Celestron StarSense

[lsintampa]

So is the Celestron StarSense worth it for their AVX mount?

Seems the only thing it does is auto align the mount, but then you still need to polar align the same way the AVX does "all star", no?

Or am I missing something?

I just got the AVX mount, still struggling with getting a good polar alignment - not the mounts fault - that's all on me.

Just trying to see if starsense is worth it or not???

[Lady Fraktor]

You have to polar align the mount, it will do the star alignment.
These have had a less than resounding success rate, I would read a few reviews as there seems to be issues with the programming at times.

[jrkirkham]

I have seriously considered getting a star sense. I had an eye surgery and alignment has been much more difficult since then. I haven't read many reviews yet though. That is still a little while off on my bucket list.

[Juno16]

Hi Isintampa,

I’ve never used Starsense, but if you are doing visual, you can pa with a polar alignment scope (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... gLmufD_BwE) and then do a 2+4 alignment with the HC and the AVX should put you spot on. Heck, you can probably get close enough by pointing the mount North with your phone compass.
If you are doing AP, find a good way to PA (drift align, Sharpcap, Polemaster) and shoot for eventually using plate solving. No actual alignment needed.
Its a lot of stuff, but taking little steps is a fun learning experience and lots of fun too.

[scrufy]

I find it useful because I have only 180 degrees south and just set it up, let it go and then do my all star polar, then let starsense go again while im setting up my laptop etc...
Usuqlly works but iccasionally, like every 5th time out I have to reset and restart but then good again.

[XwarpfactorX]

StarSense has always been listed under the "nice to have" category for me. I'd like to have it, but there is always something at it's price point that I'd rather have first. It's up to you if that price is worth having automatic alignment capabilities.

[Larry 1969]

I have one for my Skywatcher dob. It basically just automates the 3 star alignment process.
It will not help at all with PA.

Larry