ToupTek Astro StellaVita Quick Start Guide

Introduction

The StellaVita is an intelligent controller specifically designed for astrophotography, catering to both entry-level and professional operation needs. It effectively manages various types and brands of astronomical photography equipment. With its compact design and powerful performance, StellaVita aims to provide users with a simplified astrophotography experience, making imaging easier. StellaVita utilizes a high-performance ARM architecture processor as its core hardware and independently develops related hardware circuits and software platforms.

The StellaVita controller is depicted as a compact, rectangular device adorned with a stylized illustration of a galaxy and stars, suggesting its astronomical purpose. The device features various ports and indicators on its sides.

Features and Device Overview

The StellaVita device is equipped with the following features and ports:

• Power Management: Four 5.5*2.1mm DC power outputs, controllable via the mobile app. Each output has an indicator light that illuminates when active. It also features a DC IN power input and a Power Switch.
• Connectivity: WiFi SMA Connector, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports (recommended for external wireless network cards), and an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port.
• Camera Control: A DSLR shutter release port (2.5mm plug) is available for connecting DSLR/mirrorless camera shutter release cables.
• Storage & Firmware: An SD Card Slot is provided for firmware upgrades and image storage.
• Other Ports: A Type-C port is present but currently not available for use. Reset buttons are also included for device management.

The StellaVita device features several ports and indicators: Power: DC IN (5.5*2.1mm), Power Switch, Power Indicator Light, System Indicator Light. Outputs: Four 5.5*2.1mm DC Power Outputs, each with an indicator light that illuminates when the port is active. These can be controlled via the mobile app. Connectivity: WiFi SMA Connector, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports (recommended for external wireless network cards), RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port. Camera/Mount Interface: DSLR shutter release port (2.5mm plug). Storage/Firmware: SD Card Slot (for firmware upgrades and image storage). Other: Type-C port (currently not available), Reset buttons (x2).

Packaging Accessories

The StellaVita package includes the following items:

• StellaVita Main Body
• Dual-band Antenna & Wireless Network Card
• Two DC Male to Male Power Cables (0.5m each)
• Two DC Male to Male Power Cables (1.0m each)
• One DC Male to Female Extension Power Cable (1.5m)
• One USB 3.0 Square Port Data Cable (1.5m)

The StellaVita package includes: the StellaVita Main Body, a Dual-band Antenna & Wireless Network Card, two DC Male to Male Power Cables (0.5m each), two DC Male to Male Power Cables (1.0m each), one DC Male to Female Extension Power Cable (1.5m), and one USB 3.0 Square Port Data Cable (1.5m).

Compatibility

StellaVita is compatible with a range of devices and platforms:

SDK-Compatible Manufacturers/Devices:

• ToupTek Astro (All devices)
• ZWO (Cameras)
• QHYCCD (Some models of cameras)
• PlayerOne (All devices)

INDI Platform-Compatible Manufacturers/Devices:

• ZWO (Filter wheels, electric focusers, equatorial mounts)
• QHYCCD (Some models of Filter wheels & electric focusers)
• ATIK (Cameras)
• Equatorial mounts based on Onstep settings (Meow, EasyMount, WarpAstron, CLEARSKY, JUWEI, BlackHole, etc.)
• Gemini (Electric focusers)
• Astroasis (Electric focusers, filter wheels)
• Sky-Watcher (Equatorial mounts)
• iOptron (Most of devices)
• Celestron (Equatorial mounts)

DSLR camera shooting is currently not supported but is under development.

Connection Instructions

1. Hardware Connection

StellaVita connects to devices via USB cables.

Equatorial Mounts:

Refer to your mount manufacturer's guidelines for wired PC connections. For older mounts, connection may require an RS232 cable, an RS232-to-USB serial cable, or a dedicated mount-to-USB serial adapter cable. For newer mounts with built-in USB-to-serial chips, a standard USB cable is sufficient. StellaVita supports common serial chip drivers including CH340, FTDI, and PL2303, ensuring broad compatibility.

Camera and Other Devices:

Connect cameras and other devices using appropriate USB cables. StellaVita supports USB hub expansion. Note that using multiple or multi-tiered USB hubs may reduce connection stability and transfer speeds.

Power Supply:

A 12V DC power source with at least 2A output is recommended. StellaVita has a low standby power consumption of 3-4W. When using StellaVita as a power hub for other devices, ensure the total power input is sufficient for all connected equipment and stays within StellaVita's rated power. Insufficient power may cause repeated device disconnections or malfunctions.

2. Software Connection

The StellaVita mobile app can be obtained from ToupTek Astro customer support or technical support. It will also be available on the official website, Apple App Store, and Google Play in the future.

Power On Sequence:

Plug in StellaVita and turn on the power switch. Wait for three sets of beeps:

• The first "beep-beep" indicates the hotspot has started.
• The second "beep-beep" confirms StellaVita is fully operational.
• A final short beep signals readiness to connect your phone to StellaVita's Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi Connection:

Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network named "StellaVita_XXXX" using the default password "12345678".

