Best Telescope Wi-Fi Adapters; Reviews
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In this article, I have reviewed the best telescope wi-fi adapters that are easy to use and can be used to control your computerized telescope wirelessly via a smartphone or a tablet.
There are already telescopes with computerized mounts capable of wireless connection. But if you don’t have this feature on your mount, you can upgrade it with a WiFi module and control it wirelessly through the app on your smartphone.
This review of the best telescope wi-fi adapters will help you discover everything you need to know about this amazing telescope accessory that can help you manage your computerized mounts.
Best Telescope Wi-Fi Adapters
Comparison Table
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Celestron - SkyPortal WiFi Module - Control Your Celestron Computerized Telescope via Smartphone | See on Amazon | |
 | Orion SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter for GoTo Telescopes | See on Amazon |
Best Telescope Wi-Fi Adapters - Reviews
1. Celestron - SkyPortal WiFi Module
- WIRELESS TELESCOPE CONTROL: Align and control your telescope using your smartphone or tablet with Celestron’s free SkyPortal app for iOS and Android.
- 100,000 plus CELESTIAL OBJECT DATABASE: Tap any celestial object you see in the sky to identify it instantly. Tap again and your telescope slews to that object, centering it perfectly in the eyepiece.
- SKY TOUR FEATURE: SkyPortal automatically generates a list of all the best stars, galaxies and nebulae currently visible based on your exact time and location.
- ENHANCED CONTENT AND AUDIO DESCRIPTIONS: While you observe, view astroimages and listen to audio descriptions for hundreds of the most popular objects including the planets, Orion Nebula, Hercules Globular Star Cluster, and more.
- HASSLE-FREE OBSERVING: Does not require batteries or external power.
- WORKS WITH ALL CURRENT CELESTRON COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPES: Compatible with all current Celestron computerized telescopes and select older models. See below for full list.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Celestron Skyportal is a WiFi module that can be used to align your Celestron telescope.
For the product to work, all you have to do is connect the Celestron Skyportal Wifi Module in the AUX or Hand Control port of your telescope, and then connect your device to the module via Wi-Fi.
The Celestron astronomy software (Sky Portal app) will turn your module into a hands-free control center to work with your scope.
You can manage your scope either with your iOS or Android device
As SkyPortal Wifi Module slews your telescope to an object, you can listen to hundreds of included audio descriptions on your device, which explain the history, mythology, and key features of the most popular celestial objects.
The Celestron SkyPortal module is a very simple device with only a few buttons.
On the left side, you have one small hole where you can find the RESET button.
On the right side, there are one switch and indicator lights.
The switch button is for switching between Direct Connect Mode and Access Point Mode(WLAN). The three indicator lights are for Mode, Connection Status, and Activity.
Possibly one of the greatest features of the Celestron Skyportal Wifi Module is that it is incredibly easy to set up.
All you have to do is plug it into your telescope and use the Android or iOS app with WiFi to work with your scope hands-free.
The unit works only with telescopes & mounts made by Celestron, including:
- Advanced VX -CGX-L
- Astro Fi -CPC, CPC DX
- CG-5 (with CG-5 Aux. splitter) -NexStar Evolution
- CGE -NexStar GT (2015 models and newer with Aux. splitter)
- CGE Pro -NexStar SE Series
- CGEM II -NexStar SLT
- CGEM, CGEM DX -SkyProdigy
- CGX -LCM
The Celestron Skyportal Wifi Module is a simple telescope accessory that does not require any other accessories to function (no batteries, no external charges). However, you will need to download the SkyPortal app for your product to work.
2. Orion SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter
- Enables wireless control of Orion GoTo telescopes and mounts from iOS or Android phones or tablets, replacing the SynScan hand controller
- Use the free SynScan Pro app on your smart device as your control interface
- SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter plugs into hand controller port on your mount via one of two provided cables
- Creates its own Wi-Fi network, so no internet connection is needed in the field
- SynScan Pro app has intuitive touchscreen menus for easy object location, and advanced functions like PPEC, auto home, polar alignment, camera control, and meridian flip.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Orion SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter can wirelessly control any Orion GoTo telescope or mount that operates using the SynScan handset via your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.
All you need is the free app and the Orion SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter.
The thumb-sized SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter plugs into the hand controller port of your mount with one of the two short cables provided.
For the Atlas EQ-G just use the hand controller cable that came with the mount. After downloading the free SynScan Pro app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android) onto your device, you join the SynScan Wi-Fi network on your phone or tablet and hit “Connect” on the app’s opening screen. That’s it! You’re now ready to control your Orion GoTo telescope with your mobile device.
The SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter creates its own Wi-Fi network, so you don’t need internet access or Wi-Fi hotspots to use it in the field.
The SynScan Pro app’s user-friendly touchscreen menus are neatly organized and offer easy navigation.
Furthermore, the current time and location are synced from your phone, making star alignment faster.
The SynScan Wi-Fi Adapter is compatible with all Orion GoTo mounts and GoTo telescopes, including:
- StarSeeker
- SkyQuest GoTo Dobsonians
- SkyView Pro GoTo
- Sirius and Atlas EQ-G
- Sirius Pro and Atlas Pro AZ/EQ-G
- HDX110 EQ-G
The SynScan Pro app is not a planetarium program but simply replaces the SynScan hand controller.
Conclusion
Taking into consideration all of the aspects, we can conclude that the Celestron – SkyPortal WiFi Module is the best telescope wi-fi adapter currently available in the market.
It is a pretty simple telescope accessory that allows you to observe and learn about celestial objects hands-free.
You will get more control over the telescope. You don’t have to touch your telescope anymore causing vibrations like with the hand controller.
Written by:
Prakash Chandra
I am a science and technology enthusiast who is curious about emerging concepts in spaceflight, aerospace, and robotics. My passion for astronomy started in my childhood, and my craze for writing started when my works got published in my school's newspaper.
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