ASIAir with SkyGuider Pro / Star Adventurer - Updated Tutorial

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Hi Peter....I'm glad I stumbled across your excellent video in 2022 after the ASIAIR Plus came out and the mount firmware has evolved. You really had to navigate through a field of glitches and work arounds to make your gear work. Great job. I look forward to your instructional videos moving forward. You really have a patient, methodical approach to teaching.

[@billpowell5931]

So many steps. However, you covered it very well. Noobies like me will need to watch several times to get all the details. Thanks for taking the time to describe this whole process. :-)

[@freddyacosta2358]

You have the best videos. You explain clearly with every single device you work with. Thank you!

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Peter, you have a very smooth approach to explain a bit complex things. Excellent video on ASIAIR!

[@IcedReaver]

Hi Peter, thanks for this awesome video. You're a great teacher because you explained this in detail, yet didn't make it sound difficult at all. I had been wondering how a guide scope and the ASIAir would work with my Star Adventurer Pro and now I know!

[@allenlloyd1074]

Excellent video. Expertly delivered and easy to follow

[@bakerc]

Thanks to your last version of this I got my ASI Air working perfectly, polar aligned within 2 arc minutes (took me 20 minutes), only to immediately kick my tripod while trying to align on my target lol

[@PeterZelinka]

Hahaha I do that all the time!

[@joeshmoe7967]

Don't you hate it when that happens!! I have done it almost every time, I go out...

[@brooksrafael5246]

You prolly dont care but does any of you know a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can give me

[@antoniodominik2975]

@Brooks Rafael Instablaster =)

[@brooksrafael5246]

@Antonio Dominik I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@ronmacaluso334]

Just starting out in this is there a way to run your dslr from the ASIAIR after you use the guide camera and scope to set it up, like a intervalometer. I'm using a full spectrum Rebel T6i0 and Canon 24mm 1.8, getting setup to do Milkyway shoots next month , then I'll focus on deep sky with a 70-200mm. I have the ASIAIR pro kit2. Keep up the good work and if you have this in more detail on your tutorials let me know. thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@martynjohnstone6022]

Thank you for this video, it was very, very helpful; just what I needed.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Thank you for mentioning the L bracket.

[@gloomiehoodie]

Great video Peter! By time I finish doing all of that, the sun is already out.... :/ Ouchphotography...you invest tons of money + tons of hours = divorced and broke...lol

[@Hughejazshole]

Might be a dumb question but is this the skyguider pro with the ipolar or scope? Thanks

[@vertisce2845]

I would hang that battery under your tripod to help stabilize the setup. Why don't you mount the guide scope directly to the top of the SpaceCat?

[@PeterZelinka]

I finally got that saddle bar piece, I'll be doing a video on it soon.

[@ergio1]

Great video Peter! Best available!! Thanks so much for sharing... I’m guessing that I’m not using a dsrl but just another ZWO camera the process should be mostly the same?

[@hugoespina1557]

Este modelo de asiar funciona. Con el priler modelo de start adventure? Gracias

[@waynearnoldCanada]

Hi Peter. What was the problem with mounting the scope on the hotshoe of the dslr? Wondering if I need to get an L bracket etc or should I just wait as I have the guide scope ordered. Just got my Asiair pro 😃

[@mikecarroll757]

One question I had with the asiair ( around 17:00) -or maybe just polar alignment in general with the SGP, are you returning the scope back to it's upright starting position to make the PA adjustments, or after you rotate it ~60 deg, are you making the adjustments?

[@tsk1979]

Hi what about GOTO mounts like SmartEQ Pro+? ZWO says I should connect the ASIAIR to the Autoguider and also connect ASIAIR to the Hand controller so it can do both GOTO as well as Guiding

[@hollyanderson-ross665]

Don't suppose you have a link to the l bracket and arca clamp you used? Not sure which to buy!

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Does the ASI Air have a goto capability?

