
Remote Handbox and Com Port Problems
#1
Posted 31 December 2008 - 05:26 PM
I’m hoping someone out there might have an idea as to what’s going on with Autostar Suite and my computer. I recently replaced my old Gateway with Windows XP and SP3 with an HP and the same O/S and SP 3. I’m using the RadioShack serial cable. I downloaded and installed AutoStar Suite (5.0), and Envisage (7.05) from the Meade website.
The problem:
Trying to get Remote Handbox to work. I’ve found numerous threads regarding this question, but none that cover specifically what I’m seeing. I’ve tried entering 1, 2, and 3 in the com port box and get the response - “Error: Port already in use or not present.” This, I expect. But when I try putting 4 in the com port box, it begins to initialize and then I get another error message - “Error: Node Allocation Failure.” This is as close as I’ve been able to get. Everything worked just fine with the old Gateway but I’m stumped with this one.
Is there anything I can do to clear that error and let it complete the initialization process?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Ron
#2
Posted 01 January 2009 - 08:10 AM
Mark
MTSO Observatory
Fife Lake, Mi.
http://astronomy.qteaser.com
#3
Posted 02 January 2009 - 11:49 AM
Thank you for your quick response. Unfortunately, your suggestion didn't do the trick. With my old laptop I just had a "4" in the comm port box and it worked just fine. The box is small - just enough room for maybe three numbers - but I did try Com1, Com2..... with no luck. Still get the same error message.
Any other thoughts? My frustration level is definitely on the rise.
Thanks,
Ron
#4
Posted 02 January 2009 - 05:23 PM
You should be able to connect to Com 1 as long as it is not is use by something else. Did you try checking it in the device manager to make sure it is operating correctly and the settings are ok? Also is there any other device you can connect to Com 1 to check that the port is functioning?
Normally if Auto Star can't connect to the handbox you just get a timeout error.
If everything checks out I would try uninstalling Autostar Suite and reinstalling.
Brent
#5
Posted 02 January 2009 - 07:38 PM
Thanks for the reply - I'll check that. Can't get to it until next week, though.
Thanks,
Ron
#6
Posted 13 April 2009 - 05:45 AM
In the update program Au2.exe, to download from Meade, is a function, which checks, on which comport the scope is working.
gr
brunoworld
#7
Posted 08 June 2009 - 01:13 AM
Web
#8
Posted 18 June 2009 - 05:37 AM
MTSO Observatory
Fife Lake, Mi.
http://astronomy.qteaser.com
#9
Posted 18 June 2009 - 05:38 AM
You can get that update from Microsoft.
Mark
MTSO Observatory
Fife Lake, Mi.
http://astronomy.qteaser.com
#10
Posted 18 June 2009 - 05:43 AM
MTSO Observatory
Fife Lake, Mi.
http://astronomy.qteaser.com
#11
Posted 20 September 2009 - 04:07 PM

So, I have tried all of the above, still no go connecting my PC to my ETX 125 PE. I will note that I am using a USB to serial port device. The most common error I get is node allocation error.
Now, I note that there is a download for USB -> serial on the Meade web site, http://www.meade.com...al/USB_SER.html
but it appears to be for the Pictor software package.
Am I missing something on this web-page and I need to the software, or what?

#12
Posted 21 September 2009 - 03:14 PM
Hi all,
I’m hoping someone out there might have an idea as to what’s going on with Autostar Suite and my computer. I recently replaced my old Gateway with Windows XP and SP3 with an HP and the same O/S and SP 3. I’m using the RadioShack serial cable. I downloaded and installed AutoStar Suite (5.0), and Envisage (7.05) from the Meade website.
The problem:
Trying to get Remote Handbox to work. I’ve found numerous threads regarding this question, but none that cover specifically what I’m seeing. I’ve tried entering 1, 2, and 3 in the com port box and get the response - “Error: Port already in use or not present.” This, I expect. But when I try putting 4 in the com port box, it begins to initialize and then I get another error message - “Error: Node Allocation Failure.” This is as close as I’ve been able to get. Everything worked just fine with the old Gateway but I’m stumped with this one.
Is there anything I can do to clear that error and let it complete the initialization process?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Ron
Iam haveing the exact same problem, the only diffference is that I am using com5 and I have also tried 127.0.0.1 and neither work for me
#13
Posted 21 September 2009 - 03:54 PM
John
#14
Posted 21 September 2009 - 05:22 PM

#15
Posted 21 September 2009 - 05:52 PM
#16
Posted 23 September 2009 - 05:46 PM

Seriously - is this just a total mystery?

#17
Posted 25 September 2009 - 04:47 PM
gus from scotland u.k
#18
Posted 26 September 2009 - 05:17 PM
#19
Posted 03 October 2009 - 01:13 PM
1) Shut everything down.
2) Connect the USB -> Serial cable, then the adaptor, then run the 4 pin telephone like cable from the serial adaptor to the HANDSET.
3) Turn on the scope, turn on the PC.
4) Once the PC boots up, click Start, then RIGHT CLICK on "My Computer" & Select "Properties"
5) Click on the Hardware tab then Device Manager
6) Expand "Ports"
7) Double click on your "USB to Serial port bridge" or similar product

9) Fire up Auto star & resize so you can see it AND the COM setting from Device manager.
10 ) Select Telescope -> Communications -> Serial Communications Setup
11) Make certain these settings match each other. If not, adjust the setting from Autostar to match the PC.
12) Click OK, then select Telescope -> protocol -> serial port
13) You should get a pop up warning, select OK then go.
Hope this helps y'all!

#20
Posted 04 October 2009 - 10:54 PM
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