How to use the SkyPortal WiFi Module for Star Alignment with your Celestron NexStar 8se

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

I like that you included that you had difficulty connecting to Celestron WiFi. Makes things real.

[@AstroExplorers]

I know some people have success with it, but I never did. Gotta let everyone know what they might run into!

[@tobydz]

YT needs more of that

[@Topchip23]

After 50 tries I just can’t get it connected , using iPhone 12 and tried direct connect and wlan. Gave up on the end

[@OnlyDayzfanz]

Open app first before connecting works for me

[@tjbitt65]

Great video. Seriously, it's somewhat of a known issue I'd think. I just try be persistent. Some days it works great and some days it just fails to connect. I just give up and connect thru the HC.😆

[@rrraaammmzz]

Just an FYI, I had the same problem with connecting with the Wi-Fi. The best and the easiest way is to forget the wifi connection and go back reconnected. It works perfect with me every time. And I just want to say thank you for the video.

[@thefaithalivechurch]

I just saw this video and just bought it. Thank you. I've had my SE 8 for about 2 years and I put it up last year. But now I brought it back out. Thank you very much for this video. I just ordered it.

[@ayoooooob8728]

Why did you put it up?

[@kavitapatel3663]

I got my telescope last week and I managed to set it up and align the red dot finder to the center of my eyepiece (it’s the first thing I did) since it just makes life easier. I haven’t managed to work on the 3 star alignment due to cloudy skies but I managed to view Saturn, Jupiter. I purchased the wifi portal so I’m going to do exactly what you’ve stated and going to watch ALL your videos tonight. Great tips for beginners.

[@stuartbolden2142]

As a previous comment I really liked the fact you showed a problem with connection . I am using an older version of the dongle ( SkyQ Celestron) and I’ve had some problems connecting , but , like you I pressed connect and the phone connected to the dongle , I then disconnected and then pressed connect and align and it worked . It is a bit hot and miss though . One thing I will say is how much I like your presentation style , very calm and easy to follow . Looking forward to seeing many more videos from you

[@tobattle]

Good job, keep up the good work. I have an 8 NEX-STAR and just getting started with my expensive new hobby in retirement.

[@Rick-or2kq]

I am also retired and with the time have now I can take -up an old hobby again, so nice just relaxing, having the time to really enjoy the hobby. Here is too clear Skys.

[@captkev737]

@@Rick-or2kqMe too

[@citylimitsphoto]

This is a great video. I wish someone would do a KZbin video on what all the features of the SkyPortal app are. Like I don't understand what the LOCK feature does. Just saying.

[@garryjanz]

Hi Mike, you're doing an awesome job with these videos. Much better than anything else on the web!

[@AstroExplorers]

Thanks!

[@Rick-or2kq]

Made my 3rd attempt at alignment last night and I was finally successful, i was making a simple mistake in the process now I know it should so much easier. Once it was aligned correctly worked like a charm. Thanks for the video was very helpful. Also has the saying goes if all else fails follow the instructions.

[@John-of5sh]

Mr. Janz, let it be known that you just taught an old dog a new trick or two. I kept expecting any minute I would screw something up, yet by the end of the drill my scope was pointed exactly where it was supposed to be pointing! Amazing!! You put everything in words that just clicked in my mind. I wish I would have had a few teachers like you when I was in school, perhaps I would have graduated. Thank You Sir! Looking forward to more of your You Tube's!!! (FYI, I am not far from a route the pilots fly over constantly as well as train tracks that runs all hours of the day and night! I feel your pain ;)

[@RedCap-rr4xj]

Excellent video which helped me to get it to ALMOST work. I wonder if you can offer an explanation to cure? I went through the set-up and got the Scope moving. But when I tapped each alignment such as the Moon, my scope went and pointed itself in a completely different direction? I'm presuming that something in my set up has the Scope believing its in a different location or time? But I would have thought the phone itself would confirm all that automatically. Need help on this one if you are able.

[@mniely469]

have you figured this out?

