My meade autostar controller seams to be messing up . its a 494 the bottom motor just goes around and around. do I need a new controller or what??

Possibly poor connection to the scope. Known issue. Go to
Weasner Mighty ETX Site for tips on repair

Best I can do for you
http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

The 494 is the HAND CONTROLLER NUMBER--- not the telescope. What Meade telescope do you own??

The hand controller cable is probably defective-- right at the connector that plugs into the scope. Any computer network "wizard" can replace the connector. The wires must be in the exact same sequence when he repairs it.

If this simple fix does not work and you KNOW that the batteries are good-- then the hand controller is defective and will need to be replaced.

It depends on which model Meade telescope you own-- you never said?

Yes you can swap a 494 for another 494-- but we need more information to be able to say a 497.

It means the firmware is corrupted.

It may be possible to reset it from software.
Try and reload the Autostar firmware from a PC.
(Download the updater application from Meade's website.

http://www.weasner.com/etx/autostar_info
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Did you update the 494 controller improperly with 497 controller firmware. You must use this updater software :

http://www.meade.com/support/auto/Au2ver59.exe

Hold down the ENTER key and the scroll down arrow key at the same time abd power on the scope. This will place the hand controller into the SAFE load function and you will be able to do another update.

If you plugged or unplugged the controller cable with the scope turned on you may have burned out the controller. Contact Meade:
http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

Could be a cable problem. REVERSE the cable ends and try it again. Make sure the scope is always turned OFF before you plug or unplug a cable.

If this does not work then try a new cable. Meade sells these, or you can order a nice one from www.scopestuff.com . Not very expensive.

If after installing a NEW cable it still does not light up then time to buy another hand controller.

http://www.meade.com/support/index.html

http://scopestuff.com/

You damaged the circuits inside the hand controller-- unless you are an electronics whiz these cannot be repaired.

However you can find them for sale directly from Meade and on Ebay (used) usually for about $80.

Because this is a new purchase i would suggest getting the handbox replaced under warranty. If the guy was rude, then mention this to their management. There have been quite a few prolems with meade gear on our site here. Handbox included.
If you are up to it you can open it up. if so inspect the board for damage, shorts or loose solder joints. Some of these things can be repaired, some cannot. On this last statement it would seem sensible to get the replacement then start again from scratch. I have found about 7 recent problems with this unit, so be aware this is not a fault free unit.

nettiser