ASI AIR Wishlist: What could be next?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video, we go over my ASI AIR Wishlist. The ASI AIR helps many people get started, but what about those that want to go more advanced?
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My Astro Gear:
Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro:
amzn.to/3yJSfVU (Amazon)
bit.ly/3oam0NL (Agena Astro)
ZWO AM5: bit.ly/3WaH7vY (Agena Astro)
ZWO 2600 MC-Pro: bit.ly/3ByOofD (Agena Astro)
William Optics Zenithstar 61: bit.ly/3IiEv9E (Agena Astro)
Flattener for Zenithstar 61: bit.ly/3OojrCF (Agena Astro)
ZWO EAF: bit.ly/3W9UGfh (Agena Astro)
ZWO ASI Air Plus Kit: bit.ly/3Ilevua (Agena Astro)
AC to DC 12V Power Adapter: amzn.to/3CNEx4h
EQMOD Cable (to connect ASI AIR to HEQ-5): amzn.to/3u7eUrO
Recording Gear for the Curious:
Wireless Lav Mic:
Camera: amzn.to/3BQjJKn
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Tripod: amzn.to/3Ci0haW
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Some audible notifications would be a great quality of life improvement. If the guide camera looses the guide star maybe an alert in the app and an option to pause the autorun sequence if star is lost.
Also id like to see an alert or be able to set an alarm for when autorun is finished so like you said you can go and do your next process or target.
An alert when finished is a good call. For the guide camera losing the stars, having a saved image of the framing of the guiding would be a nice help to make sure it goes back to the same framing once it can guide again.
Trying to image elephants trunk. Clouds rolled in from time to time, throwing my guiding into a tail spin. A warning would have been nice. I was thinking of maybe turning guiding off?
@@mikehardy8247 That could be a good option. Let the mount keep moving to "track" and have it pick back up when the guiding stars are visible again.
My ASIAIR Wishlist:
1) Add LDN objects so we can easily GoTo dark nebulas (also Barnard and any other deep sky catalogues that are missing).
2) Remember previous session so that if I have to stop for the night, I can go out the next night and continue with the exactly the same composition.
3) in planetarium mode, exaggerate the brightness of dim nebulae and/or provide outlines of DSO’s so I can better frame the composition, eliminating guesswork.
1 and 3 are great ideas. For number 2, one thing you can do to get the same framing is to leave one frame of your previous session on the internal storage/flash drive. You can go into image management to that image, and at the bottom you can hit "go to" and it will go back to that target. If you didn't change camera rotation, it should line right up. If not, use planetarium mode and framing mode to re-rotate the camera back to the framing you want.
@@AstroEscape I tried using image management, and tapping on a previous sub. When it came time to do Meridian flip, it didn't. Scope hit mount. Maybe I missed a step, but I don't know. Anyone have an idea what I missed?
@@mikehardy8247 For that, maybe in your meridian flip settings, have it wait a fee extra minutes before flipping to prevent that from happening again.
I’d love to see a basic mosaic compiler so you can see if your individual images are good for further processing.
That would be pretty sweet, didn't think of that!
I'm going to comment further. For now I really want more USB ports. I have the 533 on plus, so 6 ports there. Bought a mini to run with a DSLR, and Lenses etc. No expandability there. 2 USB cables to SW SA GTI, DSLR, EAF, ran out 😢. With 22 MP internal memory fills up fast. No room for thumb drive. If one could put a micro SD card in for expendable memory. Or could transfer from internal memory to flash drive after capture session in the app. Face it hooking the asiair up to the PC with a USB C cable is awkward. Thanks, wish I could give 2 thumbs up. This should generate alot of feedback on an already brilliant, game changing bit of tech!
You touched on something I missed.... being able to transfer off of the internal memory without needing a power supply would make things a ton easier.
You said: "This should generate alot of feedback on an already brilliant, game changing bit of tech!" You're right. Lots of comments on this one haha.
