Astrophotography controllers have become increasingly popular, providing a single platform that acts as a command centre for running your imaging setup.
Depending on your equipment, they can automate imaging processes and perform wider functions, including polar alignment, remote access and guiding.
Some controllers on the market are ‘locked’ to individual manufacturers, only working with specific brands.
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Step in Ikarus Technologies’ StellarMate Pro, which not only claims to perform the above functions but also to connect with a wide selection of INDI-compatible equipment.
We put this to the test with our setup, comprising a Sky-Watcher mount, Starlight Xpress CCD, guide camera and filter wheel, and Pegasus auto focuser.
Unboxing and setting up
While the StellarMate Pro doesn’t come with a power supply as standard, an XT-60 power adaptor is provided, meaning it can connect to any aftermarket 12V/10A DC option.
After downloading the StellarMate application and creating an account, we were ready to connect our equipment.
Once we’d screwed on the GPS and Wi-Fi antennas, the handy Quick Start guide helped us to complete the initial setup.
First connecting our equipment to the USB and power ports, we then plugged the StellarMate Pro in and waited for a beep to signify that its Wi-Fi hotspot was ready.
We easily found the network on our smartphone and used the default passcode (found in the online manual) before connecting to the unit via the app without issue.
The next stage we were sceptical about. We hadn’t downloaded any drivers for our equipment, so would the app connect to them?
Heading to the setup module of the app, we set about creating equipment profiles for each item.
We were pleased to see that there were driver options for every item in our kit and so within 10 minutes these were set within our ‘optical train’ profile.
The StellarMate Pro isn’t quite a plug-and-play unit, however. While setting it up largely lived up to expectations, it wasn’t completely straightforward.
For example, the app was clunky. The font doesn’t resize depending on your device screen and so larger tablet screens are better suited.
The online manual is essential reading simply to get to know everything this unit can do and while it’s comprehensive, it is rather huge.
How the StellarMate Pro performs
Nevertheless, the process to connect equipment was smooth and we were soon using the Sky module to slew to objects.
It was time to set our imaging sequences in the Ekos module, building our ‘preset’ jobs to define exposure times, gain and the number of frames before adding them to our sequence in the Capture screen.
After a couple of attempts, we were capturing dark frames before slewing over to the Heart Nebula, our filter wheel whirring into life as scheduled.
The main snag we hit was setting up our auto focuser, which at first wouldn’t start, despite successful connection.
It turned out that we’d missed a screen that allowed us to define the focuser settings; after this, it auto focused without issue.
We’d advise against setting up and capturing an image on your first night; set aside a couple of days simply to create your equipment profiles, plan imaging sequences and connect equipment.
Once you get to know the flow of the StellarMate app, everything starts to make sense, although even as experienced imagers we found ourselves repeatedly consulting the manual.
Another drawback is that most of the app is unavailable once the StellarMate is disconnected; the unit needed to be on and connected to set equipment profiles and image sequences.
Nevertheless, there’s so much to love about the StellarMate Pro.
We see it as an excellent all-in-one controller for experienced astrophotographers who love to tinker, adapt and customise their workflows.
From polar alignment to planning and capture, the unit does it all.
The sheer functionality offered by this compact accessory is market-leading, but it does require time.
As our review period ended and we handed the StellarMate Pro back, we knew we were going to miss it.
StellarMate Pro app
Ikarus Technologies provides a highly functional app to control the StellarMate Pro.
Available for both Android and iOS devices, we used it to set up, plan and run our entire workflow, from creating our equipment profiles to scheduling imaging sequences, taking calibration images and even performing polar alignment and guiding routines.
We particularly loved the fact that the INDI drivers for all our devices were already available in the Setup menu, meaning that connecting our equipment was a breeze.
The Ekos module – where we set our imaging runs – was easy to use and allowed us to plan routines based on when targets would be visible from our location.
Meanwhile, the Sky feature is a brilliantly convenient planetarium that shows how targets will appear for the field of view of your particular camera(s), without you having to consult another app or website.
While some features feel clunky – the app is fixed in a landscape position, for example, and won’t rotate or resize – the scope of what it can achieve is impressive.
StellarMate Pro best features
Built-in mounting threads
The StellarMate Pro’s CNC aluminium case is equipped with 0.25-inch/M6 threads, allowing you to clamp the unit to your setup. Ikarus Technologies sells a dovetail clamp to attach the controller to a dovetail bar which could then be fitted to your telescope tube rings.
Power ports
The unit can power up to four 12V DC astronomy accessories. We particularly liked the additional two ports for dew heaters which meant that our entire suite of equipment could effectively be powered through the unit, tidying up our cable runs. There’s also a handy power health module in the StellarMate app.
Power cables
The StellarMate Pro doesn’t come with a power supply, but an XT-60 to DC female power adaptor is included for easy connection to a 12V/10A DC supply. It also comes with two 5.5 x 2.1mm DC male-to-male cables, one 100cm and one 50cm long, to connect and power your equipment.
USB ports
An impressive six USB ports are available, providing ample connection options for an array of astrophotography equipment including mount, camera, filter wheel and auto focuser. With an HDMI cable (not included), you can also connect it to a monitor, while the USB-C port can be used for downloading data to a desktop or laptop if required.
Wi-Fi and GPS antennas
The unit has two antennas to support its functionality. The GPS/GLONASS antenna provides time and location services to ensure the app’s Go-To accuracy for your home location, in addition to identifying when/where targets are available. Meanwhile, the built-in Wi-Fi allowed us to reliably connect our devices to control the unit.
Vital stats
- Price: £599
- Size: 165mm x 125mm x 35mm
- Weight: 600g
- Connectivity: HDMI, Wi-Fi, ethernet
- Ports: 4x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB-C, 4x 12V power, 2x dew heater, 2x auxiliary
- Protocol: INDI
- Extras: StellarMate app, 2x power cables, power adaptor
- Supplier: First Light Optics
- Email: questions@firstlightoptics.com
This review appeared in the March 2025 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
