StellaVita, previously known as "AstroStation", is a smart wireless astrophotography controller designed by ToupTek Astro. To provide astronomy enthusiasts with a simpler imaging experience, StellaVita offers an open compatibility ecosystem, supporting multiple brands of astrophotography equipment, and giving users unlimited freedom in their astrophotography endeavors.
After two years of meticulous research and development, StellaVita is finally ready to meet all astrophotography lovers in March 2025. In this guide, we will present the unboxing of the StellaVita astrophotography controller, a list of accessories, and a detailed connection guide.
USB 2.0*2 (recommend inserting the external wireless network card into the upper interface)
RJ45: Gigabit Ethernet port
Type-C (currently only for firmware burning, does not support file transfer)
SD Card Slot
Connection Guide
Data Transfer Connections
Currently, StellaVita needs to be connected to various devices via USB cables.
Equatorial Mount: Use a USB 2.0 data cable to connect StellaVita and mount.
Equatorial mount and StellaVita data cable connection
Note:
No need to worry about serial port chip recognition issues, as StellaVita has integrated support for most commonly used serial port drivers, including CH340, FTDI, PL2303, CP210 and more.
Since there are many different brands and models of equatorial mounts, we recommend referring to the connection method for the equatorial mount and PC for wired connections (you can consult the equatorial mount manufacturer for details). For equatorial mounts from different production stages, the following connection methods are recommended:
For older models of equatorial mounts:
Equatorial Mount ➡ RS232 Equatorial Mount Connection Cable ➡ RS232 to USB Serial Cable ➡ StellaVita
Equatorial Mount ➡ USB Serial Cable ➡ StellaVita
For newer models of equatorial mounts:
Equatorial Mount ➡ Standard USB Cable ➡StellaVita
MainCamera: Use a USB 3.0 data cable (recommended) or a USB 2.0 data cable to connect it to StellaVita.
Main camera and StellaVita data cable connection
Note:
StellaVita supports USB hub expansion. When connected to certain deep-sky cooled cameras, the camera‘s USB interface can also function as a data interface.
Avoid using multiple layers of USB hubs for data transfer, as this may reduce the connection stability and transfer speed.
Electric Focuser: Use a connecting cable (USB-A to Type-C) to connect to the USB hub of the main camera or StellaVita.
Main camera and electric focuser data cable connection
Electric Filter Wheel: Use a connecting cable (USB-A to USB-B) to connect it to the USB hub or StellaVita.
Filter wheel and StellaVita data cable connection
Guide Camera: Use a connecting cable (for example USB-A to Type-C) to connect to StellaVita.
Guide camera and StellaVita data cable connection
Power Supply Connections
Use a DC cable to connect the camera’s DC input port and StellaVita’s DC output. Then the StellaVita will power the main camera.
Main camera and StellaVita power cable connection
Use a DC cable to connect the equatorial mount’s DC output port and StellaVita’s DC input port. Then the mount will power the StellaVita.
Equatorial mount and StellaVita power cable connection
Finally, connect the equatorial mount to the power supply.
Equatorial mount DC input
Important
A 12V DC power supply with sufficient power output is required. 12V 5A or above is recommended.
StellaVita consumes approximately 3-4W in standby mode, which is very low. However, when using StellaVita to manage power for other devices, please confirm that the input power is sufficient for the other devices and is within StellaVita’s rated power limit. If the input power is insufficient, it could lead to issues like repeated reconnections or disconnections of devices.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to all ToupTek Astro fans and astronomy enthusiasts for your anticipation of StellaVita. If you have any questions regarding use or connections, feel free to consult ToupTek Astro technical support through tpa-support@touptek.com.
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