Celestron StarSense: Set-Up, Alignment, & Calibration with SkyPortal

In this video I partner up with Celestron to show new StarSense users how to install, set-up, align and calibrate the Celestron StarSense using the SkyPortal app. The auto alignment feature gives you the ability to be outside observing in under 5 minutes!
I actually find using StarSense easier to use with the app then I do the hand-controller. In addition to alignment and calibration, this video will also briefly explore the Celestron SkyPortal app.
Note: This video shows how to calibrate the StarSense, which does not need to be done every session if you keep your StarSense mounted.
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[@andyjacinto5608]

5 star. Please continue the way You are making your tutorials. Its really easy to understand and follow. The problem with other youtubers is that they are talking too much and not showing actual demonstrations on how to do things right. But your way- with proper instruction and examples, it makes us more confident to use these equipments-focusers, starsense etc. THANK YOU.

[@tgr131]

Great Video! I just got the StarSense because I was frustrated with the regular alignment process. Thanks so much!

[@Harryjmacneil]

Hi Simon, My StarSense came in today. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Thanks to your clear video I was able to set up the Wi-Fi and StarSense last night and had a truly enjoyable evening under the stars. Thank you!

[@brucei8767]

I've just purchased the AVX mount and have had the Starsense AutoAlign. It was nice to find this video calling out the combination in particular. Thank you!

[@tompau121]

Way better than the instructions, doesn't even say whether you can just use app like I thought (only 2 slots on cable adapter etc) thanks alot!

[@Ipaqalypse]

This video accidentally answered another question of mine lol. Love it when that happens. GREAT VIDEO! Answered a few questions i had.. Appreciate you taking the time to educate, this was extremely useful!

[@MilwaukeeMax]

Excellent overview and tutorial. Thank you! I’m looking forward to setting my Starsense up soon!

[@Kei-fc4rm]

good morning ♪♪ I also plan to use StarSense for SynScan with both Sky-Watcher and Celestron, so this video was very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@chromamaster6147]

Very well thought out and organized. Excellent production! Thanks!

[@sidfrede7324]

Excellent video. Starsense works perfectly with SkySafari Pro also. I am using on Edge 11. The small FOV makes it critical to have good alignment and Starsense makes it easy. I add additional alignment stars (up to 10 total) which makes Goto extremely precise. That would be a good video - Starsense part 2. Also include ASPA example. Thanks!

[@genefoster8936]

Please do a video on Celestron Polar alignment not using the StarSense. I'm getting confused on the difference between aligning and calibrating.

[@vincegpking1]

Aligning is getting g the scope familiar with where it's at. Calibrate is fine tuning the accuracy of location from the previous alignment.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Hi Slymin! Good to see you back and great review!

[@AstroBlender]

Hi! Thanks and thanks!

[@jeffoldsimmer6096]

Great Job! Very informative and easy to follow along.

[@pkaul5012]

What a excellent video! Celestron should have made this. I am using a Evolution 8 edgeHD and the directions are muddy at best. Official 90 sec video is useless. Kudos for a great video.

[@ericemanuelson5128]

Great video. And welcome back!

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks and thanks!

[@tnmohan]

Good video. I have limited view so wanted to do Manual align (equivalent to one in hand controller option) However sky portal was always doing auto align. Any tips on changing that setting so that I can point at sky and align . I used sky portal that way to align three stars one after the other but was painful everytime the wifi dropped

[@sansero]

Hola! Desde Buenos Aires , Argentina. GRACIAS!!! La explicación muy clara y practica.

[@ssnoc]

Excellent tutorial … I am ordering it.

[@CarolinaSkyAstronomy]

Wow StarSense looks like a really cool piece of equipment to have. Great video Slymin thanks for sharing

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks! You're welcome, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@micky6312]

Is the a manual way to point the starsense with the wifi module as I only have a 1/2 view of the sky with my house blocking the other half. (I hope I've made sense). Thanks in advance ☺️

[@mgmcd1]

Thanks so much for this! I have the AVX and the other pieces. Love the StarSense and SkyPortal combo. 🤓 Also subscribed based on this video.

[@AstroBlender]

mgmcd1 Thanks for your support and I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@mgmcd1]

Slymin I watch this a couple times per week since I can’t get my scope out yet this year. 🤓🤓

[@shivnaryan9620]

wish me luck just got my 11 inch telescope hope my brain is smart enough to make it

[@donaldmartin7109]

Thank you for posting this.

[@ferminjn6024]

Thanks for the video very instructive and straight to the point

[@AstroBlender]

Glad you liked it.

