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TOUCHSTAR
TOUCHSTAR - Modern Control Meets Classic Power Finally, a controller that matches the tech in your telescope. TOUCHSTAR features a crisp touchscreen with switchable Autostar 2 or 3 layouts, optional joystick support for precise slewing and focus, and extended control via the FREE Android app. It's the ultimate upgrade - sleek, smart, and built for serious stargazing.
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TOUCHSTAR demo video
This short demonstration video shows a brief overview of TOUCHSTAR in action. Covers main AUTOSTAR 2/3 compatibility, Joystick control, optional bracket and APP control. See below on this page for further details of all capabilities. Note this video shows the original TOUCHSTAR, a new video will be available soon showing the unit featured on this page.
TOUCHSTAR unit overview
TOUCHSTAR simply plugs into your mount's HBX port. Use the original lead, or the optional supplied one. It replicates your original MEADE Autostar 100%! Ready for LX200 ACF, LX200 GPS, LX200 R, LX400, LX600, LX850.
Features
Autostar 2 Compatible
Built-In GoTo Catalog: 145,000+ Objects NGC: 7,840 IC: 5,386 Messier Catalog: 110 Caldwell Catalog: 109 Named Objects: 227 Herschel Catalog: 400 Abell Catalog of Galaxy Clusters: 2,712 Arp Catalog of Irregular Galaxies: 645 Uppsala Galaxy Catalog: 12,940 Morphological Catalog of Galaxies: 12,939 General Catalog of Variable Stars: 28,484 SAO Catalog: 17,191 Hipparcos Star Catalog: 17,325
TOUCHSTAR also features joystick control, wireless operation and APPSTAR phone handset capability!
TOUCHSTAR & REMOTESTAR or APPSTAR
If you prefer you can make your TOUCHSTAR 100% wireless from your mount. This feature is similar to Meade's own wireless Autostar controller. If you already own an APPSTAR unit, use the handset mode and TOUCHSTAR will instantly connect to it and you are now wireless. There is also the REMOTESTAR unit available to also get you wireless easily. Simply plug REMOTESTAR into your mount's HBX port. Insert the required 14500 3.7v style batteries into TOUCHSTAR. Turn it on and the units will sync and you are now wireless! TOUCHSTAR communicates to REMOTESTAR using Bluetooh LE, the range in open air is approx 10 meters.
Using the APPSTAR APPS
Here are the guides to using the APPSTAR mobile app with your TOUCHSTAR. Select the device platform you require.
How to update the firmware
You can update your TOUCHSTAR using the USB online updater. Follow this guide.
Joystick motions
If you have the optional joystick with your unit, here are the guides on how it works
Screen config
TOUCHSTAR has options to change the screen type, Autostar modes & screen timeout settings.
Reset TOUCHSTAR
On the back of your TOUCHSTAR, there's a small hole on the back near the USB-C input. Use a paper clip or similar mall object to reset and restart your TOUCHSTAR.
TOUCHSTAR battery power
This only applies if you have the REMOTESTAR or APPSTAR requred for wireless operation.
The TOUCHSTAR uses 2 14500 3.7v battery cells (Not included). These are available in re-chargeable and non re-chargeable versions. Both will work just fine. Do not use AA batteries, as these do not have sufficent power to operate TOUCHSTAR.
TOUCHSTAR does not charge the batteries when inserted. You will need a suitable charger, or choose the newer batteries that can be recharged using USB-C. Always recharge the batteries out of the TOUCHSTAR unit.
You can use your TOUCHSTAR plugged in while the batteries are inserted. Just ensure the power switch is off when doing so, else TOUCHSTAR will be running on battery power, and not mount power.
3D print files
Listed here are the 3D print files available for this product.
These are available in the store, but if you have the facility to 3D print them here they are.
Use a high quality PLA, ABS or PetG. 5% infill. This is a multi-use bracket and can be fit onto the LX200 handles, or used with the leg adapters below. LS users will have to use the tripod leg adapters. The bracket also can hold the joystick.
Check these as they may answer any support questions
Yes TOUCHSTAR is a 100% plug in replcement for your Autostar 2 or 3 handset.
TOUCHSTAR works with any mount that uses the Meade Autostar 2 eg LX200 ACF, LX200 GPS, LX200 R, LX400, LX600, LX850. Also the Autostar 3 used on the Lightswitch platform. See this guide.
TOUCHSTAR simply plugs into the existing HBX port on your mount.
This is a purely personal choice. The support was added because it makes slewing effortless compared to trying to find handset buttons in the dark. Some mounts also allow focus control from the joystick. See this guide.
Yes there is an option to use TOUCHSTAR wirelessly without being tethered to your mout via the hbx lead. You will need to use the optional REMOTESTAR unit and the required batteries in your TOUCHSTAR for this to work. See this guide.
No, even though they will fit into the battery compartment, they are 1.5v. TOUCHSTAR needs 3.7v 14500 batteries to run. You only need batteries is you are using it in wireless mode and with a REMOTESTAR unit. See this guide.
TOUCHSTAR does not use Wifi, it uses Bluetooth LE for communicaiton to APPSTAR for iOS and Android.
Yes. TOUCHSTAR supports APPSTAR functionality, allowing you to control your telescope through the APPSTAR handset replacement app. See this guide.
No additional power supply is required. TOUCHSTAR is powered through the telescope handset connection. Ensure if running on batteries that they are fresh. Low batteries can cause the TOUCHSTAR to not start.
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.
Check that all cables are securely connected and that your telescope is powered up and switched on. If the issue continues, restart the telescope and reconnect the device.
Customer reviews
Here are some reviews from customers about their TOUCHSTAR.
Also check out the gallery to see customer images of ScopeBits gear in action.
Daniel R
California, USA
My Autostar handset was becoming unreliable and hard to read. TOUCHSTAR replaced it completely and feels like a modern upgrade. The touchscreen is very responsive and the joystick makes fine adjustments effortless.
Emily T
Leeds, UK
I love the touchscreen interface, it is so much easier to navigate than the old keypad. The joystick is a great addition for centering objects. Everything feels smooth and intuitive.
Marco B
Rome, Italy
Very impressed with the build quality and performance. The touchscreen works perfectly and the joystick control is precise. A big improvement over the original controller.
Sarah L
Vancouver, Canada
This has transformed how I use my telescope. The screen is bright and clear and the touch controls are very natural. The joystick makes manual movement smooth and controlled.
James H
Sydney, Australia
A fantastic upgrade from the standard handset. The touchscreen is quick to respond and easy to use. The joystick gives excellent control when slewing. It feels like a completely new system.
Lukas K
Berlin, Germany
Setup was straightforward and everything worked immediately. The touchscreen interface is clean and the joystick makes positioning much easier than using buttons alone. Very well designed.
Rachel P
New York, USA
The APPSTAR features are a great addition. I like having both the physical controller and the option to connect via the app. The touchscreen is clear and easy to read at night.
Carlos M
Madrid, Spain
My original handset had failing buttons and a dim screen. TOUCHSTAR solved both problems instantly. The joystick is very accurate and makes fine tuning much easier.
Peter S
Auckland, New Zealand
A smart and practical upgrade. The touchscreen interface is simple to use and the joystick gives excellent control. It keeps the original system but improves the experience significantly.
Hannah W
Stockholm, Sweden
Everything just works. The touchscreen is responsive, the display is bright and the joystick makes movement very smooth. It is a joy to use and feels like a proper modern upgrade.
BUY
If all of the above info has interested you, and you are interested in purchasing a TOUCHSTAR, visit the store to see purchasing options.
