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A Meade Autostar #497 Handbox for Parts or Repair.The handbox is around 10 years old but has only been used recently. It was working perfectly up to a month ago but is now not working. The sorry tale is as follows.Users on the internet recommend that the battery power supply is changed to avoid issues with battery life. I rigged the handbox to a 12v dc TX,checked the polarity and switched it on only to find the handbox went mad the mount motors switched on without pressing any buttons on the handbox. I switched the handbox off and reconnected the batteries. The handbox appeared to be OK but then the following issues arose:-The handbox would switch on, boot up and operate OK for a couple of minutes before shutting down by itself.-It now does not switch on/ boot up at all!Ive checked the HBX lead and 12v DC is reaching the handbox socket. Ive also opened up the handbox (pictures attached) but I can only find voltages <1v on the PCB? Also one of the chips is discoloured see photo.The Weasner ETX website is full of information/ advice with regard to the Autostar handboxes. There is also much information available on Cloudy Skies and Meade websites. Ive tried one or two of the fixes but Ive had no success in bringing the unit back to life. Im no electronics expert, but hopefully it will be of use to someone for parts or repair? If you do manage a repair then the Meade website provides a list of compatible telescopes for operation. Supplied with the user manual but no HBX lead.A Local buyer can collect from near Frodsham Jcn 12 M56 to save on postage if the prevailing Covid restrictions allow. Click here to buy, and to see similar items on eBay
Category: Cameras and Photography:Telescopes and Binoculars:Telescope Parts and Accessories:Other Telescope Parts
Location: Frodsham