Guide Cameras
Can two ASI cameras be simultaneously controlled by one computer?
Yes, you can name the cameras to distinguish them in the camera setting.
What drives do I need to install to use my guide camera?
Normally you only need to install the native drivers. But we also provide the ASCOM driver and DirectShow driver for your possible needs.
Where should I download the drivers?
All can be downloaded on the Download page of the ZWO website: https://store.zwoastro.com/download/
What software is the ASI guide camera compatible with?
They are compatible with most guiding software, such as PHD, PHD2, Maxim DL, guidemaster, etc.
Can the guide camera connect to the mini guide scope? What adapters do I need?
Yes, all the necessary adapters are included in the camera box, such as the 1.25” extender.
Can the guide camera be used as a planetary camera?
Yes, but we don’t recommend that due to the gap in frame rates.
Why cannot I see any stars from my guide camera in guiding?
Make sure the guide camera is focused. You can point your telescope to the moon to get it roughly focused, and then choose a star to do fine focus. If there still is no star in your image, then please adjust your shooting settings, such as gain and exposure.
Planetary Cameras
Can two ASI cameras be simultaneously controlled by one computer?
Yes, you can name the cameras to distinguish them in the camera setting.
What drives do I need to install to use my guide camera?
Normally you only need to install the native drivers. But we also provide the ASCOM driver and DirectShow driver for your possible needs.
Where should I download the drivers?
All can be downloaded on the Download page of the ZWO website: https://store.zwoastro.com/download/
What software is the ASI guide camera compatible with?
They are compatible with most guiding software, such as PHD, PHD2, Maxim DL, guidemaster, etc.
Can the guide camera connect to the mini guide scope? What adapters do I need?
Yes, all the necessary adapters are included in the camera box, such as the 1.25” extender.
Can the guide camera be used as a planetary camera?
Yes, but we don’t recommend that due to the gap in frame rates.
Why cannot I see any stars from my guide camera in guiding?
Make sure the guide camera is focused. You can point your telescope to the moon to get it roughly focused, and then choose a star to do fine focus. If there still is no star in your image, then please adjust your shooting settings, such as gain and exposure.
DSO Cooled Cameras
Can two ASI cameras be simultaneously controlled by one computer?
Yes, you can name the cameras to distinguish them in the camera setting.
Where should I download the drivers?
All can be downloaded on the Download page of the ZWO website: https://store.zwoastro.com/download/
What software should I use for DSO imaging?
The official software was developed by ZWO, and some commonly used software, such as Maxim DL, The SkyX, SGP, APT, NINA, Nebulosity, etc.
Is it necessary for the cooled cameras to connect to the power supply? If so, what are the requirements for the power supply?
All cooled cameras need to be connected to the power supply to work, otherwise, the camera might fail to be recognized or exposed. Voltage range: 11V-15V. We recommend 12V 3A~5A.
If there is a stain on my image, how should I judge whether it comes from the camera sensor or my telescope?
Turn the camera 180 degrees. If the stain position remains the same, then it may exist on the camera sensor. Otherwise, it’s on the telescope mirror. For the former, the stain might be dust, which could be calibrated by flats or cleaned with the cleaning guide from ZWO.
Are all ASI cooled cameras equipped with anti-dew heaters?
Cameras with APS-C and larger sensor formats all have anti-dew heaters. It can be turned on/off in your imaging software.
What’s the debayer pattern of ASI cooled cameras?
ASI1600MC & ASI120MC-S: GRBG. Other ASI cameras: RGGB. Detailed information about the debayer pattern can be viewed on the ASIStudio, the official imaging software from ZWO.
Mounts
What are the requirements for the AM5 power supply?
Voltage range: 11V-15V. The input current of each port: ≤5A. Output current: ≤3A. Normally we recommend you use the ZWO 12V 5A power supply to power the mount.
What’s the thread size of the AM5 counterweight bar end? Are there any requirements for the bar’s length?
The thread size of the AM5 counterweight bar is M12*17.5 and the length is 230mm. For any third-party counterweight bar, the length is required not to exceed 250mm.
Where can I find the PE test report of AM5?
The paper PE test report is included in the AM5 box. Scan the QR code you can also get an online copy, which is stored on the ZWO server permanently. Each mount has its own unique PE test port.
How to do polar alignment with AM5?
There is no polar scope on AM5 so you need to use ASIAIR or other imaging software like NINA to do polar alignment.
ASIAIR
How to download the ASIAIR APP?
