How to Set Up the ASIAIR Plus

[@zyban99]

Great video. Too many people focus on the software without explaining mount and camera connections. This is the best full A-Z tutorial on KZbin. Thank you from all the novices out there.

[@AstroEscape]

Matt, thanks for the review. It is important to go through the whole setup! I hope all is well for you. What was the first image you captured?

[@petelopez5826]

This is the best tutorial so far. I’m just ordered a Asiair mini, 120 mini guide scope, ASI585MC Pro and starting to merge over to astrophotography after 2 years of just visual astronomy. Total beginner and a lot to learn about astrophotography and settings. Probably will watch this about 20 times.

[@jamope_]

I am starting with imaging and I will start with a SA-GTi, skywatcher ed72, 294 mc pro and 120 mini guide scope. Lots of people told me that I should start with something less expensive and complicated, but I think AsiAir will do this so much fast and easy

[@petelopez5826]

I’ve been messing around with my Asiair mini and every time I try video mode it will fail for some reason saying not enough stars. 🤷‍♂️

[@andyevans29]

FYI, when switching from flats to dark flats the value is saved, even with each filter. Just select darks (after taking your flats) then tap the manual add button and the correct value will pop up. Great video

[@AstroEscape]

Yeah, I noticed that last weekend at the star party I was at. But, just in case something happens (like power failure), hopefully what I said helps someone. Thanks for watching, Andy!

[@adamboothby1725]

shooting my first ever photo of the sky and using the ASIAIR plus to do it......as I write this. So far the the captured images of the horse head nebula are blowing my mind. Thank you so much for this video!! It made things so much easier. Processing......well, I'll figure that all out next week. Have to enjoy a gigantic learning curve.

[@AstroEscape]

Awesome! Glad I could help. Enjoy! Take your time processing, and process the image a few times slightly differently using different guides, it'll help!

[@bobhehmann6666]

Wonderful walk-through. You do a great job of hitting all the necessary points, mechanical and software - mamma-bear "just right." Well-done, sir! Re flats - an idea I picked up from someone else that has worked fantastically well for me, as an enhancement to the t-shirt/rubber-band/flat panel routine: get one or more embroidery hoops from your local craft store, iron the sacrificial t-shirt, fix it tautly into a hoop, and trim to fit. I used a razor blade to trim close, followed by a quick run with white-glue to prevent the threads from shedding. Then into a plastic baggy for storage, keeps the moisture off during the night. A 4-inch hoop fits all by camera lens dew caps, and my RedCat. With this, I get a reliably taught diffuser, and don't have nearly the fuss fitting it on, usually at the end of my shoot when I'm tired and fumble-fingered. For me, it reduces the possibility of mucking with the zoom or focus on those DSLR lenses, and goes on cleanly in a second. Cheers, Bob!

[@AstroEscape]

I love that idea. I just may have to give it a shot! But the quick & dirty (well, it needs to be clean) white t-shirt always works!

[@terrymaurice6285]

I found your video to be very helpful in setting up my new ASIAIR Plus for the first time. I made a detailed workflow from your video and then went through it step by step. I was successful in getting my first images with my William Optics GT-81 and my ASI533MC camera. Thanks so much for taking the time to prepare and edit your video. I know these videos take considerable time to put together, but rest assured, your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[@AstroEscape]

Very nice! I'm glad it went well for you. I got good news from my doctors about my foot today, I should be able to start making new videos soon :)

[@andy372]

man, you answered several questions on calibration frames in like 10 seconds after spending my time in many videos elsewhere. Thank you.

[@AstroEscape]

I'm glad the video helped! Was there anything I missed that you still have questions about?

[@mauricethethespian8744]

Stumbled upon this after finding another gentleman doing another ASI air plus connection setup. Thank you sir for a very easy to understand guide. Had nothing but issues on my new rig and trying to get a PA done but plate solve constantly fail. Gotta disconnect everything and follow this. Your website is also a huge help too. Thank you sir.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the kind words! Have you gotten images since then? Can I see one?

[@Mainuh]

Very helpful video Daylan, thank you! The ASIAir plus has gotten me back into the AP game. Been doing AP off and on since 1992 when I had a Meade LX-200 8” SCT with Pentax K-1000 film camera piggy backed. The AA+ is a real game changer. Just got back to AZ for the winter and have a new ZWO FF65 with AM3 mount and AA+ 256gb version. Now to get it all working together to which your video is excellent. You really do a great job explaining as well as not skipping the tiny details which is often an issue with experienced users trying to explain a process.

[@AstroEscape]

Nice! I bet it's a lot easier now vs in '92! Thanks for the feedback on the video.

[@3VAudioVideo]

I was surprised when you said companies like Sony don't like 3rd party control because Sony allows 3rd party lens, unlike Canon with their R system. I've also noticed on the ZWO website that they do have a list of supported Sony cameras (luckily at least one of my 5 Sony/Canons are on the list!). Maybe since this video is over a year ago, at that time they were not supported? I appreciate you putting up this video! It is very informative! I will watch it again after I get the ASIAIR Plus and hook it up to my EQ-5. Thanks so much! Awesome video!

[@AstroEscape]

Yeah they just started supporting them. I just talked to them at NEAF. They WANT to support as many DSLR brands as they can, but the team isn't massive so time is limited to get them compatible. To me it makes sense that Sony cameras are supported, all of their cameras are running Sony chips!

[@AstroEscape]

Live Q&A on January 17th at 8PM EST. If you have any questions for me to answer on stream, post them in the Q&A community post! kzbin.info/door/0zvtOF1BBPw6AsNZh5LnmQcommunity

[@TexAstrophotos]

will the autorun feature of the AAPlus stack a image after shooting the lites, darks, bias and flats ? i missed a step somehow recently.. did not end up with a stacked image. each folder contained the images but i dont remember seeing the highlighted download arrow after the imaging session. was wondering if its possible to select all of the existing images in the folders and stack them directly from the AAPlus days later ?