Launch the App:

Open the StellaVita app to begin exploring astrophotography.

Note: Early batches of StellaVita may display "AstroStation" instead of "StellaVita" in the software; this is a display issue only, and hardware remains identical.

Interface Introduction

The StellaVita software interface is structured into distinct areas:

• Top Title Bar: Displays the current camera type (e.g., 'Main Camera [ATR2600M] [Single]'), shooting mode, and key parameters like Gain, Exposure Time, Binning (e.g., '1x1'), and TEC (thermoelectric cooling) status.
• Left Toolbar: Contains frequently used tools for shooting, including: Scheduled Shooting Entry, Current Equatorial Mount Pointing Coordinates, Equatorial Mount Control, Main Camera Port, Guide Camera Port, Electric Focusing Control, Guiding Monitoring, Histogram, File Management, and The Entry to Star Atlas.
• Right Control Panel: Dynamically presents relevant control options based on the current function, such as 'Start Shooting', 'Analyze Current Image', 'Crosshair Lines', 'Binning Settings', and 'Temperature Setting'.
• Bottom Status Bar: On the left, it shows the current network connection status (e.g., 'Network: StellaVita_A45040') and connection status with AstroStation. On the right, it displays operational status like resolution (e.g., '6224x4168') and chip temperature (e.g., '31.60°C').

The StellaVita software interface is structured into distinct areas: Top Title Bar: Displays the current camera type (e.g., 'Main Camera [ATR2600M] [Single]'), shooting mode, and key parameters like Gain, Exposure Time, Binning (e.g., '1x1'), and TEC (thermoelectric cooling) status. Left Toolbar: Contains frequently used tools for shooting, including: Scheduled Shooting Entry, Current Equatorial Mount Pointing Coordinates, Equatorial Mount Control, Main Camera Port, Guide Camera Port, Electric Focusing Control, Guiding Monitoring, Histogram, File Management, and The Entry to Star Atlas. Right Control Panel: Dynamically presents relevant control options based on the current function, such as 'Start Shooting', 'Analyze Current Image', 'Crosshair Lines', 'Binning Settings', and 'Temperature Setting'. Bottom Status Bar: On the left, it shows the current network connection status (e.g., 'Network: StellaVita_A45040') and connection status with AstroStation. On the right, it displays operational status like resolution (e.g., '6224x4168') and chip temperature (e.g., '31.60°C').

File Storage

StellaVita supports two image storage options: internal eMMC storage and external SD card storage.

External SD Card (Recommended)

• Works like a DSLR camera: quick and convenient.
• Supports hot-swapping.
• To use an SD card, navigate to Settings > Misc in the app and select SD Card Storage.
• After capturing images, remove the SD card and transfer files to your computer via a card reader.

Internal Storage & Wi-Fi Transfer

• After capturing images, connect a computer or other device to StellaVita's Wi-Fi.
• Open File Explorer and enter \10.0.10.1 in the address bar.
• If prompted, enter Username: "as" and Password: "astrostation" to wirelessly access and export images.

Software Updates

1. App Updates

• Android: Contact customer support or technical support for the StellaVita app. Updates may be available from the official website or app stores in the future. For updates, it is recommended to install the new version over the existing one to avoid potential issues like changes in the image storage path.
• iOS: Currently in testing.

2. Firmware Updates

2.1 OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates:

OTA updates can upgrade StellaVita's Core, Indi, and supported astronomy brands' SDKs.

• Check Firmware Version: Connect your phone/tablet to StellaVita's Wi-Fi and open the app. The app will automatically retrieve the firmware version.
• Download Update Package: Connect to an internet network and open the StellaVita app. The app will automatically check for updates, or you can navigate to Settings > Misc > Version and tap "Check for Update". Download the package if available.
• Install the Update: After downloading, reconnect to StellaVita's Wi-Fi and open the app. The app should detect the update, or you can manually initiate it via Settings > Misc > Version > "Install Update".

2.2 SD Card Updates:

You can also update StellaVita's Core and supported camera SDKs via SD card firmware upgrades.

• Prepare an SD Card: Use an SD card with sufficient free space. Download the firmware (.aspkg file) from the official ToupTek community or contact support. Format the SD card to FAT32 or exFAT and place the firmware file or SDK in the root directory.
• Update Process: Insert the SD card into StellaVita until it clicks (hot-swappable). Power on StellaVita and connect to its Wi-Fi via a phone or tablet. Open the app; if firmware is detected, you will be prompted to update. If not, go to Settings > Misc > Version and tap "Check for Update" to manually start the upgrade.

Note: Older versions may require an SD card update before OTA updates are supported. Contact customer support for assistance if you encounter issues.

Contact Information

For more information, please visit ToupTek Astro's official website at https://www.touptek-astro.com/.

For any issues during use, feel free to contact ToupTek Astro via email at astro@touptek.com or through your purchase channel.