If you just got your Seestar, watch these videos. If your Seestar is on the way, watch these videos. If you don't know what the Seestar is, watch these videos.

I made this short video with the help of Elsa, my AI friend. My script was written to give you an idea of what the Seestar S50 can and can't do

and she does a pretty darn good job of presenting the material.

For a more hands-on understanding of what to expect from the Seestar S50 Trevor Jones made this video the Seestar was first released, so it's a little out of date, but it will give you a quick and enthusiastic rundown on the Seestar. It's a good way to get oriented.

Carefully open the Seestar box.

Remove the telescope, tripod, accessories (power cable, solar filter, etc.), and any protective packaging.

Inspect all components for any damage or missing items.

Attach the Seestar to the tripod using the mounting screw. Hold the scope and twist the tripod, not the other way around.

Ensure the connection is secure but not overly tight.

Do not extend the tripod legs to ensure stability. If you set it on a table, make sure the table is rock-steady.Do not set it on a table without the tripod as the bottom of the scope will interfere with rotation

Check that the tripod is more or less level. It doesn't have to be perfect.

Connect the provided USB-C to USB-A power cable to the Seestar's charging port and computer or charging block.

The indicator lights will show the charging status (e.g., four red bars means it's fully charged, and one flashing red bar means it's about to die).

Allow the battery to charge fully before your first use.

Go to your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).

Use this QR code or search for the official Seestar app and download it.

Install the app (preferably on a tablet) and follow any on-screen instructions.

Locate the power button on the side of the Seestar.

Press and hold the power button until the indicator light turns on and you hear two beeps.

A WiFi network is not required to use your Seestar. It has a built-in hotspot.

Open the Seestar app on your device.

Follow the app's instructions to configure your mobile device and connect to the Seestar's Wi-Fi hotspot.

The app will guide you through the process of entering the Seestar's Wi-Fi password, etc.

Later, go back and set up Station Mode. Instead of connecting to the Seestar WiFi hotspot, set up a connection to your home WiFi network. Then you can use your home WiFi to extend your control range, send pictures, use email, and surf the web while using your Seestar.

A couple of preliminary steps are required the first time you use the scope. Find a level (not just flat) surface, then go to Advanced Setting and tap Level Sensor Calibration, and do as it tells you. Then Tap Compass Calibration and follow those instructions.

It's not really calibration, but you should not skip Horizontal Calibration, so push the slider to left. It checks to see how level the scope is and compensates for any error.

Turn on Save Each Frame and Skyatlas Sync if they're off.

During the day, so you can see what you're doing, select “Scenery Mode” on the far right end of the middle menu on the Home Screen.

Touch and hold the small circle in the midle of the screen and use it like a joystick

Point the Seestar at a scenic object and tap the red button to capture an image

Tap the Auto Focus button and watch the Seestar find the right setting.

Note that terrestrial and sky objects require a different focus point. In fact, the Moon and Sun do too. Moral: run autofocus on every object before you start capturing images.

Go to settings (Me button, right end of bottom menu) and turn Manual Focus on, then go back to home screen

Play with the focus and 2x - 4x options

After capturing an image, you can preview it in the app.

Tap the “Save” or “Download” button to save the image to your device's gallery.

You can also share the image directly from the app to social media or messaging platforms.

If you use the solar filter or an aftermarket dew shield, etc., be sure to remove them before you shut down. Actually, the solar filter is thin enough it will be okay, any dew shield, filter adapter, or other gizmos will jam the gears and potential break something.

Then go to the Settings menu and scroll all the way to the button where you'll find a red 'Slide to turn of' slider.

This will safely shut down the device and preserve battery life.

Use the Seestar app or other photo editing software such as AstroEdit (iOS) to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and other image parameters.

You can also crop the image or apply filters for creative effects using Lightroom, Photomator, AstroEdit, etc.

After your observing session, reconnect the Seestar, mobile device, and power bank if you have one, to a power cable to recharge the battery for future use.

Go to the Operation page