OH MY GOD!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you, i have the same set up, and i have been missing the extra menus on the controller, so i lost heart and its been collecting dust for 10 months wish id seen this earlier, keep the tips coming !!
2:42 well mainly because star sense is not made for that star sense is mainly used as a navigational aid as well as an information center. It’s not meant for sky sync anyway.
My pleasure Keith. I've moved on... Put the Starsense in the closet of forgotten astro-toys... Look into something called an "Asiair" by ZWO optics company. It's a real game changer if it works with your mount. I now run everything on the ipad while warm and indoors. Mount, camera, guider, focuser. Even if you have a really rough polar alignment, this will do 'plate solving' on the fly like the starsense did and put you where you want to be MUCH faster. I have the 'old' asiair. A new one is coming out in January that I will buy. Best of luck and clear skies!
I had to change one little thing on my Evolution mount to get mine working.. Changed the AZM CUSTOMRATE9 from the default to 3.2 degrees per second... the mount was slewing at it’s fastest to where it goes fast and then stops, fast then stops.. switching to 3.2 rate makes it slew slower but not stopping in between each motion.. as soon as I changed this I got a perfect alignment on my first try and every time since then last year
Thank you so much, makes it easy on my current Evolution Alt-Az mount. Quick question since I see you using an SCT with the AVX... have you tried doing astrophotography and how has that mount performed with the OTA, some say it might be a bit too heavy. Thanks!
Hi David, Unfortunately my SCT is WAY too heavy for the AVX mount when it's set up for astrophotography. I've done it with mediocre success but the mount tracks terribly when it's overloaded. I have a 9.25 edge with a heavy focal reducer and was hanging a full size dslr with a filter wheel and a guide scope with camera on top! GULP! I ended up using both weights that came with it PLUS another to balance it! If you were using an 8" sct with a small cmos camera, the Avx would do the trick I suppose. Even with very little weight, you really have to have a good guider and a strong knowledge of PHD-2 to get good tracking out of it. It was great to learn on but now I love the new Skywatcher EQ6 I just bought.
The Calibration mentioned in this video is for figuring out that offset of the camera relative to centre if any image in the eye piece. You don’t need to repeat that every time if your starsense camera is fixed on the scope and hasn’t moved. For alignment, start from Home position and let starsense auto do its thing. It is important to have the precise time and exact location (lat and longitude rather than by city). Once aligned, can add alignment references throughout the night for more accuracy. The manual is pretty good read.
The more videos I watch about Start Sense the less I’m inclined to buy it … seems very cumbersome to use- I have an 8 SE - if I first need to go through all the same initial calibrations setting time, date, etc and then manually finding stars and locking in their locations, what exactly do I need this star sense for to begin with? Seems more trouble than it’s worth.
It's home-brew as you said.. Standard Celestron dew shield that I added a $15 Amazon Rheostat (www.amazon.com/uniquegoods-Waterproof-Controller-Regulator-Modulator/dp/B01NBMLQ3X/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=12+volt+rheostat&qid=1586466578&sr=8-6) and a couple motorcycle grip heaters (www.amazon.com/Heated-Motorcycle-Heaters-Handlebar-Heater/dp/B07H2YP5F6/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=motorcycle+handgrip+heater&qid=1586466814&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOUdIMThFOEVKTDdOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTYwMTE2MTVUNFlFT1VDMUpQMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjAwNTQ1MkhOSVpNOEYwOElJQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)to. Works great with no problems for 3 years at least.
I found that after I do my initial alignment and calibration the second alignment doesn't go. When I initiate the second alignment it then tries to manually find the coordinates and slews to various locations and quits. I have a Celestron CPC-800 with gps and I made sure to sync it up with the Starsense. Also found that I can't get my Stellarium software to connect up with Starsense via the new micro usb.