[@AstroEscape]

@@TexAstrophotos No, autorun does not stack. You'll have to transfer the files to your computer and use Deep Sky Stacker or another stacking software to stack properly. If you want a stack directly from the ASI AIR, you'll need to use Live Stack mode. However, I would only recommend that for EAA and outreach sessions, not an imaging session where you are trying to produce art. It's great for showing DSO's for a short amount of time to other people, but unfortunately, even with calibration frames the algorithm isn't the best at getting rid of things like planes and satellites. You gave me an idea for a video, stay tuned!

[@TexAstrophotos]

@@AstroEscape thank you for the ASIAIR Plus Vids. im grateful to you for being so helpful. i have been searching for Messier Objects with the preview and then a Live Stack image. it has been so much fun. im amazed at how well the AAP can locate and center each target, dead center each time. i was able to check off 13 messier objects in just two hours. probably my best night of viewing m.o.'s...

[@AstroEscape]

@@TexAstrophotos That's awesome!

[@hillbillyphoto83]

See this is truly a step by step tutorial! I've looked high and low for tutorials like this and now I've found your channel I'll be sifting through to see what you got...I'm terribly struggling with apt, Nina and phd2 but I have a clear night so I'm going to try AGAIN LOL

[@AstroEscape]

I'll be diving into those someday, but the ASI AIR is so stinkin' simple it's nice to use. Did I miss anything or need to clarify anything?

[@hillbillyphoto83]

@@AstroEscape no I was saying that you did a true step by step lol and I appreciate it

[@alimaleki217]

This is a superb video; very helpful to new users like myself! Now all I have to do is document the steps for easy reference. Thanks!

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the review and for watching! Enjoy the time under the stars!

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

Best explanation of the AAPro and/or Plus that I've seen. Great detail. Your diligence got me to SUBSCRIBE!!

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the kind words! I hope it helped!

[@JosephConroy]

Thank you Daylan for a movie informative and well presented video on the ASI Air Plus. You are so comfortable and so chill in front of the camera it truly makes a very mundane topic quite enjoyable. I just received my ASI Air Plus today I am hoping to get it up and working tonight if the weather permits.

[@AstroEscape]

Very nice, enjoy it Joseph! Thank you for the kind words!

[@JoeSeiley]

I'm new to astrophotography, using some of the same equipment covered in a number of your videos. Your videos are outstanding for me because you cover so many of the details for each step. Thank you for these excellent videos with so much information, and super easy-to-follow instructions!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks Joe, I'm glad these helped you. Keep an eye on my community tab, I'll be asking questions to you guys to help cover anything I may have missed :)

[@PatJones82]

Extremely helpful! THANKS! I have had my ASIAir Pro for about a week and I've used it to visually look at Andromeda and the Ring Nebula and was blown away just using the ASIAir for visual using the preview and of course, the live stacking. I will likely never use an eyepiece again! Now I'm off to do some photography and am learning about the calibration frames so this was very helpful! THANKS!

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome! Enjoy the journey, it's a blast!

[@ChrisMobley-pd9mg]

Nice, well done. Just ordered my ASiair plus today and will let you know. Thanks for all

[@keeslp4690]

Amazing guide, THANKS!

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for watching!

[@alexevans7916]

I find your style of presentation excellent and comprehensive. I have just received my Asiair plus and hopefully will be setting it up later today and have been watching various KZbin videos and I rate yours as the best. I have liked this video and subscribed and say thank you for an excellent presentation.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the kind words, Alex! What are you going for first?

[@MobilMobil-kv5ke]

You are the most helpful astrophotography channel. Liked, Subscribed, Commented. Keep these videos coming!

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you! I plan on it. Had to take a short break but back at it again for next week!

[@seanfullard2337]

wow I wish i had found your channel years ago well done please keep the vids coming

[@AstroEscape]

Haha thanks! But I just started this a year ago. I have more planned, just need some clear skies to roll through for a few of them!

[@KevinMurphy0403]

Brilliant video, thank you. I just bought the ASIAIR and this was incredibly helpful. Thank you for putting such effort into this tutorial!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks for the feedback Kevin! I'm glad it could help.

[@shaunmk]

this is an awesome video..my plus arrives tomorrow < 17th jan > and my zwo mini and cable arrives end of week..step by step is fantastic...many thanks

[@AstroEscape]

Awesome, since it's near Full Moon right now, hopefully next New Moon is clear for you to give it a spin! Thanks for your compliments, enjoy!

[@fernandoneirapaz]

My ASIAIR came with no Instructions manual that I downloaded later on but still difficult to follow. Your video here came in very handy and I was able to connect everything and take my first shots in a couple of nights. Thanks a lot!

[@AstroEscape]

I'm glad I could help. Was there anything I missed that I could have explained better?

[@randycupps1673]

This video was the key to my successful first use of my ASIAir Pro. Thank you so much! I'm pretty sure I have watched this video 10 times! The only thing different I had to do was connect my EQMod cable from my Sky-Watcher EQ-5 pro into the USB 3 slot of the ASIAir. It did not work in the UBS 2 slot. Excellent video!

[@AstroEscape]

Glad it helped! Interesting about the EQMOD cable, wonder why it didn't work on the 2.0 slot.

[@randycupps1673]

Good question. All I know is when plugged into the blue ports, it works great! Thanks! @@AstroEscape

[@shaunconnolly6552]

Hi Usb Blue ports are 3.0 which are faster than the USB 2.0 Black on the Aisair Plus. That could be the reason as the EQMOD cable is a data cable. Cheers@@randycupps1673

[@franciscojmunoz7384]

Loved the video. Very helpful and well structured

[@brucehatch7388]

I just discovered your channel and am very impressed. You actually convey the information that I need, and you do it very efficiently. I'll be back often. Keep up the good work!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks, Bruce! Glad I could help out. Clear skies!

