LX200GPS/LX200GPS-SMT/RCX400/Autostar II-Compatible Telescopes by Meade Instruments Corporation

This page describes how to setup LX200GPS, LX200GPS-SMT or Autostar II-model telescopes so that it can be controlled by TheSky6 Serious Astronomer and TheSky6 Professional Editions.

Autostar II model telescopes all use the same communications protocol, so, as far as TheSky6 is concerned, there is no difference between them.

LX200GPS 12-inch and 8-inch Telescopes

Copyright © Meade Instruments Corporation

Topic Links

Minimum System Requirements

Hardware Setup

Telescope Initialization

Communication Notes

Windows Mobile Device Setup

Troubleshooting

Minimum System Requirements

Software

• TheSky6 Professional Edition or TheSky6 Serious Astronomer Edition.

Hardware

• Any LX200GPS/LX200GPS-SMT or Autostar II-model telescope.

• LX200/Autostar telescope interface cable.

• One free serial port on your computer. If your computer only has USB, you'll need a USB to serial adaptor.

LX200GPS/LX200GPS-SMT or Autostar II and TheSky6 Setup

You'll want to make sure that you have the correct cables connected from the computer to the telescope before proceeding. The photograph below shows the proper cable connections.

LX200GPS to PC setup. The gray DB9 connector plugs into the COM port of your desktop or notebook computer.

Make sure you've connected the correct adaptor to the RJ11 end of the connector for your telescope (The connector labeled LX200 Autostar, or connector number 1 above).

LX200GPS Connection Notes

• Make sure that the sticker on the gray 9-pin adaptor reads LX200/Autostar. No other adaptor will allow communication between the computer and the LX200GPS.

• Note that TheSky6 can establish communications with the device at any time, however, The LX200GPS must be completely initialized and ready to operate stand-alone before TheSky6 can properly control it. Read the LX200GPS documentation for details about initializing this device.

• The telescope interface cable must be plugged into one of the RS232 ports on the base of the telescope.

• The LX200GPS telescope will emit a beep when slews are complete.

LX200GPS Initialization (Windows)

Step-By-Step Procedure for Linking TheSky6 to the LX200GPS/LX200GPS-SMT/Autostar II

1. Plug the telescope interface cable's RJ11 phone-type end connector into either "RS232" port on the base of the LX200GPS. Plug the DB9 connector into an unused COM port on your computer (see photograph above).

2. Turn on the LX200GPS. After a few moments, the firmware version is displayed on the LED readout. Record this version for later reference. TheSky6 is compatible with the Autostar II firmware version 1.2 or later. If you do not have the latest firmware installed to your hand paddle, visit Meade's download page and install the latest update before continuing.

3. Carefully read the warning message displayed on the hand paddle related to never pointing a telescope at the Sun.

4. Follow the automatic alignment instructions on page 18 of the LX200GPS user's manual. Do not proceed until the LX200GPS is completely initialized and aligned.

5. From the hand paddle, verify that the Daylight Saving Time option is correct for your location.  This setting cannot be initialized through software, so it must be set manually using the hand paddle.

6. From TheSky6, click Telescope | Setup. Select LX200GPS by Meade Instruments Corporation from the Control System list and then click Settings. Select the correct COM port on the Settings dialog box and then click OK.   

7. Click Close on the Telescope Setup dialog box.

8. Click Telescope | Link | Establish to establish communication with the telescope.

High Precision Pointing Option

Make sure to turn off the LX200GPS High Precision Pointing option (from the LX200GPS hand paddle, select Setup | Telescope | High Precision | Off) before connecting the telescope to TheSky6.

Connecting the LX200GPS to TheSky Pocket Edition

Step-By-Step Procedure for Linking TheSky Pocket Edition to the LX200GPS (Autostar II)

1. Turn off the LX200GPS.

2. Using the appropriate cable, connect the serial port on the LX200GPS to the mobile device's serial port. See photograph above.

3. Turn on the LX200GPS.

4. Click Telescope | Setup.

5. In the Control System list, select LX200 and then click (or tap) OK. No additional settings are required.

Troubleshooting the LX200GPS Connection

If you receive any error messages, verify each of the following.  

• The LX200GPS is turned on.

• The LX200GPS hand paddle is plugged into the HBX port on the LX200GPS base panel.

• The telescope cable is wired correctly for bi-directional communications.

• The telescope cable is plugged into the correct COM port on the computer.

• The telescope cable is plugged into the RS232 port on the base of the telescope.

• The telescope cable is not plugged into a modem port on the computer.

• There are no interrupt conflicts with the selected COM port (Windows only).

• The COM port is functional. Test the port on your notebook or desktop with an external modem or serial mouse.

• The telescope interface cable (sold by Software Bisque) is connected with the gray DB9 connector labeled LX200/Autostar and not the connector labeled SGT-MAX/BBox.

• The LX200GPS by Meade Instruments Corporation (LX200 on the mobile device) option is selected on the Control System list under Telescope | Setup.

• The selected COM port is correct (Windows only, click Telescope | Setup | Settings to verify this setting).

• For Windows or Macintosh, see the Telescope troubleshooting" topic for details.

• Check the version of the LX200GPS firmware with the version. You may need to update your LX200GPS hand paddle's firmware so that TheSky can communicate with the device.  Visit Meade's web site for details about upgrading the Autostar's ROM.

• Read Testing Telescope/Serial Port/Cable Using a Terminal Application for details about testing the connection.

Keywords

Smart Mount, LX, 200, GPS, SMT