Hi there! the Stellarium software is not compatible with StarSense. You need to download the free SkyPortal App from Google Apps onto your Android or iPHONE device. I've never used my hand controller only my Android device to control and align my telescope. I've had no issues at all using the Starsense Autoalign ☺ this video may help you 👍th-cam.com/video/OqqoFZyxzQg/w-d-xo.html
Couple things... I find if I am too quick to start the initial alignment, sometimes it forgets where you are... Give it a few minutes to warm up before starting the alignment. Make sure that it has the right time and your position in it also. I use the overpriced GPS from Celestron. Also make sure the lens cover is off (yeah yeah... But I still forget it now and then...). Remember that it likes visible stars so it fails when there are clouds blocking it's view at times. If all else fails, try going through the menu and setting it back to factory settings again. Good luck! They are wonderful once they work..
If you want to have some fun use the hand controller in the cold.....scrolling menu becomes an adventure to read. They use the cheapest LCD technology possible.
I agree Mike. They could have done a LOT better. I currently use a Skyfi II attachment plugged into the hand controller and my Ipad to control the telescope (from INDOORS where it's warm!). I can point the scope easily from inside the house using WIFI and I have a camera on the back of the scope that's hard wired to my laptop (indoors) so I can do astrophotography. Occasionally I bundle up and dash out with an eyepiece to take a peek but it's New England and not very nice right now... Where do you live?
Hi Tom, I generally don't bother tracking the moon because one shot usually yields way more light than I need to get a good picture. I know there are settings that change tracking from stars to either lunar or solar but haven't ever looked for them. The other problem with tracking the moon is that the light overwhelms nearby stars so they aren't all that visible as a reference. The moon messes with everything! Hahaha.. Best luck!
Hi there my friend! Before you can use the Starsense Autoalign camera it needs to be collaborated with the optical tube assembly. All that means is once it's collaborated your StarSense is aligned when you look through the eyepiece. Once that's done you can select StarSense AutoAlign on the hand controller for Auto alignment. I've had no issues using mine. I have the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25 mounted on a wedge. I don't use the hand controller....I use my Android device with the Skyportal App which is so much easier ☺ th-cam.com/video/OqqoFZyxzQg/w-d-xo.html
So, from what I have seen, the gps unit would not be used with the Star sense unit. In fact, you don’t have the nexstar handheld plugged into the gps unit so it’s not doing anything for you. The starsense came with its own handheld and you no longer use the original handheld at all. If nothing is plugged into the gps unit, then it’s not doing anything. The Star sense works using the camera and a database of stars, it doesn’t use gps at all.
Hi Ohio, The GPS unit plugs into the AVX mount and DOES perform a major task. It tells the handheld unit that came with the Starsense exactly where you are and what time it is. That's all it's really for. You could put in your coordinates and time of day every time you flipped on the power button to your mount but Celestron does that for a nifty $100 or so for this overpriced GPS unit... Occasionally it forgets that it has one but for the most part, if you flip the power switch on and walk away for about 5 minutes before you do ANYTHING, Then it's happy with the world and works perfectly. So in one way you may be right about Starsense not requiring the GPS unit, but in any event, those coordinates have to be input into the system regardless. Starsense has to have an idea what neighborhood it lives in before it works at all. It also seems to be crucial to do the align TWICE as I pointed out in this video as that will bring you spot on every time. Starsense isn't perfect but it does get better the more you use it.
Bummer Mac. Starsense can be an incredible pain in the arse at times. Generally I've been able to beat it into submission and make it work for me. If you like, describe what's going on with your setup and maybe I can offer a suggestion? Currently my AVX sits in a box in the basement because I have a new Skywatcher Eq6r-pro but I've adapted the Starsense to work on that just for quick setup and alignment at star parties when I am doing lots of visual stuff. I've run into some quirks when traveling any distance from its home base. Flattening it's old memory and starting fresh seems to be the fix. Tell me what you are up against?
Saw this video several years ago, just wanted to Thank You making Sense out of StarSense.
OH MY GOD!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you, i have the same set up, and i have been missing the extra menus on the controller, so i lost heart and its been collecting dust for 10 months wish id seen this earlier, keep the tips coming !!
2:42 well mainly because star sense is not made for that star sense is mainly used as a navigational aid as well as an information center. It’s not meant for sky sync anyway.
Thank you for this I have one coming soon.
So helpful! Thank you. Finally someone makes this make sense for me!