[@Caedo12]

I use the small Bahtinov mask my WO Z61 came with to find focus on my guide scope. It really helps and was one of many reasons I purchased the Z61.

[@AstroEscape]

A little tip if you have the Rokinon 135mm camera lens.... it just barely fits and can be used on that too! But the ZS61 is a great scope, even disregarding the mask! AgenaAstro.com 3D prints a mask for the 120mm that comes in the ASI AIR package, but it isn't super helpful in my opinion, I've had better luck guessing. Thanks for watching, Caedo!

[@f.s.8639]

Very good video and very clear explanation for me as a beginner with my Zenith61II and ASI533.... helps a lot, need to watch more also about the Flat/Dark bias stuff! Good job, thank you from germany!🤩

[@AstroEscape]

Bitte schön, F. S. Thank YOU for watching! Glad this video could help you with your images :)

[@stellarplusplus]

I'm pretty new to all this and found this video very helpful! The only bit I got that set me back when I started using it was when entering your focal length for your Main, you need to factor in the reducer if you're using one. But you can set your focal length to 0 and the ASIAIR calculates it for you, which is super helpful. But I was able to set it up and photograph M33. Awesome device! Also I had some trouble with polar alignment. My RA axis was manually polar aligned but the camera was slightly skewed from Polaris. It wouldn't engage the process until my camera was actually looking at Polaris so I assume that's a pretty important step too.

[@AstroEscape]

You are correct, the AIR will account for reducers/flatteners. You can ballpark it but putting in the focal length of the scope itself, but the AIR will be more accurate after a few test shots.

[@DuchessOlivia]

OMG thank you!! I will save this video so can can go back and check when I do my first run with the Asiair :)

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome! Have fun on that first run 😃

[@eddiehernandez7119]

These are the steps I understood: ASIairPlus(AA+) Notes Power 12V 5Amps. Good luck finding it Plug into hand controller- Can you plug into CPC Mount? Plug Mount into USB 2.0 but others recommend using dedicated power supply. Main Cam: Use USB 3.0 (blue port) App Setup after beep. Connect to Wifi AA+ "Keep Wifi Connection" to avoid interruptions Mount Selection: CPC for CPC MainCam: CPC1100 is 2800mm Guide Cam: Asi120mm+ZWO 30mm f/4 Mini Guide Scope - 30F4 is 120mmFocal Length If the camera is not usb powered, turn on AA+ power port Start Roough Focus Choose a far away house with a light at dusk. Point at rough focus target- Turn on video, start record. Set to video mode and focus Fine Focus Switch to Preview Mode(top-right corner)-Used Bin1 Search a bright star from target list & GoTo Main Cam video will begin Set to 10s exposure Focus until star is as small as possible To "see" image, you have to pressure record button. Now focus Guide Cam: Tap on "Guide" table at top left corner. Follow instructions. Set exposure to 3 seconds. Twist end to focus until stars are small dots. Go Back to Preview Choose any new target. Go Back to "Guide" screen, hit INFORMATION button (topright) then "CLEAR" data, back out then hit bullseye to re-calibrate. Once guide is calibrated, you can tap a star to follow one star or don't touch anything to allow multi-star following. Now go back to "PREVIEW" and shoot long exposures if you're doing that, or short exposures for multi-stacks. Go to Main Camera Settings: Set Exp times and number of frames for stacking Set dither to 2 pixels Guide Cam: Settle time is 10s, Timeout is 60s. Then Autorun, shoot, confirm When shots are done, take CALIBRATION FRAMES (FLATS, DARKS) Tap on three menu lines and choose "Reset the Progress" Choose Flat, Choose "Repeat 20" times, set Exposure to "Auto" For FLATS, place white tee-shirt on scope end and shine a light on it while images are shooting. Note exposure time APP decided to use for Flats. For Darks, keep repeat at 20 times, set to Darks, Then set exposure to whatever Flats ended up at. I'm not sure if AA+ auto stacks for you or not.

[@AstroEscape]

That's the gist of it. Keep in mind that some of the numbers, like dither amount, can be changed based on you combination of gear, this video hopefully gave everyone that watched it a starting point. The AA+ does auto stack using live mode. You can also stack autorun/plan mode images using the air. However, the algorithm for removing satellites isn't the best compared to other methods, so I'd primarily use it as a preview to what was acquired before taking it to Deep Sky Stacker or Pixinsight.

[@RetiredFE]

Another outstanding video. I will be receiving my new ASIAIR Plus tomorrow. I'm going to go back thru and make a detailed checklist. I'll be using a Nikon D5000. Looking forward to getting out and taking my first shots. Thanks so much.

[@AstroEscape]

Enjoy! It'll change the game for you, for sure.

[@davorfliker2362]

Hi Daylon. Thank you for this excelent workflow. I have no previous experience with any AsiAir. Just few days ago I ahve purchase Asi Air Plus. Very excited. Unfortunatelly I could not test it outdoor due to the current winter conditions. So I tried to follow your work flow indoor and so far it looks fine. Of course I adid only some autorun shooting on some objects in distance during the day, but will see the the night sky when weathe rconditions get better. BTW my train is with Canon 600 D main camera (no shutter release cable needed)

[@AstroEscape]

Nice! I feel you on the weather. Been very cloudy in my area lately! Glad I could help you get started 😃

[@petermines9748]

Awesome explanation of using the app very helpful. Thank you.

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome, Peter.

[@teashea1]

excellent video - great sound ---- something that many YT videos lack

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you! Audio was one of the biggest complaints I've had. I've been hoping the balancing I'm trying out was working!

[@rmf11699]

Very well explained! My Plus and 290mm mini guide camera should arrive today and anxious to work with them

[@AstroEscape]

Oooooo I can feel the excitement from here! Have fun!

[@EastSideAussieQuest]

excellent video, will watch several times so that i know how to use asi air. 🙂

[@AstroEscape]

Sweet! Hope to see one of your images sometime!

