3839 replies to this topic

[Vladi]

I'm using ASIAIR Pro with AZ GTI. AZ GTI is connected with an EQmod cable. I once forgot this cable at home and had to connect the mount to ASIAIR via WiFi. Guiding was soooooo terrible that I hope this will never happen again. I use ASIAIR WiFi to only control it. When at home I ASIAIR connects to my home WiFi and I can connect to it from there instead of a direct connection. It works relatively good, well, as good as the connection from ASIAIR to the home WiFi is. Bad WiFi coverage and range is the only major flaw of ASIAIR Pro in my opinion: an aluminum case screens the integrated WiFi antenna very well ;-) Most of the time I use a mini WiFi router attached to the Ethernet port to extend the range from around 5m (without the router) to 10-15m.

 

Just to add, AZ GTI seems to have a very simple and cheap WiFi implementation which interferes with many other WiFi-enabled devices. For example, with Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini. It is basically not possible to connect to  Star Adventurer Mini when AZ GTI is in a close distance.

[Albut]

I'm using ASIAIR Pro with AZ GTI. AZ GTI is connected with an EQmod cable. I once forgot this cable at home and had to connect the mount to ASIAIR via WiFi. Guiding was soooooo terrible that I hope this will never happen again. I use ASIAIR WiFi to only control it. When at home I ASIAIR connects to my home WiFi and I can connect to it from there instead of a direct connection. It works relatively good, well, as good as the connection from ASIAIR to the home WiFi is. Bad WiFi coverage and range is the only major flaw of ASIAIR Pro in my opinion: an aluminum case screens the integrated WiFi antenna very well ;-) Most of the time I use a mini WiFi router attached to the Ethernet port to extend the range from around 5m (without the router) to 10-15m.

 

Just to add, AZ GTI seems to have a very simple and cheap WiFi implementation which interferes with many other WiFi-enabled devices. For example, with Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini. It is basically not possible to connect to  Star Adventurer Mini when AZ GTI is in a close distance.

I was looking at getting the ASIAIR pro and during my research came across this that I screen shot so no longer can remember the site. Looks to have been retweeted by ZWO so probably ZWO tweet. Also not sure if it works. But just thought it may be helpful to those who understand the set up shown.

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Edited by Albut, 16 February 2021 - 05:45 AM.

[Vladi]

Just to note. This is a valid connection but this is not what I meant. EQmod and SynScan USB are totally different things. An EQmod cable is a USB <-> Hand Controller cable containing a UART level converter. It is connected to the Hand Controller plug. When using it, SynScan is not involved anymore. Which is a great news! ;-) When using ASIAIR, I'm thinking of my SynScan times only in nightmare categories...

[Disciplus55]

Hello there, this post has now 105 pages and I can't really read it all... do we still need 2 iPhones if we want to run SkySafari and pilot this little AZ GTi together ? Or has it been finally solved ?

 

Thanks a lot... (even with 2 iPhones, I never managed to get it running... in the past)

[CloudyIFR]

Hello there, this post has now 105 pages and I can't really read it all... do we still need 2 iPhones if we want to run SkySafari and pilot this little AZ GTi together ? Or has it been finally solved ?

 

Thanks a lot... (even with 2 iPhones, I never managed to get it running... in the past)

I can't answer your question about SkySafari but I can tell you that very reliably for several outings that I can use the app called Luminos on one device!  What I really like is that it shows if I'm connected and tracking and exactly where the mount/camera is pointing.  So if it's drifting I can see it right away.

https://wobbleworks.com/luminos/

Curtis

Edited by CloudyIFR, 16 February 2021 - 09:40 AM.

[SpaceOddities]

Hello there, this post has now 105 pages and I can't really read it all... do we still need 2 iPhones if we want to run SkySafari and pilot this little AZ GTi together ? Or has it been finally solved ?

 

Thanks a lot... (even with 2 iPhones, I never managed to get it running... in the past)

Hi Sylvain,

 

I have used the AZ-GTi with SkySafari and I have only 1 phone I think this was recently fixed for iOS users. Took me some time to figure out the right configuration, and had some connectivity issues, but it worked!

[Albut]

Hello there, this post has now 105 pages and I can't really read it all... do we still need 2 iPhones if we want to run SkySafari and pilot this little AZ GTi together ? Or has it been finally solved ?

 

Thanks a lot... (even with 2 iPhones, I never managed to get it running... in the past)

Just one is all I use on my iPhone/iPad . Just set to skywatcher synscan link in sky safari. I start in Synscan pro app and when I open Sky safari it uploads the co ordinates and ready to go.

[ShropshireLad]

Works with just 1 phone on my android ... I think it's a matter of getting ip and port addresses correct.

Edited by ShropshireLad, 16 February 2021 - 10:05 AM.

[gpaunescu]

Works with just 1 phone on my android ... I think it's a matter of getting ip and port addresses correct.

on android was working since beginning; on iOs was an issue, but is solved in the latest versions

[Disciplus55]

Thanks a lot all !

