LT6 Hand controller

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

I am new to astronomy and have purchased an LT6. After probably a dozen or so nights of observation Im having trouble getting the slew speed to change and most recently had trouble with the mode button not returning me to the previous menu. For some unexplained reason I was under the impressiion that in order to change slew speed I needed to press "5" on the controller then any number between 1-9 for the corresponding slew speed ( I have been changing the slew speed in this manner since purchasing the scope ). After consulting the manual I could not find anywhere that said the "5" had to be pressed before choosing a slew speed so I began skipping the "5" button press and was able to change the slew speed until my last observing session where I could not change the slew speed again. Pressing "8" then a number between 1-9 enabled me to change the slew speed again. Does anyone have any experience with this hand controller and these types of issues?
Also would I benefit from an OIII filter with a 150mm aperture?

[AndrewJ]

Gday Peter

The LT6 uses a 497 style handbox, and to change speed,
as noted, you merely press one of the 1..8 buttons directly.
There will be some screens where this wont work
( as the buttons get remapped for data entry etc )
but in all the menus, it should work that way.
What "Type" of handbox do you have
and what firmware version is loaded.
( The firmware version can be seen when the hbx boots,
or it is also under the found in the "Setup > Statistics" menu )

Andrew

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

On startup the handbox briefly shows Bootloader V3.1A. Is that the firmware version? Im not sure. Ive had a tinker and its possible that Ive been overlooking the fact that certain commands dont work when in some of the menus. I will take more notice when using the scope in future. You may well have just sorted out my issues. Thanks Andrew. Any opinion on the OIII filter?

[AndrewJ]

Gday Peter

On startup the handbox briefly shows Bootloader V3.1A. Is that the firmware version

Nope,
you should get something like 5CE1 if its a 497EP
or A1F7 or A2S6 if its an Audiostar
( As mentioned go to statistics to get the proper number. )

Andrew

Sorry, but cant help with filters.

[hickny (Peter)]

Peter,
The user manual for the LT is available for free download here.
It should be able to help you with understanding the hand controller.
http://meade.com/software-manuals/telescope-manuals/lt

[PvtPublic (Peter)]

Thanks for your responses, I believe Im running the A2S6 version of the firmware. It appears it may have been a misunderstanding on behalf of the inexperienced operator that the software wasnt working correctly. As you mentioned, some commands wont work in certain menus.Last night I had a play around and when taking note of where I was in the menus everything seemed to be doing as it should. Problem solved thanks again.