[@mwales2112]

Peter, Can I use my laptop for controlling the ASIAIR and not my phone (old eyes, small screen)? If so what software? Thank you

[@rameshtahlan]

Hi, When you went to GUIDE SETTINGS, I don't see any options for Declination cause I have the iOptron Sky Guider Pro, and i need to deselect the DEC to OFF. I have watched many of your videos and love them.

[@PeterZelinka]

You'll see it on the graph, not in the Guide Settings. Once you have the graph opened up in the Guiding Interface, look in the lower left and it should say "Dec : Auto/OFF/ON" . Just click whatever is listed until it says off.

[@tizocsuarez7772]

Hi and Question: Easy to follow, thank you for all your videos. What would be the procedure if you can NOT see polaris, i live in Costa Rica and due to my latitude (9.9) and the mountains, i can not see polaris. so what do you recommend for this?

[@PeterZelinka]

Living near the equator is always tough for astrophotography. The polar alignment process works by identifying stars near the North Celestial Pole (which is right next to Polaris). Therefore, if you can see Polaris, I don't think it will work. Usually people living near the equator have to do a drift alignment. I have never done that before though, so I'm not much help.

[@tizocsuarez7772]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Congratulations again for your videos, always great advice and inspiration. Thanks from Costa Rica

[@ldipenti]

Hi Peter, didn't know that the ASIAir was used also for PA. Can you tell me how do you properly align your DSLR (or guide cam) with the mount so that you're sure the PA process will be valid? I ask because I currently own a iOptron SkyTracker Pro with an iPolar electronic polar finder that goes inside the optical polar finder socket inside the mount, so in my case it's automatically alined with the mount's RA axis. I believe that if I'm going to use the DSLR or a guide camera attached to the DSLR, it may be possible to make mistakes by starting the PA process with the camera pointing a bit off the mount's RA axis, making the entire effort worthless. Is my thought process correct? I'm really interested because I'm thinking about upgrading to the SkyGuider Pro and would be nice to be able to avoid purchasing it with the iPolar if the ASIAir already does its job. Thanks!

[@PeterZelinka]

Hmmm, it's going to be tough to do this on a SkyTracker Pro, unless you are using the optional counterweight kit (and I hate that thing, and don't recommend it!) The way the ASIAir Pro polar alignment works, is that your guide scope is pointed up towards Polaris. The auto-guider takes a photo of the stars. Then you rotate your entire declination bracket, camera, and counterweight down about 60 degrees. The auto-guider takes another photo of the stars. Based on the rotation of things, it's able to determine your polar alignment error. However, I don't know how well this would work on the SkyTracker Pro (because of it's crappy counterweight system) If you did decide to upgrade to the SkyGuider Pro, save yourself some frustration and money, and just get the old polar scope version, not the new iPolar version.

[@ldipenti]

@@PeterZelinka Thanks Peter. Sorry, I forgot to mention that indeed I have the counterweight kit on the SkyTracker, and use a ballhead as a "dec bracket" by locking it and adjusting the panning. My question was more torwards its use with the SkyGuider as I believe its dec bracket doesn't have a locked position that aligns with the mount's RA axis, correct? So what I understand from your explanation is that because the ASIAir requests to rotate 60 degrees, it's able to calculate the error that way, and that's really good news for me, thanks again!

[@ramsreyna251]

Does this work with the ioptron ipolar scope?

[@nickesposito569]

No, I emailed zwo and they said it's not compatible.

[@ramsreyna251]

@@nickesposito569 damn....

[@KrishnaVinod]

Funnily, it would actually be easier for them to align with they polar scope, but they would have to modify their PA algorithm. Current algorithm- 1) plate-solve 2) direct use to rotate about RA axis and plate-solve again 3) based on data from 1 & 2 determine point about which the rotation is occurring 4) direct user to move base to align rotation point to NCP With the polar scope, no need to do 2) & 3) above (and it's not even possible). Just the initial plate solve gives the image center as the point which the base is pointed to. So algorithm with polar scope would be- 1) plate solve and identify point about which rotation is occurring 2) direct user to move base to align rotation point to NCP So, I think it's something they could support in the future easily with a FW update. But can't count on it happening.

