I have Meade Lx600, Starry Night Pro 8, SkyFi 111. I have downloaded everything that is needed, I think. When I open Starry Night and try to connect it freezes up and the only way I can close it is via ctrl/alt/delete. I have virtual port set to com 3, have scope set to com 3 have drivers in ASCOM still locks up. I have tried to read and understand the post and directions but have not been able to fix the problem. HELP
Date
Votes
26 comments
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Roger Forbes Now Getting this:
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Driver Initialization Error
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The driver "MeadeLX200GPS.Telescope" threw an exception when loaded.
This means that the driver would not start properly.
Please screen print or use CTRL+C to copy all of this message and report it to the driver author with a request for assistance.
System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x800A01A9): Creating an instance of the COM component with CLSID {E09E5EA3-18C9-4AAD-96C9-F474E4C374B3} from the IClassFactory failed due to the following error: 800a01a9.
at System.RuntimeTypeHandle.CreateInstance(RuntimeType type, Boolean publicOnly, Boolean noCheck, Boolean& canBeCached, RuntimeMethodHandle& ctor, Boolean& bNeedSecurityCheck)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceSlow(Boolean publicOnly, Boolean fillCache)
at System.RuntimeType.CreateInstanceImpl(Boolean publicOnly, Boolean skipVisibilityChecks, Boolean fillCache)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, Boolean nonPublic)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type)
at ASCOM.Utilities.ChooserForm.CmdProperties_Click(Object eventSender, EventArgs eventArgs) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\ChooserForm.vb:line 371
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OK
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Roger Forbes I have removed and reloaded all the drivers, reinstalled them all and still cannot connect to the Meade Lx600. This is NOT a plug and play for sure, it locks up the computer and I have to use ctrl/alt/delete to close it, when I connect to the WiFi network it sends my scope into the "Down Loading Do Not Turn Off" on the hand controller. Does anyone have any tips or can tell me what I am doing wrong? Or someone who can show me by remoting into my computer.
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Keiron Smith Roger,
Please see the discussion on Cloudy Nights here:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/367634-lx-200-classic-to-pc/
The same issue was reported back in 2012 - it is related to the Ascom driver or the USB port assignments.
Thanks!
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Keiron Smith Also here:
https://forums.sharpcap.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=527
And, importantly, install the new Meade driver here:
https://bitbucket.org/cjdskunkworks/meadeautostar497/wiki/Home
Join their discord server for support with that specific driver <- this is my best idea for you at this time.
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Roger Forbes Thanks Keiron, Please let me tell you what my setup looks like, I am using a new Laptop with windows 10, Starry Night 8 Pro, WIFI connected to SkyFi 111 with DB9 to RS232 from Simulation.
I will download the New Meade Driver from bitbucket, I think that my be the biggest problem, It appears the HW Vitual Serial Port is working but not really sure yet. Will keep you posted as the amount of smoke I create.
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Keiron Smith Setup looks fine.
The error is with Ascom.
Try the new driver and let's see.
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Roger Forbes Keiron, Will I think it's time for me to throw in the towel on this project, I have spent days trying to get this to work and no luck. I have downloaded and reinstalled the drivers, set the com ports, rebooted so many times I have worn the buttons out. I have read so many post and links that my eyes are crossed and I am now totally lost.
I tried the new driver and it did not change anything, still sends scope into download and will not connect.
Thanks for your help.
Roger
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Roger Forbes This whole thing as been wrong, first your email address that come with the SkyFi 111 is wrong (http://support.simulationcurriculum.com) is not valid address from my server. (Charter.net)
I can not get this to work, after several days and nights, every driver, link, information I can find tells me it will NOT work. I am not a computer software engineer and cannot go into changes that some of the comments have said. I am will to try anything new that I have not all ready done but I am at a loss so with that being said whom and where do I request a RGA number.
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Keiron Smith What specifically happens with the new driver?
Do you get the same Ascom error message?
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Roger Forbes It comes back scope not connected due to Unable to park scope. It causes my scope to go into “downloading Do not turn off”. I have to reinstall scope software as it crashes it. I took everything out and reinstalled it all and tried Meades ASCOM driver, something did it again with the driver you ask me to try, something.
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Keiron Smith Please attach a screenshot of the error message:
Unable to park scope. It causes my scope to go into “downloading Do not turn off”.
Thanks!
