iKarus StellarMate X User manual

Copyright © 2018-2022 by Ikarus Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
User Manual
Version 2.3
Released 2023.03.15

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Table of contents
Warnings .......................................................................................................... 5
Package Contents ............................................................................................... 5
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 6
Quick Startup ................................................................................................ 6
Specifications ................................................................................................. 7
Passwords ..................................................................................................... 7
Learning StellarMate ....................................................................................... 7
StellarMate App ................................................................................................. 8
Registration ................................................................................................... 8
QR Code ................................................................................................. 10
Steps ...................................................................................................... 10
Setup .......................................................................................................... 10
Connecting your devices ........................................................................... 13
Ports ....................................................................................................... 14
Port Selector ............................................................................................ 14
Optical Trains .......................................................................................... 18
Weather Inforrmation ............................................................................... 26
Tour Guide .............................................................................................. 27
DSLR Setup ............................................................................................. 31
Ekos ........................................................................................................... 32
Quick Controls ......................................................................................... 42
Mount ................................................................................................. 43
Camera ............................................................................................... 50
Preview & Framing ........................................................................... 50
Video Recording ............................................................................... 51
Live Stacking ................................................................................... 52
Settings ........................................................................................... 57
Rotator ............................................................................................... 58
Modules .................................................................................................. 59
Focus .................................................................................................. 60
Align .................................................................................................. 67
PAA ................................................................................................ 73
Guide .................................................................................................. 82
Capture ............................................................................................... 86
Dark Library ................................................................................... 103
Mount ............................................................................................... 108
Observatory ....................................................................................... 111
INDI Control Panel ............................................................................. 113
Scheduler .......................................................................................... 116
Settings ......................................................................................... 118
Mosaic Planner ............................................................................... 128
Data acuisition ............................................................................... 130
Data Storage .......................................................................................... 131
Directory Browser ................................................................................... 137
Targets ..................................................................................................... 140
Framing Assistant ................................................................................... 146
Device ....................................................................................................... 148

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Updating StellarMate Software ................................................................. 149
Changing Hotspot WiFi Band .................................................................... 151
View ......................................................................................................... 153
Settings ..................................................................................................... 161
Achievements ........................................................................................ 164
Connection Methods ....................................................................................... 167
Direct HDMI Connection .............................................................................. 168
Connecting your equipment ..................................................................... 169
Connecting from Ekos ............................................................................. 169
Ethernet Connection ................................................................................... 172
StellarMate Address ................................................................................ 173
Connecting your equipment ..................................................................... 173
Downloading Ekos .................................................................................. 173
Connecting from Ekos ............................................................................. 173
WiFi Connection ......................................................................................... 173
HotSpot Connection ................................................................................ 174
Infrastructure Connection ........................................................................ 174
StellarMate Address ................................................................................ 176
Connecting your equipment ..................................................................... 176
Downloading Ekos .................................................................................. 176
Connecting from Ekos ............................................................................. 177
VNC .......................................................................................................... 177
Connecting from Ekos via Ethernet/WiFi ........................................................ 178
Direct Ethernet ........................................................................................... 181
Connecting Equipment Via Bluetooth ................................................................ 181
Serial Port Assistant Bluetooth Wizard ........................................................... 182
Manual Pairing ........................................................................................... 185
Connecting CCDs ............................................................................................ 186
Connecting DSLRs .......................................................................................... 187
Supported DSLRs ....................................................................................... 188
Canon ................................................................................................... 188
Nikon .................................................................................................... 202
Sony ..................................................................................................... 210
Pentax ................................................................................................... 215
Fujifilm ................................................................................................. 216
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 219
Connecting Mounts ......................................................................................... 220
Mounts ...................................................................................................... 220
Celestron ............................................................................................... 220
SkyWatcher ............................................................................................ 221
Mount Connection Guide ............................................................................. 223
Serial to USB .............................................................................................. 227
Wired Network ........................................................................................... 227
Wireless Connection .................................................................................... 228
Connecting Focusers ....................................................................................... 228
Serial to USB .............................................................................................. 229
Connecting Filter Wheels ................................................................................. 229
USB & Serial to USB .................................................................................... 229
Operating Filter Wheel ................................................................................ 230
Time & Location ............................................................................................. 230