[@RedCap-rr4xj]

@@mniely469 Hi again. Thanks, but no not really. Seems a lot of fiddling about which just gets me more frustrated LOL. Even when I press 'compass' on the Skyportal it never seems to be exactly in line at what I'm pointing at. Its a shame as I know I'm not getting best value from my scope.

[@gonzalosoto9190]

Revisa que la configuración de tu app sky portal, este correcta en la fecha, lugar y hora

[@RedCap-rr4xj]

BTW - Does the Sky Portal not automatically take the place date time from your own iPhone?

[@klttrll]

This gives me the confidence to finally bring my 8se out and try and align it

[@AstroExplorers]

Excellent! I hope the alignment went well.

[@andreszm8850]

same with my astro fi 6, the dude keeps spinning when trying to align it

[@TheKatonahKid]

Thank you very much. Your videos are extremely helpful and nicely paced, especially for a novice like me!

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing. The Celestron SkyPortal WiFi looks interesting.

[@freddyacosta2358]

Awesome video! Thanks for taking the time.

[@robertsharp2194]

These videos are great. Clean and informative.

[@AstroExplorers]

Appreciate it!

[@rajenmody00]

I want to view Sun (of course with a solar filter) to prepare for the total solar eclipse in April-2024. How do I align my telescope in the day time using only one celestial body (Sun) available? I'm about to invest in the SkyPortal WiFi Module. Any guidance and/or videos would be very helpful.

[@keithpal]

I was hoping the WiFi was 5Ghz for less interference than 2.4 that the module uses. I tested the video last night...7-8-2023. It was a great start. This video will help with my future viewing parties.

[@wwsoulrockerstudio]

Thankyou! Great video and presentation. Well done✌🏽

[@mmunozha]

Hi Mike! Thank you so much for posting these series of videos, i was able to use them on my Celestron 114LCM.

[@orlandobloom9502]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Bravo, thanks, because of this demo I was able to catch the green comet, C/2022 E3 (ZTF).

[@AstroExplorers]

Awesome! You'll have to share some images if you got any!

[@omarfarooq6474]

This is a great video, thank you. We just purchased a 6SE and look forward to using it with this app. One question though, can you switch to red mode with the app? The places we go to have strict rules about using red mode and forbid and white light

[@michaelfrazier9537]

By the way, the alignment worked perfectly and it slewed directly to Jupiter. I did make minor adjustments to center Jupiter in the eyepiece. But, otherwise, not too difficult. Thank you for the videos.

[@AstroExplorers]

Awesome, glad it was a useful video for you!

[@lordlucan529]

Thanks for this - going to be ordering one! Puzzles me why they didn't use bluetooth though.

[@jorgedevin8306]

Hi, I liked your presentation, all except for one oversight. Please note that the dongle has a switch that can be set in 2 positions, one for connecting as a "Hot Spot" and the the other as an "Access Point". You had mentioned during your presentation that you would lose your internet using your technique. Be advised that when you place your dongle in the "Hot Spot" configuration you will not have access to the Internet. I f you move the selector switch to the "Access Point" mode, you will have full access to your Internet. It may be that using the "Hot Spot" configuration uses less resources but I am not certain. I like the "Access Point" connection as I have Internet service in that mode. I also want to advise that you will most likely get a better connection using a 5Ghz connection but note that while the 5Ghz can carry much more data and is a lot faster the 2.4Ghz channel can reach much further in distance. The rule of thumb is to go for the 5Ghz connection because it's a lot faster and can carry much more data, however, if your too far from your router and are having disconnects, or perhaps not even able to connect, try the 2.4Ghz channel as an alternate resort. Hope that all helps.

[@warrenhunt5556]

G'day mate, Thanks for an informative video. I have had the same problem in connecting and using Wi-Fi ever since I have owned my Nexstar Evolution since 2018. I keep all my firmware updated, so I am presuming that it must be the software. So I will be looking forward to your next video, in connecting to the computer come laptop.