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Roger Forbes I will install scope software and try it again with screen shots
Tanks -
Roger Forbes 
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Roger Forbes also this message
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Roger Forbes I tried it with both ASCOM drivers and had the same message
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Roger Forbes I tried my cell phone app and connected to the scope using SkySafari Pro and it connected and works, but still can not connect with Starry Night
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Roger Forbes Ok, I have connected to scope with SkySafari and Stellarium app from my IPhone and it works fine. Tomorrow I am going to remove ASCOM from my computer and reinstall it and all drivers. If you see anything in the screen shots I should try let me know. Thanks for your help and patience, I get a little out of joint when things just don’t want to work right, again thank you.
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Keiron Smith Turn on Trace Log
Copy and paste the log file content here after next connection attempt.
Thanks!
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Roger Forbes Sorry, but witch program do I turn on the Trace Log, is that in the com port or ASCOM?
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Roger Forbes 
In ACSOM 6 it appears you choose which logs you want to keep, can you tell me the ones I need to keep. -
Roger Forbes :02:54 PM ASCOM Platform 6.6 SP1 v6.6.1.3673
9:02:54 PM Installation date: 7/17/2023
9:02:54 PM Setup path: c:\users\rforb\downlo~1\
9:02:54 PM Support directory: C:\Users\rforb\AppData\Local\Temp\mia1\
9:02:54 PM Installer: C:\ProgramData\mia11F3.tmp\AscomPlatform661.exe
9:02:54 PM Engine cache: C:\ProgramData\{1F830927-966B-4B61-A5E9-B1824F575524}\
9:02:54 PM MSI file: C:\Users\rforb\AppData\Local\Temp\mia1\AscomPlatform661.msi
9:02:54 PM Product code: {8961E141-B307-4882-ABAD-77A3E76A40C1}
9:02:54 PM Revision code: {1F830927-966B-4B61-A5E9-B1824F575524}9:02:54 PM Installer mode: MSI Engine
9:02:54 PM OS: Windows TENTHIRTEEN
9:02:54 PM Product Name: Windows 10 Home
9:02:54 PM Edition: Core
9:02:54 PM Version: 6.3
9:02:54 PM Build: 19045
9:02:54 PM Build Label: 19041.1.amd64fre.vb_release.191206-1406
9:02:54 PM Architecture: 64bit9:02:54 PM Install method: EXECUTABLE
9:02:54 PM Command line: /m="C:\Users\rforb\DOWNLO~1\ASCOMP~1.EXE" /k=""
9:02:54 PM Win64Mode: TRUE
9:02:54 PM Setup Path: c:\users\rforb\downlo~1\
9:02:54 PM Support Directory: C:\Users\rforb\AppData\Local\Temp\mia1\
9:02:54 PM Temporary Directory: C:\Users\rforb\AppData\Local\Temp\
9:02:54 PM FrameworkRoot: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\
9:02:54 PM RegAsm32: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\regasm.exe
9:02:54 PM RegAsm64: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\regasm.exe
9:02:54 PM NGen32: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\ngen.exe
9:02:54 PM NGen64: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\ngen.exe
9:02:54 PM ProgramFiles: C:\Program Files (x86)\
9:02:54 PM CommonFiles: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\
9:02:54 PM Maintenance: TRUE, RecommendedUpgrade: FALSE, NeedsUpgrade: FALSE
9:02:54 PM GAC Assembly Reference Path: SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Fusion\References
9:02:54 PM ShortcutFiles: C:\Users\rforb\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\
9:02:54 PM ShortcutFilesAll: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\
9:02:54 PM DesktopDir: C:\Users\rforb\OneDrive\Desktop\
9:02:54 PM DesktopDirAll: C:\Users\Public\Desktop\
9:02:54 PM ASCOMStartMenu: ASCOM Platform 6
9:02:54 PM AllUsers: TRUE
9:02:54 PM Target Directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\ASCOM\Platform 6
9:02:54 PM Documents Directory: C:\Users\rforb\OneDrive\Documents\
9:02:54 PM Install cache directory: C:\ProgramData\{1F830927-966B-4B61-A5E9-B1824F575524}9:02:54 PM Platform Version: 6.6.1
9:02:54 PM CheckMSI31 - MSI library found OK
9:02:54 PM Installed .Net Framework version: 4.8.09037 - from 64bit registry
9:02:54 PM Found Framework 4.8 OK
9:02:54 PM Mode: Maintenance
9:03:25 PM Maintenance user choice - Modify: TRUE ,Repair: FALSE, Remove: FALSE
9:03:29 PM Maintenance after processing - Modify: TRUE ,Repair: FALSE, Remove: FALSE
9:03:29 PM Platform Installation Options - TRUE
9:03:29 PM Install Desktop Diagnostics Shortcut - TRUE
9:03:29 PM Install Profile Explorer Shortcut - TRUE
9:03:29 PM Display User Guide - FALSE
9:03:29 PM Install POTH - FALSE
9:03:29 PM Install Dome Control Hub - FALSE
9:03:29 PM Install Pipe - FALSE
9:03:29 PM Install Hub - FALSE
9:03:29 PM Setting Profile registry ACL
9:03:29 PM RC: 0 Set ACL on ASCOM Profile Store
9:03:29 PM Cleaning simulator 32bit COM entries
9:03:29 PM Cleaning simulator 64bit COM entries
9:03:29 PM Start of Platform installation
9:03:29 PM Installing 32bit Registry entries
9:03:29 PM Creating shortcuts in native mode
