Seestar Remote Operation Requirements

Starfront Observatories

To enable remote control and access to a Seestar telescope at Starfront Observatories, customers must meet the following hardware, software, connectivity, and power requirements.

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1. Hardware

The following items allow users to operate their Seestar remotely. Some items are optional depending on your individual setup:

• Seestar S30/S50/etc

• Mac Mini (optional)

  • Minimum requirement: Apple Silicon (M1 chip or newer)
  • As of the Seestar Remote Connection feature release, a Mac Mini is no longer required to operate the Seestar remotely
  • Some users may choose to use a Mac Mini for:
    • Additional file storage capacity
    • Additional file transferring options
    • Ability to deploy a pier camera
    • No need for SwitchBot WiFi Hub

• IoT SwitchBot (optional)

  • A small IoT button pusher which allows users to remotely press the power button on their Seestar
  • Please attempt to have the SwitchBot pre-configured before sending to StarFront
  • Users without a Mac Mini will need the SwitchBot WiFi Hub to reach the device remotely through their official app

• Leveling Device

  • Seestars installed on the Seestar Bar in alt/az mode require a leveler
  • Seestars installed on the Seestar Bar with the ZWO TH10 EQ wedge require a leveler
  • Recommended: Apertura Easy Leveler for Seestar Telescopes
  • Seestars using William Optics and SkyWatcher EQ wedges do not require a leveler

• Equatorial Mounts (optional)

  • Recommended EQ wedges based on extensive testing:
    • William Optics WIL-YG-IO-SG01L-RD
    • ZWO TH10 AND Apertura Easy Leveler for Seestar Telescopes
    • Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Latitude EQ Base
  • Note: We've observed quality inconsistencies with Sky-Watcher wedges that can result in polar alignment loss. While we will accept them if no other option is available, we strongly recommend William Optics or ZWO wedges.

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2. Software Requirements

• ZWO Telescope Network Login

  • Seestar must be linked to your account to use this feature

• Mac Mini Users:

  • Install the Seestar app via the iOS App Store
  • Install AnyDesk (or another preferred remote desktop app)
  • Install SwitchBot app if applicable

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3. Connectivity and Access Considerations

• Configure and test all devices and software before shipping to the observatory
• Pair your Seestar account to the telescope before shipping to the observatory
• A VPN can be provided on request if needed for remote desktop tools (other than AnyDesk)
• ⚠️ Important: The Seestar S30 and S50 cannot be controlled directly over VPN. A physical device (Mac Mini with access to the Seestar App) or ZWO Telescope Network login is required

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4. Power Requirements

To support remote power cycling:

• Use only Kasa-brand smart plugs or compact alternatives
• Digital Loggers Web Power Switches are no longer supported on the Seestar Bar — these units are too large for the compact space available
  • Existing approved Digital Loggers already in place will be grandfathered in
  • All new setups must follow the updated policy

The Seestar and control device will remain plugged in at all times to ensure reliable operation.

Power Configuration Examples:

• If using Mac Mini + Seestar: provide a 2–3 port Kasa smart plug
• If using Seestar + SwitchBot WiFi Hub: provide at least a 2-port Kasa plug or dual port 24W wall charger with 10ft cable for the Seestar

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Need Help?

For questions or setup assistance, please contact our support team via the tech support ticketing system:

👉 Starfront Support