[@AstroExplorers]

Thanks! Been waiting for 3 weeks for clear skies. Hoping to make the next one this week 😀

[@jlafoon]

I think it is more a function of how cell phones have evolved to use WiFi. They seem to prefer a connection that has internet, unless you really force them to ignore your home WiFi before connecting. I have had this issue with my el-cheapo drone phone app, my app for controlling my lawn irrigation system (first world problems!), my garage door openers, and even my Canon connect app for my DSLRs. I find if I disconnect from my home WiFi first, and then connect to the gadget with WiFi, it almost always connects instantly and stays connected.

[@jimtreinen3427]

@@jlafoon Yes, see my comment above. They say to make your phone forget other networks close by, which is a hassle, but should solve the issue.

[@Brujo2222]

Hey what’s up man quick question I have the NexStar 130SLT for this process can I choose any random 3 stars or do I need to know the stars ? I’m new to this and learning how to use this telescope for my little brother. Thank you very much in advance!

[@DoronTshuva770]

Great vid. A question, I got a gps model that connects to the AUX port. Does the WiFi dongle gets gps info from the phone?

[@mjklein]

Does the phone pass the GPS coordinates and local time to the alignment system? Nevermind, you mentioned that at the end. For me, that would be the main advantage of using the app.

[@abelardodiaz6276]

hello, you wear glasses, what eyepiece do you use, when using a high magnification?

[@pmbuckmaster]

Nice work!!

[@AstroExplorers]

Thanks!

[@roymixon]

Hello Mike, thanks for sharing the info. I recently purchased and received my Skyportal Wifi module. I have not problem connecting to my iphone. However, when I try to align, 3 star, it fails. I tried three times, each time it fails. Do I have to configure the telescope settings? I was up at 3am this morning, first clear sky this week, Jupiter and Saturn rise early in our area, Houston, Tx. So, tried aligning first time, but failed. Will give another try tonight if clear skies prevail. Thanks!

[@marekkunovsky4003]

You’re not the only one, happens to me every time. Just “alignment failed”. Trying to figure out what’s wrong

[@MrLongyearbyen]

Hi, I also had connection problems, I solved them by powering the telescope through mains power

[@roamingrino]

I recently bought a used Orion Atlas EQ-G with a 10 inch scope. Will this product work with this? Seems like a much easier setup.

[@erickadelon55]

I just bought the Celestron 8SE and the WiFi adapter for the iPhone we have. I want to thank you for your channel but I am still having difficulty focusing the 3 stars. I align 2 and then it states I only have one! I’m starting to loose my mind!!!!

[@petelopez5826]

I’ve been looking at this Wi-Fi adapter for my 6se. I’ve even tried using the computer, but it seems like it took me longer to align it to the night sky due to having to leave my computer and look through the eye piece than having the controller on my hand. It does help by not having to enter the information manually.

[@DubbleD69]

Hi Mike - Any idea what the range is on this device? I'm in canada and was wondering if I would be able to set up the telescope outside in the cold and control it from indoors?

[@Shaolin9424]

Thanks Mike!

[@AstroExplorers]

You bet!

[@davidaaaa4611]

Thanks I will try doing it like you said with my Nexstar 5se. That was an Excellent video on how to align the sky portal.Still can not get my sky portal to work. It will not find the internet. I will keep trying.

[@George-py9bt]

I just got the wifi connector and watched video. I notice you have nexstar se8?, I have se4, how do these compare to viewing planets/stars in night sky. Ready to try wifi connector, hoping it simplifies pointing telescope to planets. What size eye piece do you use, I have 25 and 12 mm.

[@rledwards5681]

Hi Mike! I'm a newbie and just bought a Celestron - NexStar 130SLT microscope and looking forward to trying it out next weekend. I also bought a Celestron SkyPortal Wifi Adapter to try out for finding stars and planets in the night sky faster. I'm going to try to use my iPad instead of my phone with it... and wondered if anyone else has tried that and what the results were. Wish me luck! :).

[@Northlander74]

I've added one to my scope, but the one thing I've never seen anyone mention, what is the chance the scope (the focuser or star diagonal) could slew into the dongle as it sticks up quite a bit.