Search ASIAIR on the App Store or Google Play to download.
What if my ASIAIR failed to get authorized?
You can visit this website to get your SN code: https://asiair.en.zwo.biz/#/license. Please contact our support team if you can’t find your SN code there.
How should I update the software and firmware?
Download the latest version of the APP from the App Store or Google Play. Connect your phone to ASIAIR via a Wi-Fi network. Launch the APP to allow the firmware update procedure to start automatically.
What are the requirements for the ASIAIR power supply?
The first generation of ASIAIR: 5V 3A. There is a 12V to 5V adaptor in the ASIAIR box for you to use.
What’s the RESET button used for?
Can be used to reset the Wi-Fi name and password.
What equipment does ASIAIR support?
ZWO USB 3.0 cameras, ZWO mini cameras, ZWO filter wheels, ZWO EAF, ZWO AM5, mounts from other brands, and some DSLR/MILC cameras, etc. Please refer to the ASIAIR’s product page to check the detailed support list.
How to connect ASIAIR to DSLR cameras?
Connect the DSLR camera to the USB 2.0 port of ASIAIR. Note that the DSLR camera can only be used as the main camera. Set as below: Shooting Mode: M. Shutter: Bulb. Image format: RAW (Don’t choose RAW+ JPEG). Image quality: L (maximum size). For the cameras with functions such as power saving mode, WiFi, mirror lockup, long exposure noise reduction, and exposure bracketing, make sure to turn them off.
What are the requirements for ASIAIR Plus's power supply?
The required input voltage for ASIAIR Plus is 11V~15V. Normally we recommend you use a 12V 5A power supply. Voltage lower than 9V will lead to failure in the boot. The output current for each single port is 3A or less, and the total output current for 4 ports will not exceed 6A.
How much memory can the SD card support? Is there any requirement for the format?
Recommended memory: 512G. Maximum memory supported: 1T. Format supported: NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT.
How should I connect ASIAIR Plus to my mount?
Most mounts can be connected to ASIAIR Plus via these 3 methods: 1) For mounts themselves equipped with USB 2.0 ports or EQMOD cables, directly connect them to ASIAIR Plus. 2) For mounts whose hand controller has the serial port or USB port, connect the hand controller to ASIAIR Plus. 3) For mounts equipped with WiFi modules, wirelessly connect them to ASIAIR Plus.
What is the newly-added USB Type-C port used for?
The USB Type-C port can only be used to export data files stored in its memory or SD card to your computer. A USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable is required.
Accessories
EAF
Does EAF support speed adjustment?
Right now the fast speed and slow modes are only available on the hand controller, not in the software. But you can control the EAF movement with fine tuning and rough tunning.
Do I need to install any driver for EAF to use?
EAF is a driver-free device. Plug and play just like a mouse and keyboard. You don’t need to install any other software or driver if you use ASICap. But if you use third-party software, then you’ll need to install the ASCOM driver.
Is there a limitation for max steps?
The max step limitation is 65535.
Can I run two EAFs together on one computer?
Yes, but you need to upgrade your ASCOM driver to the latest version or install the latest SkyX plug-in.
What does the “5kg load” refer to, the weight of the whole OAT or just the camera and filter?
The 5kg weight includes all equipment at the end of EAF, such as the camera, filter, ADC, Barlow, etc.
How long is one step of the EAF stepper?
It depends on your focuser. The whole steps for one round are 5760.
Does the EAF have a limit switch?
EAF will beep twice to alarm you when it bears too much resistance. And when it reaches the zero position & maximum position it will also beep.
Does the EAF have backlash? How can I measure it?
Backlash exists in each kind of focuser, but it will not affect the accuracy of focusing since most autofocus software has backlash-eliminating function.
EFW
Do I need to distinguish the face and back of the filter in use?
The latest SHO filter, duo-band filter, LRGB filter, and other filters do not need you to distinguish the face and the back.
How should I connect the filter wheel and the new 36mm filter wheel to my camera?
Please refer to the product page of the filter wheel. This link might also be helpful to you: https://store.zwoastro.com/5-connection-methods-to-get-55mm-back-focus-length/
OAG
How large is the OAG prism?
Prism size of the original OAG and M68 OAG: 8*8mm. Prism size of OAG-L: 12*12mm.
How should I connect OAG to my camera?
The detailed connection instructions can be viewed on the OAG product page: https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-oag. And the connection instruction of OAG-L can be viewed here: https://store.zwoastro.com/5-connection-methods-to-get-55mm-back-focus-length/