What Makes Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 Stand Out?
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 isn’t exactly the kind of product that sets hearts racing with excitement, unlike a new high-powered optic or a cutting-edge survival knife. However, for amateur astronomers using Celestron computerized telescopes, this little device can be a game-changer. It’s a simple, yet crucial, adapter that allows you to connect multiple accessories to your telescope mount when you’re short on auxiliary ports.
What led me to this product was the frustration of constantly swapping cables when using my StarSense AutoAlign and a hand controller. With only one aux port on my Celestron Advanced VX mount, managing multiple accessories was becoming a real astronomical inconvenience. I was spending more time fiddling with cables in the dark than actually observing the cosmos.
Unboxing the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 was fairly uneventful, as one might expect. The splitter is a small, lightweight piece of molded plastic with three 6-pin auxiliary ports. My initial thought was, “It’s smaller than I expected,” followed by a sense of relief. It felt sturdy enough, though I wouldn’t want to drop it from a great height.
I considered building my own splitter, researching online guides and sourcing the necessary components. However, the potential for damaging my mount’s electronics with a poorly made DIY solution steered me towards the Celestron product. The peace of mind knowing that it’s designed and tested by Celestron was worth the premium.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While it wasn’t glamorous, the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 promised to solve a real problem, and that was exciting enough for me. The price point of $41.99 initially seemed a bit steep for what it is, but if it delivered on its promise, it would be a worthwhile investment in my stargazing experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 was at my usual dark-sky observing location, about an hour outside of the city. The main goal was to use both the StarSense AutoAlign and the hand controller simultaneously. The night was clear, cool, and blessedly free of mosquitos.
The setup was straightforward. I connected the splitter to the mount’s single auxiliary port, plugged the StarSense into one of the splitter’s ports, and the hand controller into the other. Everything powered up without a hitch. The StarSense aligned the telescope as expected, and the hand controller worked seamlessly for manual adjustments. It was like a weight had been lifted.
The only minor issue I encountered was cable management. With two devices plugged into the splitter, there were now more cables to contend with, but this was easily solved with a few Velcro straps. Under these relatively ideal conditions, the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 performed flawlessly, living up to my hopes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 during numerous observing sessions, I can confidently say it’s a reliable piece of equipment. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from near-freezing to quite warm, and it’s never given me any problems. There are no signs of wear and tear on the plastic housing or the connectors.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent; I simply wipe it down with a dry cloth occasionally to remove any dust or grime. The splitter has consistently performed as expected, making my observing sessions much more enjoyable and efficient. It’s a simple device, but it does its job consistently and without fuss.
Before the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919, I was constantly disconnecting and reconnecting accessories, which introduced the risk of damaging the connectors on both the mount and the accessories. This splitter has eliminated that risk and streamlined my setup process considerably. The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 has exceeded my expectations for what a simple splitter can do by providing consistent functionality, enhancing the convenience of my astrophotography hobby.
Breaking Down the Features of Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919
Specifications
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 is a passive device, meaning it doesn’t require any external power source to operate.
- Dual 6-pin auxiliary port input: This allows the simultaneous connection of two accessories that use a standard Celestron 6-pin auxiliary port.
- Single 6-pin auxiliary port output: This connects directly to the Celestron mount’s auxiliary port.
- Required accessory for connecting StarSense Accessory to Celestron mounts with only one hand controller port: This is its primary purpose, addressing a common limitation of older Celestron mounts.
These specifications matter because they directly address the limited connectivity of many Celestron mounts. By providing two auxiliary ports from a single connection, the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 enables users to take full advantage of their telescope’s capabilities without constantly swapping cables. It is especially relevant for users who own a StarSense AutoAlign accessory in addition to other peripherals.
Performance & Functionality
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 performs its job admirably. It simply splits the signal from the mount’s auxiliary port into two, allowing two devices to communicate with the mount simultaneously. There is no noticeable degradation in performance or functionality when using the splitter.
The main strength of the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 is its simplicity and reliability. It works exactly as advertised, and it’s easy to set up and use. The only potential improvement would be to include a short cable management strap to help organize the additional cables.
Overall, the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 meets and exceeds expectations. It’s a simple solution to a common problem, and it performs its function flawlessly.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 is adequate. The plastic housing feels reasonably sturdy, and the connectors are well-made. Its lightweight design is a plus.
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 is incredibly user-friendly; there’s no learning curve whatsoever. Simply plug it in, and it works.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on several months of use, the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 appears to be durable enough for its intended purpose. With careful handling, it should last for many years. The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 requires almost zero maintenance, enhancing user convenience.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 does not come with any accessories, nor does it offer any customization options. Its functionality is limited to splitting the auxiliary port signal. However, the beauty of this product is that it expands the overall accessory compatibility of the mount by allowing more than one accessory to be connected at a time.
Pros and Cons of Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919
Pros
- Enables simultaneous use of multiple accessories on Celestron mounts with only one auxiliary port.
- Simple and reliable operation, with no noticeable performance degradation.
- Easy to set up and use, with no learning curve.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Eliminates the need to constantly swap cables, reducing the risk of damage to connectors.
Cons
- Price may seem a bit high for a simple splitter.
- Adds additional cable clutter.
- No included cable management accessories.
Who Should Buy Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919?
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 is perfect for amateur astronomers who own a Celestron computerized telescope mount with only one auxiliary port and want to use multiple accessories simultaneously, such as the StarSense AutoAlign, GPS module, or hand controller.
This product is less essential for those who only use one accessory at a time, or who own a mount with multiple auxiliary ports.
A must-have accessory to consider alongside the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 would be Velcro cable ties, which help keep the added cable clutter organized.
Conclusion on Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919
The Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 is a simple, yet indispensable accessory for many Celestron telescope users. It effectively solves the problem of limited auxiliary ports, allowing for a more streamlined and enjoyable observing experience.
While the price may seem a bit steep for what it is, the convenience and reliability it offers are well worth the investment. The value proposition lies in the enhanced functionality and reduced hassle it brings to your astrophotography or stargazing setup.
I would absolutely recommend the Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919 to anyone who owns a Celestron mount with only one auxiliary port and wants to use multiple accessories simultaneously. Don’t let limited connectivity hold you back from exploring the cosmos to its fullest. Grab a Celestron Aux Port Splitter 93919, simplify your setup, and get back to enjoying the wonders of the night sky.