[@jackfrost4033]

Is there a risk to diagonal and eyepiece if SkyPortal drive the ota at the zenith ?

[@michaelkoepf2855]

Nice work, Now please show me how to connect SkySync GPS to Celestron NexStar 8 Thankyou.

[@carolsantulis1990]

Could you use this in combination with StarSense?

[@tobydz]

So I have one AUX port… can I use the StarSense auto-aligner to get it aligned, then unplug the camera from the AUX port, plug in the Wi-Fi module, then control the 8SE from SkySafari?

[@richardrojas6306]

Using my WiFi module and having Sky Portal loaded I was putting information and my screen started failing and the screen was flipping so badly I had to hard shutdown my cell. After several times and I even used a fully charged battery in case my voltage was low. It still did the same thing. Looks like I will have to learn how to align the old fashion way by the manual. I also found out that's its wise to make the tripod legs a bit longer so you don't have to kneel down and wreck your neck trying to find a star in the red dot. I made my legs from the NO extended position to adding an additional 13 inches longer.

[@SD-xb4yv]

Hi Mike - thanks for the video - when your not using the phone app, you have a massive database on the handheld computer - is all the data on the app? On this video its seems you can only click on what you can see on the screen! is there a menu button so you can find nebulas etc... - thanks dude

[@AstroExplorers]

The phone app has a very large searchable database that gets updated. It even has the current comet, which wouldn't show on the hand held controller.

[@SD-xb4yv]

@@AstroExplorers amazing - thank you! I have now just purchased one 🙂

[@RumForTheStars]

New to this and trying to align for the first time like your amazing video shows. I notice you are not selecting the bright stars that you are using to align with in the app. How does the app know those are the stars you are using to align with? I'm sure I am missing something! Anyone's help would be appreciated :)

[@burrinho45]

I need some help here. Will this wifi module work on my Celestron Nexstar 130slt

[@the_creative_frontier]

hi, wanted to check will this wifi dongle work on my Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT also ?

[@randallpatrickc]

Great vid - subbed :-) Qu:When using SkyPortal can you still move the OTA with the HC buttons? (I like the tactile buttons)

[@michaelfrazier9537]

I ordered an updated red dot finder (Celestron 51635 StarPointer) and crosshair 20mm illumination for tighter alignment. After watching this video, I doubt I would try the wifi adapter. You do GREAT videos, but I don't think this is for me.

[@AstroExplorers]

Totally understand. Just trying to get the info out on the different tools I went through as I learned so everyone could see if it fits what they want or not.

[@michaelfrazier9537]

@@AstroExplorers Yep, I understand why you are doing these different options. And you do a great job with them. Thank you

[@rayt5788]

hello, you can watch any object from telescope to pc with wifi, thanks

[@olgateway]

Great video, at timestamp 6.07, there is a dialogue box to reverse east and west. How did you bring up that dialogue? My husband's phone is displaying them reversed. Thanks.

[@WildArcheryBoy]

I just ordered one for my Celestron Nextstar 127 SLT hoping it will track so I can get pictures of Jupiter and Saturn. Cause I have a hard time getting it aligned with the controller because it looks like the words are jumbled up

[@mawage666]

Can you use this to align during the day to observe the sun? Obviously there are no stars out during the day to do a 3 star alignment. I want to practice observing sun spots and get comfortable setting it up for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th.

[@mawage666]

I have a NexStar 127SLT and used it to observe the last eclipse in 2017. But just looking for an easier way to do the alignment during the day.

[@DomsAstrophotography]

I ended up getting it but my app isn’t pointing at the right planets at all

[@ballykaur8310]

amazing videos

[@AstroExplorers]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@petelopez5826]

What is your preferred method of connecting your telescope. I feel like using the hand controller is a little too difficult to navigate finding objects within the hand controller. My preferred method is the SkyPortal app, but if you walk away from it will not track. My second method is the computer method. I’m also having trouble with the red dot trying to align due to my astigmatism using the red dot finder but I do get it aligned. Looking for a different finder.