[@ridersdiary1868]

@Peter Zelinka sir, i have a Skywatcher Star Adventurer Pro, no tripod. Can i use the iOptron Skyguider tripod with my Star Adventurer?thanks

[@PeterZelinka]

Yeah, you should be able to install that SkyWatcher base onto the iOptron tripod. They should all use the same size screw

[@ralphwatson7036]

Been trying to find the Asiair bundle since I watched this video. Still no luck. Wondering if Peter's video caused the backorder?

[@PeterZelinka]

I've heard a rumor they are releasing a new version in December, which might explain why they are so hard to find now.

[@sirmeowcelot]

check this out. optcorp.com/products/zwo-asiair-pro-wi-fi-camera-controller-for-zwo-asi-cameras?gclid=CjwKCAiA_f3uBRAmEiwAzPuaM8vvP5IbPspGnHHcvsqd_pbM1OA_QWfr77FGImzTFIxpCd65P6ODPxoCJiAQAvD_BwE

[@guillaumefo]

but how does it connect your DSLR camera to the asiair ?

[@PeterZelinka]

You can connect your DSLR to the ASIAir via a USB cable. However, the software really isn't great when using a DSLR. I'd rather just control the camera manually

[@linconator_4600]

Has anyone auto guided using telephoto lenses on a star adventurer?

[@curlingdan]

FBI Surveillance Truck 2 ??? hahahaha. Funny !

[@Chris_NGC6188Ara]

I can't get it to find my main camera (Canon 3Ti - 600D) I have enabled the HDMI on the camera. Any ideas guys? It picks up my guide scope no problems there at all.

[@chemtrail_brew_Que]

You have to use the USB plug, not the HDMI

[@IntheDraft7]

Ha! My home network is FBI Surveillance Van!

[@jonberg469]

I gave up on autoguiding last trip out on my asi air skyguider pro set up. I was able to get round stars at 2 mins @600mm focal length shooting m42. I'm glad I ditched it and started imaging. 50% of the time I find it just wastes my time.

[@0815mkl]

The WiFi name before you connect to the AISAir, "FBI Surveillance Truck 3" - exact my sense of humor. And even an CIA-Node 5G close by. Your neighbors love you, right? :-) Thanks for the tutorial, a small guiding rig is the next of my list once I got my first steps in astrophotography.

[@M31glow]

Hi Peter, Maybe you can McGyver a strap you connect to underneath your tripod where it looks like you have a D-ring thumb screw and hang the battery pack from under the tripod. It would stabilize your tripod ... lower the center of gravity. This is especially helpful it's a bit windy or a gust of wind comes along. It would also solve the short cable issue. Great video!

[@pdu999]

Whether you use Asiair or StellarMate (similar but much more comprehensive), the problem is, you have to tie up your WiFi with the raspberry. My Canon uses WiFi for its own excellent view and control. Don’t want to tie up my camera OR, tie up my Celphone. My best option has been Lacerta’s MGEN (version 3 just out), that has all this stuff, does it better, faster, more simply, using an AI learning capability far better than Sharpcap and PHD2. On its own color, simple screen. Takes all this complexity and simplifies it, reducing weight, cost overall, better camera, 100-star tracking, dark frames, battery use, wire nests, and improving tracking best I’ve seen. I don’t work for Lacerta lol, but if you’ve not yet bought all these widgets, the cost of one unit like MGEN3 might greatly increase the simplicity and reliability of your setup. It’s given professional astronomy good results, too.

[@Myu007]

Hi, Thanks for the tutorial. If I want to use new Asiair Mini( current version do not have DC5v to USB power supply cable) except to buy DC Adapter/ DC to Dc cables . Does that mean i cannot with Cellphone Power bank chargers? Any info will get appreciated. thank you.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Thank you Peter. Your tutorials are way better than ZWO’s manual/instructions or lack thereof. Currently taking images of the North American and Pelican nebulae. Hoping to get more two nights of shooting with hydrogen alpha and cls-CCD to combine. Wishing all clear skies!

