Meade Instruments Corporation

16542 MILLIKAN AVENUE, IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92714-5032 USA (714) 756-2291

FAX: (714) 756-1450, (714) 756-1564

LX50 - Magellan II
I. LX50 Chip Upgrade (opt.)
A. Components
LX50 Computer Chip

(1)

B. Checking the Version

Some LX50 systems have older software versions.
Magellan II will only operate property with the new
software. To test your LX50, switch it on and count the
number of times the LED indicator on the power panel
flashes before remaining on. If it blinks twice, you
have an old version and must exchange its computer
chip.

C. Removing the Power Panel

1.) Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the four
screws on the LX50 Power Panel.
2.) Carefully extract the Power Panel from the drive
base exposing the electronics and battery pack.
Gently pull the 5-pin connector off the posts on the
circuit board, freeing the panel from the telescope.

D. Exchanging the CPU

1.) The circuit board is attached to the Power Panel
by two knurled retaining nuts that secure the DEC
Motor and Aux sockets, and a hex retaining nut that
secures the 12vDC socket.
2.) Remove the knurled retaining nuts with a wide flat
head screwdriver, and the hex retaining nut with pliers.
NOTE: The 12vDC socket has a metal washer and
plastic insulating washers that must be saved. DO
NOT lose these parts!
3.) Locate the chip labeled U1 on the circuit board.
Remove this chip by placing a small screwdriver under
the chip and gently prying up, gradually working the
chip free from the socket.
4.) Replace this chip with the new chip. Orient the
new chip so that the notch on the end of the chip faces
the same direction as the notch in the socket.
5.) Verify that the pins
match up with the holes in
the socket. Carefully insert
the pins on one side of the
chip halfway into the holes
on the same side of the
socket.
6.) Insert the pins on the
other side of the chip
halfway into the holes on
that side of the socket.

7.) Examine the chips pins.

Check for any pins that are
bent under or out. If any are
bent, remove the chip and
gently straighten the pins;
return to step 5.
8.) Once all the pins are in the socket holes, press the
chip gently and evenly until it is completely inserted
into the socket.
9.) Do a quick test by attaching the battery and
turning on the switch. The LED should blink three or
more times then stay on.

E. Reconnecting the Power Panel

1.) Slip the Power Panel on over the circuit board
such that the sockets fit through the panel holes.
NOTE: Make certain that the 12vDC socket has first
an insulating plastic washer, then the Power Panel
placed over it.
2.) Drop the top insulating washer over the 12vDC
socket and then the thin silver washer before
tightening down its hex retaining nut.

3.) Screw on the knurled retaining nuts onto the DEC

Motor and Aux sockets and tighten firmly.
4.) Plug the 5-pin connector coming out from the drive
base onto the pins on the circuit board (labeled JP5).
NOTE: Be sure the connector fits over all the exposed
pins and that the wires from the connector are oriented
away from the circuit board.
5.) Slide the m-assembled Power Panel into the drive
base and attach with the four Philips head screws.

Version 05-96-1

Part number 14-0247-00