Meade LightSwitch LS Firmware Update - Successful in the end

Meade LightSwitch Firmware Update - How It Works:

It seems that after a certain amount of time, Meade LightSwitch telescopes require a firmware update.
This is especially noticeable when autoalignment no longer works properly when starting up the telescope (stars are significantly offset by many degrees from the target).

The update should actually be simple: Download Autostar Updater - load the SD card - insert it into the telescope - done.

Unfortunately, the pitfalls lie in the details. Here's a quick guide on the correct procedure that will save a lot of time and hassle:

1. Choose the Right SD Card
Even if the SD card is used at the very end, the whole process will fail if you don't use the right one.
An incorrect SD card will either cause the software to not write to it at all, or the telescope simply won't read it. There are three points to consider:
First point - The SD format:
Unfortunately, the Meade requires an SD mini card – a format that's now uncommon. Anyone who thinks they can work with an adapter is (90%) out of luck. We also tried Ultra to Mini and Micro to Mini – without success.
Second point - The memory size:
The size is also apparently crucial. >1GB is recommended...but all cards larger than 1GB either couldn't be written to by the update program or couldn't be read by the LightSwitch (the controller wouldn't boot). The only successful solution was with 512 MB SD mini cards – since only 404 MB are needed in the end, this is sufficient if formatted correctly. This brings us to...
Third point - FAT32:
The SD card must be formatted in FAT32 – with "Standard Allocation Unit Size" – WITHOUT quick formatting.
After these preparations, you're ready to go.

2. AutoStar Suite & AutoStar Updater:
The latest software can be downloaded from the Meade website: http://www.meade.com/support/software-firmware/

Before installing the new software, be sure to uninstall any old versions from your computer and restart your computer. Then, install AutoStar Suite first, then AutoStarUpdater (ASU). Restart your computer for safety.
The updater also installs an "ASU" shortcut on your desktop. Open this shortcut.
The next steps are important to follow: The program contains the "Upgrade AutoStar Software Now" button. Use this button and select "LS" or "ETX-LS" in the window that appears. If this option isn't available, reinstalling ASU after completely uninstalling it helped us.
If "LS" or "ETX-LS" is present, you're happy. If a pop-up appears with the happy message that new firmware is available online, please click "No" – anything else will lead to errors and a waste of time.
Since, for whatever reason, the latest version isn't available online on the Meade website, you now contact Meade Support via email at "customerservice@meade.com" and request the latest firmware version, including your telescope type. Within a few hours, we received a link to a Dropbox download (we're for version 1.6d), including installation instructions. If you've followed the steps with the SD card as described above, you'll almost be able to use it.

3. Marry the zip file with ASU:
Almost, because one point is unfortunately not mentioned in the installation: The zip file doesn't unpack correctly. The Dropbox zip contains a subfolder ETX_LS and, importantly, a new version of a file called "Firmware." If you unpack the zip file, it's best to do it somewhere else first. Then copy the unzipped folder named "ETX_LS1.6d" into the program folder --> Meade --> Updater. Then copy the "firmware" file directly from the unzipped file and replace the one located in the folder --> Meade --> Updater. Security buffs are welcome to back up the old one. If you use the unzipped firmware file, the SD card won't be written to, and the program will crash with an error. (It took us a while to figure this out.)

4. Write to SD card:
If you've been successful up to this point, now comes the final exciting step with the SD card.
Since most PCs don't have an SD mini card slot, an adapter to SD micro works perfectly. Those who try to access the program with an SD card hub/reader usually have no luck.
If everything's OK, let's get started: Start the ASU program --> Press the "Upgrade AutoStar Software Now" button --> Select "LS" (or sometimes it's called "ETX-LS") --> Bravely dismiss the pop-up by clicking "No" --> The new version will now appear further down behind "Make SD" - it should be "1.6d" (depending on which version you got, with a d or g at the end).
Now check the box next to "Make SD" and confirm with "OK." Once you've followed all the steps, the program will display "Programming complete" after 5-10 minutes. Confirm with "OK."

5. Install the firmware update:
Now comes the exciting step that shows whether you've done everything correctly.
With the telescope turned off, insert the SD card into the telescope's SD slot – the gold pins must face forward. You should hear and feel the card click into place!

Now turn on the telescope. If the controller now responds with a cheerful "Copy SD to NAND," you can confirm by pressing "Enter" and be truly delighted.

It takes about 30-40 minutes for the data to be transferred (visible on the display). During this time, it's best not to touch the controller until it displays "Take SD out."

After removing the SD card, restart the telescope. The controller should now display version "1.6d."

And you're done ;-)

If that's too much tinkering for you, feel free to contact us to upload/update it (for a small fee).

There is also a supplier in England that offers SD cards ready for installation:

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Accessories-Telescopes-Meade.asp?p=0_10_5_1_6_540