StarPatch allows you to use almost any GPS
receiver with the Meade Autostar
497/497EP controller (see telescope models). StarPatch
updates the internal Autostar software so that it can recognize GPS
NMEA data and use this to set the date, time, latitude and longitude. Additional
software features (known as "patches") can also be selected. The key
features of StarPatch are:
- GPS Setup patch (adds GPS Setup capability to
one Autostar 497/497EP).
- Full updates in 2 minutes or less (over 10x faster than the Meade ASU).
- Updates are automatically verified (over 20x faster than the Meade ASU).
- SmartLoad further reduces update times by reusing unchanged data from
previous updates.
- Lists available software patches and allows you to include the ones
you want.
- "Update Autostar" button guides you through the simple update
process.
- "Get Updates" automatically retrieves the latest available
patches and software.
- Works with Autostar II (excluding features 1, 2 and 3).
- Free trial version is a great tool for updating your Autostar
497/497EP or Autostar II.
To download StarPatch refer to "StarPatch Setup and Use".
The registration key enables all the program features and
allows the GPS Setup patch to be installed to one 497/497EP. Additional
handset registration keys can be purchased to GPS enable a second or third
Autostar (limit of 2 per software key). Without
a registration key StarPatch operates as a trial version with the following limitations:
- GPS Setup patch results are displayed, but not saved.
- 497/497EP updates are slowed (still 2x faster
than the Meade ASU).
- SmartLoad feature is disabled.
StarPatch includes patches that can be individually selected
for use with the Autostar 497/497EP or Autostar II, some of which are listed
below:
| Patch Feature |
497/497EP |
Autostar II |
| GPS Setup capability (trial version if not registered)* |
X |
|
| Add 4504/114eq to Known Models (replacing
DS-70)** |
X |
|
|
Skip date/time/daylight prompts (for remote operation)**
|
X |
|
| Automatic Satellite Track starting
at down-count=zero** |
X |
X |
| Display and Editing of Alt/Az
Drive Training Values** |
X |
X |
| Display of PEC values during
Update/Training** |
|
X |
| Guiderate range expansion to +25700%
(from 100%)** |
|
X |
*Copyright (c) 2010, PixSoft Inc.
**Copyright (c) 2010, Dick Seymour (used with permission)
see Patches at http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar_info.html
System Requirements
- PC-ASTAR cable (or Meade
cable #505)
- GPS with NMEA-0183 $GPRMC output and connecting
cable (for GPS Setup)
- Windows XP, Vista, 7
- Serial port or USB-to-Serial adapter
- Internet connection (to download or register StarPatch)
NOTE: StarPatch does not entirely replace the Meade Autostar Update program (ASU).
The ASU must still be used for "Advanced Functions" to move Library
Objects to and from the Autostar (e.g. satellites, comets and tours). The latest
version of the ASU and Autostar software (ROM files) can be found at http://www.meade.com/support/auto.html
