A maker named Shabaz has made a new portable Starmap that provides a convenient way for enthusiasts to explore the cosmos. Unlike traditional star charts, this compact device is designed to be easily used in remote locations without needing internet connectivity. The Starmap uses a 1.28” GC9A01 round TFT LCD screen with a 240x240 resolution, typically found in cheap smartwatches and is powered by an Arduino UNO R4 Minima with a bit of hardware modification. Along with it, a 1 MByte flash memory chip is used to store the star chart data.
The visibility of stars depends on the observer's location on Earth, and the Starmap addresses this by incorporating a GPS receiver module to determine the user's coordinates. An Arduino sketch calculates the positions of visible stars using GPS data and displays them on the screen, offering users a real-time map of the stars visible from their location. For power, it can be connected to a USB battery bank, making it ideal for off-grid use during camping trips or nights in rural areas.
Future enhancements could include scaling up to a larger display or adapting the project to control a telescope, making Shabaz’s portable Starmap a practical and educational tool for amateur astronomers and enthusiasts. If you are interested in making one you will find Shabz’s detailed Youtube video much helpful.