[@vintzing]

Almost identical scenario mentioned by Terry Maurice. I’ve watched your videos a number of times and wrote out a workflow and captured my first images with my WO GT71 and ASI Air pro. IMO, they came out great for my first shots. I captured the Whirlpool Galaxy. I did stacking and processing from your processing videos too. I can’t thank you enough!! I look forward to more of your videos.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the kind words. Luckily, some news is coming! Keep an eye on the community tab 😀

[@robertkorb3709]

Very Helpful - Thanks so much!

[@mistafrags6113]

you are a life saver thanks for an amazing tutorial on how to setup, mine is coming in and i was wondering on how to set it up step by step! , video saved and subbed bud !

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for watching. Enjoy your setup 😀

[@OlliesSpace]

Nice walkthrough Daylon I know where to come when I eventually get this product. I wonder if one day they might even include Dew strap RCA ports. 👍

[@AstroEscape]

Ah but you have your own awesome beta version! It makes toast! Thanks for watching, Ollie, and after you get the real AA+, if you have questions let me know.

[@albertmetro2513]

Thanks for the nice review good to see someone local doing things like this. I in Pittsburgh and doing this for 1 year. The asiair has made this hobby do able. Like to hear where you go for astro

[@AstroEscape]

Well, hello neighbor! I usually go to Wagman since it's easier to get to after work. But on weekends I may go to Mingo if I'm not on call for work (too far of a drive if I get called in). A few times a year I try to get to Cherry Springs if the PA weather is playing nice. I'll be at the Wagman star party on the 9th :)

[@albertmetro2513]

@@AstroEscape Question: where is wagman and is Mingo open to the public?

[@AstroEscape]

@@albertmetro2513 Wagman is in Deer Lakes Park near Tarentum. Both are open to members of the astronomy club at any time (and the building is open for those that have trained to use the scopes). Otherwise they are both only open to the public during star parties.

[@hugopritchard8455]

I bought a ASI AIR Plus about a month ago. We had a lot of rain in December and January. Before I test the ASI AIR Plus I wanted to see a set up video first. I have a Skywatcher EQ R-6., so the EQ Mod cable suggestion was helpful.

[@AstroEscape]

I feel that with the clouds! Tonight was the first clear night in a long time, finally got the rig outside. Yeah using the EQ Mod cable is super helpful, enjoy the setup on your next clear night!

[@frankapap913]

Thank for the help.....and the speedy reply.

[@perry3928]

Thanks Daylon. New to the channel and hobby. Love the content.

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks for swinging by, Perry. I hope what I have put out has helped in some way!

[@Willard-tn8bh]

I appreciated your detailed tutorial. Nicely Done!

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for stopping by! Did I miss anything you were looking to learn about?

[@anthonysacco2276]

Excellent and useful video. Well done and tnx. :-)

[@ronwilliams7611]

Great instructional video!! Thank You! Do you recommend upgrading to ASIAIR Plus from ASIAIR Pro?

[@AstroEscape]

Ehhhhh, sort of. The internal storage and the wifi range is really nice, but that's really all there is to it that's new. I haven't seen any announcements for app additions yet that are exclusive to the Plus (that the Pro would be capable of), so if you are comfortable with your current setup (say you are already using a wifi extender and a huge flash drive), you might be OK waiting for backorders to settle down a bit. But if you have the original, definitely upgrade! Edit: I forgot about the power management. That might make it more worth it for travelers that use batteries for their sessions. Turning off ports that aren't used to save power might be huge for some people.

[@keverett3091]

Great videos. As I'm going through this step by step; at the polar alignment process I'm uncertain what to do once you've got your mount polar alighnment approximately. Where is the OTA pointing at this point? Should you point it at NCP and just get it close before you proceed? How does that work because there's no camera on the mount polar alignment port. So, I figure you must be orienting the main scope and camera. When the first plate solve begins it must be the scope just figuring out where it's pointing? Do you have to have the NCP in the scope view before plate solving? Thanks for any help here.

[@yourfavoriteastronerd]

Very good video. Going to start tonight, I hope it works. Thank you!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks for watching, did it work out well for you?

[@yourfavoriteastronerd]

@@AstroEscape Hi Astro, well, I'm still working on it. I got some errors.. it's a new small goto mount and I think the problem is the ascom driver. Going to try again tomorrow. Thanks

[@microreniassance2929]

Great and informative video. Thanks for putting it together. Have you ever used an OAG with the Air? How do you set up the guide scope for that, I wonder?

[@AstroEscape]

Yes, I have. One way to set the guide camera up is to set it as the main camera just to focus. From there, you should be able to guide with minimal issues.

[@insightvideo6136]

Nice and informative. Thanks for this!

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome, thanks for swinging by!

[@kenkoskela3357]

Great overview - thanks for putting this together

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for watching, Ken! I hope it helped :)

[@tribble1027]

Great overview...very informative...thanks for sharing!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks for watching. Any questions, or did I miss something you wanted to know about?

[@tribble1027]

I especially liked the segment on dithering and dark flat frames...I did note your guide numbers were above 3...I think you entered 30 mm for the focal length of your guide camera, but it's probably somewhere around 180 or 200. Try entering your guide camera's focal length, and I bet your guide numbers will get well under 1.

[@spunbearing]

I have a Celestron advanced GT mount and I had some difficulty connecting it to the ASIAir, I had to connect the hand controller to a USB serial cable that was paired with a firmware update cable for it to communicate with the ASI. The hand controller has an obscure st4 type connector at the bottom, but smaller. Those 2 cables cost $80 to assemble. I had to make the cable years ago when I got the mount cause my firmware was corrupt and needed reinstalling. That has been my biggest stumble block so far. I haven't tested yet but hopefully a clear night shows up.

[@AstroEscape]

Wow! That's a bunch of steps to get it to work. I hope your test goes well when it clears up for you!

