Star Tracker Simulated 2-Axis Mount Kit with Arduino Uno + Stepper Motor
Build a Sidereal Star Tracker: 2-Axis Equatorial Mount Simulator with Arduino Uno & NEMA17 Steppers
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Astrophotography demands precise compensation for Earth’s rotation. This kit lets you build a functional simulator that replicates the right ascension and declination axes of an equatorial telescope mount, moving at the exact sidereal rate. Perfect for student astronomy projects, ATL Tinkering Labs, or understanding the mechanics behind real star trackers.
What You'll Build
You’ll assemble a lightweight 2-axis mount simulator driven by two NEMA17 steppers and an Arduino Uno. The RA axis rotates one revolution per sidereal day, while the Dec axis allows manual or programmed fine adjustments — mirroring the movements needed to lock onto a celestial object. A 0.96-inch OLED displays real-time axis positions and sidereal status, giving you a live dashboard of the tracking simulation.
What You'll Learn
- Implement sidereal rate tracking using Arduino Uno and A4988 stepper drivers
- Calibrate RA and Dec axes to match equatorial mount geometry
- Interface a 0.96-inch OLED for real-time axis readout and status
- Debug microstepping timing and smooth motion critical for astronomical applications
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper | 2 |
| A4988 Driver | 2 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| Tactile Button | 3 |
| 100nF Caps | 5 |
| 10kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 12V 2A PSU | 1 |
| 830-pt Breadboard | 1 |
| M-M Wires | 25 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
CBSE Class 11-12 students exploring astronomy and robotics, B.Tech ECE/EEE groups working on embedded system projects, ATL Tinkering Lab innovators, and Smart India Hackathon participants prototyping space‑tech solutions. The kit sits right at the intersection of celestial mechanics and real‑time control — ideal for any intermediate maker in India’s growing STEM ecosystem.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
The AI companion walks you through every wiring and code step; if that’s not enough, a WhatsApp message connects you to our build support team within a few hours.
Can I mount an actual telescope tube on this simulator?
No — the NEMA17 motors and breadboard‑based structure are intended for educational simulation, not payload‑bearing. Use it to learn the tracking logic and mount kinematics before scaling to a full telescope setup.
How accurate is the sidereal tracking?
The Arduino’s timing routines achieve stepping precision that simulates sidereal rate with negligible drift over minutes — typically within 1‑2 arcseconds of error per minute, more than adequate for instructional use.
What coding background do I need?
Basic familiarity with Arduino IDE and uploading sketches is enough. The kit includes fully commented code pre‑optimised for the A4988 drivers, so you can focus on understanding the astronomy algorithm.
Two NEMA17 steppers drive RA and Dec axes of a simulated equatorial telescope mount with sidereal rate.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- NEMA 17 Stepper x2
- A4988 Driver x2
- 0.96in OLED
- Tactile Button x3
- 100nF Caps x5
- 10kΩ Resistors x5
- 12V 2A PSU
- 830-pt Breadboard
- M-M Wires x25
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items