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Install & configure

Configure AlpacaBridge

Once AlpacaBridge is installed, everything happens in the browser. Open the web UI, add your gear, and it's on the network, ready for the imaging app you already use. Here's the whole flow.

Web UI on port 6800Auto-discovered by Alpaca apps

Open the web UI​

After installing AlpacaBridge, open a browser on any device on the same network and go to:

http://<your-sbc>:6800/

Replace <your-sbc> with your board's hostname or IP address, for example http://raspberrypi.local:6800/. AlpacaBridge runs as a service and starts on boot, so it's always waiting for you.

Can't reach it?

If the .local hostname doesn't resolve, use the SBC's IP address instead (e.g. http://192.168.1.207:6800/). You can find it from your router, or by running hostname -I on the board.

Add a device​

Open the Configure tab and add each piece of gear in four quick choices:

  1. Device Type

    Choose the type: Camera, Telescope (mount), Focuser, Filter Wheel, Rotator, Cover Calibrator, Switch, or Observing Conditions.

  2. Vendor

    Pick the vendor. This is the driver. There's no model to select; the driver auto-detects whatever you have connected.

  3. Connection

    Most USB devices are detected automatically. Mounts can connect over Serial/USB or Network/Wi-Fi.

  4. Add Device

    Click Add Device. It appears on the Devices tab, ready to use.

Want to practice first? Walk through the interactive demo. Same interface, no hardware needed.

Check the Devices tab​

The Devices tab lists everything you've configured. Click Details on any device to see its Alpaca endpoint (e.g. /api/v1/camera/0), Unique ID, vendor, and SDK version. That's handy when you're confirming a connection or troubleshooting.

Connect your imaging app​

AlpacaBridge devices are discovered automatically over the network. Point Ara, APT, CCDciel, N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro, SharpCap, or Voyager at your SBC and your gear shows up in the device choosers. No drivers to install, no ASCOM Platform.

Managing the server

The Server Info tab shows server details, lets you set your observatory location, adjust log levels, and restart or shut down the service.

Not sure what works? See the full Supported Drivers list. And remember, other models from the same brand generally work too.