ETX Autostar

[pastiche]

Help!! I have just turned on my Meade ETX 105 and the autostar handset has not lit up. The red light on the side of the telescope is on so I assume power is getting to the telescope OK.

Any ideas?

[Pete Presland]

are you running it on batteries and does the handset make any "beeping" noises ?

[pastiche]

I am recharging the batteries now to see if that helps. My problem is I have a hearing problem which means I can't hear any bleeps even if it did!

[valleyman]

Seems like Flat Batteries, I had the same problem when I got my Meade. Recharge batteries never have enough power in them, best to get a power pack from somewhere like Maplins

[pastiche]

Hi Valleyman,

Sounds like good advice. I have never had an issue with the batteries before but there is always a first time!

I have been charging for just over an hour so I will see if that has worked.

If not, off to Maplins!

[ronin]

The 105 takes 8 1.5 AA batteries thats 12 volts.

Rechargeables are 1.2 volt so that means you are giving it 9.6 volts, and possible less current then it needs as well.

Get a decent 12volt mains adaptor for it.

[pastiche]

Hi Ronin,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I must admit, I never really thought about the difference in voltage! I will take your advice and get a 12 volt mains adaptor which will hopefully solve the problem.

Thanks again,

Pastiche

[CGolder]

I had this happen to my LX90 last year... ia new controller was required.. it just blew for no good reason, I hope this is not the case for you

[pastiche]

Hi CGolder,

I hope so too. that sounds a bit expensive!!

[pastiche]

Hi CGolder,

Problem solved!! It was dodgy batteries in the end so I think it will have to be a power pack from now on.

Thank you all for your advice ... much appreciated.

From a much relieved Pastiche

[Pete Presland]

power pack is going to be much cheaper in the long run anyway.also as the batteries degrade the goto accuracy declines as well.when you train the drives periodically it will also be a benefit to be using the same power supply as when you are observing.

[thommo10]

Hi Pastiche

I have never used batteries in my ETX 125, I bought a mains adapter kit for mine and never had a problem.

[pastiche]

Have ditched the batteries and now use a powerpack. The problem has now gone and the tracking seems a lot better now. Thanks again to everyone for the advice.

What a great forum!!

[Ender Of Days]

I was always under the impression that the handsett needed the batteries,even if the power adapter was plugged in ?

JJ..

[Psychobilly]

Sometimes once you start using the external power connector you may find that the ETX will no longer run from batteries - there is a switch built into the DC power socket that disconnects the battery supply when you plug in an external one... it is an absolute nightmare to get at the pcb to try and rectify the fault...

Peter...