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Web Manager ................................................................................................. 233
Web Manager URL ...................................................................................... 234
Device Information ..................................................................................... 235
Adding New Profile ..................................................................................... 235
Removing Profile ........................................................................................ 236
Auto Start .............................................................................................. 236
Auto Connect ............................................................................................. 236
Starting & Stopping Server .......................................................................... 236
Serial Port Assistant ........................................................................................ 236
USB .......................................................................................................... 237
Network .................................................................................................... 238
StellarMate Serial Assistant .......................................................................... 238
StellarMate Control Panel ................................................................................. 239
Status Bar .................................................................................................. 239
Dashboard ................................................................................................. 240
Hardware .................................................................................................. 242
Software .................................................................................................... 243
Network .................................................................................................... 244
Diagnostics ................................................................................................ 246
Backup and Restore Process ..................................................................... 247
Logs ..................................................................................................... 250
Goto ......................................................................................................... 253
EkosLive ........................................................................................................ 254
How does it work? ...................................................................................... 254
Supported Browsers .................................................................................... 255
Getting Started ........................................................................................... 255
Connecting Ekos to the Cloud .................................................................. 255
Using EkosLive Web Application ............................................................... 256
EkosLive FAQ ............................................................................................. 258
Using GPS ..................................................................................................... 259
Selecting a GPS Dongle ............................................................................... 259
Configuring GPS in StellarMate ..................................................................... 259
Support ......................................................................................................... 260

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Warnings
WARNING: NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITH YOUR TELESCOPE OR
CAMERA WITHOUT APPROPRIATE FILTERS IN PLACE. PERMANENT
AND IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES AND YOUR EQUIPMENT
WILL OCCUR.
Package Contents
Thank you for purchasing StellarMate! Please follow this guide before you starting using
your StellarMate Gadget.
After unboxing your package, you should have the following items:
1. StellarMate X Unit.
2. USB-C Power Supply with international socket adapter
3. Quick Start Guide.
4. VESA-Mount
5. Optional plug depending on the region.

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Connect the USB-C power supply cable to StellarMate X and then turn power on. There is
no need to push the power button as the unit automatically boots up when power is
connected. A soft blue light indicates the unit is powered up. Startup time should take less
than 30 seconds after which the unit is ready to be used.
Introduction
Description:
StellarMate X is a compact and powerful Astrophotography Controller that supports
numerous Mounts, Cameras, and other astronomical equipment. Powered by Open
Source technologies and designed and built by Astrophotographer for Astrophotographers.
It provides unparalleled freedom in selecting your favorite platform to remotely control your
equipment. You can use Ekos astrophotography tool on Windows, MacOS, or Linux.
Furthermore, use StellarMate App on iOS and Android to automate your complete
astrophotography workflow. StellarMate X is simple:
1. Connect your equipment (Mount, Camera, DSLR, Focuser, Filter Wheel..etc) to
StellarMate X via USB or WiFi.stellarmate x tablet
2. Connect to StellarMate X from either your Mobile, Tablet, or Laptop/Desktop Computer.
3. Start controlling your observatory and image from any major platform.
StellarMate X is quiet with no moving parts. It is four times faster than its predecessor
StellarMate Plus and comes with double the storage and memory capacity enabling fast
and seamless control for the most demanding and high-resolution astro cameras. It
features a special VESA mount to secure it to standard dovetails and clamps.
Quick Startup
The following is the quick startup guide to getting StellarMate X up and running in a few
minutes using your phone/tablet:
1. Download Stellarmate App from the Android/iOS store.
2. Launch the App and Register an account.
3. Connect the power adapter to StellarMate and turn power on.

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4. Open network settings in your phone/tablet and connect to the StellarMate WiFi
hotspot.
5. Open StellarMate App. Go to Setup tab. Click Rescan .
6. After StellarMate is detected, click on it.
7. Start the default Simulators equipment profile or create a new equipment profile.
8. Go to Ekos tab and start using your equipment.
9. Check StellarMate network settings and status from the Device tab.
Specifications
StellarMate X leverages a passive cooling technology, and has a good thermal dissipation
to prevent overheating. No fan no noise, reaching a totally silent, dust free performance:
· CPU: Intel Gemini Lake Celeron J4125 Quad-Core
· GPU: Intel HD Graphics 600
· Operating System: StellarMate OS
· Memory: 4GB/8GB LPDDR4
· Storage: 64GB/128GB eMMC Built-in
· Expandability: Micro USB up to 2TB, M.2 SSD/NVMe 2280 up tp 4TB
· 4x USB 3.0 Ports
· 2x HDMI 2.0 port, support 4K@60Hz
· 1x 3.5mm Audio jack
· 1x Gigabit LAN Port
· 1x Gigabit LAN Port
· 1x Kensington Lock Slot
· 1x USB Type-C (Only for power supply)
Passwords
· The default StellarMate OS password is smate
· The default StellarMate WiFi HotSpot password is stellar@mate
Learning StellarMate
For new users, using StellarMate effectively can take a bit of a learning curve (like
everything else) especially given the breadth of the features if provides. Here are some
useful resources to get you started:
· First Time Setup tutorial.
· StellarMate Video tutorials.
· Ekos Video Tutorials.

