CONNECTSTAR Serial Edition

A powerful, all-in-one controller interface to popular apps such as Sky Safari & Stellarium etc. Choose the joystick-enabled model for direct control. With built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB, plus a bright OLED screen and OTA updates, CONNECTSTAR brings modern connectivity to your telescope.

Quickly jump to an information section using these buttons

CONNECTSTAR demo video

This short demonstration video shows the CONNECTSTAR working with a Celestron Nextstar 4SE & MEADE ETX via Audiostar. The operation is the same on other telescope models. All are compatible with the joystick controller.

CONNECTSTAR connections

Here is the information needed to connect your CONNECTSTAR to your mount system.

Plug the RS232 port into CONNECTSTAR (the same plug you would normally plug into your computer). Power CONNECTSTAR via a USB powerbank and you are all set!

This product does not come with any connection leads, you might have one already. For example a Meade LX200GPS will need a 507 lead etc.

CONNECTSTAR unit overview

Details about the CONNECSTAR unit and it's features

CONNECTSTAR Screens Explained

Below are the screens you will see when using Connectstar. Pressing the M button will allow you to scroll through them. Each screen has a feature explained below.

Default Screen

This is the screen you will see depending on what mode you have selected.
Press the M button to cycle through available modes.
(Only modes available are shown)

Screen Timeout

Long press the M button to change the timeout. Use M to cycle through the timeout options. Long press M to confirm your selection

Access Point

Press the M button for 2 seconds. This mode will create a WiFi network called "ScopeBits" and assign IP 192.168.4.1 port 4030. Connect and start SkySafari etc.
Example SkySafari guide

Router Access Point

Creates WiFi network "ScopeBits_connect". Connect and go to 192.168.4.1 in a browser.
See this guide

Bluetooth Control

Creates Bluetooth service "ScopeBits".
Example SkySafari guide

Not available on iOS

USB Serial Port

Press the M button for 2 seconds. This mode will start a USB serial port @9600 baud. Connect CONNECTSTAR to a computer using the USB-C cable.

Reset Wifi (Router)

Press the M button for 2 seconds. This will erase the router settings and return to Access Point mode.

Update Bridge firmware

Press the M button for 2 seconds. Only available in Router mode.

Firmware version

This screen shows firmware + serial number.

SkySafari Connection

Below is a quick guide for connecting to your telescope via CONNECTSTAR Serial. The guide covers SkySafari but CONNECTSTAR Serial is compatible with all other planitarium software that supports your telescope, Bluetooth, Wifi and USB modes for Tablets, phones and computers.

Router setup

Below is a quick guide for connecting CONNECTSTAR Serial to your router.

How to update the firmware

There are 2 ways to update your CONNECTSTAR, one via the device using Wifi, or via this website USB updater. Below are guides for each method.

FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions.

Check these as they may answer any support questions

Any mount that has a serial RS232 port. You will need to use the associated communications lead for your mount setup. ScopeBits does not supply these.

CLICKSTAR has 2 main Wifi modes. 1), WIfi AP (Access Point). This is where it will create it's own Wifi network you can connect to. 2). Wifi STA (Station). CONNECTSTAR can join your exisitng Wifi inftrastructure so other apps and software on your network can find it. See this guide.

CONNECTSTAR has a fairly low power Wifi antenna. Therefore the range is limited to about 10m in AP mode. Considering you will probably be close to your scope when using other apps this is not so much of an issue. When using station mode and for example you have the scope outside, but you are inside, it does depend on your exisiting Wifi setup and it's range.

CONNECTSTAR uses legacy Wifi so is desgned to be as compatible as possible. Modern routers with advanced beam steering, packet slicing etc may not see CONNECTSTAR, but this is rare. Consider changing the router settings to accomodate legacy devices.

In the event that you accidentally entered incorrect info when connecrting to a router, or if CONENCTSTAR can't join a pre-existing network it may appear to hang. It will eventually timeout and return to normal operation. However you can always do a speedy reset. Disconnect any power and then hold down the M key and apply power. The screen will tell you it has reset.

It all depends on if your iOS uses Bluetooth 2.0 or classic. Normally iOS devices don't support Bleutooth serial.

Yes your CONNECTSTAR needs to be powered via a USB power source. Some tablets can provide OTG power. Otherwise use a USB power bank. See this guide.

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. CONNECTSTAR also has OTA (Over The Air) updates if connected to a Wifi router. 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.

There is a quick start guide to connect your scope using Sky Safari here. Any other apps such as Stellarium is also compatible but will require their own setup.

Customer reviews

Here are some reviews from customers about their CONNECTSTAR.

Also check out the gallery to see customer images of ScopeBits gear in action.

Andrew T

Arizona, USA

I use an older LX200 Classic and had been struggling to get reliable serial control from a modern laptop. This solved it instantly. Rock solid connection and no fuss. Exactly what I needed.

Claire M

Leeds, UK

My telescope is over 20 years old but still works perfectly. The Serial Bridge lets me connect it to modern software without any headaches. Simple, reliable and very well made.

Stefan R

Munich, Germany

I tested this with a few different mounts including an older Meade and a lesser known German system with RS232. Worked flawlessly with both. Very flexible and clearly designed by someone who understands these setups.

Miguel A

Lisbon, Portugal

I have an older mount with a serial interface that is difficult to connect to modern devices. This bridge made it easy to integrate with my setup. Stable connection and no dropouts so far.

Rachel D

Calgary, Canada

I was worried about compatibility with my older equipment but it worked straight away. It feels like a proper solution rather than a workaround. Very happy with it.

Paul H

Sydney, Australia

Great bit of kit. I am using it with an older observatory setup that still relies on serial control. This bridges the gap perfectly to modern devices. Reliable and easy to use.

Luca B

Turin, Italy

I have a non-standard mount with a serial port and was not sure if this would work. It connected without issue and has been stable ever since. Very impressed with the compatibility.

Sarah K

Wellington, New Zealand

This is exactly what older telescope setups have been missing. It lets you keep using reliable hardware while connecting to modern systems. Straightforward setup and works exactly as described.