[@doco6186]

Glad you're back!

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks!

[@Brizzzle513]

Thanks for sharing! I was trying to use hand controller with skyportal app but now realize that wont work :) You saved my night.. thanks!

[@enriquegarrido]

Hi, I'm writing you from Spain, and I like to ask you about the camera and the software you use to see the aligment of starsense. Thanks in advance Enrique

[@philrougier5533]

Excellent well made and informative video. Well done!

[@bostronomy]

You’re the best dude. Thanks for your help.

[@AstroBlender]

No problem 👍

[@unixicanediz]

Can this work with any telescope too?

[@dentlfly1]

when using SkyPortal to pick a bright star to calibrate to scope, are you putting in compass mode or just scrolling on screen; does compass mode disable the calibration? im a newbie and this video helped.

[@mmk-w4901]

I did not know that celestron makes that much noise... My last Teleskop was a Meade- quit motor go to!!!

[@dvbge7841]

Thank you from france !!!!!

[@Oxfire95965]

That little device that you just plugged in I wish you could do a video on all the electronics on your scope I have the c8 with a very big heavy stand and I want to get the motor and all the track and stuff needed appreciate it if you could do a video on how all that stuff works

[@Right_Stuffsc]

Thanks man ! Bro.. could you plz. tell me.. with neximage 10 can we capture video or it just for image capturing and image processing only ?

[@Right_Stuffsc]

Thank you man for step by step easy tutorial video . i need to first buy those modules from celestron.

[@WiseOldOwl3]

There is a new Auto guider with tracking as of 9/2023 the first manufacture is out and backordered. If you still have your Cs8 and SkyPortal WiFi Module I would like to see a review and how well they work together. I wonder what I have to do to the hand controller.

[@choppermontana8212]

Would it be possible for you to cover using the focus motor through the Skyportal app? It's driving me crazy!

[@clarencemumphrey]

Hi Simon. Please help this newbie. Which of the two options do you think is better for star alignment, the Starsense or the ZWO Altair pro. Also which is the BEST auto-alignment you recommend. BTW, thank you for your GREAT videos. Your explanations and demonstrations are top-notch. They have helped me get into this hobby. Keep up the great work!!

[@ravenshadowz2343]

Hi, thank you very much for this tutorial, is the scope you're using a Celestron 9 1/4" CGEM II 925 Computerized SCT Telescope?

[@Derkonig1]

So with the star sense you don't need to use the manual finder scope?

[@mantownmedia78]

Thanks for your tutorials - I have starsense working Ok - but how can it coexist with autoguiding with the ASIAir? Can you use starsense for polar alignment and 4 auto point alignment first, and then use ASIAir just for autoguiding with my 120 mm?

[@darbycarpenter3032]

I am going to purchase the starsense in the near future. My question is, can the starsense be mounted on the left side instead of the right? My finder scope is on the right and I want to keep it mounted. I read the manual and it is mounted on the right as well with no explanation if it can be mounted on the left. Thank you.

[@darbycarpenter3032]

@@stockman1969 Thank you. I also forget to ask. Let's say I take my scope 300 miles away. Do I need to put in coordinates or does it just read the night sky and know where it is. Just asking if I am somewhere with no internet connection.

[@mjklein]

Before i took the unit apart with all the associated risks, I would have removed the screw entirely and checked whether the plastic ring could have been expanded enough to just slip it off. Same for attaching the other mount.

[@dougmain7256]

Where is the BackyardEOS software getting it's video input from ? Is this from your Canon DSLR ?

[@avyukt0906]

i kept both the starsense cap and the main telescope cap on while aligning

[@randallpatrickc]

Can you still use the HC slew buttons with Sky Portal? And, I want to use StarSense AA with my EQ6-R *and* SkyPortal/Safari. I have an ASI Air Plus on it now. Also have the Synscan wifi dongle but can’t see how that would work.

[@DubbleD69]

Hi Simon. Great explanation on this topic, which is exactly what I needed. Question for you, what eyepiece camera and software are you using for this video? Thanks!

[@vincentvidal3305]

Hello and thanks for video, it's a bit confusing for a newbie, in 8'45 for an Alt-Az mount, we must put the tube horizontal (index brands), then on 10'15, he points to Polaris, what Is the truth? In my case I make a horizontal setup of the tube then I launch SkyPortal with my smartphone, the alignment does anything ... It's confusing!

[@richita3177]

Hi there, what camera and software are you using in this video,?

[@ocinar78]

Hi, what do you think qhypolemaster vs. starsense. is Starsense make polar alignment with sensitivity like Polemaster ?

