Lx90 - Autostar update problem

Hi all,
Heres my problem. Hope someone can answer my question for me.
I have an Meade LX90. Up until last weekend I used to update the handbox via a #497 cable on my desktop PC. I have just sold the PC and now find that that the cable doesn't fit the new XPS 1330 laptop. The "VGA" tpye connector is slightly smaller on the laptop. Does anyone know what type of cable I need to use as an alternative? Is it the #505 connector cable?
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Henry

Hi

You need to get a seriel to USB adaptor. But beware as not all of them work well with Autustar uodater (ASU). I use a prolific one I got from Peates a few years ago and downloaded the driver off the meade site and it works perfectly. Also you can use the updater from Starpatch GPs which is more robust then ASU.

Hope this helps

DB

A serial to usb? But I dont have a serial connection on it. Or am I getting this wrong.
Thanks for your reply.
Henry

The "VGA" tpye connector

From reading you post, the "VGA" type connector you are referring to is a serial connection. The LX90 was designed to be updated through the serial port of a computer. However, new PCs don't come with them. Instead, they come with USB ports. So, you can get a lead which converts from one to the other. This is the adaptor Dave is referring to.

Henry,

He means a USB to Serial. Serial RS232 is now almost defunct on Laptops and PCs. The cable you have has a 9 pin DB9 connector - thats RS232 serial.

I use a Proline USB to Serial connector and have never had any problems communicating with the scope from a laptop - however its a Celestron, I think Dave mentioned an issue with some converters.

Its a VGA type connector. Female version if you know what I mean. 3 rows of 5 "receivers". If anyone can look up this link for a pic of side view of computer. not great but gives idea what I'm looking for.
img126.imageshack.us/img126/2664/m1330bvz2.jpg
Thanks again guys. I really am a novice.
Henry