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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
iOptron iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter for CEM40/GEM45

iOptron iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter for CEM40/GEM45

by iOptron
SKU IOP-7434
$135.00 - $135.00
$135.00
$135.00 - $135.00
$135.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Wireless Mount Control for CEM40/GEM45 Mounts
  • Supports 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi Protocol
  • Access Point (AP) and Station (STA) Modes
  • ASCOM and SkySafari Pro Compatible
  • Supports iOS and Android Devices
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • iOptron iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter for CEM40/GEM45

    The iOptron iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter for CEM40/GEM45 provides dedicated wireless mount control over an 802.11b/g/n network, connecting directly to your mount with the included 6P6C cable. This allows you to command your iOptron mount from iOS or Android devices using popular planetarium software like SkySafari Pro, eliminating the need for a physical hand controller cable.

    Wireless Mount Control for CEM40/GEM45 Mounts

    Designed specifically for iOptron's CEM40 and GEM45 mounts, the iStarFi adapter streamlines your setup by replacing the wired connection between your mount and control device. This reduces cable drag and potential snags during an imaging session, offering greater freedom of movement around your telescope. Simply connect the adapter, join its network, and use your favorite planetarium software to slew, center, and track objects.

    AP and Station Modes: Flexible 802.11b/g/n Network Integration

    The iStarFi offers two distinct connection modes for maximum flexibility in the field or at home. In Access Point (AP) mode, the adapter creates its own Wi-Fi network that you can connect your smartphone or tablet to directly. In Station (STA) mode, the adapter joins your existing home or observatory Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control the mount from any device on that same network.

    Understanding the iStarFi's Role: Mount Control Only

    It is critical to understand that the iStarFi is a specialized tool for wireless mount control—GoTo, slewing, and pointing commands. It is not an all-in-one astrophotography computer. The adapter does not transfer imaging data from a DSLR or dedicated astro camera, nor does it handle autoguiding commands which typically require a direct ST-4 or pulse-guiding connection.

    • Ideal For: Visual observers using SkySafari for tours of the night sky or imagers who need a simple wireless link for framing targets.
    • Not Designed For: Replacing a full observatory control system like an ASIAIR or a PC running an imaging suite that integrates camera, focuser, and guider control. For these applications, a robust, wired connection to the mount is recommended for reliability.

  • What exactly does the iOptron iStarFi adapter control on my CEM40 mount?

    The iStarFi adapter is designed for mount control only. This includes GoTo slewing, manual slewing via virtual controls in an app, and selecting objects from a planetarium database to send to the mount. It replaces the basic pointing and slewing functions of a physical hand controller, but does not handle camera control, autoguiding, or other accessory data.

    How do I connect my GEM45 mount to the iStarFi adapter?

    Connection is straightforward. You plug the included 6P6C cable into the corresponding port on your GEM45 mount head and the other end into the iStarFi adapter. After powering on your mount, the adapter will begin broadcasting its own Wi-Fi network (in AP mode) which you can join with your phone, tablet, or PC.

    Can I use the iOptron iStarFi with an ASIAIR Pro or StellarMate?

    The iStarFi is primarily designed to work with software that uses the iOptron ASCOM driver on a Windows PC or with apps that support iOptron mounts directly via Wi-Fi, such as SkySafari Pro. While devices like ASIAIR and StellarMate control mounts, compatibility with this specific Wi-Fi adapter is not guaranteed and depends on the available drivers within those operating systems. For integrated systems, a direct USB connection to the mount is often more reliable.

    I want to use SkySafari Pro on my iPad to slew my GEM45 to the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Will the iStarFi work for this?

    Yes, this is the ideal use case for the iStarFi adapter. Once your iPad is connected to the iStarFi's Wi-Fi network and SkySafari Pro is configured for your iOptron mount, you can simply search for M31 in the app and press "GoTo." The adapter will transmit the command to your GEM45, and the mount will slew to the galaxy.

    If I'm imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) with my CEM40, will the iStarFi handle my autoguiding corrections?

    No, the iStarFi is not intended for transmitting high-frequency autoguiding corrections. Guiding requires a stable, low-latency connection. You should continue to use a dedicated ST-4 cable from your guide camera to the mount's guide port or use pulse guiding through a direct USB connection from your computer to the mount.

    What is the difference between Access Point (AP) and Station (STA) mode on the iStarFi?

    These two modes determine how the iStarFi connects to your devices.

    • Access Point (AP) Mode: The adapter creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot. You connect your phone or computer directly to the iStarFi's network. This is best for use in the field where no other Wi-Fi is available.
    • Station (STA) Mode: The adapter joins an existing Wi-Fi network, like your home router. This allows you to control your mount from a computer or device that is also on your home network, potentially from indoors.
  • Compatibility iOptron CEM40/GEM45 Mounts
    Wi-Fi Standard 802.11b/g/n
    Operating Modes Access Point (AP) or Station (STA)
    Platform Support iOS, Android, Windows PC
    Software Control SkySafari Pro, iOptron ASCOM driver
    Connection Cable 6P6C
    Security Password Protection
    Warranty One Year Limited Warranty

    • iStarFi Wi-Fi Adapter

      × 1

    • 6P6C Connection Cable

      × 1

  • iOptron 2-Year Telescope and 1-Year Accessory Warranty