[@chrishammer5925]

But, I can't connect the StarSense, focuser motor, and the SkyPortal on the 6SE mount even with a splitter. Can you split a splitter? Is there a bigger splitter hub? Do I just use the autoguide port? I also have a camera and hyperstar coming. No idea how I'm going to connect it all!

[@DJElvisLee]

Great tutorial. Question for you. What telescope model and tripod are you using?

[@ROCKONNORG]

QUESTION: For Alt AZ, you don't have to be pointed north to start?

[@Joneszee1969]

Great video, I did not catch which camera you were using on the scope when you were doing your alignment.

[@Ken-sl4um]

How do you set up Starsense when you are dealing with trees and houses etc? Does centering an object right and up make a difference in accuracy?

[@spike178]

Yeah have lots of trees an houses and even the ground I'm on is not level.

[@patralston5881]

Can this be used on a non-celestron mount?

[@gblan]

If they're smart they'll make one....oh wait, it's been 7 months since your comment and still no stand alone attachment. Guess they aren't too smart.

[@atuldivekar]

If I do the align-calibrate-align process once and for a next session I move the telescope to a new location (without removing the Auto Align), will it need another calibration or just an alignment?

[@douglasmacgregor7436]

Thanks for that tutorial. Do I have to do an initial Polar Alignment? I do not have a view of the Northern sky. All my views are East, South, West.

[@tksamac]

This is a great and quick description but could you please add the polar alignment method to this?

[@YourFreeToys]

I heard backyard Eos for the laptop, whats the camera you use ? I've seen some weird / shitty Amazon stuff and it's kinda hard to cgoose. I'm fine uaing my phone but laptops kind of end game as it were, so I want something banging for a laptop camera.

[@scericat]

Does star sense guide as well?

[@peterspatz6918]

Great stuff. In my german documentation it is said after calibraton turn the mount off, then on and do a starsense auto align. So the right step after calibration is go back to alignement menu and choose starsense auto, right? And nothing has to berlin touched e.g. tage mount back to index.

[@kisho2679]

what would be needed to be considered regarding downsides of using the "Celestron StarSense" as a Finder instead of a traditional widefield finderscope on the Celestron-SC11 scope and a DSLR camera with Live-View?

[@stevemckendrick4938]

Whats the red software your using? Thanks

[@TheIronbark]

Can you please do another tutorial I have a 5se with the wedge built into the tripod. I tried using starsense with the skyportal app to try and EQ align and had lots of trouble. There are settings you have to go in and change in the app in order to eq auto align and I was never able to successfully do it.

[@dthomas319]

Have you had any success with your alignment on the wedge with starsense?

[@TheIronbark]

@@dthomas319 I did get it to work. A couple of things I was doing wrong, I was setting the wedge at 40 degrees (because thats what someone set theres at on youtube) turns out at my location I should be setting at 34 degrees. I was also pointing my telescope north instead of south. Honestly I did away with the whole thing pretty quickly and upgraded to a Celestron AVX eq mount and an 8 inch SCT. If I could do it all over again, I would not have bought the 5se and goto mount and would have jumped straight into the AVX mount.

[@dthomas319]

@@TheIronbark Thanks for replying - i was afraid you were going to say you upgraded. The wedge seemed like a great economical idea although the reviews were both warm and cool i figured for the price it was worth it. I did notice right off the bat that the angle setting on the wedge seemed off by about 4-5 degrees from where i am (which is 32) Seemed like i had to set it at about 28 to get a reading with a bubble level of 32. I am pointing my telescope south. When starsense does plate solve all 3 points (which is rare) it still has a very high error on it. SMH I have the 8SE and the scope is awesome. You liking that AVX mount?

[@TheIronbark]

@@dthomas319 Yes the AVX is totally worth it. I was able to actually start taking photos, which is so much more rewarding than just looking through the eyepiece. If you follow the same path i did then you will buy the AVX and then a camera and then a guide scope with a guide camera.

[@atuldivekar]

How does this compare to the new Starsense Autoguider?

[@freddyacosta2358]

Great video

[@edmundc628]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@michaelmiller8707]

Where’d you get the hand controller mount? I can’t stand the one attached to the SE8.

[@gjman1972]

Hi I just got the 8se and my star sense is arriving tomorrow so I went to disconnect the keypad and there is no way to disconnect it! It’s not like it has that little tab you press to take it out of an aux port but instead the wire just runs behind the dock the keypad hangs on, how in the world do I disconnect it so I can switch it with the star sense keypad? Thank you for the help.