[@o0L4nc3r0o]

Hey Peter Zelinka, This might be a stupid question, but when Polar Aligning with the Guidecam, does the tracker need to be turned on (tracking the stars), or does it have to be off? I'm using a Star Adventurer Pro, ASIair V1, Orion 50mm Deluxe Guide Scope and ZWO ASI 120MC-S. I have experience in Polar Alignment and Guiding in PHD2 (Polar Drift Alignment), but only recently bought me a used ASIair. Someone told me that I had to turn off the Star Adventurer while Polar Aligning, which sounds odd to me...

[@PeterZelinka]

This updated tutorial shows how to do your polar alignment without a DSLR connection. Now you can do everything with just an auto-guider! This is my preferred workflow. The updated section begins at 19:12 Basically, you just need to swap your auto-guider from the main camera to the guiding camera. This will allow you to use it for both polar alignment and guiding. First, you want to choose your auto-guider as the "Main Camera" at the start. Also, use your guide scope's focal length for the "Main Scope". Now you can run through the Polar Alignment process as normal. Once you've completed the Polar Alignment, you'll need to go into the Camera Settings menu and turn off your auto-guider and put the main camera to "None". Now go to the Guide Settings tab and choose the auto-guider. At this point you're ready to guide! Pretty simple to do, and no DSLR connection required!

[@bakerc]

So you don't use the ASI Air to control the camera at all? Is that a preference thing or is do you find the ASI Air limiting?

[@PeterZelinka]

@@bakerc Both really. It's nice to see a preview on your phone, but I find it very limiting and a bit cumbersome to actually take photos using the ASIAir. I still prefer doing things the old fashioned way, with my external remote connected to the DSLR.

[@bakerc]

Thanks, that's good to know. I also find it a bit cumbersome but felt as I already have it plugged it I may as well just leave it all as is once I'm set up rather than risk losing alignment doing unnecessary recabling..

[@salazarmauricio2011]

Great tutorial! Southern hemisphere polar alignment is not supported?

[@PeterZelinka]

@@salazarmauricio2011 The ASIAir should be able to do a polar alignment in the southern hemisphere. Check their website for more information

[@mikegorecki345]

Great and helpful video... I have a question ...I am using star adventurer 2i and wondering if you know about guiding with the 2i and mini. The star adventurer manual says guiding only works in the console app in astrophotography mode. This means I have to have both the SA app and asiair app running . is this correct or do I just use the asiair connected to the guide port and regular sidereal tracking. I hope this makes sense

[@priteshpardeshi5842]

This is an excellent video, just what I needed! I have a question about PA, at what point in polar alignment do you turn on the mount?

[@hackperez1625]

Wondering the same thing…

[@fleejay806]

Canon T7 Rebel is one of the tested cameras per manual but it’s not being recognized on the ASIAIR PLUS APP?

[@hibaxxvi]

Thank you very much for the detailed presentation. Is it also possible to use the combination of both devices without visual contact to Polaris? - It should work with GoTo trackers in the meantime.

[@captronsolo8269]

This may be a stupid question, but when doing the polar alignment, should my Star tracker be on or off? Using the Star Adventurer Pro.

[@entropytango5348]

Great tutorial, all I need to do is wait for my ZWO guide cam. I have an70mm F4 guide scope. Hope this will work

[@nilz__]

The reason some Android phones don't connect to the ASIair wifi is because Android notices it can't connect to its servers through the ASIair wifi connection so it just keeps using your mobile data instead. It'll show the wifi icon with an exclamation mark and just ignore it. There is a setting somewhere hidden in the wifi menu that disables this. It's very annoying buy it happens to almost all devices that broadcast wifi without actually being connected to the internet.

