Clearline Technology Corporation uses modern materials, components, and processes to create replacement parts for the venerable Meade Instruments LX-200 telescope. Clearline has made a USB-to-RS232 adapter for a few years for the LX200 series of telescopes including the Classic and GPS. They have announced they now offer a USB-to-RS232 Adapter for the Meade Autostar 497 Hand Controller.
Like the LX200 version, this adapter uses the FTDI USB chip and supplies true RS232 voltage levels. It includes the cable from the adapter to the 497 controller’s modular RS232 jack, in various lengths up to 100 feet, and plugs into any standard USB cable with a USB Type B plug.
With this device a PC can communicate directly with a Meade LX200/LX200 GPS as well as ETX 90, ETX 105, and ETX 125 AT telescopes through the Autostar 497 hand controller. The adapter requires two cables, one with a USB Type-B male end that you supply (up to 16 feet long) between the computer and adapter, and one for the telescope side that is included with the adapter. That cable can be of two types, depending on your telescope, and is available for the 6-pin cable for the LX200s or the 4-pin cable for the Autostar 497.
You can learn more about the USB-to-RS232 Adapter for the Meade Autostar 497 Hand Controller here.
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