[@AstroBlender]

The SE hand control is connected, you just have to have small fingers to get the clip out. It’s not easy to do!

[@gjman1972]

@@AstroBlender Hi thanks I finally got it disconnected and I’m all set up. I have my wifi adapter installed, my star sense installed, I have the focus motor installed and I just ordered my new 2 inch XLT diagonal which I will install on Saturday when it arrives. Your videos have made everything very clear and helped get me through things. I have been a down on earth photographer for years for lack of a better term but I’ve always had a fascination with space and wanted to move into the realm of astrophotography which is a completely different animal but my background in computer technology and photography has really helped me learn what I needed to learn to get my rig all setup and I can’t wait to begin my observations… clear skies my friend

[@okeania]

Excellent video. I was going to sell my Skyportal Wifi. I changed my mind. Now Im gong to buy new Celestron 8 SE. Hope it works with it too.

[@AstroBlender]

It seems it works for some and not for others. I haven't had much problem on mine with the SE, but I mainly use my SkyPortal on the Advanced VX.

[@megadeth1763]

Nasal Floydian.. if you're still looking to purchase a brand new 8inch evolution with everything he shows you here I have two, one is the 6 inch and the 8 inch. If interested let me know.

[@shazmalik1]

Hi Slymin, great video. Is it possible to show a quick video of how to do the ASPA for an AVX EQ (or any GEM) via the SkyPortal app? I am just starting out and am very interested to see how I could use the app paired with Starsense Autoalign to achieve this. Strongly considering getting an AVX 6 as my first scope, but the polar align worries me! A quick video on ASPA via app would really help.

[@milesvanyperen3539]

I have the 6" Celestron Newtonian and want to attach my StarSense camera to it. Did you notice that the vixen plate on the OTA is backwards? The safety notch that stops the vixen mount from accidentally sliding off is positioned at the bottom. So the vixen plate has to be unscrewed from the OTA and reversed. Not a big deal... just thought I'd point that out. If I'm wrong please explain... thanks.

[@AstroBlender]

Miles van Yperen I didn’t notice, will have to look again. But yeah that should be a fairly simple fix.

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

Thank you so much Slymin for another great video. They are such a help for beginners like me. I'm trying to understand regarding not having to calibrate the StarSense again. So, if you leave the StarSense installed on the OTA and plugged into the mount, you won't have to recalibrate StarSense the next time you use the telescope. But, the Star Ssense will run its own alignment proceedure before you can begin viewing. Do I have all that correct?

[@AstroBlender]

HollomanUFOLanding StarSense calibrates - meaning it’s makes sure the telescope and itself are pointed at the same thing. If you leave it on the same telescope you shouldn’t need to recalibrate.

[@AstroBlender]

HollomanUFOLanding And correct, StarSense aligns the telescope for you each night out.

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

@@AstroBlender Thanks for your replies :)

[@douglassmith3119]

ah, so I am thinking that the sky portal module is needed with the older mounts, but is built into the new evolution mounts.

[@ldsnurse9268]

Are you a member of SLAS? I just joined and would love to meet you some day. I've really enjoyed your videos.

[@Mark_Graven]

Amazing video thank you

[@Ken-sl4um]

Can one do a manual align with Starsense/Skyportal app. to avoid trees etc?

[@daviddurocher3785]

Thanks Slymin, Great video, I have used my star sense alone on my Celestron 8SE, I can use the Skyportal wifi and app on the 8se, but I can't use both together. any ideas on how to connect both together?? What might I be doing wrong? Thanks

[@truckernige]

did you manage to overcome your connection issue? only i’m in the same boat.. a year later but the same issue.. lol

[@daviddurocher3785]

@@truckernige I went round and round with Celestron, trying all sorts of things, they finally replaced it under warranty but I haven't tried it again, i'm tired from setting everything up for nothing over and over again. send me a message If you get yours corrected

[@kdawg3634]

Maybe a dumb question but do you need a internet connection for this? Or does the app work off the compass and gps on your phone?

[@Ronbo765]

Can I use the SkyPortal app for GOTO if the alignment was done on the hand controller or am I restricted to using GOTO on the device where the alignment was performed?

[@davidbrown1914]

So does this system act as an autoguider, so you could turn a goto mount into a decent astrophotog rig?

[@omeraktash]

Since Nexstars are way too over my budget, I wonder what is the next best option to buy as alternative to SE series. 6 or 8 are definitely not affordable for me, so 5 or 4 SE or SLT 130? plus I'd like to be able to use such gadgets too. I'll will be happy if I get an answer. peace.

