Meade LX200 Autostar Upgrade

[@photogazer]

Yes. I call it the AudioStar controller because it is an AudioStar controller. The AudioStar Controller can be used as a replacement for the AutoStar Controller, and it adds several capabilities. It is called the AutoStar upgrade. The name of the video is correct. I chose to use an AudioStar Controller instead of the AutoStar Controller. The name for the upgrade was decided by the owner of the firm that makes the kit. Everything about this video and the name are correct. There are no errors.

[@stevesiedentop7133]

I did the upgrade in just a few minutes on my lunch break. The original board was easy to remove and the new board was easy to install. It's not required, but George Dudash will check out your motor assemblies for no additional cost (other than shipping). The motors are easy to remove as well. I have had no issues post upgrade. If you have an old LX200 Classic gathering dust, this upgrade will add years of life to your scope.

[@photogazer]

Steve Siedentop I agree, Steve. My upgrade works great. George is a great guy to work with in doing the upgrade.

[@DirkDirk1983]

What are the main benefits if you do this upgrade? And since a few years have past, is there a better upgrade these days available?

[@drcrutch]

Thank you for this video. I just ordered my upgrade; however, George asked me to send him the motors. . .and I have never taken my scope apart (12" LX200 Classic). Is this difficult? D you have a link to a video showing how to remove the motors? Would appreciate any advice.

[@lesterbradbury4083]

Could you let us know what the cost of it is

[@mcsew2k]

My LX200 Classic powers on with two bars and gives a beep. It says Clearline on the hand paddle display, but it does nothing else. The buttons do nothing, the motors do not turn, and the display stays frozen. With all the parts still in the scope, can I troubleshoot this by unplugging things in the reverse order? DEC motor, hand paddle, RA motor, mainboard, etc?

[@lesterbradbury4083]

What is the cost of that new panel complete with the hand Control

[@nicholasculletto7186]

Well whats the deal, does this track stars on its own or do you still need the wedge?

[@j.d.3875]

I have a lx200 without gps, would that work as well, would I need to add a gps module?

[@sei4848]

Mike thanks for the video. I have upgraded my Lx200 to the audiostar with gps. I have received some confusing info (position of the base) though on setting it up now & have been trying to find a video showing this. Unfortunately all the Lx200 setup videos are with the new gps scopes that self align. I was hoping to get some setup help either through a video or maybe just some email instructions.

[@photogazer]

I am putting together a video for this exact scenario now. Look for it soon on my channel.

[@ronaldsassi9480]

Mike, I recently upgraded my Meade LX200 Classic using Dudash kit. All has working until recently. My scope will not go into Declination, that is it will not go up and down. Side to side works. I am waiting for a response from George. We tested the power going out from the circuit board using a tester. No power going to the vertical motor while power is reaching the motor controlling the scope's ability to go side to side. Have you heard anything like this happening ? I am a newbie at this....

[@photogazer]

I have not heard of that happening with the upgraded LX200. Your best option is to talk to George at [e-mail] .

[@limelightny203]

Can you put this panel on a lx50?

[@MrGuitar50]

Hi Mike, great video. I have an LX200 18 volt about 9 years old. Last night my

[@MrGuitar50]

...keypad was working fine however after performing a 2-star alignment I got an “alignment mismatch” message several times; then the keypad would turn on but no responses to any keys. Any clue as to how to fix this? Should I just upgrade to the new one? Frustrated because I hauled my scope to the mountains to do some astrophotography and I dead in the water. Thanks!!

[@scottbobott1484]

LMAO that mockingbird was going nuts in your vid @ 9:20. you must live in California ;)

[@philippedunand1270]

Hello, I own a lx200 12 "classic for over twenty years, now in its box. My kids interested in astronomy and I would restart. But the handset has disappeared. Do you think yours would work with my lx200? if yes how to get the upgrade kit? best regards, thank you phil

[@astrolibrarian]

Hi Mike: Are these kits still available? I won a 10" f6.3 LX200 EMC in a raffle recently. It's showroom new, but I would love to convert it to use some modern electronics. Thanks!

[@photogazer]

Fred, George at lx200autostar.com has stopped making these kits because of the difficulty in finding Autostar and Audiostar controllers. If you can get a controller, I would guess that George would sell you an upgrade.

[@MrRefractions]

Hi, Is this available in the United Kingdom? I have a 12" Classic from new and fancy doing the upgrade. Many thanks Iain

[@timothygettelfinger6836]

Is the original board in the base of the scope abandoned in place? Not part of the updated system?

[@photogazer]

You can leave the main board in place or remove it and resell it to help offset the cost of the upgrade, if your mainboard is still functioning.

[@timothygettelfinger6836]

Do you autoguide with PHD2? What is your setup?

[@TheAUricle]

Mike, If you still monitor this, do you know if that uprade (or any other) works with the LX5 drive controls?

[@photogazer]

I do not believe so, but the best person to answer that is the builder of the upgrade, George Dudash. Send him an email at lx200autostar.com .

[@operavoice]

Hi, great video. Do you know if I can do the same to LX50 meade Telescope?

[@photogazer]

I believe it is only for the LX200 Classic. You can contact George Dudash for further information at [e-mail] . He can tell you more about the upgrade.

[@timothywhite5626]

Hi Mike. I found your site when searching for repair information for my LX200. Are these kits still available? If so how do I get in contact with George?

[@photogazer]

You can contact George Dudash at [e-mail]

[@robertraines8518]

Nicely done! Thank you!

[@paolosain]

Can you give me the old pad ...i have broken my one and i cannot use my lx 200 8 and how much you want ?

[@photogazer]

I sold my Classic Hand Controller some time ago. Sorry.

[@szaki]

How much is the new kit?

[@photogazer]

You will need to contact George Dudash at [e-mail]

[@samuelemartino8853]

hi! for N/S hemisphere?

[@photogazer]

I believe that the setting for northern and southern hemispheres is in the Autostar hand controller. You determine the hemisphere with your long. and lat. coordinates.

[@samuelemartino8853]

Thanks! Can you give me the link where you got the kit?

[@TheDave31london]

you say the newer handset has more targets than the original , ive just purchased a s/h lx200 sct 10", in the booklet it says it has 64.000+ targets yet all the other more later synscan/autostar mounted scopes claim only 42000 + target databank. also apart from the controller being a little bulky is there any other reason to replace the controller, and some people say u have to replace the motors is this because of the transition from 18v to 12v?

[@photogazer]

dave jungle Dave, you are correct that the older controller has access to a larger number of objects. However, most of those objects you will never look at. The number is a moot point, but the point I was trying to make is that the newer controllers have a better array of objects and also a newer design and capability. The new system works very well, is not decades old, and more reliable. If you go to the new system, you do have to use a 12V power supply, but there are no issues with using the original motors. I am using my original motors, and I switched from 18V to 12 V, so anyone that told you that are wrong.

[@sighpocket5]

Nice job.... Thanks!!!

[@photogazer]

Thank you. I posted this to show how incredibly easy this upgrade is with just a little time and simple tools.

[@dwilliams1128]

PS: Hi: did you know that the movie calls the handcontroller an "AudioStar" handcontroller? I suppose that's the "real" name. Mine's an AutoStar II handconroller. But the movie title, on your movie here, calls it Autostar. So there's an error there. You need to change the movie title appropriately.

[@benhur9624]

Must change all Tantale capacitors !

[@photogazer]

This replaces the old electronics, so you do not replace any tantalum capacitors. Replacing tantalum capacitors is for the old electronics and has nothing to do with this kit or video whatsoever.