StellaVita Guide: What in the box and How to Connect

ToupTek Astronomy camera

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.

Accessory List

  • ToupTek Smart Wireless Astrophotography Controller StellaVita x1, Dual-band Antenna x1, Wireless Network Card x1
StellaVita
  • 0.5m DC Male-to-Male Power Cable x2
StellaVita
  • 1.0m DC Male-to-Male Power Cable x2
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  • 1.5m DC Male-to-Female Extension Power Cable x1
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  • 1.5m USB3.0 Type-A to Type-B Cable x1
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  • Quick Start Guide x1
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Interface Overview

  • 4 DC power output of 5.5*2.1mm
  • 4 DC output indicator lights
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  • Power indicator light
  • Power Switch
  • DC power input 5.5*2.1mm
  • SYS system indicator light
  • Wi-Fi antenna SMA connector
  • Wi-Fi Reset
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  • USB 3.0*2
  • USB 2.0*2 (recommend inserting the external wireless network card into the upper interface)
  • RJ45: Gigabit Ethernet port
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  • Type-C (currently only for firmware burning, does not support file transfer)
  • SD Card Slot
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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.
StellaVita
Equatorial mount and StellaVita data cable connection

Note:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  • Main Camera: Use a USB 3.0 data cable (recommended) or a USB 2.0 data cable to connect it to StellaVita.
StellaVita
Main camera and StellaVita data cable connection

Note:

  1.  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.
  2.  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.
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.
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Filter wheel and StellaVita data cable connection

  • Guide Camera: Use a connecting cable (for example USB-A to Type-C) to connect to StellaVita.
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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.
StellaVita
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.
StellaVita
Equatorial mount and StellaVita power cable connection
  • Finally, connect the equatorial mount to the power supply.
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Equatorial mount DC input

Important

  1. A 12V DC power supply with sufficient power output is required. 12V 5A or above is recommended.
  2. 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.

Share your images, interact with fellow astronomy enthusiasts, get technical support, and enjoy exclusive fan benefits… More benefits await you in the official Facebook user groups. We look forward to your arrival!

StellaVita
ToupTek Astro StellaVita Facebook Group

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