LX200 GPS

[OGVT]

Dear all,
Is it possible to support the LX200 GPS / Autostar II Sytem too?
Best regards
Roger

[gustavmpettersson]

In theory yes, it is possible to support Meade systems as well. There are a few notes:

• The "Mount" class needs to be extended to support the Meade commands, this is no problem
• I do not have a Meade system so I cannot help much with the development/testing
• I have found it difficult to find an up-to-date and complete set of Meade serial commands. From the old versions available online it looks like slew rates can only be set in increments of 0.1 degrees/second and that both axes (or possible the combined speed, not specified) are controlled by the same command. Not ideal for tracking but could maybe be worked around.
• If you or someone is able to figure the details of the interface the necessary functions are only to 1) read the alt and az position of the mount 2) set the alt and az slew rates accurately so it should be a simple addition at that stage.
• There is other software that manages Meade systems fine so I'm sure it's possible, maybe reach out to someone who's managed

[OGVT]

Hi Gustav,
Thank you very much for your support. I own a LX200 so I could help with testing. I'll look for the serial commands and I will get back to you asap.
Best regards
Roger

Update: this seems to be the latest version on the web. Autostar II is already described here. http://m.meade.com/support/TelescopeProtocol_2010-10.pdf

[rkinnett]

Hi Roger, are you still interested in helping with testing? I have a fork of this project that supports ASCOM mount drivers and I think should work with your scope. This may evolve some before we incorporate it into the main project, but that is the goal. I also want to add LX200 protocol to this project at some point.