My pleasure Keith. I've moved on... Put the Starsense in the closet of forgotten astro-toys... Look into something called an "Asiair" by ZWO optics company. It's a real game changer if it works with your mount. I now run everything on the ipad while warm and indoors. Mount, camera, guider, focuser. Even if you have a really rough polar alignment, this will do 'plate solving' on the fly like the starsense did and put you where you want to be MUCH faster. I have the 'old' asiair. A new one is coming out in January that I will buy. Best of luck and clear skies!
Matt Hadis that sounds very interesting! Thanks for the info. Will definitely check that out.
I had to change one little thing on my Evolution mount to get mine working.. Changed the AZM CUSTOMRATE9 from the default to 3.2 degrees per second... the mount was slewing at it’s fastest to where it goes fast and then stops, fast then stops.. switching to 3.2 rate makes it slew slower but not stopping in between each motion.. as soon as I changed this I got a perfect alignment on my first try and every time since then last year
Forgot to take off the cap, classic! thanks Matt
That is very helpful - thank you!
Sure is helpful 👍
I aim my 6SE at a brick wall and StarSense finds my tiny patch of backyard Bortle 7 sky and does some magic. Blows my mind.
Thank you so much, makes it easy on my current Evolution Alt-Az mount. Quick question since I see you using an SCT with the AVX... have you tried doing astrophotography and how has that mount performed with the OTA, some say it might be a bit too heavy. Thanks!
Hi David, Unfortunately my SCT is WAY too heavy for the AVX mount when it's set up for astrophotography. I've done it with mediocre success but the mount tracks terribly when it's overloaded. I have a 9.25 edge with a heavy focal reducer and was hanging a full size dslr with a filter wheel and a guide scope with camera on top! GULP! I ended up using both weights that came with it PLUS another to balance it!
If you were using an 8" sct with a small cmos camera, the Avx would do the trick I suppose. Even with very little weight, you really have to have a good guider and a strong knowledge of PHD-2 to get good tracking out of it.
It was great to learn on but now I love the new Skywatcher EQ6 I just bought.
The Calibration mentioned in this video is for figuring out that offset of the camera relative to centre if any image in the eye piece. You don’t need to repeat that every time if your starsense camera is fixed on the scope and hasn’t moved. For alignment, start from Home position and let starsense auto do its thing. It is important to have the precise time and exact location (lat and longitude rather than by city). Once aligned, can add alignment references throughout the night for more accuracy. The manual is pretty good read.
First time using it drove my self crazy for about an hour trying to get it to work... forgot to take the cap off.
The more videos I watch about Start Sense the less I’m inclined to buy it … seems very cumbersome to use- I have an 8 SE - if I first need to go through all the same initial calibrations setting time, date, etc and then manually finding stars and locking in their locations, what exactly do I need this star sense for to begin with? Seems more trouble than it’s worth.
Interesting dew shield. Is it homebrew or available commercially? Thanks for your video
It's home-brew as you said.. Standard Celestron dew shield that I added a $15 Amazon Rheostat (www.amazon.com/uniquegoods-Waterproof-Controller-Regulator-Modulator/dp/B01NBMLQ3X/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=12+volt+rheostat&qid=1586466578&sr=8-6) and a couple motorcycle grip heaters (www.amazon.com/Heated-Motorcycle-Heaters-Handlebar-Heater/dp/B07H2YP5F6/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=motorcycle+handgrip+heater&qid=1586466814&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOUdIMThFOEVKTDdOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTYwMTE2MTVUNFlFT1VDMUpQMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjAwNTQ1MkhOSVpNOEYwOElJQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)to. Works great with no problems for 3 years at least.
I found that after I do my initial alignment and calibration the second alignment doesn't go. When I initiate the second alignment it then tries to manually find the coordinates and slews to various locations and quits. I have a Celestron CPC-800 with gps and I made sure to sync it up with the Starsense. Also found that I can't get my Stellarium software to connect up with Starsense via the new micro usb.
Hi there! the Stellarium software is not compatible with StarSense. You need to download the free SkyPortal App from Google Apps onto your Android or iPHONE device. I've never used my hand controller only my Android device to control and align my telescope. I've had no issues at all using the Starsense Autoalign ☺ this video may help you 👍th-cam.com/video/OqqoFZyxzQg/w-d-xo.html
So my Starsense failed its initial alignment. Any tips to get it corrected?
