Avalon StarGo GoTo Wifi Telescope Control System

Avalon StarGo GoTo Wifi telescope control system.

StarGO is a computerized GoTo control system based on the stepper motor technology. StarGo can handle both alt-azimuth and equatorial mounts. Although it has been designed primarily for Avalon M-zero, M-one and Linear mounts, thanks to its programmable speed ranges and special motor kit, it can be easily used with other mounts of other brands.

Its design follows the most recent technological development in this field, consisting in the realization of a very simple hardware characterized by its suitability for a wide field of applications such as the management of focusers, filter wheels, DSLR cameras, etc. without the need for frequent modifications to adapt to new devices, but keeping the possibility to be controlled by a PC, smartphones and tablets.

The novel StarGO control system that we offer you exclusively at Telescopiomania is composed of these main components:

• The StarGO control unit, which can be installed in the mount bracket on the Avalon Linear and M-Uno, or in a separate control box for the M-Zero (and also for use with all other mounts from other compatible brands). Its function is to provide the intelligent interface between internal motors and external devices. It performs all communications with specific components (focuser, filter wheel, DSLR camera and other auxiliary devices) via direct connections, and with Windows and Mac computers via USB. Wireless capability via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is also built into the control unit to interface with smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, and again with Windows and Mac computers.
• The StarGo Keyboard allows control of the mount, and performs almost all available and of course the most necessary operations.
• The StarGO software, completely developed by Avalon Instruments, uses a computer to perform all the operations of configuration and management of the equipment, including the control of various external equipment that can be connected to the control unit.
• X-Solver tool. X-Solver is an application based on the Plate Solve solution. With X-Solver it is possible to build a sky model of up to 24 stars that can be saved and used later even during other night sessions.
• With the X-Solver application come two very useful tools: the Sky Model and the Polar alignment. The Sky Model allows you to easily build a sky model of up to 24 stars. The tool provides an intuitive interface that displays a 2D representation of the sky view that the user can simply design with a double-click of the mouse.
• The modeling function is particularly useful in fixed observatory installations, however, thanks to its fast execution speed, it can also be used for mobile installations, especially for visual observation (after a short period of CCD use at the beginning of the session).
• Polar Align is a tool for quick and easy polar alignment using the Plate Solve function.
• The StarGO-BT app for Android devices that allows interacting with the StarGO control unit via Bluetooth connection. With this app, Android devices become a control panel. This application, as well as the StarGO PC application, is under continuous development to add new functionalities.
• The ASCOM AvalonStargo controller, which enables interaction between the StarGO control unit and the most widely used astronomical software applications, such as Phd2, TheSkyX, SNPP7, MaximDL, SGP, Cartes du Ciel, Stellarium, etc.
• The StarGo GoTo control system is supplied in a high quality box.

Technical specifications:

• Programmable gear ratio based stepper motor (1234,123)
• Configuration file saving function
• System speeds:
• Guide: 0.05 to 0.95x with 0.05x increments
• Centering: 2 to 10x
• Search: 10 to 150x with 0.05x increments
• Slew: 4 speeds, depending on mount drive ratio, up to 1400x at 12/18 VDC
• Tracking speeds:
• Sidereal
• Solar
• Lunar
• Terrestrial
• Fine tracking adjustment function
• Autoguiding speeds:
• AR: 0.05 to 0.95x with 0.05x increments
• DEC: 0.05 to 0.95x with 0.05x increments
• Database of 14000 preset objects. Database can be easily editable by the user using a simple text editor
• Input / output ports:
• USB
• Bluetooth
• Wifi
• ST4
• Output ports:
• DSRL
• Steeldrive Baader (AUX0)
• AUX1: Hybrid stepper motor with a maximum current of 300 mA when operating at> = 12 VDC
• AUX2: Hybrid stepper motor with a maximum current of 300 mA when operating at> = 12 VDC
• Power supply: 12 - 18 VDC stabilized. Current: 0.5 to 1.5 A
• Supplied with 14V, 4Ah transformer
• Goto and synchronization of database objects, Park, Unpark
• Firmware update via USB
• Operating temperature: -20º to +40 ° C

Avalon StarGo GoTo Wifi telescope control system.