Software

PiFinder update restores Comets menu and equipment deletion crashes

Thursday, June 19, 2025

The PiFinder v2.2.1 release improves stability when deleting gear, resumes normal shipping after a brief delay, and includes important fixes for users managing equipment, most notably, the PiFinder update restores Comets menu functionality for easier object tracking.

PiFinder version 2.2.1 has been released, and while it's a small update, it fixes a couple of specific issues that were affecting some users. The biggest fix is the return of the Comets menu item, which had gone missing under the “Objects” section. That’s now back in place. This update also fixes several crash scenarios tied to the newer equipment system, especially when deleting gear entries. If you had issues with the software crashing while managing your list of scopes, mounts, or other equipment, this version should be more stable.

PiFinder update restores Comets menu and equipment deletion crashes

This release doesn't add new features, but it’s important if you've been using the new equipment system or rely on comet tracking. According to the changelog, this update was pushed with three commits since the last version.

Alongside the software release, PiFinder’s creator confirmed that production has resumed after a short pause. The delay was tariff-related and has since been resolved. Orders are shipping again with a lead time of about five business days. That means if you’ve been waiting to buy a kit or prebuilt unit, availability is good and turnaround is back to normal.

In addition to the update and resumed production, PiFinder will have a presence at the Golden State Star Party. If you’re attending GSSP, you’ll be able to see the latest hardware and software in action. The developer behind the project will be onsite doing live demos, observing, and testing some new hardware and features that haven't been released yet. It’s a good chance to see how the system works in person, ask questions, or just talk gear.

For those not familiar, PiFinder is a DIY telescope positioning system that uses a Raspberry Pi, camera, and a small OLED screen interface. It was built to improve accuracy for push-to telescopes without relying on encoder systems. It solves plate positions using the onboard camera and uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track motion in between solves. It has a built-in catalog, lets you search for objects right on the screen, and guides you to targets using real-time overlays. It also supports observation logging and can integrate with apps like SkySafari over WiFi.

It’s fully open source and has documentation for both building your own and for using prebuilt or upgrade kits. All the software and instructions live on GitHub, and there's a full build guide, parts list, and usage manual. There is also a Discord server if you want to get help building one or troubleshooting any issues.

This update doesn’t change how PiFinder works on the surface, but it clears up a couple annoying bugs that users reported, especially around the newer equipment tracking tools. The return of the Comets menu is helpful for those planning summer observing runs, especially with several visible comets expected over the next few months. If you’re already using a v2.0.0 or newer build, the update should be straightforward. Just follow the standard image replacement or software upgrade process outlined in the documentation.

The PiFinder project continues to be maintained actively with small but consistent updates. This release comes two days after the last commit and shows the developer is paying attention to bug reports and feedback. The gear management feature introduced in recent versions added flexibility, but also introduced some instability. This patch should help smooth that out.

For people looking to get started with a PiFinder, the parts can still be ordered individually for DIY builds, or you can order preassembled versions or kits. Either way, the project is designed for amateur astronomers who want a self-contained finder system that doesn’t rely on phones or tablets during a session. The whole unit can mount right by the eyepiece and has a red OLED screen with adjustable brightness so it won’t ruin your night vision.

If you're planning to go to GSSP, it’s a good chance to see how PiFinder performs under real skies. Whether you’re already using one or just curious about building your own, the developer will be around to chat and show off some in-progress features. Given how open and responsive the project has been, it’s a solid opportunity to give feedback or suggest things you’d like to see added.

So to recap: version 2.2.1 is out now, it restores the Comets menu, fixes several equipment-related crashes, and the prebuilt image is ready to download. Shipping and production are back on track after a brief delay, and the PiFinder team will be doing demos at GSSP. If you haven’t updated yet, now’s a good time to grab the new version, especially if you’re managing gear lists or tracking comets.