# OnStep Controller2

> Telescope mount Hand Controller App for OnStep.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.onstepcontroller2](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.onstepcontroller2)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.onstepcontroller2`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** OnCue
- **Category:** EDUCATION
- **Downloads:** 20,234
- **Rating:** 4.43 / 5 (224 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.660
- **Last updated:** 2025-03-01
- **First published:** 2014-01-20
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 4.36 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onstepcontroller2)
- **Website:** [http://www.stellarjourney.com](http://www.stellarjourney.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.stellarjourney.com/privacy.html](http://www.stellarjourney.com/privacy.html)

## Description

OnStep Controller2 is a powerful Android app designed as a hand controller for OnStep computerized telescope mounts. This DIY Goto controller app enables users to operate most telescope functions seamlessly through Bluetooth or Wifi, transforming your Android phone or tablet into a smart mount control device.

Users can configure, initialize, and align their telescope mounts, park the system, program Periodic Error Correction (PEC), and navigate to celestial objects effortlessly. The app includes comprehensive catalogs such as the Moon, Planets, NGC/IC, Herschel 400, Messier objects, and named bright stars for easy selection and tracking. For detailed connection instructions and additional information, users are encouraged to consult the OnStep Wiki at the provided link.

## Rankings

- #432,068 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.hardware.location.gps`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`

## Review summary

OnStep Controller2 is praised for its rich features, easy setup, and stable integration with telescope hardware, especially replacing older hand controllers and enhancing user experience. Users appreciate its open-source nature and continuous development. However, multiple users report frequent app unresponsiveness and freezes, impacting usability. A few features such as accurate UTC offset handling, PEC index indicator, and enhanced focus controls are missing or need improvements.

### Pros

- Easy setup and connection.
- Rich features making it a complete and easy to use telescope control app.
- Effective replacement for traditional hand controllers and other control methods, especially with Bluetooth integration.
- Stable operation with OnStepX and useful for observations without a PC.
- Open-source project with strong community appreciation and continuous improvements.

### Cons

- App frequently becomes unresponsive or freezes, causing pop-up errors every few seconds.
- UTC offset settings are inaccurate, requiring a manual hour adjustment.
- Missing some features like PEC index indicator and polar hour angle calculator for better debugging and alignment.
- Lack of certain controls like a slide bar for focus adjustment instead of just buttons.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.onstepcontroller2)