Hi guys! I just got the "Milapse" Meade Mount with the Autostar 497 and I would like to know if there is a step-by-step guide to start using it. I already downloaded the flash panning calculator program, the iPad Milapse Calculator, and watched some Milapse videos, including "Two Axis Panning Timelapse Head for DSLR (ready to buy)", even browsed this forum and could not find an "Autostar 497 for dummies" explaining how to input all data from the calculator to the controller, use (and lock) the advance buttons and start time-lapsing...
All help is appreciated!

Francis Levy from Western Mexico

Thanks Milapse! Still, there are some info gaps missing at this thread, concerning which buttons to push, and when do I need to clamp the buttons (which ones?) and turn on the intervalometer. I know this might sound silly, but is there a way you can enlighten me with a step by step list? If it is not too much to ask of course. Otherwise I will try to figure it out using the bits and pieces from the thread you kindly gave me.
I'm sure I will not be the only one to benefit from the Autostar for dummies guide!
Gracias!

1. turn on the head
2. wait for the 497 to boot
3. press 2 (sets the sidereal to 2x or about 30 degrees per hour)
4. clamp down the right arrow button (to go right)
5. turn your interval timer on
6. wait....
7. turn interval timer off
8. un-clamp arrow button
8. turn head off

Looking for a speed other than 30 deg/hour? Read this thread: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3184

Thanks a lot for your quick reply, this info is straightforward and very useful. I will start with this guide and use the calculators later on!
Muchas gracias amigo!

Francis

This would be a more detailed setup, found in another thread:
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=475
quoting Jimre:

1) Press "3" key to set speed to 8x sidereal.
2) Using the fantastic iPhone app (thanks, Peppino!), calculate the Az/Alt ratios for your specific desired speed.
3) Press MODE button - see Setup menu.
4) scroll down to Setup->Telescope, press ENTER. see Telescope menu.
5) scroll down to Az/RA Ratio, press ENTER.
6) Enter Az Ratio from iPhone app, press ENTER.
7) scroll down to Alt/Dec Ratio, press ENTER.
8) Enter Alt Ratio from iPhone app, press ENTER.
9) Press MODE a couple times to get back to top menu.
10) Press and hold one or more direction arrow buttons to start it moving. Clamp the keys down with small Irwin clamp or similar.