[@quedecree]

One other choice with the DSLR is to use something like a Pluto Trigger which can be controlled via the iPad or iPhone - they work really well for intervalometer functions.

[@AstroEscape]

That would be nice! If they could add in more DSLR brands in any way that actually works, that would be great!

[@pauldeakin8227]

Great video Daylan, very clear and understandable. Maybe a dumb question to ask but how do you apply the Flat/Dark frames to your Light frames? I currently exploring the ASIStudio package and I cant see how this is achieved there at all. Is it even possible using ASISudio?

[@MrLocksmithjoe]

Absolute top notch video. Currently awaiting an eq 6r pro to arrive any day now.(I know the clouds are coming too) Will be practicing tonight with the asi air pro for moon shots using redcat51, 183mc pro on an ioptron skyguider.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for the compliment. Enjoy that EQ6! What was the target for your practice run?

[@MrLocksmithjoe]

Was planning moon shots tonight but typical scheduled plans brought the clouds in tonight.

[@anthonybevis6939]

Hey Daylon, I just discovered your channel. Thanks for the in depth and thorough walk through! I just got my ASI Air Plus, a first as far as ASI control devices goes. It'll be riding along with my Z73 and a Pegasus Astro Pocket Power Box Advance on a SkyWatcher EQ-6R Pro. Since I travel for my job for several days at a time, it'll be next week before I can unbox and set it up, but rest assured I'll be reviewing this tutorial again. Clear skies!

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome, and thanks for swinging by! I hope when you get to unboxing the skies are favorable and it all goes smooth :)

[@lukesastro2380]

Great tutorial, thanks for sharing.

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you, Luke!

[@michaelm.7389]

Thanks for the great videos !! I've had my ASIAIR Plus for a couple weeks now and have only had one chance to play with it outside. When you are doing the polar alignment, what exactly are adjusting to get the 2 circles to line up ?? Are you physically moving the mount, moving the telescope through the app or by loosening the clutches ?? Thanks again. Mike from Ohio. fyi I am using an Explore Scientific 102 ED and a Canon DSLR with a iEXOS-100-2 mount which is on the ASIAIR list of usable mounts.

[@AstroEscape]

I am adjusting the alt/az bolts to adjust it. A good example of it is in my 'How to Set Up the AM5" video, the steps are the same for all DQ and Harmonic style mounts.

[@michaelm.7389]

@@AstroEscape Thanks so much for the advice and videos....I think it's going to be clear tonight 😀!!

[@pharaohjb]

Great video, and extremely helpful. I'm curious, though, why you recommend the EQMOD cable connection rather than the direct USB connection from the ASIAIR to the mount.

[@AstroEscape]

Some mounts don't have direct USB connections, like the HEQ-5 Pro. The EQMOD cable is basically the adapter for that.

[@pharaohjb]

@@AstroEscape Thank you, and understood. But if you have one, like on my EQ6R-Pro, do you still recommend the EQMOD connection or does it really matter?

[@AstroEscape]

@@pharaohjb Nope! At that point, if you can do direct USb connections, do it!

[@pharaohjb]

@@AstroEscape Awesome. Thank you!

[@Stefan-Astro-Art]

Nice guide. I am from the Netherlands and I started with astrophotography last October. I still have to buy an EQ mount, but I got asi 294mc, some eyepieces, barlows, filters and nexstar 5 slt telescope. Over a few months I go for EQ. But that ASIAIR is interesting, no laptop anymore... 🤔 I am going to think about it.

[@AstroEscape]

The ASI AIR is nice, it makes the process pretty easy!

[@spaceboy5293]

awesome video,thanks

[@AstroEscape]

You're welcome!

[@Hind135]

great tutorial, thanks for sharing

[@AstroEscape]

Thank you for watching!

[@MrGp3po]

My ASIAir Pro worked just fine with my Nikon D5300 connected to USB3; no DSLR plug needed. Also, I tried the hand controller at first but ditched it for an EQMod cable; so much simpler and better with an Orion Sirius mount (HEQ5). I notice you left out Plate Solviing before doing the PA routine. (Note: on the PA page, it says to confirm PS before doing PA.). This is pretty easily done along with focus by going to a bright star and plate solving before going back to the Home position and doing the PA routine.

[@AstroEscape]

I've never plate solved before PA and it's worked just fine. As long as your focus is close, you can plate solve just doing PA.

[@MrGp3po]

@@AstroEscape Good to know but as shown in your video at 10:47, the Asiair Preparation for PA Step 3 says, “Confirm the Plate Solve works in Preview mode.”

[@AstroEscape]

@@MrGp3po Never actually paid attention to that since using an EQmod cable. It just works. As long as it can make out the star pattern, like I said, being somewhat close to focus, it's fine. If you are using another method such as having to do a 3-star alignment with a hand controller, then that would apply. Either way, the past few iterations of PA for ZWO has gotten much better!

[@SergeyKutin]

How to send a hundred likes? This is the best howto about ASIAIR I ever seen! Thank you!

[@AstroEscape]

I haven't figured that one out with the videos that have helped me in the past, but THANK YOU for watching, Sergey!

[@phcalama]

A newbie question. I have confusion (and based on many searches, so do others) in understanding "home position" when using an ASIAir controller. You would be doing me and others a great service if you would be so kind as to describe in detail what you do to set up your mount for home position and describe how that gets set/used in ASIAir.

[@AstroEscape]

Home position is when the mount is set basically in the position it's in when I'm plugging everything in. The scope is pointed toward your respective pole. As long as you turn it on like that, the ASI AIR will set that position to home.

[@bryanw8125]

Nice video. When setting up the guide you may have an error 30mm is the aperture the focal length is 120mm.

[@AstroEscape]

Yep, I'm aware! Others have already pointed it out too. Thank you!

[@alexandrarosa264]

I have the Star Adventurer connected to the ASIAIR via a ST cable and check the on camera mount option. When I try to polar align I get a No Mount Connection message. Help!

