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ASIAIR [New] Firmware Instability ???

ZWO ASIAIR ZWO ASIAIR Plus
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Jay Hovnanian avatar
Jay Hovnanian avatar
Hello ASIAIR Users,

I had previously posted a similar AB Forum topic and it did not (as far as I know to date) receive feedback / commentary.  This entry adds a bit more info.  A few weeks ago, I also posted a like entry on the ZWO ASIAIR Forum, and have not seen any response.  Not receiving any feedback / comment / correction from ZWO is particularly disconcerting.  I am a "traveler" and rely solely on my ASIAIR-Plus to accomplish my data acquisition.  Since 2021, my ASIAIR functioning has been rock-solid.  It has done everything I need.

One night - a little while back, I forgot my tablet at home and used my iPhone to run that night's session.  The software required that I update to v2.1.2.  During the session, there were a few glitches, which I attributed to using my phone.  The next night out, my tablet had to update to v2.1.2 ... and the real problems began ....

Specifically, my ASIAIR-Plus Autorun session was (quite often) interrupted with an error message informing me that my EAF had disconnected, and that it needed to be (physically) re-connected.  My EAF was not physically disconnected, but I re-connected it in the software.  My cables are good.  Simultaneously, my Autorun sequence stopped and reset to "0."  My main camera disconnected in the software and the main screen returned to Preview.  After that night, I saw that v2.1.4 had been released and hoped that whatever the problem was that I was experiencing would have been corrected.  It was not, so I reverted to using my ASIAIR-Pro, which - for some reason unbeknownst to me - did not need to update.  That night went perfectly ... and I thought that perhaps my ASIAIR-Plus had seen a better day ....  Even so, a few days ago, I saw that v2.1.5 had been released, and once again I updated hoping that the issue(s) would be resolved.

A few nights ago, I brought my ASIAIR-Pro with me (I didn't want to take the chance), but it then needed to update to v2.1.5.  Alas, my ASIAIR-Pro also experienced the exact same problems.  At this point, I am thinking that the issue is clearly in the software.

Has anyone else experienced these issues after updating to the v2.1.2 (and subsequent) firmware?  If so, is there a known remedy?

Thank you,

Jay
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Armin Unterwandling avatar
Armin Unterwandling avatar
[pre]Hi, I don't have the same problems as you, but since the last update, nothing has worked for me anymore, all my settings were radically reset. I then had to re-enter everything, and now I can no longer do a polar alignment for the ASI I still swivel through the 60 degree angle, but as soon as I turn the rec and dec screws, I'm several degrees off, even though I only move it very slightly. I can't get to the center anymore, so the finish display is simply impossible. I haven't received an answer from zwo yet, I'm simply ignored. If anyone has a tip for me, I would be very grateful to CS Armin[/pre]
Rod Prazeres Astrophotography avatar
Rod Prazeres Astrophotography avatar
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MaksPower avatar
MaksPower avatar
Have you tried a firmware factory reset, and ignore the updates ?

Mine is updated and working fine - but I don’t use an EAF - I focus manually with a Bhatinov mask, which suggests unplug the EAF for the time being and focus manually.
Jay Hovnanian avatar
Jay Hovnanian avatar
Thanks, Nick [ @Nick Loveday ],

Initially - though certainly aware of the option, I did not consider reverting to the factory firmware on my ASIAIR-Plus; the reasons being, 1] I think / thought that once you turn it on again, the app is going to force an update, and 2] my ASIAIR-Pro was working just fine before the v2.1.5 forced update.  Now that both pieces seem to be harboring / operating with corrupted software, I should give it a go with nothing to lose, I guess  ....

Regarding the EAF:  the issues exist whether it is active or not ... though I have not physically unplugged the EAF after Autofocus.  I suspect the issues are not directly related to the EAF as I have had other (unmentioned) error messages and the software even freezing.

I will try the factory reset and hope for the best.

Jay
Jay Hovnanian avatar
Jay Hovnanian avatar
As an FYI to anyone following this thread ...

I reset the firmware on my ASIAIR-Plus (and not my ASIAIR-Pro) to the version originally received from the factory; however, as soon as it "reconnected" ~ apparently a step in the process, I was forced to update to v2.1.5 (presumably because that is the version (and the most current) on my tablet.

I didn't think I could only reset the physical piece itself ... but I am hoping that a fresh start will render an unspoiled session ....
Stephan Linhart avatar
Stephan Linhart avatar
You can load an older version of ASIAIR on the apple app store. Google how to load old software versions.

With all the problems going on, I was afraid to use mine with 2.1.5

Maybe after the Factory reset and update to 2.1.5 the problems are gone?

However it seem to work fine through a short summer night.

Polar Alignment runs fine, EAF did not disconnect.
I did not test Autorun, as I use this feature only for taking calibration frames, which I havn‘t yet.

I image only in Plan mode which works fine.

Regarding EAF disconnects, do try different cables and Even different ports on ASIAIR. You can have the flu and a cough.

Regards,

Stephan
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MaksPower avatar
MaksPower avatar
When a device like ASIAir is working fine, don't update it.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

This especially applies to anything Microsoft. I let other lemmings be the first guinea pigs before I'll buy a new product or software update. 