[@TedByrneTV]

Great explanation and walk through. Thanks very much! 🙏🏼 🌌 🔭

[@Yiddie]

My question is, you can't touch your camera after guiding has started, but how would check your images while it's guiding to verify there is no trailing going on?

[@andesastro]

Had to pause the video to ask how big is that cat!? Wasnt sure at first if it was a golden retriever, mighty kitten!. PS awesome work on your videos!

[@perfectlylonely]

Made my head explode 🤪 Think I have enough trouble with my Sky-Watcher Mini and Polar Alignment. One day (soon?) someone will have a device that moves your scope into polar alignment automatically.

[@PeterZelinka]

I feel ya! It's taken me a lot of hours to wrap my ahead around all these concepts. It's very overwhelming at times. Yeah, hopefully these companies invest in better tech, now that they are selling a lot of trackers. Some automation would be nice!

[@guillaumefo]

Same here, SAM adventurer mini is a pain in southern hemisphere hahaha I've got a DSLR (no aim camera like ASI120 or 290), and the SAM Mini and am struggling in the southern hemisphere. Does the ASIair work with that setup ?

[@heartsoul4386]

This looks brilliant. Will this work for PA in the southern hemisphere?

[@1337spb]

Check out the wifi names at 10:50

[@fabriksu]

I get my asi air and im frustrating,i look this video hundred time i get the point ,but what i dont understand after polar aligment the targeting the object it must be befor or after aligment done,i am a confusing

[@ShevillMathers]

Hang the battery on the hook on the tripod, improves tripod stability and the cables are closer to the camera. Put the ASIAIR on a tripod leg with a cable tie or Velcro, no table needed. 👍🇦🇺🔭

[@astrojet9484]

Good job!What's the software differenceof the 1gen and pro version?

[@JoseSanchez-rr5zr]

Hi man, all your videos are more than usefull and I love them. Could you please tell me, why did you choose not to use your hot shoe mount anymore?

[@LogansChristmasLights]

Great video. Helped me out immensely getting my ASIAIR and skyguider pro working together.

[@byzcol]

Thanks. Great video. The background track was a little loud and distracting though.

[@wanderingquestions7501]

Your camera w lens must be aligned (true) w/ the mount - before polar alignment

[@ahmedfalih473]

I really enjoyed your video! I have question regarding the sky guider pr with the built in Ipolar. do i need to get the ASIAIR pro with the auto guider or no need for that? Thanks

[@PeterZelinka]

The iPolar will allow you to do a precise polar alignment using iOptrons laptop software. However, it cannot do guiding. Therefore, if you still can't get long enough exposures, you may want to get an auto-guider too

[@TimK-1971]

Peter, why not suspend the battery from the hook under the tripod head? The extra weight will add stability to the tripod.

[@elizabethmacharia9786]

you read my mind

[@BBROPHOTO]

Really awesome video man. This has really helped and can't wait to get mine!

[@rainermenes5921]

Thanks Peter for the informativ video. I already asked myself if the ASIAir might work with the iOptron SkyGuider PRO. The only point I am still worrying is the fact in PA that the DEC and RA axis of the guide or DSLR camera are not 100% aligned to the RA axis of the mount and the DEC is not 100% aligned with the RA axis for step one and that the turn of 60° on RA is not perfect and how these two misconfigurations effect the overall accuracy of the PA? The other questions is how good is the guiding in other words how much longer can you take frames with your DSLR compared to unguided? I guess that the PA is the biggest factor getting a long exposure time. Would be nice if you can share some results.

[@haroldcarlson2775]

I suppose you could always double check your polar alignment with your polar scope after doing it with the ASIAir. Your concern was one of my conerns as well. How do you make sure your camera/lens are 100% aligned with your RA axis? Now I'm trying to find a used ASIAir to purchase!

[@blakenorman4822]

Does the polar align without dslr work the same way with the asiair pro?

[@astrophotonics9470]

Nice presentation, i use a Galaxy tab for the ASI Air, i found the app to be easier to use than the phone. Also i use a wifi extender since the range on the AIR isn't that great.