Excellent video - I really hope ZWO watches this! YES - Go to Zenith mode! :) Also a couple of additional things I'd like to see them add - (1) saved filter offsets, so that I don't have to autofocus every time I switch filters, which takes time away from imaging, and (2) remember the last autorun instruction setup when adding another one, so that (for example) if I just setup a 120s light, default to 120s light when I click "+" so I only have to change my filter selection - I think maybe the Android version does this, but not the iPad version.
Yeah, I forgot to add your filter offset thing. I know you've mentioned it a few times. The second point I can't speak to since I use an OSC camera with Android. One way to find out is next time we're at one of the observatories we can see if my tablet does that with your setup.
Sorry not missing any of the mentioned upgrades. However I want a loud alarm when the guidestar is lost. Also a way to connect a third camera.
Interesting idea. That's a good one especially for those living in cloudy regions!
@@AstroEscape Well even if you don't live in cloudy area it is nice to know when things go wrong. I guding alarm sound will save you from buying a cloud sensor and more. I third camera shuld be easy to add and can be used as a general overview of the equipment, or a sky quality monitor, or as a imaging camera.
I would really like to be able to record PEC curve with my EQ6-R Pro mount, and even upload a PPEC, for the ASIAIR. That would be a nice to have for those of us who like the comfort of knowing guiding is at its potential.
Good call! It would help with troubleshooting if necessary too!
Cross compatibility is the key to survival, a ZWO power box would also be fantastic, great video, great suggestions, thanks.
Both are definitely necessary. Thanks for watching Woody!
I have used the ASIAIR and a guide camera to turn my 8" dobsonian into a push-to mount. A great feature would be a button to plate solve from within the sky atlas. Right now I have to go back to preview, then plate solve, then return to sky atlas. If we could plate solve from within sky atlas, I could push the dob, platesolve, and watch the updated rectangle in sky atlas.
Nice one, I didn't think of that. I'll have to try it sometime with my dob.
The ability to stitch mosaics to get an idea of how they look
I agree. Sometimes you can get the rotation a little wrong and it would be nice to see before tearing down for the night. However, the mosiac mode now has a sort of preview!
I would like to see a stronger wifi broadcast.
Everyone agrees there!
Nice video, agree with it all.
Here's hoping ZWO takes a few of those ideas and runs with them! Thanks for watching.
MY wish list is multiple cameras to one ASIAIR.
Ability to run DSLR port as a piggy back camera without USB.
Hah, of course that's on your wish list. Knowing you, being able to run 5 cameras on one mount would be perfect....
I just purchased the Air and I stumbled across your videos while searching for stuff before pulling the trigger.
Regarding your wishlist:
I agree with the planning mode. I'm sitting here on my PC, watching your video, fumbling through the Stellarium app on my phone that leaves much to be desired in terms of usability (App on PC is way better and nicer to setup with cameras etc.). Wish I wouldn't need to drain my battery bank to just tinker around with the Air and planning shots.
And because I'm fairly new: I wish more stuff was "intuitive". I googled to no avail for Lunar and Solar guiding. I found old posts for app version 1 that there was a setting on the guide. It's not there for me. I assume that the App just guides automatically based on target. With my old Star Adventurer v1 I would just turn the dial and be done.
Edit: And Notifications. It's an app for crying out loud. Give me a notification that my Light-frame run is done. Optionally let me set the beeper on the air to sound when an action is finished.
Or inform me with a phone notification that the guide-star is lost, or the target is obstructed by clouds / walls etc.
I agree with all of the points, but the last ones for sure. Notifications would be super helpful.
I just thought of something I would hope ZWO would do on the next upgrade, etc. Get rid of the Polar Alignment fireworks and global ranking. In my opinion, I could care less how I rate percentage wise to the rest of the ASI Air users globally and definitely do not need the fireworks.....anyway - just a thought.
That's a good one! Didn't think of that.
I would think it would free up resources on the Air for other functions. Creating fireworks is a waste of resources in my opinion@@AstroEscape
My eyes do not focus well on a red screen, a green screen would be good too!
Just like my Polar Scope Align Pro app.
That's fair, and I agree!
Ive Been Asked If I Want One,Not The Mini,But The Pro…But Im That Person That Enjoys Freezing Nights Under The Stars,Cause I Have Other Scopes To Play With While Imaging,lol…Great Video,God Bless and Clear Skies🙏🏻❤️🌏🔭✨
Sometimes doing visual while waiting is fun too!
