Introducing STELLA, the exciting new accessory from Meade Instruments. STELLA allows the user to control a Meade telescope remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
STELLA is designed to operate with Meade telescopes that are fitted with an AutoStar #497, AudioStar, AutoStar II or AutoStar III handbox controller. This includes all Meade GoTo telescopes released in 2016 and many models released in prior years. Other requirements include a smartphone or tablet, an app and a connection cable. The requirements are listed below.
STELLA Wi-Fi adapter.
Power requirements
STELLA is bundled with a mains power adapter to charge its internal rechargeable battery. Once fully charged STELLA will operate for a period of 4 to 8 hours depending on use.
The charger specification is 5V DC, 1A. STELLA’s power input is a micro-USB port.
STELLA connectivity: USB port (left), DB9 RS-232 (centre), 5VDC 1V power input (right), mains charger (far right).
Wi-Fi connection
STELLA requires a Wi-Fi computer network to operate. It can join an existing computer wireless network or alternatively it can create its own Wi-Fi network hotspot if required. An internet connection is not necessary.
Connection cable
To operate STELLA, a connection cable is required. The type of cable depends on the telescope model and handbox controller.
Telescopes with AudioStar or AutoStar (#497 type)
Telescopes that use the AudioStar (SKU: 07640) or AutoStar #497 handbox controller include the DS-2000, StarNavigator, StarNavigator NG, ETX, ETX Observer, LXD-75, LT, LX65, LX80, LX85, LX90 and Coronado DSM. These telescopes require the Meade #505 cable (SKU: 07505) to connect to STELLA. The #505 cable connects to STELLA on one end and to the handbox on the other. The handbox must remain connected to the telescope as normal.
Older AutoStar handboxes prior to the #497 model are not compatible with STELLA. If you are not sure whether your handbox is compatible, please refer to the post titled AutoStar and AudioStar explained.
Cable Connectivity Set #505 (SKU: 07505) is required to connect STELLA to AudioStar / AutoStar (#497) controlled telescopes.
If your telescope is fitted with an older AutoStar then you can still use STELLA if you upgrade to the newer AudioStar handbox.
Telescopes with AutoStar II
Telescopes that use the AutoStar II handbox (SKU: 07200) include the Meade LX200, LX200 GPS, LX200 R (but not LX200 Classic), LX400, LX600, LX800 and the LX850. STELLA requires the Meade #507 cable (SKU: 07047) to connect to these telescopes.
The cable connects to STELLA on one end and to the telescope’s control panel on the other end. The AutoStar II handbox is not required for remote telescope control in this configuration.
Cable #507 (SKU: 07047) is required to connect STELLA to AutoStar II controlled telescopes.
Telescopes with AutoStar III
Telescopes that use the AutoStar III handbox (SKU: 04700) include the Meade LS (LightSwitch). STELLA requires a standard USB A/B type cable to connect to these telescopes.
The cable connects to STELLA on one end and to the telescope’s control panel on the other end. The AutoStar III handbox is not required for remote telescope control in this configuration.
USB A/B type cable.
SkySafari 6 Plus and SkySafari 6 Pro app software
SkySafari 6 Plus and SkySafari 6 Pro software apps run on smartphones and tablets. They are planetaria and telescope control apps supported by STELLA. There are two versions of SkySafari, one for iOS and another for Android devices. SkySafari 6 Plus and SkySafari 6 Pro are commercial software that have to be purchased separately from STELLA.
To purchase SkySafari 6 Plus or SkySafari 6 Pro; for iOS devices or for Android devices please follow the links below.
StellaAccess software
Since February 2020, Meade has migrated software support from StellaAccess to SkySafari 6 Plus and SkySafari 6 Pro for both iOS and Android.
Existing StellaAccess users can continue to use their software unimpeded or purchase SkySafari 6 Plus/Pro.
Related topics:
article, Stella, telescope control
Author:
Opticstar
