9. Transferring Images

There are several convenient ways to access the image and video files captured with your StellarMate. The best method depends on your network setup, technical comfort level, and specific needs. Here are the primary methods:

9.1. 1. Network Share (Samba/Windows Share)

Best for: Easily accessing files from a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer connected to the same home network as your StellarMate after a capture session.

Requirements: StellarMate must be connected to your home Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

How it works: StellarMate runs a Samba server, making its folders accessible like standard network shares.

Steps:

  • Find StellarMate: You can usually access StellarMate using its hostname stellarmate.local or by its IP address on your network.

  • On Windows: Open File Explorer. You might see StellarMate under “Network”. If not, type \\stellarmate.local or \\<StellarMate_IP_Address> (e.g., \\192.168.1.10) into the address bar and press Enter.

  • On macOS: Open Finder. Go to the “Go” menu and select “Connect to Server…”. Enter smb://stellarmate.local or smb://<StellarMate_IP_Address> and click “Connect”.

  • On Linux: Use your file manager (e.g., Nautilus, Dolphin). Look for a “Connect to Server” option or browse the network. Enter the address smb://stellarmate.local or smb://<StellarMate_IP_Address>.

  • Access Files: Look for a shared folder, typically named Pictures, which corresponds to the /home/stellarmate/Pictures directory on StellarMate where captures are usually stored. You may be asked to connect as a “Guest” or authenticate using the username stellarmate and password smate. You can then browse, copy, or move files directly. For persistent access, you can map this share as a network drive.

9.2. 2. StellarMate App & USB Drive Transfer

Best for: Transferring files directly from the StellarMate unit without needing a computer on the same network, useful in the field.

Requirements: StellarMate App running on your phone/tablet, a USB thumb drive (formatted with FAT32 or exFAT recommended).

How it works: The StellarMate App provides an interface to copy files from the StellarMate’s internal storage to a connected USB drive.

Steps:

  • Plug the USB thumb drive directly into a free USB port on the StellarMate device itself.

  • Connect to your StellarMate using the StellarMate App on your phone or tablet.

  • Navigate to the file management or image transfer section within the StellarMate App. (Refer to the StellarMate App Manual - Transfer Images section for specific instructions).

  • Select the desired images or videos stored on StellarMate.

  • Choose the connected USB drive as the destination and initiate the transfer.

  • Once the transfer is complete, safely remove the USB drive from the StellarMate device and plug it into your computer to access the files.

9.3. 3. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

Best for: Advanced users who need direct, secure file system access over the network. Works reliably across various network configurations (home network, direct Wi-Fi connection).

Requirements: An SFTP client application (e.g., FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, command-line sftp), StellarMate connected to a network accessible by your computer.

How it works: Connect directly to StellarMate’s SFTP server using specific credentials and port number.

Steps:

  • Open your preferred SFTP client software on your computer.

  • Configure a new connection with the following details:

    • Protocol: SFTP

    • Host/Address: stellarmate.local or <StellarMate_IP_Address>

    • Port: 5624 (Note: This is a non-standard port)

    • Username: stellarmate

    • Password: smate

  • Connect to StellarMate.

  • Once connected, navigate to the directory /home/stellarmate/Pictures. This is the default location for captured images and videos, often organized in sub-folders.

  • Use the SFTP client’s interface to download files from StellarMate to your computer or manage files directly.

9.4. 4. EkosLive Cloud Storage

Best for: EkosLive Pro or Ultimate subscribers who want automatic cloud backup of sequence images and access from anywhere with an internet connection.

Requirements: An active EkosLive Pro or Ultimate subscription, “Cloud Storage” feature enabled in Ekos/StellarMate settings before capture, and the StellarMate device must be connected to the internet during the capture sequence.

How it works: When enabled, images captured as part of an Ekos sequence are automatically uploaded to your EkosLive cloud storage.

Steps:

  • Ensure you have an active Pro/Ultimate subscription and have enabled Cloud Storage within your Ekos settings for the desired sequence(s).

  • Run your capture sequence while ensuring StellarMate has a stable internet connection.

  • After the capture (or even during, as uploads happen), log in to your account on the ekoslive.com website.

  • Navigate to your cloud storage section to view and download your sequence images.

Note: This method primarily applies to images captured via Ekos sequences configured for cloud upload. Videos, planetary recordings, or single snapshots taken outside these sequences are generally not uploaded via this method.

Choose the method that best suits your workflow and technical setup to easily manage your astrophotography data captured with StellarMate.