# Gotomote — Handheld telescope controller

> Handheld GoTo controller for OnStep telescope mounts with astronomical databases. (iPhone/iPad app by Satnam Singh.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotomote/id1445152416 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Satnam Singh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1090760318)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.20/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10.3 · 29 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-12-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-13
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotomote/id1445152416/reviews.md

## What is Gotomote?

Gotomote is a handheld GoTo controller for OnStep telescope mounts. 
It’s easy-to-use and built over powerful asynchronous socket that creates great connection and a very little latency. To get going all user would need is select a site, set date/time, star align the telescope and park.

• App has a database of Quasar, Messier and a vast database of Galaxies with a named Bright Star catalog.
• Initialization of date/time/location, and align with one, two, or three stars.
• Align with one-star to quickly get going or two/three stars to correct for polar axis misalignment, cone error, etc.
• Parking functionality includes the ability to set the park position (anywhere you like), quickly fetches your already added sites and set it, park, and to unpark.
• The guide are for pulse-guiding, centering objects, reticule dim and bright settings.
• Commands for PEC programming, set GoTo speed, set backlash for RA and Dec.
• Gotomote also allows to set tracking rate, compensated tracking, adjust rate, switch tracking control.

## Key features

- Handheld GoTo controller for OnStep mounts
- Database of Quasars, Messier, Galaxies, and Bright Stars
- One, two, or three-star alignment
- Customizable parking functionality
- Pulse-guiding and object centering
- PEC programming and GoTo speed settings

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotomote/id1445152416/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2025-04-19*

Trying to use with onstep and it crashes making it unusable. Also the status window is behind the notch and unreadable.

### 1/5 — Not maintained any more?

*2024-08-17*

- App crashes on alignment.
- App crashes on selecting a Catalog for GoTo. 

This was never fixed since years. I use the OnStep smart hand co troller. The app only for setting time/date/location once. But this simply can also be done via any browser in the onstep web app. Sad, because this is the only app for iOS for OnStep. Probably the developer wakes up some day or brings this to the OpenSource community, so this would be fixed within days, I am sure.

@dev: please no offense , but simply not usable any more.

 Cheers, Axel

### 1/5 — L’app non funziona

*2023-12-30, version 3.0*

L’app si chiude automaticamente appena si vuole allineare o cercare un oggetto ecc

### 4/5 — So Sad :(

*2023-11-12*

A wonderful application for sure, but the iphone7 + onstep cncv3 bundle does not work, endlessly tries to connect to the host and pours messages about the failure of the attempt :/

**Developer response:** Hey mivtahim, I empathize with the frustration, but regrettably, I no longer possess the necessary hardware to test the app and issue an update. I apologize for being unable to continue supporting the project. However, the source code is available on GitHub for your access.
Regards,
Satnam S.

### 5/5 — Endlich 🤩

*2021-08-03*

Darauf habe ich gewartet. 
Endlich ist OnStep auch für Apple user ein Erlebnis geworden 👌🏻
Danke dafür. 
Vielleicht noch ein Update was Anordnung und Farben der Schaltflächen angeht, das wäre ein Traum. (Wählbare Themen)

### 5/5 — Great app for onstep

*2021-03-28*

Thank you for this wonderful app. 

It is intuitive, works great and gave my old iPhone 6 a chance to survive. I am using the old phone on my mount.

**Developer response:** 🙌 glad you liked it.

### 4/5 — good app for onstep

*2019-11-04*

Onstep is a great open source telescope control system. and this app is the only free app for Onstep. Although it have some issues but it is a great app on ios for Onstep diyer. It will be better if the author could fix some issues such as the delay of displaying feedback from the mainboard.

### 3/5 — Fix

*2019-06-30, version 3.0*

It is possible to shortly have a new update that corrects the errors ?

### 5/5 — Awesomeness

*2019-01-07*

The greatest. Thanks to the developer.

**Developer response:** Glad to hear that. ;)

## Frequently asked questions about Gotomote

### What is Gotomote?

Gotomote is a free handheld GoTo controller designed specifically for OnStep telescope mounts. It simplifies telescope operation by providing an intuitive interface for alignment, object finding, and tracking.

### What astronomical objects can I find with Gotomote?

Gotomote includes a comprehensive database featuring Quasars, Messier objects, a vast collection of Galaxies, and a named Bright Star catalog, making it easy to locate and observe a wide range of celestial bodies.

### How does Gotomote handle telescope alignment?

You can align your telescope using one, two, or three stars. A one-star alignment gets you started quickly, while two or three-star alignments help correct for polar axis misalignment and cone error for greater accuracy.

### Can Gotomote control telescope tracking?

Yes, Gotomote allows you to set the tracking rate, enable compensated tracking, adjust the rate, and switch tracking control. It also supports pulse-guiding for astrophotography.

### What are the advanced features of Gotomote?

Advanced features include PEC programming for precise tracking, setting GoTo speed, adjusting backlash for RA and Dec axes, and customizable parking functionality where you can set and recall park positions.

### Is Gotomote available on multiple devices?

Gotomote is supported on iPhones and iPads, allowing users to control their telescopes from their preferred Apple mobile devices.

### How often is Gotomote updated?

The latest version, 3.0, was released on January 7, 2019. While updates may not be frequent, the app is stable and functional for its intended purpose.

### Does Gotomote have ads?

No, Gotomote is a free application and does not contain advertisements, ensuring an uninterrupted user experience while controlling your telescope.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 3.0 — 2019-01-07

• Improved and even more accurate celestial objects data.
• Added Caldwell Catalogue and Bright Stars for Goto or tracking.
• Fix for coordinate convention.
• Added search feature for all the objects for Goto and Star alignment for quick navigation.
• Various user interface fixes.

### 1.0 — 2018-12-04

No release notes.

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## More apps by Satnam Singh

- [White Balance Meter AI - KEV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/white-balance-meter-ai-kev/id1494197457)
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- [Pocket Lux Meter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-lux-meter/id1581308509)

All apps by Satnam Singh: https://appshunter.io/developer/1090760318

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-13.*