The Basics
While there are a few different ways to configure a Seestar system for Starfront, most are running the iPad version of the Seestar app on an M-series Mac mini and using that to control the Seestar. iPad apps run like native apps on the newer Macs with the M1, M2, or M4 chips. The Mac will talk to your Seestar via WiFi and will be connected to the Starfront network via a 30′ Ethernet cable, which you will need to send with your equipment. You will log into the Mac remotely using AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop, both of which are free. AnyDesk does a better job of interacting with macOS. So you will be sitting at home running the remote Mac as if it were at your house, and the Seestar will be talking to a local iPad, from which it will get the current time and location.
What Else Do I Need
The other components of the system are a Kasa WiFi power strip into which you’ll plug your Seestar and your Mac. You’ll be able to turn the power off to each device using an app on your phone from home. You’ll need a charger brick for your Seestar and a 6′ USB cable to run from the charger to the Seestar.
You’ll want to send a leveler device for alt-az mode or a eq wedge for eq mode. Only certain wedges are approved for use on the Seestar Bar. Last I heard this list included only the Sky-Watcher and Williams Optics wedges.
Optional Components
- A pier camera and mount, available from Starfront for about $235 installed. This gives you a view of the orientation of your Seestar and a bit of the sky.
- A SwitchBot remote button-pusher for turning the Seestar off and on remotely.
System Configuration
At the time this is being written, Starfront is offering Seestar S30’s for sale at the Observatory with free installation. If you buy your Seestar from Starfront, you can ship all of your other equipment to Starfront (either from home or from Amazon) and let them set it all up for you. But normally, you assemble a system at home and get it all working before shipping it to Texas.
Further Info
From the Starfront unofficial wiki: