WARNING - UPDATING A NEW MODEL #497 AUTOSTAR Last updated: 31 July 2009

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[30 Mar 09]
Meade has released a new model AutoStar #497. Pending further investigations, users should NOT use the following applications to update the new model AutoStar:

• Meade's AutoStar Update application 4.6 (Windows)

• AutoStarX 1.4.1 (Mac OS X)

• Lin_AutoStar 1.4 (Linux)

Further information will be posted as it becomes known.

Subject:	Updating Autostar #497 from V59E7 to V59EF
Sent:	Monday, June 1, 2009 06:57:45
From:	Bob Harris (harrisb@cfl.rr.com)
I just successfully updated an Autostar #497EP (new chip) from V59E7 to
V59EF using ASU V5.6. The upgrade process was a little scary because it
only allowed upgrade from the web even though the ASU 5.6 Ephemerides
folder (on my computer) had a build59EF.rom file. The ASU process also
did not define the upgrade version that it was downloading from the web.

When the upgrade process initiated, I was asked if I wanted to upgrade
the database; I clicked "Yes". After about 15 minutes (about 60%), I was
asked if I wanted to upgrade the program; I clicked "Yes". After an
additional period of time (about 80%) I was asked if I wanted to update
another item (I think it was the Flash Updater); I clicked yes. After
about 86% (I guess that is Meade Speak for 100%), ASU advised me that
the update was a success. Sure enough, a restart showed V59EF.

Interestingly, The update did not obviate my time, site, date data.
 
I hope this helps.
 
Bob Harris

And a valuable tip:

From:	johansea (johansea@optusnet.com.au)
> The upgrade process was a little scary because it only allowed
> upgrade from the web even though the ASU 5.6 Ephemerides folder
> (on my computer) had a build59EF.rom file.

Yep, but if you rename it to BuildEP59Ef.rom
your ASU will find it and allow a PC based update
Much safer than the net version.
Why Meade don't download first, then process is beyond me.

Andrew Johansen Melbourne Australia

Subject:	New Firmware
Sent:	Tuesday, July 28, 2009 16:49:35
From:	Meade Customer Service
Did you know there are two types of #497 Autostar? The newest,
designated the #497ep, utilizes an updated chipset. However, in light of
the newer, faster, chipset, the #497ep firmware doesn't work with the
older #497 Autostar and vice versa.

Meade has just released a new firmware version for the #497EP, version
5BE2, which is accessible once you upgrade to the new Autostar Update
(ASU) Client.

If you have an older version of the Autostar Update (ASU) Client
(version 5.1 and earlier) the updater cannot tell the difference between
the two controllers. Go to the link below to download and install
version 5.6 of the Autostar Update Client Application. This new version
of the updater can detect which Autostar controller you have and
download the latest version for your Autostar.

http://www.meade.com/support/auto/Au2ver56.EXE

We would encourage all Autostar users to upgrade to the new client app.


Meade Customer Service

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