exact causes, but as mentioned by Barry,
some converters dont accurately emulate the true rs232 protocols.
When the Meades are in download mode, they transmit binary data,
and are susceptible to errors in rs232 protocol.
In the US, the Belkin brand of converters are notorious for not working with Meades in download mode.
Converters with a prolific or FTDI chipset do seem to be the most stable.

Andrew

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

That exact same thing happened to the hand controller on my meade mount Bo , a 2 miniute fix . Whew ! I was so worried.
Brian.

Originally Posted by traveller

This is a long shot but worth a try.
Open up the hand controller and check the connectors. I had this happen to my Celestron, I pulled apart the single arm fork mount to check any signs of short circut etc, then I opened up the hand controller and found the connector between the main board and the cable is detached.
Give it a go, you only need a small Philips screwdriver.
Cheers,
Bo

[theycallmesash (sash)]

I was only trying to interface initially. I thought the computer wasnt recognising the hand controller because the firmware on it was too old or something which is why I tried to update it.

Now that the telescope is in working order again there are cloudy skys.

Perfect. lol