[@BenjaminSodos]

It's possible its the internet connection for the wifi causing it to leave the connection and reconnect to your home network. Most phones have a default option to make them disconnect from a wifi which does not have internet connection.

[@captkev737]

Thank you

[@IsraelRizo-e1e]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing this.. DO you use only batteries or are you using the AC adapter with you telescope to provide enough power for it? if you are using the AC adapter, are you using the 2Amp or the 5Amp? Thanks..

[@jeremydene24]

So it's safe to say the Sky Portal Wifi negates the need to use the GPS Sync accessory?

[@antonioesposito3084]

Hello, so without insert position and date/time?

[@jefferypurich2358]

Do you have to realine if you disconnect the WiFi module

[@YASAJTV]

Has someone figure out if we can have internet as well in the PC while connected to this dongle?

[@AmatureAstronomer]

My Sky Watcher AZ GTi is also kind of finicky.

[@rotwiler7674]

I bought a 8SE years ago, but was difficult to track objects in sky. Just bought this GPS and should arrive in next day or two. Going camping in area with excellent night sky viewing even without telescope. My question, you kept bringing up Red Dot site? What is Red Dot site?

[@AstroExplorers]

It's the red dot sight, it's what you look through that has a red dot. Like a rifle. But you use it to get the telescope close to the target.

[@debbielegros9828]

I don’t understand the last motions should be up and right. What is this purpose? Thank you. Newbie here!

[@AstroExplorers]

It takes out any slack in the drive belts. This helps keep the accuracy of the alignment.

[@debbielegros9828]

@@AstroExplorers thanks. Love your videos. I have yet to get my brand new 6se out but it is way too cold here in Mass.

[@micky6312]

Hi, I've got a starsense and skyportal, do you know if there's anything extra I have to do with my 8se with a wedge attached? Also is there a manual way of choosing areas to "photograph" with the starsense through the skyportal as I have my house obstructing nearly half the sky.. thanks for any help and I hope you understand my question...

[@AstroExplorers]

Hi there, unfortunately I've not had the opportunity to use the Starsense so I'm not familiar with it, but I do believe there is a setting in Skyportal for wedge.

[@micky6312]

@@AstroExplorers thank you

[@kevinedwards4565]

So I’m super-new to all of this…so when you are outside aligning your scope, do you still have to align it to polar north before you start picking stars or what? I have watched a few setup videos on this accessory and the all just show the app screen. I have tried 3 star alignment and 2 star alignment (manually with the controller) and rarely have any luck getting everything properly aligned. I was looking for the cheapest, quickest way to get my automated scope properly aligned. The sky sense sounds awesome, but cost as much as my scope did new, not sure I’m ready for that investment yet lol.

[@AstroExplorers]

With the sky portal attachment you don't have to polar align. I also shared another video where you can use your laptop, and you just need to have your scope pointing in a northerly direction. It doesn't have to be exact.

[@kevinedwards4565]

@@AstroExplorers I figured not exact, but I guess a better way to phrase my question is do you need to at least align the tripod to where the wedge hinge is pointing North, like when doing a manual alignment, so that the slewing on the scope is correct? I’m still new to all of this, but I thought I remembered something about that in the manual for the scope itself. Hope that kinda clarifies, sorry for my ignorance

[@snlchang]

Thank you!!!!

[@AstroExplorers]

Welcome!

[@tonypegler9080]

what if you have a Focus motor and starsense auto align as well ?

[@AstroExplorers]

I focus motor should still be usable, unfortunately I do not know the compatibility with star sense and the sky portal module.

[@tonypegler9080]

I'll find out tonight I guess.

[@calenlight6817]

can I use it to connect to my laptop? Also, can I send digital images to my computer from the telescope?

[@vronquille7078]

fought all evening trying to connect. if it isnt connected to wifi why would that be an issue? i am confused

[@vronquille7078]

will look for laptop connection

[@KW-tp6os]

Can it also track the location like say the moon? When I try to track mine it is completely off just alone without the module.