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StellarMate App
You can connect to StellarMate X Controller in several ways, including:
1. StellarMate Mobile App for Tablets.
2. PC/Mac using KStars .
3. Any Web browser or VNC client.
StellarMate App is the Official App for StellarMate gadget. It is available for both Android
and iOS smartphones and tablets. It is primary designed for tablets in portrait mode. While
it can be used for phones, for the best experience, use it with a tablet/iPad. Download and
install the App on your device before you continue.
StellarMate on the Google Play StellarMate on the App Store
WARNING
The App is required to connect to the unit and configure it for first-time use, so do
this step now and do not skip ahead!
Registration
When using StellarMate App for the first time, you need to register your device, or sign in
using your existing stellarmate.com credentials:
1. StellarMate X: If you purchased an SM X or SM Pro device, you need to register the
device first before proceeding. Click on the Register button and then follow the on
screen guide.

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2. StellarMate OS: If you purchased StellarMate OS, or already have registered the
device before, you can simply sign in using your stellarmate.com username and
password. Beware that you must be connected to the internet for the initial sign in to
proceed. After sign in is successful, no internet connection is required and you can
switch network to StellarMate hotspot if desired.
IMPORTANT
The StellarMate Mobile App requires a QR Code (on the back of StellarMate
Controller) in order to operate the StellarMate Controller. NO registration is
required to use the StellarMate Controller if you intend to use it directly via Web or
via Ekos client on Mac/PC/Linux. This step is only required if you want to use
the StellarMate Mobile App. You can continue to use StellarMate as is, including
accessing the Web Manager and VNC:
Web Manager URL : http://stellarmate.local:8624
Web VNC URL : http://stellarmate.local:6080

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QR Code
If you received the StellarMate Controller, you will find the Device QR Code on the back of
the unit.
If you purchased StellarMate OS, the Device Serial Number is automatically generated for
you.
Steps
Register your controller after downloading the SM App. Make sure your tablet is connected
to the internet.
1. Launch StellarMate App on iOS or Android.
2. Tap on the Register button.
3. Enter registration information to sign up in StellarMate website and then click Next .
4. Scan the QR Code found at the back of the unit.
After registration is successful, you will be logged in automatically. Check your email for
your license and login information.
Setup
Go to your mobile OS WiFi settings and connect to the StellarMate hotspot.
Hotspot : stellarmate

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Password : stellar@mate
IMPORTANT
Before using the StellarMate App to configure your unit for the first time, please
use the networking settings in your iOS/Android phone/tablet to connect to the
HotSpot first. Once connected, proceed to run the StellarMate App.
After connecting to StellarMate, go back to the App:
· Tap on RESCAN to start the scanning process. Discovered devices would be listed on
the left side pane.

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· After StellarMate is detected, tap on it to establish connection. Wait for a few seconds
and the LED would turn green indicating a stable successful connection.
The right side pane should now display the Equipment Profile page. Now you are ready to
connect to your astronomical equipment.

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Connecting your devices
Most astronomical equipment such as telescopes, cameras, filter wheels, and focusers
connect via a USB cable. To add your devices, you need to create a new Equipment
Profile. Tap on the Add (+) icon next to the profiles to start the equipment profile wizard.
You can select the drivers for your devices manually, or you can let StellarMate detect them
automatically by tapping on the Auto Detect button on the top-right corner. You can then
insert each device and wait for a confirmation after it gets detected. Sometimes you need
to confirm the type of device before you can continue. This is especially important when
using serial To USB adapters that are used for mounts and focusers.