[@-WhizzBang-]

FBI Surveillance Truck???? LMAO

[@castagniermickael7841]

Thanks for the insights, it helped me a lot :-)

[@michs1708]

before you polar align shouldn't you focus first?

[@nicklazur2264]

Hey Peter, I have a sort of stupid question. When performing the polar align procedure with a Star Adventurer, I would first polar align with the polar scope on the mount while making sure my camera is pointed at Polaris. Since the Star Adventurer doesn't exactly have a 'home' position, how do I make sure my camera and scope are angled correctly in respect to the polar scope? If my camera and scope are off slightly I feel like it will affect my alignment so just curious to hear your thoughts, but I'm also relatively new to this and it might not even be something to worry about. My ASIair Pro will be here in a few days and I want to make sure I'm not overthinking all this, haha. Thanks! Also, is it more beneficial to polar align with my guide camera or main camera? All my DSLRs and 183MC Pro connect to the ASIair Pro so not an issue of not being able to use the main camera but not sure which is better to use for alignment.

[@bddsgn]

I have the same question (aligning the camera with the polar scope), do you have found your answer to this situation? If so, would you like to share?

[@nicklazur2264]

@@bddsgn Since then I’ve found that it doesn’t need to be as perfectly aligned as I previously imagined. Home position can be an estimation and the guide scope doesn’t have to be perfectly centered on the main scope. I do think it helps to have them as closely lined up as possible, but I haven’t had any issues if they were slightly off for a session. It seems that even if I am slightly off the guiding will compensate because I’ve had no issues getting 300’ exposures since the very first time I fired up the ASIair Pro.

[@bddsgn]

@@nicklazur2264 Thank you! Tried this evening but no luck... somehow my menu is not the same, I can't make PA work (no link to PA). Perhaps I am just to tired facing several issues ans skipped the PA this time. Already lost an hour to get things ready for taking pictures.

[@bddsgn]

@@nicklazur2264 Found it... and it works! Not sure how much longer I can shoot but I did have that smiley! ;-)

[@ryanmichaelhaley]

Can the polar alignment work with the iPolar camera?

[@Jason-qt8bm]

I have been watching several of your episodes for the last few hours and appreciate the hard work in creating them! Keep up the great work! Quick question, have you found that using the app on a phone to be hard due to the screen size? I do not have a iPad, only a MS Surface Pro and cell phone. Was wondering what experiences people have had using the app on a phone

[@KrishnaVinod]

Thanks for the update. I have one on back order now. Looking forward to test it out with an old iPad and not have to keep the laptop outside for imaging sessions.

[@mark-dd2oq]

Peter nice video. Can you explain how a Skyguider pro with ipolar might work with this application? I haven't seen a good explanation anywhere.

[@PeterZelinka]

Someone recently commented that the ASIAir does not support the iPolar camera. Therefore, you'd have to use the iPolar software first to do your polar alignment process. Then you can find your object, figure out your settings, and begin guiding with the ASIAir and an auto-guider. Once you start guiding, you can begin taking photos on your DSLR.

[@DaveDurkee]

@@PeterZelinka Unfortunately wouldn't that negate the essence of the ASI Air? To use the iPolar software would require using a computer, something the ASI Air alleviates as required field equipment.

[@PatrickGuerrisi]

Thanks for all your awesome tutorials Peter. DO you have one for the ASI air Pro ? ( new model from ZWO )

[@rameshtahlan]

This is an amazing video. Totally clears up the brain. I must have watched it a dozen times. I wish you would do one for HEQ5 PRO with Canon 5D Mk3 with canon 100-400 lens, though I have to say, and what I can now understand, will just have to connect directly the ASIAir USB Port to the AutoGuider port of HEQ5 PRO, Use the Mini120MM first as the Main Camera in the ASIAir menu for Polar Alignment, then select the Mini 120mm as the Guide Camera, and continue process exactly as in your video, and that is it. Am I right ? OR does the ASIAir need to be connected to the Hand Controller Multi-Purpose Port instead direct to HEQ5 mount. This is the only doubt I have.

