APPSTAR

Take control of your telescope using your phone, tablet or even a desktop computer! Enjoy wireless control via a variety of connection technologies: Wifi & Bluetooth!

Quickly jump to an information section using these buttons

APPSTAR demo video

This short demonstration video shows APPSTAR working with a Celestron Nextstar 4SE & MEADE ETX via Audiostar. The operation is the same on other telescope models. All are compatible with the joystick controller.

APPSTAR connections

Here is the information needed to connect your APPSTAR to your mount system.

*IMPORTANT - some EQ LX mounts have the AUX port polarity reversed, this is dictated by a small white sticker in the battery compartment. If in any doubt please use the USB power bank to power your Telescope bridge, and not use AUX.

APPSTAR is compatible with all LX200GPS or greater platforms.

Any mount that uses an Autostar 2 handset.

If you are looking for the LX200 Classic version click here

CONNECTSTAR is compatible with all LX200 Classic platforms 3.0+.
APPSTAR plugs directly into your KEYPAD port.

If you are looking for the LX200GPS version click here

APPSTAR is compatible with all LS mounts that have the Autostar 3 handset.

APPSTAR unit overview

Details about the APPSTAR unit and it's features

APPSTAR Screens Explained

Below are the screens you will see when using APPSTAR. Pressing the M button will allow you to scroll through them. Each screen has a feature explained below.

Wifi Access Point

Press the M button for 2 seconds. This mode will create a Wifi network called "APPSTAR" and assign an IP address 192.168.4.1 Connect to this SSID on your device and start your app.

Bluetooth Control

Press the M button for 2 seconds. Creates a Bluetooth LE service for easy connection. This can be used for both Android & iOS devices plus desktop computers.

Wifi Updates

Press the M button for 2 seconds. APPSTAR will connect to your Wifi network so it can be updated.(APPSTAR not telescope firmware).

Using the APPS

Below is a quick guide for connecting to your telescope via APPSTAR. Select your device platform from the buttons below...

How to update the firmware

There are 2 ways to update your APPSTAR, one via the device using Wifi, or via this website USB updater. Below are guides for each method.

FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions.

Check these as they may answer any support questions

APPSTAR has a WIfi AP (Access Point) mode. This is where it will create it's own Wifi network you can connect to so you can run the APP wihtout external Wifi or mobile data needed.

APPSTAR has a fairly low power Wifi antenna. Therefore the range is limited to about 10m in AP mode. Considering you will probably be close to your scope when using other apps this is not so much of an issue.

To further refine the ScopeBits product offerings, APPSTAR no longer connects to other ScopeBits handsets, this is now available via REMOTESTAR

Currently the browser restrictions for cross platform networking have got very tight, therefore the APPSTAR Wifi router functions have been depreciated. This also means that the Wifi OTA updates have been removed. It is far easier and quicker to simply plug in your device and update it via the web updater. Of course APPSTAR still works in Wifi AP mode and considering most use is out at dark site, this makes more sense than being router through an existing wifi network.

Yes but you will need to use a diffrent browser, the BlueFy app is free and will allow you to easily connect to APPSTAR in Bluetooth mode. See this guide (Select Apple iOS APP Blueooth).

No additional power supply is required. APPSTAR is powered through the telescope connection. Only in certain cases such as the Meade EQ LX models might require some additional power (or power lead change). See this guide.

Yes. Firmware updates can be installed through the ScopeBits firmware update tools available on the support website. Updating firmware ensures the latest features and compatibility improvements. Make sure you're using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on desktop. Mobile browsers and Safari are not supported for WebUSB/WebSerial updates. See this guide.

Customer reviews

Here are some reviews from customers about their APPSTAR.

Also check out the gallery to see customer images of ScopeBits gear in action.

David P

Manchester, UK

APPSTAR is exactly what I needed for my LX200. Being able to control everything from my phone without a tangle of cables is fantastic. The joystick control feels very natural and the screen feedback makes it really easy to see what's happening. Brilliant little controller.

Carlos M

Madrid, Spain

I've tried several wireless telescope solutions and APPSTAR is by far the simplest. The setup took only a couple of minutes and now I can run my scope from my tablet. The Bluetooth option is especially convenient when travelling.

Robert H

Texas, USA

What impressed me most about APPSTAR is how flexible it is. WiFi& Bluetooth modes - it covers every scenario. I've been using it with my Meade setup and the connection has been completely solid during long observing sessions.

Sophie W

Hamburg, Germany

APPSTAR makes controlling the telescope much more enjoyable. Switching between modes is quick and the display makes everything very clear. I especially like being able to connect directly from my phone without extra hardware.

Kenji T

Osaka, Japan

The APPSTAR unit works perfectly with my setup. The wireless control is smooth and responsive, and firmware updates are very straightforward. It's a great way to modernise an older telescope system.

BUY

If all of the above info has interested you, and you are interested in purchasing an APPSTAR, visit the store to see purchasing options. Not yet available for the LX200 Classic range, that is coming soon!

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