@@AstroEscape Agreed❤️
Quick release electronic focuser. I would get the focuser, but I need to be able to attach/detach it from my scope, preferably without having to fiddle with micro grub screws in the dark.
Good call. As a peripheral improvement that would be a great one.
Like my comment somewhere on here, I bought an ASiair mini to accompany a dslr-lens(es) rig. Bought a second ZWO EAF just because it was too big a hassle pulling it off my main imaging train! A little expensive, but I'm glad I did. The Rokinon 135mm needs to have focus tweaked.
@@mikehardy8247 That's a downside to the 135. I've seen a lot of feedback about infinite focus needing adjusted to use with astro cameras.
would love some improvements to Live Stacking for EAA such as FWHM Filter to kick out bad frames and the ability to better color correct the image like you can in sharp cap.
I agree. I also think in Live Stacking the pixel rejection could be improved. I've done some EAA and satellites still show up unfortunately. The other thing I would add to Live Stacking is the ability to use the data from a previous session on the same target. Would help for those nights you bounce around for any visitors at an outreach event.
Great Video, thank you. one feature I would love to see is Filter offsets, this will give more time for imaging and less time having run auto focus sequences each time I change my filter. At the moment I only use my ASIAIR with my colour camera and Nina for Mono mainly due to this missing feature.
You're not the first person I've heard this one from. It's been a common one with people I talk to that use mono cameras.
Sounds like you are describing the upcoming StellarMate Pro . LOL .
If I am, I assure you it was entirely unintentional lol. It was just a video idea put together of things I've thought of and things I've heard.
Wouldn't mind a live preview that isn't just a looped exposure either 🤨
A stacked live preview would be cool. Not sure if the air can handle multiple functions at the same time like that though.
Would be nice to have a sync mode when shooting two or more scopes on the same mount so you can sync shots with multiple AA's for each scope so dithering can work.
Sounds like you and Ben from @TheNarrowBandChannel are on the same page lol
Greetings! I am new to deep sky astrophotography and enjoy your videos. I got my mount, guide scope/cam etc late in the season, so my clear skies are infrequent right now. I want to work on post processing skills during this time, but have no files. I noticed you have a Patreon membership that will allow the downloading of practice files. Are theses pre-stacked, FITS (or dslr files)? This stuff is like drinking from a firehose 😉🤣🤷🏼. Not sure where I’ll land on post processing tool, but have PhotoShop, DSS, Siril and am looking at Affinity Photo before jumping into PixInsight.
To answer your question, they are prestacked FITS. Hosting individual files isn't possible at the moment.
I wouldn't mind if they would let us customize folders for our subs and calibrationfiles. I would like to be able to store my calibration files with the plans they were meant for so I don't have to dig through all the files after I transfer them to my computer to match flats with dark flats with darks and lights for processing. I would also like to have an app to run the Plus and AM5 from my desktop and lap top
Oooooooo good call. That would make organization much better. For your second point, if you have a Mac with an M1 chip, you can run it with that. For Windows, as the Windows 11 app store gets fleshed out, most Android apps will be added to it. It's only a matter of time before it shows up there. For now though, I suppose the ASI Studio desktop app could be fleshed out a little more.
I use a Walmart brand USB hub with mine and it works fine
Nice! Is that one powered?
@@AstroEscape no
Support for Pegasus Powerbox units
Pegasus should reach out to ZWO about this too. Everyone wants compatibility!
Great video.👍
For my two-pence worth, I’d like to see a decent “common target name” usage in the search feature.
It’s currently quite appallingly poor and I’m sure it could be vastly improved at the drop of the proverbial hat 😊!!
Common names in star Atlas would help alot. I'm constantly looking up stuff in Stelarium to find Designations asiair will recognize.
There are some that do common names, but yeah, I agree. Adding more to the list would be great. Not everyone has NGC or SH2 numbers memorized.
Ive been asking for "Rig Profiles" so I wouldnt have to remember all the details for different equipment focal lengths and guide settings etc.