9:03:29 PM DesktopFolder: C:\Users\Public\Desktop\
9:03:29 PM ShortcutFolder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\ASCOM Platform 69:03:34 PM Apply Install - Success: COMPLETE, LastError:
9:03:34 PM RC: 0 RegTLB - ASCOMMasterInterfaces
9:03:34 PM RC: 0 RegTLB - Helper
9:03:34 PM RC: 0 RegTLB - Helper2
9:03:34 PM RC: 0 RegTLB - IObjectSafety
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 Register - ScopeSim
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 Register - DomeSim
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 Register - FilterWheelSim
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 Register - FocusSim
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 Register - SwitchSim
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 GACInstall - Utilities
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 GACInstall - Astrometry Policy
9:03:35 PM RC: 0 GACInstall - DriverAccess Policy
9:03:36 PM RC: 0 GACInstall - Exceptions Policy 1.0
9:03:36 PM RC: 0 GACInstall - Exceptions Policy 1.1
9:03:36 PM RC: 0 Copy - Utilities 5.5.6
9:03:36 PM RC: 0 Copy - Astrometry 5.5.6
9:03:36 PM RC: 0 Copy - Attributes 5.5.0
9:03:38 PM RC: 0 Register - FilterWheel Simulator 6
9:03:38 PM RC: 0 Register - Rotator Simulator 6
9:03:38 PM RC: 0 Register - Switch V2 Simulator
9:03:38 PM RC: 0 Register - Telescope Simulator 6
9:03:38 PM RC: 0 Register - Observing Conditions Simulator
9:03:39 PM RC: 0 Register - Observing Conditions Hub
9:03:39 PM RC: 0 Register - Device Hub
9:03:39 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - DeviceInterfaces 6
9:03:39 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - ASCOM Helper
9:03:39 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - Utilities 6
9:03:40 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - VideoUtils 6.1
9:03:40 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - Astrometry 5.5.6
9:03:40 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - Astrometry 6
9:03:40 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - DriverAccess 6
9:03:40 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - Helper2 1.0
9:03:40 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - Exceptions 6
9:03:41 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - DirectShowLib 2.1
9:03:41 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - ASCOM Cache
9:03:41 PM RC: 0 NGen32 Install - ASCOM Newtonsoft JSON Support
9:03:41 PM RC: 0 Initialise earth rotation data
9:03:41 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Astrometry
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Exceptions
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Utilities
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Video Utilities
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - ASCOM Cache
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Camera Simulator 6
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Focus Simulator 6
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - CoverCalibrator Simulator
9:03:42 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Safety Monitor Simulator 6
9:03:43 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Dome Simulator 6
9:03:43 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Video Simulator
9:03:43 PM RC: 0 RegAsm64 - Open Weather Map Driver
9:03:43 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - DeviceInterfaces 6
9:03:43 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - DriverAccess 6
9:03:44 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - Exceptions 6
9:03:44 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - Utilities 6
9:03:44 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - Video Utilities
9:03:44 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - Astrometry 5.5.6
9:03:44 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - Astrometry 6
9:03:45 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - DirectShowLib
9:03:45 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - ASCOM Cache
9:03:45 PM RC: 0 NGen64 Install - ASCOM Newtonsoft JSON Support
9:03:48 PM RC: 0 FinaliseInstall
9:03:48 PM RC: 0 ValidatePlatform
9:03:49 PM RC: 0 ValidatePlatform64
9:03:54 PM UserGuide: User guide display not requested -
Roger Forbes reinstalled everything again trace log
21:24:27.784 New Worker thread synchronisation by: WaitForSingleObject
21:24:27.784 PortName Set to: COM3
21:24:27.784 DTREnable Set to: False
21:24:27.785 RTSEnable Set to: False
21:24:27.785 DataBits Set to: 8
21:24:27.785 NumStopBits Set to: One
21:24:27.785 Parity Set to: None
21:24:27.785 HandshakeType Set to: None
21:24:27.785 ReceiveTimeout Set to: 5 seconds
21:24:27.785 Speed Set to: ps9600
21:24:27.787 Set Connected True
21:24:27.787 Set Connected Using COM port: COM3 Baud rate: ps9600 Timeout: 5000 DTR: False ForcedDTR: False RTS: False ForcedRTS: False Handshake: None Encoding: 1252
21:24:27.787 Set Connected Transmission format - Bits: 8 Parity: None Stop bits: One
21:24:27.787 Set Connected Reading COM port through Interrupt Handling