[@AstroExplorers]

Yes, if you have the alignment correct, it'll track the moon as well.

[@JasonTruitt]

Make sure the red sight is aligned correctly. Immune was not and was off too. I put the moon in the middle of the scope, then adjusted the red dot scope with the two knobs until it was aligned correctly.

[@Northlander74]

The direct wifi connection is good, but I prefer to set my scope as an access point and have it connect to my home network, that way my phone can still use wifi for internet while still accessing the scope. But I guess this is only relevant when at home, but the direct connection is a good backup.

[@sergeantonyuk4369]

Just curious. What if I go away from the telescope, and WiFi disconnects. Will the scope keep tracking the last target, or just stops immediately as the connection fails?

[@johnrobertson9751]

You don’t have to enter the date and time every time you Aline with the Wi-Fi module. But do you have to go through 3 star alignment each time you use it?

[@ds9109]

If you’re moving your telescope, or turning it off. Yes, you will have to do your three star line.

[@kevinkingston7205]

I have a celestron nextStar SE8. I have the Wi-Fi toggle in the aux plug in the lights are on. But when I try to connect my phone to the scope, I get the message a connection can be established with a Telescope is not responding any suggestions?

[@AstroExplorers]

Unfortunately, I've found the WiFi module to be very finicky, so I no longer use it, and use a laptop instead.

[@_Rodrigo_Inacio_]

@@AstroExplorers Hi ... How do you use laptop to move the telescope?

[@barrydesmond9288]

Mike can you help I’ve got a c8 scope that was fitted to a vixen gt mount manual control so I’ve got a second had se8 mount and a SkyPortal Wi-Fi stick but last night I tried 3 star 20 time and every time it said failed 😢 could it be because scope is set on se mount 45* different to how it was set up on the vixen mount up is down and down is up sorry I’m a new be

[@AstroExplorers]

I believe this is because you are using a different mount.

[@raminigvaladze6112]

What is a software name you are using? Can you provide a link of this software on Celestron we-b-site?

[@AstroExplorers]

It's called Sky portal, and is on Android.

[@roderick.t]

When the wifi signal drops or the phone screen turns off, do you also lose the star alignment?

[@AstroExplorers]

When the phone screen turns off, you do not lose alignment. Sometimes when the signal is lost, you'll lose alignment.

[@astrotherapist]

What is the advantage of doing this? Seems to me you still have to be with your scope at the time, so you might as well keep it on the hand controller.

[@AstroExplorers]

The database updates easier. And I just find going through the goto database better to navigate.

[@andreguimaraes96]

Nice 🖖🏼

[@dennisgrady3690]

Have you tried connecting an iPad?

[@EclipseFlightReviews]

I have watched this video millions of times, and I do the alignment process, but the little blue target is never aligned properly. For example, my telescope was pointed up in the air, but the target was pointed towards the ground. How do I fix this?

[@lavalandz]

Yeah same problem here... Have you figured it out yet?

[@EclipseFlightReviews]

@@lavalandz yes, but it is VERY complicated!

[@lavalandz]

@@EclipseFlightReviews damn.. do you have to factory reset the telescope? And setup the whole thing again?

[@lavalandz]

@@EclipseFlightReviews any easy way / short way to explain it? Ty

[@andrewwareing7291]

Never had any luck with these and I've had two over the last couple of years I've had my mount. Damn thing kept dropping on me. Not to mention the alignment would get steadily worse.

[@AstroExplorers]

Unfortunately I've not had much luck either, but others on the various Celestron groups have had good results, so I wanted to do a video on how to use it. I think urban areas have a harder time with them because of interfering WiFi signals, so worth a try for anyone interested in them.

[@michaelfrazier9537]

I just learned that you can connect the WiFi dongle to your laptop.

[@michaelfrazier9537]

Ok, so I repented and purchased it tonight on Amazon, LOL. If I am away from home, I am assuming that I would use my Androids "Hotspot" correct?