It would certainly make everything much easier for anyone who swaps things around. However, I wouldn't save guide settings. Sky conditions can change things quickly, using an older profile might not be beneficial.
I’m surprised there’s no format option for usb drives ? Unless I’m just thick and havnt seen it 😂
I honestly haven't paid attention. But yeah, if it's not there, it should be.
Hey Daylon....I enjoy all of your videos and have learned a lot. I have the ASI AIR PLUS 256GB and the Explore Scientific iEXOS-100-2 EQ mount. I have added a ZWO ASI178MC and the ZWO 30mm Mini Guide Scope for guiding and I'm using a ZWOASI224MC and ZWOASI585MC as my main camera with the Astro Tech AT102ED as my main scope. My problem is that I still can't get it to guide properly. It won't stay on target. Do you have to turn on "tracking" and the ASIAIR ?? It is set to "sidereal" ? I have had success before without the guide scope and have taken some decent deep sky images but now I cannot seem to. Any thoughts ?? lol.....thanks for everything.....Mike from Ohio
Yes, sidereel is the setting you would want to use.
I find all these suggestions fairly useless. KISS: Keep it simple, stupid. My simple wish - let me know the exposure of my Auto flats before they are taken so I can know if I need to slow or speed the exposure without having to go to image management.
I agree with that suggestion. It would be great to know if you need to adjust something with the light before it saves.
I realy like what you said for improved the zwi asiair but my concern its the price more that you will in to it on the other hand it will not be for everybody wallet i myself dont have the finasse to pay pay more just look at the primalucelabs there small control box is almost 100.00$ but do bring some wanderfull modification thk you for sharing the video that your putting on. Thk you very much david
I get that. The ASI AIR is already in a good spot price wise. Hopefully further improvements don't change the price too much.
1. SER video
2. Remove 4GB video limit
3. Improve 5G station mode
4. Hot chocolate dispenser
I find it very hard to argue with that list, especially point number 4 lol.
You have much knowledge of the asi air. I am having the problem with making backup copy of the o.s for the pro model. I used win32 disk imager tried with 3 new disks
But it wont boot up in the asiair pro no wifi signal to android device and no wifi green light comes on or even flicker on the unit. I even downloaded the os online
Read then write to disk and still not working and purchases good quality disks
Im tempted to take it to local computer repair store and see if they know or figure it out
Is it possible i need to copy my
License key numbers to the os
It looks like a notepad file?
Any suggestions would be appreciated, thank you!
I was under the impression they can work with usb hubs
It does. But the idea is hopefully the next version has a few more ports to work with at minimum.
Even with a PC, running a hub off a hub (like front panel ports) can cause communication issues. I wonder if anyone has plugged a simple non-active hub into asiair without issues? Any such hub, USB spliter with a short cord?
I use the Pegasus Astro power box both the advance and the ultimate and it works fine with the asi air plus. Mounting them together could be better but I haven’t had a problem running them together. The Pegasus box also will control your dew heaters as it has a dew and temp sensor that can control the dew heaters. You can also set them on automatic and the Pegasus box will automatically switch them on and off according to how you program the Pegasus box beforehand. Works for me plus I have plenty of usb ports and more than enough amperage to run all my equipment.
Everything else mention is available with the PrimaLuce lab Eagle which I gave as well, but the price tag is high and you are using several different software cobbled together to make everything work.
StellarMate us another solution that also includes observatory control but I have not really had great luck with it so I don’t use it much.
@@Planetreefastro I have an advance Pegasus power box. Bought it to have 12V, and 5V from a 12V source to limit multiple cables for my MSM initially. With asiair I don't use it. I would, but the weight limit of SW SA GTI is a limiting factor.
All these points already exist in NINA.
You could include three more points: 1) could we have real PA accuracy numbers? 2) could we have real guiding numbers? 3) could we operate other non ZWO camera, focuser and filter wheels?
I agree, and some of those have gotten better. But the last point..... YES.
thank you for this video - I agree, the AIR is a game changer but needs some enhancements. An icon to send the OTA to Zenith is on my Wish List
It would certainly speed things along! Adding more automated steps into the mix would ease use even more!