[@AdolfoBugarin]

Do you need to have the hand controller connected to use StarSense with SkyPortal?

[@TravelingStacker]

No, you don't. I keep mine plugged in for quick slewing since its easier than using the touchscreen in some cases, but you can leave the hand controller unplugged.

[@KaHaDa_life]

The app would have disconnected 4 times in a span of this video, I got an Android phone and a Nexstar evolution 9.25. The mount I think keeps disconnecting and says "wireless connection can be made but the scope is not responding"in the app at any given moment!!! The scope has been sent for repairs once already under warranty but the issue is still there,don't know if it's the app or the scope. I wish I could get a Celestron representative to try and use my scope just like you did in the video with no hiccups!!!! "Connect? oh click here, slew to target? Oh just click here, yea right!!! Come over Celestron I want to show how it all REALLY works!!!

[@robertpettibone4291]

What happens if part of the sky is obscured? What if you want to pick a particular part of the sky to avoid the obstructions?

[@mihirdaiya9676]

Thanks for sharing, this is very helpful. Can I pls ask you for a small favor, while in the sky portal app you showed an example of “double stars”, can you pls post another video to show an example of any one of the planet from the search option of the sky portal app, after you are done aligning and calibrating it ?? Thanks

[@johngreen2172]

HI Slymin ,before I start with my query just like to say greetings from a very wet Nottinghamshire England , and what great reviews you are doing, keep the faith .Just started with the hobby purchased a 8se , eq wedge , starsense , wifi adapter and gps module .Also a guide scope and camera , due to the weather being bad here not yet had chance to try it all out ,but before I due can you give me any help on how to rig up the guide scope and camera .Do I use the guide scope port on the mount ,or do I plug into my laptop using some sort of astro programme .Thanks for your time .Best Regards John .

[@jals6675]

Thank you ! Thank you!

[@lliottng8290]

I have a Celestron Nexstar 6se. Do I need to input my location or SkyAlign? Another question, does this track the objects in the sky?

[@michaelholcomb4355]

at what distance is the star align still good? in other words, if i auto align 50 ft from where i'll actually be viewing, will i have to re-align when i move the scope?

[@Komponist-m4e]

What Telescope is this? I think, it''s a very big like 300 mm opening?

[@heklik]

Wheres your 4se, is sky portal wifi compatible with the 4se ?

[@danwray5626]

Can starSense be used facing south from the northern hemisphere?

[@danwray5626]

Is the iPhone all that is needed for this Star Sense or is a computer required as well?

[@AstroBlender]

Dan WRAY if you have a SkyPortal and StarSense all you need is your phone to control. No computer needed.

[@Ronbo765]

So if I use the Skyportal app to align, how do I refine the pointing accuracy with additional stars ? This option seems to be only possible when using the hand controller.

[@mihirdaiya9676]

Hi Simon, one quick question - could you please help me identify the issue: So I just bought a Celestron NexStar 8 Edge HD with Star Sense. Yesterday night, I had my telescope 100% aligned and calibrated in the clear skies, and I can also see that the telescope is perfectly facing that object (or planet e.g Mars), still when I see from my 32mm, 15mm and 9mm eyepiece, everything is BLACK. Can you pls help me identify the issue on why every object appear total BLACK in the eyepieces even after the telescope perfectly aligned and calibrated? Would really appreciate your reply ..

[@josepujols6267]

hi, is posible to start from 0 , my starsense is not alined correct w my nextar evo 9.25.

[@BRP42]

Any suggestions for trouble shooting? I have the Nexstar 8SE with the StarSense AutoAlign and cannot get the unit to work. I *can* get the alignment to work with the hand-held controller, but not with the app or the phone. I do see the wifi signal coming from the unit (something like "skyportal-45," I forget the exact name) and the phone definitely connects. But, when I try to connect, it says that it finds the signal, but cannot get the telescope to respond. I'm splitting the Aux channel with the StarSense unit; I have a generic splitter (though it said it was for this purpose). Do you have to have a Celestron splitter? I've reset the wifi unit, as well. I do see power to the wifi unit because the lights are on (the second blinks fast and when I try to connect the third blinks once). I'd appreciate any help! Thanks for the video! I've watched it several times to try and solve this issue, as well as most of your other videos!

[@BRP42]

Oh, I should add I also updated the firmware.

[@axcessoutdoors]

Great video, what are you using for a camera?

[@Ronbo765]

It's def. a Canon as BackYardEOS will work with only Canon cameras.