I never, ever buy a Rev A hardware product.
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six avatar
six avatar
I have done a few sessions with 2.1.5 and did not experience any issue with EAF or autorun functionnality.

I do not know if this is the case here but some software updates may make the hardware work harder and increase the power consumption significantly, did you try with the ASIAIR plugged into another power bank ?
Jay Hovnanian avatar
Jay Hovnanian avatar
UPDATE ~ 

I uninstalled (reverted to the factory installed version). Turning on again forced an update (back) to v2.1.5 … this all on the ASIAIR-Plus. 

Last night’s 5+ hour session went without a glitch. No issues whatsoever.  I even experienced an Auto Reconnect without issue ….

Good hearing from you all. It would appear my problems are behind me.
Stephan Linhart avatar
Stephan Linhart avatar
Great news Jay!
Michael avatar
Michael avatar
Hello Jay!

I have not had any of the problems that you have mentioned, however, I have had some other issues with my ASIAIR since the update.  When I turn on the ASIAIR, sometimes it won't boot up.  I see the red light come on first, then the green light flashes 3 times, then the unit just shuts itself off.  Sometimes I have to turn it on and off 3 or 4 times before it boots up and stays powered on.  I also have had issues while PA.  Sometimes (it's only happened twice since the update) if I move DEC, the ASIAIR says I moved the RA and vice versa.  Hopefully ZWO knows that the new firmware is causing issues and will fix it soon.  I may have to do what you did and do a factory reset.

Mike
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Jay Hovnanian avatar
Jay Hovnanian avatar
Hey @Michael ,

Hopefully you've seen my "UPDATE" above.  Initially, I had hesitated executing the Factory Reset, as my ASIAIR-Pro was working without issue, but after it too was forced to update, I had nothing to lose.  The reset and re-install was either going to resolve my issues, or there was a larger, more universal problem that needed ZWO solving.

A few of us have reported (talked amongst ourselves about various) issues.

Hopefully a factory reset and re-install works successfully for you too.

To @Stephan Linhart :  Thanks for the encouragement. I pretty much knew it was not a cable issue, and all seems well now.

To @Nick Loveday :  I should have known better.  Hopefully next time ....  Thanks


Jay
DavesView avatar
DavesView avatar
Jay Hovnanian:
Hello ASIAIR Users,

I had previously posted a similar AB Forum topic and it did not (as far as I know to date) receive feedback / commentary.  This entry adds a bit more info.  A few weeks ago, I also posted a like entry on the ZWO ASIAIR Forum, and have not seen any response.  Not receiving any feedback / comment / correction from ZWO is particularly disconcerting.  I am a "traveler" and rely solely on my ASIAIR-Plus to accomplish my data acquisition.  Since 2021, my ASIAIR functioning has been rock-solid.  It has done everything I need.

One night - a little while back, I forgot my tablet at home and used my iPhone to run that night's session.  The software required that I update to v2.1.2.  During the session, there were a few glitches, which I attributed to using my phone.  The next night out, my tablet had to update to v2.1.2 ... and the real problems began ....

Specifically, my ASIAIR-Plus Autorun session was (quite often) interrupted with an error message informing me that my EAF had disconnected, and that it needed to be (physically) re-connected.  My EAF was not physically disconnected, but I re-connected it in the software.  My cables are good.  Simultaneously, my Autorun sequence stopped and reset to "0."  My main camera disconnected in the software and the main screen returned to Preview.  After that night, I saw that v2.1.4 had been released and hoped that whatever the problem was that I was experiencing would have been corrected.  It was not, so I reverted to using my ASIAIR-Pro, which - for some reason unbeknownst to me - did not need to update.  That night went perfectly ... and I thought that perhaps my ASIAIR-Plus had seen a better day ....  Even so, a few days ago, I saw that v2.1.5 had been released, and once again I updated hoping that the issue(s) would be resolved.

A few nights ago, I brought my ASIAIR-Pro with me (I didn't want to take the chance), but it then needed to update to v2.1.5.  Alas, my ASIAIR-Pro also experienced the exact same problems.  At this point, I am thinking that the issue is clearly in the software.

Has anyone else experienced these issues after updating to the v2.1.2 (and subsequent) firmware?  If so, is there a known remedy?

Thank you,

Jay

I have experienced those identical problems. EAF disconnecting, camera falling out, camera failing in the middle of a run. My remedy will be to migrate as fast as I can to NINA.
DavesView avatar
DavesView avatar
I moved one rig over from the ASIair Plus to NINA with a Ryzen 7, 16 GB memory, 1 TB NVMe drive this evening and got everything working (AM5, ASI6200MM Pro, ASI120 mini, EFW and EAF). Cost of the Ryzen, $309, tax and all. So much better! My camera display time from finish to on screen went from 25 seconds to <2 seconds. I  have one more ASIair Plus to retire and I am done with that machine. Although, now on the list of things to get is the Pegasus V3 for the 19vdc to power the Ryzen and everything else. Be needing a rotator now that I have that option with NINA. Now where is that CC…
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