[@BRP42]

It's helpful to watch this twice... I went out thinking I knew enough to use everything a couple of nights ago. Everything was connected, but couldn't get the PA to work. It helps if you follow the instructions... I mean it *says* 30 mm on the miniscope box, right? It *also* says 30-120, so set the focal length to 120--dummy! And don't hit "connect," hit "cancel" when it asks... lol. Hopefully, next time I'll get it right! Thanks Peter! Very helpful video.

[@StackingTrucker]

Well I was interested in astrophotography but this all seems like to much work

[@Scrottobaggns]

I can understand why you would think that after watching this, but If you're just beginning don't bother with an auto guider if you have a tracker. The Sky Guide pro as he uses in this video, you'll notice there is a black cap on the back, which he has not unscrewed. That is the built in polar alignment scope and it's extremely accurate if done correctly. It's literally 2 adjustments on the tracker to get it aligned correctly. It keeps my DSLR and 600mm lens perfectly aligned. There are plenty of people out there not using auto guiders.

[@wanderingquestions7501]

You can PA through your guide scope just fine. Simply connect the guide-scope cam to the Previewing Window on the AIR. You can PA just fine that way. I always put my device in airplane mode and then tun on the wifi only. Double check that you device has no Hot Spot connection on. It can still be toggle on when wifi and cell data are off. Be sure hot spot is off Did you say PA with in 10 minutes! That’s crap. It you can’t get closer (better then 30 arc-seconds) then that your camera is not pointed at Polars centered. Remember your FOV on the DSLR might be 10 degrees! You have to have Polaris centered in your DLSR.

[@justjerry1078]

How do you actually take pictures?

[@peterpraum]

Dear Peter. Thanks for this YT video and the perfect “how to do”. I’m a fan from your Tutorial and also bought several of your tutorials. Just a question, when do I switch on my StarTracker? Before Guiding Calibration or after? Thx Peter

[@fermingomezc]

Hi Peter, I am in the seetings in the App an the ASIAir is not talking with tne camera Nikon D7000 how can I fix it and if is not possible fix it how will impact the process in the polar alignment. Thanks for you help

[@tommyknocker9550]

my Polar Alignment won't work. After some tries to finish the plate solving, the mount won't sync and goto the target! It's not possible nearby the NP in 10 degree... Anybody who knows what it means? Second problem, the home position is not correct. Is it possible to correct this?

[@jasonthompson587]

Your videos are always excellent and easy to follow. I am attempting to use the ASIAIR and I have the exact same mount but when I go through the steps I never get the "Rotate" command. It is as if the ASIAIR believes I have a goto mount and I input the same settings (On camera ST4). I have tried switching power to the mount on and off as well. Nothing seems to work and I cannot PA with the ASIAIR, any ideas?

[@AstroDragon33]

Your videos are my go-to first picks. Keep it up. Any chance you can talk about live stacking, or using the iOptron sky tracker (old one) with a dslr tutorial or a nightscape? Or, maybe asi air pro, 294mc pro, goto mount, livestacking outreach to a 4k projector? That's my current project. I got all the gear, now it's time to test and learn.

[@nukpsy]

Peter, you are my HERO!

[@whitefang8329]

I just got all my equipment. Your video very helpful. It is actually pretty complicated for the first time. So many settings and cables.