[davidparks]

I am a bit interested in the ASIAIR Pro for my RedCat51/Nikon D5600 and this mount in EQ mode.

I have a few questions that hopefully someone could clear up for me.

First, I want to stay portable and not connected to house power.

Second, the Wifi on the Az-GTI mount is really good.  It's working through my house router on 2.4G perfectly.  

The Wifi on the ASIAIR Pro is horrible, sadly.

So if I were to connect the ASIAIR Pro to the mount via a direct connection, which I believe is a FTDI EQDIR adapter then which Wifi am I using?  The mount of the ASIAIR Pro?  I've read that I can connect in 5g but then the range is reduced further and if that's the case the ASIAIR is really unusable unless sitting right by it.  

Lastly in this setup would I be able to align without a polar finder or guide scope?

 

Thanks for helping me understand.

Curtis

Montana

 

The Redcat/AZGTi/ASIAIR(Pro) is a fantastic, portable, and power efficient combination.

 

First, you'll have to work out your power requirements and supply as needed, however, I find the small LiFePO4 batteries to be perfect for weight/power.  Talentcells and various branded "camping" power stations available from Amazon are popular choices.  At 12volts I pull about 2amps max with the AZGTi, ASIAIR and cooled cmos camera.

 

Second, the AZGTi wifi work on 2.4ghz ONLY, therefore use of this mount via wireless connection MUST be via 2.4ghz.  This is important to know, because if you are connecting to the AZGTi with an ASAIR, then your tablet/phone connection to the ASIAIR will also, of necessity, be 2.4gz.  While it is true that 2.4ghz has more range, you will find that the real downside is speed.  Transferring images from the ASAIR to your tablet/phone device will be noticeably (unbearably) slower, even standing right next to it.  One of the important advantages with using the FTDI USB Cable between ASIAIR and AZGTi is that you can use ASIAIRs 5ghz with your tablet/phone.  Along with this info, and to answer your question, when connecting the AZGTi to ASIAIR via a cable, it is the ASIAIR wifi signal you will using, and I highly recommend switching that back over to 5gz.  You may want, as I and others do, to simply plug in an external WiFi extender/antennae to the ASIAIR ethernet port to increase it's range.

 

Lastly, ... um, maybe?  When using a dedicated-astro-cam then Yes, ASIAIR simply uses the main imaging camera and scope (Redcat in your example) to perform polar alignment. No polar scope, guide scope/cam, or any other equipment is needed.  With your DSLR, I'm not familiar, however, if your D5600 will be sending images to the ASIAIR via USB, then it probably works exactly the same.  This would be a good question to ask DSLR folks in one of the many ASIAIR threads.

 

Redcat 51 / ASIAIR / AZGTi combo, with Suaoki Lithium Battery

 

Not on the AZGTi, but shown with the Flashowl AC600 PoE Antenna (strapped to tripod leg) plugged directly into the ASIAIR ethernet.  The Fllashowl requires 24v, so I simply use a 12-to-24v step up regulator about the size of a matchbox

Edited by davidparks, 16 February 2021 - 02:44 PM.

[CloudyIFR]

  You may want, as I and others do, to simply plug in an external WiFi extender/antennae to the ASIAIR ethernet port to increase it's range.

 

 

 

David,

  Thanks.  I think I'm getting my head wrapped around all this.  Is the WiFi extender powered through the ASIAIR?  Would you have a link to an example of an extender?  

Curtis

Edited by CloudyIFR, 16 February 2021 - 08:49 PM.

[davidparks]

  Is the WiFi extender powered through the ASIAIR?  Would you have a link to an example of an extender?  

Flashowl AC600     12-24v Converter    DC 5.5x2.1 Connector

 

Typical mounts and Astro gear is powered via 12-volt, and often with 5.5x2.1mm DC plugs.   I use a Suaoki Portable Power Station which can give me 2 full nights before needing to recharge.  You can connect from your power source into the AZGTi using a Splitter, with the other end continuing up to power the ASIAIR. 

 

With the antennae/extender mounted at the bottom, i simply power it from the battery, not from the ASIAIR.

 

The Flashowl requires 24volts (less than 0.5amp), so I simply use the 12-24v Converter with the DC Connector to plug it straight in to one of my battery ports.  The Ethernet cable of course runs up to the ASIAIR.  The draw on the battery is less than 1amp @ 12v.  (It takes 1amp @ 12volts to convert to 0.5amp @ 24volts)

 

In general I wouldn’t recommend powering the Extender from the ASIAIR, although you could, as long as you understand the total draw of all the equipment you have plugged into the AIR, and don’t exceed it’s capabilities.

 

Other brands of WiFi/Extenders may have different voltage requirements.

[SpaceOddities]

David,

  Thanks.  I think I'm getting my head wrapped around all this.  Is the WiFi extender powered through the ASIAIR?  Would you have a link to an example of an extender?  