[@dgdave2673]

Same here, none of these reviewers address this issue properly

[@tekn0lust]

Hi! Great set of vids for the ASIAir plus. Can you share if your HEQ5 is belt modded or still gear driven? My first two sessions w my HEQ5+ASIAirPlus saw total guide error stay above 5.25" which is preventing me from dithering.

[@AstroEscape]

It's still gear driven. Like I mentioned in the video, I usually go for bullseye, which helps a lot with those errors. Were the sky conditions good for you when you tried, and were you using multi or single star guiding?

[@davefoc]

I've been watching a few of these videos mostly out of curiosity. This is probably because these videos aren't oriented towards somebody that knows as little as I do about this stuff, but I would have liked a block diagram. Maybe two one that shows a minimal setup and one that shows a setup with all the gadgets attached. One of the things that interested me about this was how many gadgets are available.. Chillers? autofocusers? heaters to reduce condensation? Wow..

[@AstroEscape]

I can work on one of those. Thanks for the feedback!

[@MikeTettenborn]

Thanks! I am also having some issues with WIFI range. Mine is not great whereas many others are reporting great range. On my pro version with a wifi extender I was getting much better range. I hope you can come up with some tips/tricks. Great video.

[@AstroEscape]

I am testing soon. However, I've also been talking to ZWO and when they release the official manual, there's something you'll need to know (that they haven't told me yet either). For now, don't change the antenna.

[@MikeTettenborn]

@@AstroEscape Ohhhh. That sounds like they have had some issues and maybe a means to improve things?

[@AstroEscape]

@@MikeTettenborn No, it's more of a legality thing. The FCC (and equivalents in other countries) requires wireless devices to have certain certifications for sales. Changing the antenna out can violate that. I don't know which certification ZWO has for the Plus. The only thing I was told was that I can test, but otherwise keep the original attached for anything outside of testing, then wait for the official manual. The gist is, if the antenna is changed out, it could be violating compliance laws, which could be noticed if you are close enough to areas that pick up on that, like a military base. By trade I am a computer guy, and these laws were something I studied in college when learning about all of the various regulations regarding devices. So I asked them which certification they had, and they said to test, but otherwise wait.

[@MikeTettenborn]

@@AstroEscape Thanks! I do not get 10 meters through 1 wall/closed window without disconnecting. So in essence I can get a better antenna to solve this?

[@Vfflanofnacka]

Hi, thank you so much for this video. Great help. How have you mounted the AsiAir on the telescope? Your setup looks so clean in comparison to mine, which is way messier. :)

[@AstroEscape]

I bought another mount for the finder scope, which fits the ASI AIR perfectly.

[@Vfflanofnacka]

@@AstroEscape which mount did you get?

[@DuchessOlivia]

So I'm back for my second run xD Do you connect the EQmod direct to the control box? Or to the handcontroller? :) Great video btw!

[@AstroEscape]

Just between the mount and the ASI AIR. The hand controller can be left in the house when using the EQMod cable :)

[@skogsdrake]

Awesome guide, thank you! I don't yet own the AsiAir, but really interested in getting it. Just wanted to know if it's possible to use it only for autoguiding (using a compatible ASI-camera on the guide scope) with a Sony camera as main camera (not connected to the AsiAir, as it's not supported). Will the AsiAir still guide even without a compatible main camera? I could go another route, but I really like the simplicity not having to use a laptop, and I will probably upgrade to a dedicated ASI main camera in the future.

[@AstroEscape]

Yes, there is a round about way to do that, but you'd need another compatible camera to do it. It'll only work if there is a camera "taking images" I'll refer you to Ben over at the Narrowband Channel, he has a neat video as to how he uses Olympus cameras that you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anTclqukbZuDe9E Tell him I sent you!

[@roymedina638]

Great video but I do have a suggestion during PA. Instead of constantly hitting the Refresh button, you can tick the Auto box next to it and the screen will update after each exposure. Makes the process much smoother.

[@AstroEscape]

I prefer not to do that. There needs to be an interval between auto shots so the mount has time to settle. I find using auto doesn't allow the next reading to be accurate until it the mount stays untouched for a few extra seconds. Thanks for watching!

[@MrGuitar50]

Great video Gaylon! I purchased AAP a few weeks ago and took it out last night. Wish I had watched this earlier. I had trouble staying connected to AAP. I'm about 15 yards from my 2.4 router. Wonder if you have any suggestions. Also, I was never able to link my SkySafari app to my APP. I'm using a SkyWatcher EQ-R mount. Tried using EQMOD with SkySafari but that didn't work. Nor did SkyWatcher with Synscan. Does AAP need to be in STA mode to link to SkySafari or to maintain connectivity?

[@AstroEscape]

I haven't used SkySafari with the ASIAIR yet. I will get it later this year and start messing with it. For now, if you already have the EQMOD cable, you should be able to control the AAP with the cable and the normal app with no issues, you'll just need to know what your target is for the night. For wifi, even with a large antenna on my plus, it doesn't like staying connected to my home wifi. The best method I have found so far is to plug the plus (and the pro for that matter) into a travel router that is linked to my home wifi. From there, there's no connection issues in STA mode. I am looking into seeing if it may be signal strength on my home wifi's end, but so far, that's the method that works.

[@MrGuitar50]

@@AstroEscape Thanks so much Gaylon? What is a travel router?

[@octflyer]

question: I 've ordered my ASIAIR so am excited to give it a try. I had ben using SGPro to do my captures. Where does one capture the images too? Is there a slot to plug in a thumb drive or a card directly into the unit? Thanks in advance!

[@AstroEscape]

You can use a thumb drive, but there is internal storage. I recommend the thumb drive though, it's easier to deal with.