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After all drivers are selected, enter the desired profile name and tap Save .
Ports
StellarMate uses a number of ports for different services:
5624: SSH Port
7624: INDI Server Port
8624: INDI Web Manager Port
6080: Web VNC Port
5900: VNC Server Port
3000: StellarMate Dashboard
To make StellarMate accessible from internet, some of the ports could be open in the
firewall. However, there is no authentication/authorization portal provided by StellarMate,
so only open portals at your own risk or by providing an additional layer of security. The
minimum required ports that have to be opened to allow using INDI remotely over the
internet are ports 7624 and 8624 .
Port Selector
Your equipment profile may contain one or more serial port and/or network-enabled

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devices. Before establishing connection to such devices for the first time, StellarMate Port
Selector tool helps you to assign the appropiate ports and addresses for each. Serial
devices may include mounts, focuser, and filter wheels using USB-to-Serial adapters. You
need to know the baud rate for the device as by default it is set to 9600.
NOTE: PORT SELECTOR IS NOT APPLICABLE TO PURE USB DEVICES
SUCH AS CAMERAS.
For networked devices over Ethernet or WiFi, you need to supply the device hostname or
IP address and the device port. This information is usually supplied by your device
manufacturer. It is important to ensure that all networked devices are within the same
network as StellarMate. For example, if StellarMate is operating in hotspot mode (IP
10.250.250.1) then your network-enabled device must be connected to the same hotspot
network and have an IP address in this range (e.g. 10.250.250.5). On the otherhand, when
StellarMate is operating in infrastrcture mode (i.e. it is connected to an external WiFi
network like Home WiFi), then the other network-enabled devices must be connected to
the same network in order for all devices to talk to each other.
The Port Selector dialog can be accessed as any time by click on the Port Selector button.
When creating an equipment profile for the first time, it is automatically opened so you can
configure the ports before establishing connection to your devices either individually or via
clicking Connect All buton.

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You can specify the ports for serial and network devices using the Port Selector.
.
Connection Status
· Green: device is connected.
· Yellow: connecting to device.
· Red: connecting to device failed.
Connection Mode
· Serial: For mounts, filter wheels, and focusers that are connected via a Serial-to-USB

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adapter. To connect to serial devices, you need to select the port and baud rate.
StellarMate provides the detected system ports in a dropdown menu to select from, but
you can also enter your own port manually.
· Network: For any network-enabled device (e.g. Mounts over WiFi like SkyWatcher AZ-
Gti).To connect to networked devices, ensure they are connected to the same network
where StellarMate is connected to. You need to enter the hostname or preferably the IP
address of the device in addition to the connection port and connection type (TCP or
UDP).
Baud Rate : Set the devices baud rate
Connect All : Connects to all the devices and closes the Port Selector
When connecting a serial device, you can specify the port by selecting from the dropdown
or typing it in the text field

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For network devices, you have to specify the hostname or IP of the device and the port.
Also you can choose the network type (TCP/UDP).
Optical Trains
Optical Trains organize your equipment into separate unique optical paths. Each camera
must have its own optical train. The following elements are specified in each train:
1. Mount : Select which mount to use. Typically, all optical trains in the same profile use
the same mount.
2. Dust Cap : Select a mechanized dust cap if any (e.g. FlipFlat).
3. LightBox : Select a flat field lightbox if any (e.g. FlipFlat).
4. Scope or DSLR Lens : Select the scope or lens used in the optical path. To add,

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edit, or delete optical elements, tap the Telescope & Lens button.
5. Reducer / Barlow : Select if any reducer or barlow is used in the train.
a. Reducer : By default it is specified at 1.0 which means that has no effect.
Range is 0.1x to 0.9x.
b. Barlow : If the value specified is over 1.0x, then it is considered a barlow
element (focal length is increased by this factor).
6. Rotator : Select a mechanized rotator if any.
7. Focuser : Select a mechanized focuser if any.
8. Filter Wheel : Select a filter wheel. This must be a standalone filter wheel connected
to Stellarmate via USB. If you have a filter wheel that is embedded in a camera, leave
this field mandatory.
9. Camera : Select imaging camera for this train. Each camera must have its own train.
10. Guider : Select the device that receives the guiding correction pulses . This can be
one of the following devices:
a. Mount : If the Mount can receive guiding correction pulses, then it is best to
select it so that the pulses are directly sent to the mount. This is the
recommended option.
b. ST4 : If using an ST4 cable between the guide camera and mount, then you
should select the Guide Camera as the Guider.
c. Dedicated Guider: If using a dedicated guider interface device (like
Shoestring GPUSB) then select it as the Guider.
If a device provides more than one functionality, then it should be specified in all relative
fields. For example, MoonLite Nightcrawler is a Rotator and Focuser at the same time, so
we select NightCrawler under both Rotator and Focuser fields.
Once the optical trains are configured, specify which trains to use in each Ekos module.
Typically, the Primary optical train is used in Capture , Focus , and Align modules while the
Secondary train is used in Guide .
Tap the help Button to view an external video tutorial on Optical Train.

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Tap the edit button and it will open the Optical train modal with the specific settings of a
trian.