Losing alignment

[dgwyn]

I have an LX200R on a wedge in a dome. While trying to resolve some issues with my horizon errors, which I'll post in anothe rmessage, I lost my alignment three times over a three hour period. Once I was using PemPro to try to get better alignment and the handset went black and the scope was locked up. Another time I was using AutoStar suite and clicked on "remote handbox" in the software. It wouldn't connect, so I went to the scope to check it out, and the handset read "downloading now, do not turn off", which of course meant it was locked up and I HAD to turn it off. On the third occasion I had just finished aligning the scope and sent it to M42. It grabbed GPS, got ready to slew, and then started blinking "Press Enter to Synch" repeatedly and locked up.

Am I doing something wrong or do I have a 90lb lemon? It was already back to the factory for board issues once. Does it sound like it needs to go back again?

[akjudge]

dgwyn,

I'll take a stab at your questions...

"I lost my alignment three times over a three hour period":  sounds like the scope/software is locking up.  Since it happened with PemPro, then AutoStar's remote handbox, then after a GPS fix, I would suspect the connection between the scope & computer.  Assuming that you are using a USB to R232 adapter, it is most likely the cable.  Several brands (including Belkin) are known to cause problems.  Power supply problems can also cause these type of "lockups"

Again, this is just a guess.  More detailed information is required to narrow the issue (AutoStar version, power supply, etc.).  And a smarter group of people to help you, than me.   

If you can't find an answer here, the next best resource (maybe even better) is the LX200 GPS Yahoo group.  The world's best experts hang out there (Dr. Clay, John Mahony, Dick Seymour, Andrew Johansen, etc.).  If the problem can be diagnosed & fixed without sending the scope back (likely in your case), these guys will know.

Jim
 

[dgwyn]

Thanks, I'll look into my cabeling. Yes, I'm using USB to serial adapters and the running it over a cable from my warm room upstairs to the dome.

[dgwyn]

Any suggestions on USD to serial adapters that are trustworthy?

[akjudge]

Try Keyspan USA-19HS  or Scopestuff sells a good cable.

An afterthought...  USB cables do not work well if the run is more than 15 feet...

Jim

[dgwyn]

Here we go again. I went to the observatory, opened the dome, and turned on the scope. No software involved, no cables, nothing but me, the Autostar, and the scope. I turned it on and waited until it was ready. I then hit the "M" key and entere 45 for Pilaedes. I pressed the "GOTO" key, and waited. It said it was doing the GPS thing, and then it went crazy. It blew away my alignment, and now I have to start all over again, for about the millionth time. Do I really have a piece of crap or are all Meades this way? I'm abosolutely done with this thing. It sucks. Period.

[Garand]

All I can offer is that I have never had a Meade scope refuse to function for me - my LX200R is a fire and forget proposition for me - calibrated, trained and when I set it up it takes a few minutes to align and I am viewing, so it is definately not all of Meade's scopes.  Earlier in my Meade time I was using batteries for all of my viewing and I had issues there when they would begin to fade (or if I tried to save a buck by using cheap batteries).  Also, the correct AC adaptor is important - more than one scope has been damaged by users who decide to kludge together their own, cheaper power supply (I have never understood how a person will spend 3 grand for a scope and balk at $60 for a proper power supply).  Interference from power lines directly overhead and large metal structures or deposits can also mess things up.  Keep looking - there is the possibility that there is a problem with the scope itself but for that you need to contact Meade and discuss the situation with them.

[dgwyn]

Thanks for the reply. I had a long chat with Meade customer service and they came to the same conclusion - get a new power supply. So that's what I've done and we'll see if it helps.