[@petecarpenter1068]

Thanks for the very clear run through, I did learn some things I didn’t know😊. I wonder if you might be able to help me with the meridian flip. I was shooting the Horsehead Nebula and the auto run told me when the meridian would be reached, I had the settings just as you had them when you set up that part but when the timer to the meridian was reached no flip happened so I had to do it manually. The air pro I use is controlling a new Eq6 r pro through an eqmod cable. Is there a setting in the mount itself I need to change? My thanks for any help you can offer.

[@AstroEscape]

When you mention the settings I had, was that in this video or my meridian flip video? There's no setting in the mount you need to change since you're using an EQMod cable.

[@petecarpenter1068]

Thanks for your reply. In this video about the Plus, I’ll go find the other video you mention. Only just found your channel but glad I have, subscribe button well pressed. So in the mount section in the app I have the factory set 5 min for stopping and recommencing shooting after the meridian and have checked the auto guide button too. In the auto run page the meridian flip button is checked with 10 sec delay and 3 secs between shots set. I can’t see anything else to change. On the countdown to meridian there was no indication of time to flip as I have seen on other videos. Confused.

[@paulsterman7169]

Very helpful video. Thanks! How do I get the files off of the ASIAir from it's internal memory? Thanks!

[@AstroEscape]

You have to power it on and use a USB C cable to transfer the data.

[@paulsterman7169]

@@AstroEscape Thank you!

[@stevedavies6698]

HI Daylon, this is probably the best video I've seen for ASIair set up, and thanks for putting it out there. I am having a problem with autoguiding with my AA pro. It does not complete the calibration process. On the log it says that "settling failed", and on the screen it tells me that the guide star doesn't move enough! Any thoughts on why this could be happening would be greatly appreciated...we don't get that many clear nights here in the UK!

[@AstroEscape]

The pro should have multi star guiding. Are you tapping on a specific star? If so, don't. Let it get up to 8 stars to guide on. Of course, the guide scope needs to be in focus, but once it has more than one star to guide with, you should be good to go.

[@stanbarton914]

You probably figured this out by now, but my guess is that you were trying to calibrate when pointing too close to the celestial pole. It works best if you point to your imaging target, or close to it, then calibrate. Once calibrated and guiding, move to your imaging target.

[@Rafastro]

Ok, so I don’t have a dark library and I would need to take all calibration frames. The asi air plus doesn’t have a dark flat box. From the video I gathered that after flats you can go to dark and it’ll save the exposure time for the dark flats. Where does it store the dark flats if you’re doing all of them? Love your videos. By far the best explanation I’ve seen; and I’ve seen a lot!!!! Be well….

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks for the compliment. You'll just want to do darks at the same exposure time as the flats, and it saves them in the darks folder and doesn't differentiate between the two.

[@stanbarton914]

I use the 'Bias" setting to take darkflats and just leave them named 'bias'.

[@hgillung]

Thanks. I just subscribed. My ASIAIR Plus is arriving Friday. I have a WO FloroStar 91 and a iOptron GEM 28. My question is my mount has dc in and dc out. Can I use the dc out to power the ASI? Also using a ASI 120 mini for guiding and a Canon EOS RP as my camera. Thanks!

[@AstroEscape]

As long as it's a 12v output, you should be fine. Then again, you should make sure the output on the mount can handle the ASI AIR and any dew straps if you plan on powering those with the ASI AIR.

[@hgillung]

@@AstroEscape that is a very good point. Thanks for the reply. I’ll post an update once I figure it all out.

[@willemwitteveen8374]

Great video. I have a question. Under Guide Settings there is an option for "Auto Restore Calibration." What is the exact purpose of Auto Restore Calibration and should it be switched to OFF under normal circumstances? Thanks.

[@AstroEscape]

It's best used if you never move your telescope and your polar alignment is good. That way you don't have to wait for calibration every time. I leave it off since I frequently go to local observatories. But, if you don't plan on moving anything, you can leave it on.

[@willemwitteveen8374]

@@AstroEscape that is a clear answer. Thank you very much.

[@rockanthems]

How are you using the EQ mod cable ? Plugs from where to where?

[@AstroEscape]

Mount to the USB slot on the ASI AIR. Apologies for the delay!

[@josephluciani5531]

This is the third time watching your great tutorial. I have one question regarding flats. I’ve used SharpCap in the past and was able to figure out the “hump” of the curve by adding sheets of tracing paper to my light panel (to make it dimmer). How do you know if you’re dim enough or not bright enough? I realize the Air is on auto, but don’t you have to be in the 40-60% brightness range (of the histogram)?

[@AstroEscape]

In the middle of the histogram is where you want to be. You'll want your flats to be about 3-5 seconds long so it properly sees any dust. The air will handle the proper exposure, you just have to have enough paper handy (in your case!) to make it dim enough to be a few seconds long.

[@3VAudioVideo]

7:51 I think 120mm is your guiding scope FL but you typed in the lens diameter of 30 instead?

[@3VAudioVideo]

Oh, never mind. I see that others left the same comment and you replied to them already.

[@AstroEscape]

Yep, 'twas a brain fart on my part while I was rambling at the camera lol

[@jeddymo7052]

I loved your video and used your ASIAIR Plus procedure to perfection at the Rocky Mountain Star Share last night. Still getting used to how to navigate between screens, but your video helped a lot there. One problem I seem to have is that I can't get it to download my images to a flash drive. I am using the USB 3.0 slot as you suggested. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am reading that the mini SD slot is not for storage, although I don't know what it's for then. Next step is to use my DSLR in a session.

[@AstroEscape]

That's odd, Jeddy. It should show up when you plug it in. What USB drive are you using.... what size is it? And, is it auto-saving to the eMMC storage? If so, in the app if you click on the eMMC icon at the top, do you see the USB drive when it's plugged in? Sorry for the follow-up questions, channeling my "tech support" side (as that's my day job), trying to see what we're working with so you can get to using that thumb drive!