Curtis

A lot of people use a TP-Link nano router (or similar) with their ASIAIR Pro with great success. It's small enough to sit on top the ASIAIR, and runs with a 5V micro USB. So you can power it with your ASIAIR Pro, with a 12V > 5V converter in between. You can make one yourself, it's pretty easy with the right parts!

 

There are various models with various speeds, eating more or less amps, some with external antenna and some without... so that really depends on what battery you're using and what range you'd need.

 

https://www.amazon.c...X8BO/ref=sr_1_2

https://www.amazon.c...0050206-6857349

[Albut]

Well that sounds interesting please let me know if you test this out.

 

If I used a guide camera I would still need to take the results into the house to connect to SharpCap I believe.

I don't really want to spend any more money on this at the moment so probably a guide camera is out.

How accurate is this polar alignment method for taking Astro photos.

[Vladi]

> take the results into the house to connect to SharpCap I believe.

 

Well. when using ASIAIR, you need to get into the house only for two things: either one more beer or a new glass of wine AZ GTI and ASIAIR are a compelling combination for a portable use 

Edited by Vladi, 18 February 2021 - 08:56 AM.

[ShropshireLad]

> take the results into the house to connect to SharpCap I believe.

 

Well. when using ASIAIR, you need to get into the house only for two things: either one more beer or a new glass of wine AZ GTI and ASIAIR are a compelling combination for a portable use 

So can you Plate Solve without using the internet ??

[Vladi]

certainly!

[ShropshireLad]

certainly!

Ah... i thought you took a photo and had to go online to check it against a database.

So if I take a image on my dslr I have to load that onto my phone/laptop that has say SharpCap installed to plate solve and helps me to polar align .... Have I got this correct ???

[Vladi]

Yes, and it is even better: there is a separate procedure for polar alignment, also based on plate solving. You do not need to see any images of during. I meanwhile get it done in 2 min completely from my smartphone. Well, I must add: I hate using polariscopes... Sorry to say...

 

PS. Here is one of the threads about ASIAIR. This one is about AZ GTI. Sorry, it was me, I almost hijacked it! Cannot resist!

[SpaceOddities]

Ah... i thought you took a photo and had to go online to check it against a database.

So if I take a image on my dslr I have to load that onto my phone/laptop that has say SharpCap installed to plate solve and helps me to polar align .... Have I got this correct ???

Plate solving can work either online or offline. But most astro software can download an offline database of stars from sites like Astrometry, which allows them to plate solve without an internet connection (and it's also way faster). The ASIAIR works like that, it has an offline database already on board the Raspberry Pi computer. So you could technically plate solve from the Moon, where's there's no Wi-Fi (yet)

[Albut]

Help please. I am using az gti in az mode only as a goto for my small refractor. It has not been updated to eq firmware and is on supplied firmware ver 3.26. I use it with Synscan Pro app 1.19 and trying also to use Sky Safari Pro 6 on IPad/iPhone. I’m able to do any of the alignments within the synscan app and get acceptable goto’s using the app. However when I open sky safari the data is transferred but it’s position is slightly off. Enough to be out of view in a 32mm ep. I’ve noticed that if I set the mount to the alt az 0’0’ position and open sky safari it shows off as in the photos below.  Both apps show same location/time data. Is it me? The software/firmware or a faulty az gti? Thanks.

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[kel123]

Plate solving can work either online or offline. But most astro software can download an offline database of stars from sites like Astrometry, which allows them to plate solve without an internet connection (and it's also way faster). The ASIAIR works like that, it has an offline database already on board the Raspberry Pi computer. So you could technically plate solve from the Moon, where's there's no Wi-Fi (yet)

As far as you don't use an image of star field captured from the moon. 😀

[CloudyIFR]

Help please. I am using az gti in az mode only as a goto for my small refractor. It has not been updated to eq firmware and is on supplied firmware ver 3.26. I use it with Synscan Pro app 1.19 and trying also to use Sky Safari Pro 6 on IPad/iPhone. I’m able to do any of the alignments within the synscan app and get acceptable goto’s using the app. However when I open sky safari the data is transferred but it’s position is slightly off. Enough to be out of view in a 32mm ep. I’ve noticed that if I set the mount to the alt az 0’0’ position and open sky safari it shows off as in the photos below.  Both apps show same location/time data. Is it me? The software/firmware or a faulty az gti? Thanks.

I have mine set in EQ mode with the same software versions you're using and had the same issues.  So I don't think it's you're mount.  I switched to an app called Luminos and ALL of the issues cease to exist.  What a joy now using just one iPad for everything.  

Curtis

Edited by CloudyIFR, 19 February 2021 - 08:09 AM.

[Albut]

I have mine set in EQ mode with the same software versions you're using and had the same issues.  So I don't think it's you're mount.  I switched to an app called Luminos and ALL of the issues cease to exist.  What a joy now using just one iPad for everything.  

Curtis

Thanks I’ll give that a try