[@ShevillMathers]

Both camera’s need to be focused by using the focus command-nothing works unless you focus both cameras. Longer camera cables are available on eBay for a few dollars .I use a rechargeable Lipo battery 12 Volts, with charger, again available on eBay-two capacity versions are available, I got both, this allows me to have the power supply attached with Velcro along with the ASIAIR unit, so short cables work. I have found that setting up in daylight on a distant target really works to see what you are doing-as it is easier than messing in the dark. Clear Skies, Southern Cross Observatory-Tasmania 42 South.🔭🇦🇺

[@Steve-br7wt]

Now just ditch the Nikon, and add a ccd mono and filter wheel, and your good to go :)

[@PeterZelinka]

See my latest videos :)

[@Steve-br7wt]

Peter Zelinka just did. Looking good. I’ve just recently purchased a setup. I don’t have it yet. This hobby is definitely a rabbit hole. And I thought my regular photography was a lot to learn when I started 5 years ago 😂

[@ivan7453]

Hi Peter, Thanks for your well presented tutorial. Unfortunately, everyone on youtube is absolutely obsessed with Northern Polar alignment. Please, how do I polar align in the Southern Hemisphere?

[@wanderingquestions7501]

Re Guide Camera Gain: I use 2 sometimes 3 second guiding, but I set my gain as low as possible on a asi120mm-S. High gain will make too hot and bloated of a star in the star profile view. My gain is often as low as 10-15, sometimes 20ish, never more then 45. Look at the star profile’s intensity and FWHM. If you have high gain even small stars can become big and bloated. In sum I use as low gain as possible. Also even after calibration sometimes the AsiAir will still be settling so if tracking looks bad, wait a minute or so before deciding to re-calibrate

[@chhupparustom]

Thanks for the video. After weighing in for few months now I have decided to go for star tracker with guiding (against full size EQ mount). You videos have been quite helpful in this decision process. Only thing I am still not sure of is how to precisely aim the target in absence of any GOTO facility in theses star trackers. It would be great if you make a video addressing this topic.

[@PeterZelinka]

That's the hardest part of the night - finding the object you want to photograph. It really just comes down to learning the night sky, and some bright stars that you can use as guide posts. I recommend downloading Stellarium on your phone to help too.

[@chhupparustom]

@@PeterZelinka Thanks for the reply. Are there absolutely no GOTO systems for any of the available star trackers? Can one be DIY'ed using Raspberry Pi or some such?

[@PeterZelinka]

@@chhupparustom You'd need an automated declination axis, which no star trackers have. This is crucial for the go-to functionality. If you really want go-to, you'll need a telescope mount.

[@troubydoo]

@@PeterZelinka Hello Peter. I think a video go over this very topic with the recommended software and process would help clear up the confusion. I have a SGP too and would benefit from the knowledge too. I think you do a great job....I have so many minor little questions about a good solid process to finding a target with a star tracker.

[@andrewarnold7006]

Can you use this set up if you already have the ipolar installed? What one is better? Thanks!

[@PeterZelinka]

You can! I personally don't recommend the iPolar. It seems to be very finicky, and the software isn't that reliable. Meanwhile, the ASIAir is usually very solid and I rarely have problems with it.

[@andrewarnold7006]

Peter Zelinka thank you! I’ve watched hours of your channel, my skyguider pro should be here Monday. I ordered it with the ipoler but this set up (of the even new model) look way better. Thanks for all the inspiration!

[@pankajchauhan506]

Love the background....simple and beautiful.....like a video as well.....but it is very difficult to find these equipment in my country

[@danielgum]

Hi Peter, great video, this has helped me out a lot. Question, once guiding do you need your phone open visually showing the guiding on the ASIAIR app or can you lock your phone without closing the ASIAIR app and it will continue guiding?

[@TarunPrasadKottary]

Good stuff man! glad to see you move from hotshoe for autoguiding :)

[@rfcdgaf]

Says it "works better", gives zero details. WHAT EXACTLY works better?

[@mikezhao1931]

thanks for your detailed instructions! really help me out. The dec problem drove me like crazy until i found this video

[@kc_clicks6524]

Hey Peter. Very indepth video . Thanks. Now Asiair has come up with new box. Now this one has 12v supply requirement. How am I going to get that with a power bank?? Electricity at remote location not possible. So pls suggest

[@bonavalentin]

Great video thanks Peter. I also use a battery pack like yours. I just put a zip tie on the handle and hang it from the hook in the middle of the tripod. It keeps it off the ground and adds some weight to the tripod for stability.