5 replies to this topic

[bs30017]

Last night, in the middle of observing, my autostar controller (I Think it's 497, 0n LX90GPS) stopped working. The light slowly dimmed and it was dead. I turned off the scope, turned it back on and it lasted about 15 seconds before the same thing happened. I tried replacing the batteries in the scope and that did not help.

Any idea what the problem could be? Is there an internal battery for the controller? I updated to the latest software version a couple of months ago and had no problems.

Thanks
PJ

[Mark Sibole]

Sounds like a Battery Issue to me
I only use duracells in mine cause the rest wont last at all
Make sure your Batterys are good
Check them with a volt meter to be sure
Im more than sure its just a battery issue

Mark

[bs30017]

The problem was the batteries in the scope. When I first changed the batteries I used a set of rechargables that I either didn't recharge or are not holding a charge any longer. When I used a new set the scope worked fine.

I notice now that I updated the software I'm using the go-to and tracking more and the batteries are not lasting as long as they used to. It may be time to invest in a portable power source. Problem is I don't know what I need or how to hook it to the scope. Any suggestions?

Thanks
PJ

[Mark Sibole]

Glad its working
Recharable batterys are no good for these scopes as they are only 1.2 volts per battery and not 1.5 volts
You can get a 12 volt cord for it to operate off of a cigarette lighter
http://www.optcorp.c...ct.aspx?pid=697
or if you have access to 120 volt you can get the power supply
http://www.telescope...i_sku=MEAD060-1
You can order them from either place and im sure they will have either in stock
I hpe this helps

Regards

Mark Sibole

[bs30017]

Mark,

Thanks for your help. I think both of those would work for me. One for the backyard and one for when I drive somewhere.

Thanks
PJ

[meademods]

thats all i use is the 25' lighter pluge I have a adapter on my trucks towing kit. got it from auto zone. works great, so now I dont have a wire comming from the front of my truck ")