21:24:27.790 ConnectedWorker Port connected OK
21:24:27.792 ClearBuffersWorker Completed
21:24:27.793 TransmitWorker > #:GVP#
21:24:27.794 ReceiveTerminatedWorker # <
21:24:32.804 ReceiveTerminatedWorker EXCEPTION: System.TimeoutException: The operation has timed out.[0D][0A] at System.IO.Ports.SerialStream.ReadByte(Int32 timeout)[0D][0A] at System.IO.Ports.SerialStream.ReadByte()[0D][0A] at System.IO.Ports.SerialPort.ReadByte()[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReadChar(String p_Caller, Int64 TransactionID) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1795[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReceiveTerminatedWorker(Object TDataObject) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1226
21:24:32.804 ReceiveTerminatedWorker Exception: System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80040402): Timed out waiting for received data[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReceiveTerminatedWorker(Object TDataObject) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1241
21:24:32.805 ReceiveTerminated System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80040402): Timed out waiting for received data[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReceiveTerminated(String Terminator) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1194
21:24:32.805 ClearBuffersWorker Completed
21:24:32.805 TransmitWorker > #:GG#
21:24:32.805 ReceiveTerminatedWorker # <
21:24:37.806 ReceiveTerminatedWorker EXCEPTION: System.TimeoutException: The operation has timed out.[0D][0A] at System.IO.Ports.SerialStream.ReadByte(Int32 timeout)[0D][0A] at System.IO.Ports.SerialStream.ReadByte()[0D][0A] at System.IO.Ports.SerialPort.ReadByte()[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReadChar(String p_Caller, Int64 TransactionID) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1795[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReceiveTerminatedWorker(Object TDataObject) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1226
21:24:37.807 ReceiveTerminatedWorker Exception: System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80040402): Timed out waiting for received data[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReceiveTerminatedWorker(Object TDataObject) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1241
21:24:37.808 ReceiveTerminated System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80040402): Timed out waiting for received data[0D][0A] at ASCOM.Utilities.Serial.ReceiveTerminated(String Terminator) in C:\ASCOM Build\Export\ASCOM.Utilities\ASCOM.Utilities\Serial.vb:line 1194
21:24:37.808 Set Connected False
21:24:37.810 ConnectedWorker Cleared buffers
21:24:37.820 ConnectedWorker Closed port
21:24:37.820 ConnectedWorker Port disposed OK -
Keiron Smith Roger,
Please try creating a VSP using a different port from COM3
Try COM4 and COM5.
Honestly, this is getting beyond my level for troubleshooting.
Please also post in CN, asking for help.
Thanks!
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Roger Forbes Keiron, included is a response form CS:
Gday Laserone
The fact it is going into download mode means a specific serial command ( x04 ) was sent to it
so you need to see what app sent that.
Normally, all serial commands to the mount need to be printable ASCII characters.
The two exceptions are x06 <Ack> and x04 <go to download>
x06 is used al the time, but very few apps should ever send x04
Soooo, ask the simulation mob if they log the commands and can see an x04 being sent
On the mount end, it shouldnt require firmware reloading to get out,
just a reboot of the mount wil be OK, as once in download mode, there is no way back.
The only ASCOM driver you should be using is the Colin Dawson one from skunkworks.
The older legacy drivers dont know about an LX600.
You need to set up the ASCOM driver as the only connection to the scope
and then let the other apps connect to its inbuilt hub.
No app should directly try to connect to the mount itself.
Andrew Johansen Melbourne Australia
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Roger Forbes Just a quick update, after hours and days of testing and retesting, capturing data, reading logs we have found that upon booth up of Starry Night Pro 8 in windows and calling for scope to connect through com port the first line of data is sent and as it passes through the SkyFi 111 and sent to the scope it somehow gets changed or errors by the SkyFi 111. The Meade LX600 using 1.1g seeing a code of ??????? or 04 04 04 times out and goes into download mode. I have contacted Simulation and awaiting their response.
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Roger Forbes Update time:
What a team, having had problems getting my scope to work and finding what I believe some problems with the SkyFi 111 it was returned to Simulation for replacement. NO problems at all, just got the new unit in today and it appears to be working great.
Thank you Keiron and the team for great service.
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