[@AstroExplorers]

You should be able to connect to it normally, as it creates a WiFi for your phone to connect to.

[@michaelfrazier9537]

@@AstroExplorers I did get it to connect after a brief learning curve. So, I am going to try it tonight.

[@namtongdosa9626]

always fail for me after choosing 3 stars to align

[@lblerg]

After trying for HOURS to get it to connect to the dongle (wifi connects fine), I finally tried deselecting "auto reconnect" in details under wifi settings on my Samsung flip 3, linked right up!!! Very very odd, but I cooked off hours messing with this and once I disabled "auto reconnect" in details, immediately connected. Hope this helps someone!

[@lblerg]

yes, my flip 3 had a similar problem. I've got an apple phone now, works like a charm. Will be going back to android next go around, hope they have this fixed by then.

[@brandon079]

The problem is the phone is preferring cellular connection because it has internet. Phones don't typically let you use the local wifi network while using cellular internet. This is why most IOT devices opt to using Bluetooth or at least connect directly to a local network.

[@AstroExplorers]

I figured it was something like this, would be great if they updated.

[@brandon079]

@@AstroExplorers Mine is coming in the mail today. I think I am going to set it up to use my phones hotspot so my phone still has internet itself. Should work, we'll see. I will set my hotspot with same ssid and password as home so it will work from home without the hotspot.

[@Cornz38]

Sadly my experience of this device is bad. It would drop connections constantly. Tried and tried with different devices but the result was ALWAYS the same. 10 mins in, connection dropped. 30 seconds in, connection dropped. 4 mins 27 and a half seconds, dropped. It was THAT random. Never had a response from celestron and amazon wouldn't entertain a return because it was after a month. Ended up smashing it up with GREAT satisfaction. Would never use one again.

[@_Rodrigo_Inacio_]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@winterpatriot1429]

My wi-fi module is very reliable, connects first time everytime. Fortunate in that regard. Has anyone had issues with accuracy of Sky Portal? When I conduct the auto-align, choosing three stars, the location Sky Portal depicts as my scope location is off by several degrees from where my actual scope is located. Two nights in a row now - my scope has been staring at the moon - you can’t miss it or mistake it for another object. Then, as I look at the scope “cross-hairs circle” on the app, it shows the scope as being a few degrees off, and the reticle representing my scope is NOT on the moon. So, I have been unsuccessful in aligning my scope - keeps stating “failed”, and to start over. Oddly, when I’ve attempted to align it indoors, where it can’t see anything, I’ve actually achieved “alignment succeeded”, and to remember to turn off the star pointer. Anyone - any ideas? My GPS coords and date/time are accurate. I don’t use nearby city - I have my actual coords memorized. Forgot to mention - I start my scope pointed north and level before aligning. I set it, turn off then back on north and level, and begin alignment from that point.

[@petelopez5826]

Try using the the two star alignment on your scope. I have better success with that and it is required for tracking according to the manual in tracking. My 6se is right on every time.

[@woodstoc55]

A shame this didn’t come standard with the scope.

[@AstroExplorers]

For those it works well for, it'd be great. For others, they're not missing it 🙂

[@gregorymckenna6609]

Re wifi issues: try this. If you are using Android OS, Forget your home network then try to connect to the Celestron dongle. For some unknown reason android WiFi likes to only connect to the strongest signal. Of course you will have to rejoin using your home password.

[@snlchang]

Well I tried it on my 8se and it said success. I was so happy until…tried to search for the Comet ZTF and my scope took me somewhere completely opposite. So then tried something easy for it to find, the moon. Happened again took me somewhere completely opposite. 😢 So then disconnected and tried the align again. Same exact thing happened. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Did a factory reset on my scope tried a 2 star alignment on the hand held. That worked. But then searched for the moon and took me AGAIN somewhere else! 😣 Not sure what’s happening. 🥺

[@AstroExplorers]

Are you running batteries? Also, make sure you have the right daylight saving time setup. I know I have issues if I'm only on batteries from time to time, so typically use an extension cord.