LX200 Classic - which Autostar?

kwackers · (#1 (**permalink**))

Hi, thanks for reading.

I've a LX200 10" classic. One of the parts in the handset (3.21) died and in the process burned through the keypad membrane connector. I've replaced the part and the autostar is functional again - except for the keypad which I've been unable to fix.

So I'm having to face buying a new one, but I'm confused about which one's are compatible with my scope.

So if anyone can give me some pointers as to which Autostar models will work I'd be grateful.

Thanks
Steve.

Steve77 · (#2 (**permalink**))

Steve
If you have managed to fix the hand set, why not give Telescope house repairs department a call they may have a replacement keypad, they were very helpful when I had a problem with my LX200 last year.
Steve

Merlin66 · (#3 (**permalink**))

The Classic doesn't use the Autostar handcontroller.
The square "brick" Lx200 handcontroller is no longer available. They sometimes come up on the second hand market.
Check out the Lx200 Y! group, Mr Fassner, has produced a replacement membrane for the Classic handcontroller but I don't know if they are still available.
The Lx200 will not function without a handcontroller.

Ken

kwackers · (#4 (**permalink**))

Thanks for the replies gentlemen.

I'll give Telescope house a call and see if they can help and also see if I can track one on the Y group.

If neither of them work then it's staples and conductive paint or hacking/making a new enclosure with proper buttons...

Perhaps it's a sign I need a new telescope, wonder how the new lx200's compare...

[edit]
Merlin66 - there appear to be a number of possibles for the Y! group - don't suppose you could be slightly more specific?
Thanks.

Capricorn · (#5 (**permalink**))

Could try an email to this guy:
Astro Parts Outlet

Seems best described as "An Astro Breakers Yard".

Have read of good responses from the person and good service.

Merlin66 · (#6 (**permalink**))

LX200 : The Meade LX200 support group.

If you check out the messages, you'll find some insight into the problems with the handcontroller and possible solutions.

Ken

m.tweedy · (#7 (**permalink**))

I dont know if this link will help
http://www.thestardeckobservatory.com/Refurbishing_Autostar497.html#Para3

Merlin66 · (#8 (**permalink**))

As mentioned previously the Lx200 Classic doesn't use the Autostar.
It has a completely different controller.

m.tweedy · (#9 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin66

As mentioned previously the Lx200 Classic doesn't use the Autostar.
It has a completely different controller.

I should learn to read before replying

Ibbo ! · (#10 (**permalink**))

I may know of a handset

I will check if it is available and works and how much he wants for it

another option is if the optics are OK how about putting it on a decent mount

It may sit nicely on an EQ6 just a thought but check the load capacity

Steve

kwackers · (#11 (**permalink**))

If only I'd spotted the threads about replacing the capacitor in the handset when I replaced the one in the main unit last year... :-(

Anyway, as an update.

I've unstuck the keypad off the front and handily there's a 5mm thick perspex block that is used to illuminate the keypad.

I've drilled a hole in this for each key and fitted a 5.5mm deep 'proper' key. I'm just waiting for some thin wire to solder these up (don't want the wire to 'lift the perspex too much).

These will attach to a ribbon which will plug back into the original socket.
I'm unsure whether to use the original overlay (the 'clickers' it has may interfere) if not I've scanned the overlay and will laminate it (a method I've used successfully in the past for home made keypads).

When finished the handset should be better than original with 'proper' keys - with one proviso, I'm not sure how well the illumination will work due to the holes in the perspex and the (potentially) new overlay.

Thanks everyone for the replies and links!