Exploring the universe with a computer-controlled "GoTo" telescope just
got a whole lot cooler! Because now you can drive the telescope wirelessly right
from your Apple iPhone or iPod touch! All you need is the Orion StarSeek astronomy
app (available exclusively by download from the iTunes App Store) and the StarSeek
Wi-Fi Telescope Control Module.
The StarSeek Wi-Fi module works by creating its own local wireless network,
leveraging the Wi-Fi capability built into the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
When coupled to the serial port on your telescope's GoTo mount, StarSeek Wi-Fi
converts the Wi-Fi signal from the mobile device into serial commands used by
the mount to drive the telescope automatically to any of more than 31,000 celestial
objects in the StarSeek app's database. You polar-align and initialize your
telescope for GoTo operation using the standard procedures for your telescope.
StarSeek works with all Orion motor-driven GoTo telescopes, including the Atlas
EQ-G, Sirius EQ-G, StarSeeker and SkyQuest XTg lines, as well as with many other
GoTo telescope brands.
Nearly all GoTo-enabled telescopes use serial commands to drive their electronics.
StarSeek Wi-Fi serves as a WiFi-to-serial adapter, plugging into the telescope
mount's serial (RS-232) port, which on some scopes is located on the mount itself
and on others is found on the (cabled) GoTo hand controller. A short DB-9 serial
cable compatible with Orion GoTo mounts is included with the StarSeek Wi-Fi.
(The included cable will also connect to the serial cable supplied with many
other brands of GoTo telescopes.) The local Wi-Fi network it sets up has a communication
range of well over 100 feet, depending on conditions!
StarSeek Wi-Fi is not currently compatible with telescopes that utilize a USB
interface. But we expect to offer a StarSeek Wi-Fi USB solution in the future.
Unlike Bluetooth devices, StarSeek Wi-Fi requires no pairing, and no special
drivers. It uses standard TCP/IP networking protocols. Once powered on, StarSeek
Wi-Fi creates its own 802.11 wireless network. By default, this is an open wireless
network called "StarSeek Wi-Fi," but you can rename and secure it
later on. Join this network from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and you're
good to go!
The StarSeek Wi-Fi module is compact, barely larger than an iPhone. It can
be easily attached to your telescope's mount or tripod with the included hook-and-loop
adhesive strips. StarSeek Wi-Fi runs on four on-board AA batteries (not included),
and has a typical battery life of 8 to 12 hours under continuous use. It can
also be powered from a 12-volt DC field battery or an AC wall outlet. An AC
(120V, 60Hz) power adapter and DC cable with cigarette-lighter plug are available
from Orion.
Compatibility
The StarSeek Wi-Fi Telescope Control Module and StarSeek iPhone apps are compatible
with the original Apple iPhone; iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4; and iPod touch. Both the
StarSeek Standard Edition and Pro Edition apps enable wireless control of the
following telescopes/mounts:
- Orion Sirius EQ-G, Atlas EQ-G, SkyView Pro GoTo, StarSeeker
- Meade LX-200 Classic and GPS
- Meade LX-90, ETX, LXD, LX-400 ACF with AutoStar controllers
- Meade Magellan I and II
- Astro-Physics GTO
- Celestron NexStar 5/8, 5i/8i, GPS, SLT, SE
- Celestron CGE, CGE Pro, CGEM, CPC, EdgeHD
- Celestron Ultima 2000
- Losmandy Gemini
- SkyWatcher mounts with SynScan controllers
- Takahashi Temma 2
- Vixen Sphinx SXW and SXD, Atlux, SkySensor 2000
- ServoCAT, Argo Navis, Sky Commander, Losmandy DSC
So take a giant leap into the future of telescope control! Point your GoTo
telescope to any of thousands of celestial objects with a couple of taps on
your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Download the Orion StarSeek iPhone app from
iTunes, and purchase the StarSeek Wi-Fi module. Then you'll be all set to experience
the night sky in a whole new and much cooler way!
One-year limited warranty.
Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for
use by a child 12 years of age or younger.