[@jeddymo7052]

@@AstroEscape Thanks for the quick reply. Think I have solved the issue. Was trying to use a 2TB USB and ASIAIR was not recognizing it. Put in another 64 GB and it recognized it. The 2TB still works with my PC, but not the ASIAIR. Too big??

[@AstroEscape]

@@jeddymo7052 Yeah, it might be a limitation of the Raspberry Pi system the AIR was built on. The system has many limitations that we are all figuring out. If anything, for now, use that 2 TB as a backup for your images the AIR gets :)

[@Mrflightlogic]

After you shot dark/flats, did you move them to the bias folder? Or leave in Darks. If left in darks, how are they different than standard darks?

[@AstroEscape]

I leave it alone when the data is still on the thumb drive or the emmc storage. Once it's on my computer, I separate it out.

[@kellyanderson706]

Excellent presentation, Daylon! I especially appreciate your "1,2,3" approach without digressions between steps. Too many KZbin presenters aren't nearly as well organized. One favor ... if you would review your video you may be surprised at how many times you say " ... go ahead and ..." in front of an action step. Dozens and dozens. Just a bit distracting and doesn't add anything to the listener's understanding. Otherwise, really liked the preso. Thanks!

[@AstroEscape]

Oh, I know. The facepalms that happen when I edit are frequent, so I just go ahead and try to cut out as many as I can :P I'm trying to stop doing that though. Thanks for the feedback!

[@phcalama]

Noted that you didn't include Bias Frames here or in the corresponding printed version. Also read somewhere (sorry, I don't remember where) that if you are using a ZWO Pro camera like the 533MC and cooling it sufficiently then you really don't need Darks and should consider, instead, taking Flats and calibrating them using Bias Frames (realizing that Dark and Bias frames both reduce noise and increase SNR). I'm curious what your thoughts are about this as an alternative? I also noticed that you didn't mention dithering in the printed document corresponding to this video. Do you plan to update the printed document? And thanks again for making this video and also making the document available.

[@AstroEscape]

I typically don't use bias frames with my ZWO camera, just doing darks is fine. The ASI294MC Pro has a bit of amp glow that darks help get rid of. But, bias isn't always needed. Always do flats/dark flats though! Good catch on the dithering in the text version, I'll add it to the "to-do." All of my articles are subject to updates as needed, they won't be released and never touched again! Thanks for the feedback, Paul!

[@phcalama]

@@AstroEscape I'm using the 533MC Pro which, I believe, does not have amp glow.

[@frankapap913]

Hello and thanks again for your help. I am a novice to all this.... I have a question for you. In set up what do you use as the mount if you have iOpton skywatcher pro, ZWO 533 and using nikon compatible lenses. What do select as the mount and what do I select for the telescope. BTW I also have the AVX Celestron SC8" that I will use down the road once I get a few items( wow delays every where)

[@AstroEscape]

You should be able to select the iOptron mount in the dropdown (Go2Nova). Unless you meant the iOptron Skyguider, then I believe that's it's own selection. It should auto detect your 533, and for the lens, whatever the focal length of the lens is, that's what you want to use!

[@owenequinox6]

Wow this helped a lot!

[@AstroEscape]

I'm glad it helped! Did I miss anything you had questions about?

[@owenequinox6]

@@AstroEscape Only other question would be what a good way to attach it to a tripod would be.

[@AstroEscape]

@@owenequinox6 Depending on the diameter of the legs of the tripod, something like this would work. www.amazon.com/SMALLRIG-Ballhead-Multi-Function-Adapter-Ronin-M/dp/B00DJ5XH4O/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2Q9CNUTFDFJTF&keywords=SMALLRIG+Univerial+Camera+Ballhead+Magic+Arm+with+Super+Clamp+Mount&qid=1641518088&sprefix=smallrig+univerial+camera+ballhead+magic+arm+with+super+clamp+mount%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-4

[@owenequinox6]

@@AstroEscape That's perfect, thanks!

[@robertgrenader858]

First target with the AIS AIR Plus? The Lagoon nebula using an Optolong L-Extreme filter under a Bortle 8 sky in Los Angeles.

[@AstroEscape]

Oh my, so much light pollution! But that filter is a good choice!

[@bobbya8622]

Nice tutorial. Thanks!

[@AstroEscape]

Thanks Bobby, I'm glad you liked it. What was your first image with the Plus?

[@bobbya8622]

@@AstroEscape I am in an astronomy sponge mode, just taking in as much as I can. I learn from many videos that I watch, which are helping me to make some important decisions about how to proceed. Even though your video was about the ASIAIR Plus, there much more there to learn and you describe and articulate extremely well. I couldn’t help but complement you!

[@AstroEscape]

@@bobbya8622 That's fair! I understand, all of us that put out videos were at the same spot you currently are. Enjoy your journey. It can be stressful but it's also extremely rewarding!

[@AstroEscape]

@@bobbya8622 I totally understand. Everyone who makes videos about astrophotography started exactly where you are. Enjoy your journey!

[@gwzapo]

What is your exposure time when using your bahtinov mask for focusing?

[@AstroEscape]

I'm not at home and currently traveling in preparation for NEAF, but generally 2-3 seconds is what I go for. Works just fine!

[@slither7152]

Hello I had a issue where I would go to an object it would track it then after like 60 seconds it would stop tracking even when the tracking thing was ticked the only was I was able to keep it tracking was to go really fast from the different tracking modes I don’t know why it just stopped tracking the thing was wondering how to setup the tracking. The tracking worked fine when It was going but the mount or asi air just decided to stop tracking

[@AstroEscape]

Did you have it in lunar or solar tracking? You can find the select for that in the mount options.

[@slither7152]

@@AstroEscape I usually switch it from the side something one to lunar and back rly quick after every exposure to remind the mount to track am I supposed to leave it on lunar or solar? I thought those where for the moon and sun idk why. The main one I use is the side real or something. I did notice that the solid and lunar looked the same when they track at least for the most part. Also I never had this issue before where it would stop tracking.