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Install on your SBC

Debian 13 on an iOptron iMate

Flash Debian 13 (Trixie) and install AlpacaBridge on the iOptron iMate (an Orange Pi 3 under the hood) to turn it into a networked gear-control server.

iOptron iMate
Debian 13 (Trixie)Orange Pi 3

Prerequisites​

Simply follow the instructions here iMate Install or click the video below.

Easy to undo

Want the stock iMate back later? iOptron publishes the factory image and a reload guide. See Restore the stock iOptron image below.

Watch the video

Once the iMate is loaded, SSH into the device before continuing. Use one of the following SSH clients depending on your operating system:

  • Windows: MobaXterm (or PuTTY, or Windows Terminal)
  • macOS: Terminal (built-in)
  • Linux: Terminal (built-in)

Connect using:

ssh <username>@<hostname>

Once connected, run the following command to update the operating system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y && sudo reboot

Install AlpacaBridge​

Your board is ready. Continue to Install & Configure AlpacaBridge to add the OpenAstro APT repository, install the service, and set up your devices.

Restore the stock iOptron image​

Want to go back to the factory iMate software? iOptron publishes the stock image and a step-by-step reload guide on their support site: iMate IMG file and reload instructions.

In short:

  1. Download the iMate IMG Reload/Upgrade Instruction PDF from the page above and read it first.
  2. Download the stock iMate IMG file. It is large (about 30 GB), so use a fast, stable connection.
  3. Download the USB Imager Writer tool from the same page and use it to write the image back to the iMate, following the PDF.

If you would rather not reflash it yourself, iOptron also offers to restore the unit for you through their service department.