The buttons are big and very responsive to touch. ( Click image to see more pictures on Amazon )Īs far as design is concerned, the Meade Autostar 497 has been created as to fit like a glove in your hand, or to be attached to any RC telescope holder. This type of controller is compatible with any motor drive mounts, but, as the manufacturer has advertised, it works better with all the telescope from the ETX series, more specifically with the ETX-90EC, ETX-105EC, and the ETX-125EC. Now, the computerized remote control may seem like any other telescope controllers, but you would be surprised by just how many functions it can serve, given its compact size. The Meade Autostar 497 controller was designed for beginner astronomers who either have trouble calibrating their eyepieces or who are unable to decide what they want to view. Thanks to its top-notch motor drive, the Meade Autostar 497 will not only help you calibrate your telescope but will also be able to pinpoint over 30,000 celestial objects with uncanny precision. The Meade Autostar 497 is a remote control compatible with any telescope outfitted with a computerized mount. Although we admit that this may seem a bit quaint, during our telescope testing sessions, we have come across this device that not only can transform the way you interact with your telescope but will also give you a good lesson in astronomy. It's hard to get it to not stick inside the LCD display so I taped it back with a small piece of scotch tape.Today, we are going to talk about something different than our usual descriptions, more specifically about the Meade Autostar 497, a tool designed to help you get the most out of your backyard stargazing adventure.
When re-assembling the back housing you need the LCD cable to be out of the way. DO NOT press down to "stick it better" That is not necessary and you can create problems with buttons caving in which could make them activate without pressing them first. Just lay it over the PCB after lining up the holes and leave it alone.
#Meade autostar ii hand controller install
Install the membrane as flat as possible. This shows the ButtonWorx™ membrane installed over the buttons IMPORTANT: Clean the button contacts with Isopropyl alcohol and q-tips. You can just see the top of that support peeking out above the plug in the photo below. The end of the cable has a small rigid support that is almost entirely hidden before you close the connector. When putting the unit back together you just put the LCD cable back in as shown and then push the slide-out back in. The picture shows the plug after it has been opened. Slide the sides of the plug back 1-2mm carefully. You have to unplug the LCD to install the repair pad This is what it looks like when you remove the back cover Thanks for your product and your effort to provide it at very reasonable cost and in a timely manner.
Almost no effort to push the buttons now and the telescope gets the signal immediately and without issues. They work flawlessly and I highly recommend your product to anyone who has tired out push buttons on any hand pad controller. Installed them last night in short time with no issues. I just received 2 inserts for Meade Telescope hand controller boxes. Please make sure you are ordering the correct part. Our membrane keypads are custom cut for each model. If all your buttons stopped working one day, then the remote is broken (not the buttons) and needs repair Note : This is for repairing hard to press buttons. The ButtonWorx membrane keypad blocks dirt and oil from reaching the circuit board and offers a new conductor that cannot break down like rubber conductors do. This gooey paste blocks electrical conductivity and stops the switch from working. Your buttons fails when the conductive pad wears out and silicone oils seep from the keypad. Permanently repairs rubber keypad buttons by replacing the conductive material.