A new open-source star tracker design has emerged to support astrophotography enthusiasts. The project offers both DIY build options and pre-assembled units for photographers seeking to capture long-exposure night sky images.
Star trackers serve as specialized camera mounts that compensate for Earth’s rotation during long-exposure photography. These devices help photographers capture clear images of stars and celestial objects without the blurring effect typically seen in extended nighttime exposures.
The project creator has released complete documentation, including a bill of materials and 3D-printable components, through a public GitHub repo. The design requires ASA or ABS materials for 3D printing the components, making it accessible to hobbyists with standard 3D printing equipment.
Assembly instructions are available online (see video below) for those choosing the DIY route. The modular design incorporates features comparable to commercial star trackers while prioritizing affordability and customization options.
Source: hackaday.com