When I first attempted astro imaging I wanted to connect the LX200R to a PC with Meade's Envisage and AutoStar Suite software. I only had one camera (a DSI II) but the Meade software allows you to use a single DSI to guide and image. It does this by alternating the use of the camera by using it to guide for a few seconds or so and then using it to image. This isn't an ideal setup as while the camera is imaging the PC is not receiving any information to allow it to guide. Once an image is taken the scope will guide before taking another image. However, if you've only got one camera then this is a clever solution to allow you to give guided imaging a go.

I had no end of issues as my understanding of computers and the Meade software is at a very basic level.

After loads of help on the Meade 4M forum the problem was solved. As it's not an obvious solution I thought I'd add it here just in case someone else experiences a similar issue.

You will need AutoStar Suite and Envisage installed on your PC and these can be downloaded for free from;-

www.meade.com/support/downloads.html

Your DSI will need to be connected via the USB lead to your computer. The LX200R will have to be connected to your PC and I have detailed how to do this in the section titled, PHD Guiding with LX200R. The section will also explain how you determine your Comm Port number for the procedure below.

Once everything's physically connected and you want the LX200R to connect to your PC via the software follow the procedure below;-


1.Turn on Autostar
2.Click on telescope
3.Hover the mouse cursor over commuications
4.Click on comport setup
5.Click on whatever com port you are using
6.Click ok
7.Click on telescope and hover the mouse cursor over communications
8.Click on start net scope server
9.Click listen then minimize
10.Click on telescope
11.Click on protocol
12.Click on Autostar via network
13.A box will appear/click on connect
14.A warnining sign will come up/click ok
15.Cick on image
16. Click on DSI
17.Click on telescope tab
18.Type in 127.0.0.1 in box next to connect tab
19.Click connect
20. You are now networked for Autostar suite and Enviage

P.S. Make sure all Network IPs are 127.0.0.1

Hopefully someone out there will find this useful.