Couple things... I find if I am too quick to start the initial alignment, sometimes it forgets where you are... Give it a few minutes to warm up before starting the alignment. Make sure that it has the right time and your position in it also. I use the overpriced GPS from Celestron. Also make sure the lens cover is off (yeah yeah... But I still forget it now and then...). Remember that it likes visible stars so it fails when there are clouds blocking it's view at times. If all else fails, try going through the menu and setting it back to factory settings again. Good luck! They are wonderful once they work..
If you want to have some fun use the hand controller in the cold.....scrolling menu becomes an adventure to read. They use the cheapest LCD technology possible.
I agree Mike. They could have done a LOT better. I currently use a Skyfi II attachment plugged into the hand controller and my Ipad to control the telescope (from INDOORS where it's warm!). I can point the scope easily from inside the house using WIFI and I have a camera on the back of the scope that's hard wired to my laptop (indoors) so I can do astrophotography. Occasionally I bundle up and dash out with an eyepiece to take a peek but it's New England and not very nice right now... Where do you live?
how do you track the moon since it's not in the hand controller ?
Hi Tom, I generally don't bother tracking the moon because one shot usually yields way more light than I need to get a good picture. I know there are settings that change tracking from stars to either lunar or solar but haven't ever looked for them. The other problem with tracking the moon is that the light overwhelms nearby stars so they aren't all that visible as a reference. The moon messes with everything! Hahaha.. Best luck!
Chainsaw is your friend Matt lol
Hi there my friend! Before you can use the Starsense Autoalign camera it needs to be collaborated with the optical tube assembly. All that means is once it's collaborated your StarSense is aligned when you look through the eyepiece. Once that's done you can select StarSense AutoAlign on the hand controller for Auto alignment. I've had no issues using mine. I have the Celestron Nexstar Evolution 9.25 mounted on a wedge. I don't use the hand controller....I use my Android device with the Skyportal App which is so much easier ☺ th-cam.com/video/OqqoFZyxzQg/w-d-xo.html
So, from what I have seen, the gps unit would not be used with the Star sense unit. In fact, you don’t have the nexstar handheld plugged into the gps unit so it’s not doing anything for you. The starsense came with its own handheld and you no longer use the original handheld at all. If nothing is plugged into the gps unit, then it’s not doing anything. The Star sense works using the camera and a database of stars, it doesn’t use gps at all.
Hi Ohio,
The GPS unit plugs into the AVX mount and DOES perform a major task. It tells the handheld unit that came with the Starsense exactly where you are and what time it is. That's all it's really for. You could put in your coordinates and time of day every time you flipped on the power button to your mount but Celestron does that for a nifty $100 or so for this overpriced GPS unit... Occasionally it forgets that it has one but for the most part, if you flip the power switch on and walk away for about 5 minutes before you do ANYTHING, Then it's happy with the world and works perfectly. So in one way you may be right about Starsense not requiring the GPS unit, but in any event, those coordinates have to be input into the system regardless. Starsense has to have an idea what neighborhood it lives in before it works at all. It also seems to be crucial to do the align TWICE as I pointed out in this video as that will bring you spot on every time. Starsense isn't perfect but it does get better the more you use it.
This video may help you guys ☺ th-cam.com/video/OqqoFZyxzQg/w-d-xo.html
Sets time and position so yes it does use it !
I didn’t understand a word you said
This would be So much more helpful if he actually had shown us anything..... Not just tell about it...
this was no help
Bummer Mac. Starsense can be an incredible pain in the arse at times. Generally I've been able to beat it into submission and make it work for me. If you like, describe what's going on with your setup and maybe I can offer a suggestion? Currently my AVX sits in a box in the basement because I have a new Skywatcher Eq6r-pro but I've adapted the Starsense to work on that just for quick setup and alignment at star parties when I am doing lots of visual stuff. I've run into some quirks when traveling any distance from its home base. Flattening it's old memory and starting fresh seems to be the fix. Tell me what you are up against?