ASIair taking forever for Flat Frame Autorun - Forums

Topic starter

May 27, 2023

Has anyone noticed the ASIair taking flat frames very slowly now? I've got the minis and the pro, and the latest firmware download. Doing an autorun with an auto exposure calculation takes a really long time. For example, 20 0.08333s frames were calculated to take around 8 minutes and ended up taking well over 30 minutes. When taking flats on the Pro with the same light panel, it only takes about 2 minutes.

Anyone know what's happening with this? In my limited experience, flat frames were incredibly quick and now they're becoming an annoying chore. Could this be something with the latest firmware?

Well written Engaging

Moshen Chan

Jun 21, 2023

I've noticed the same thing and came across this post when doing a google search. Did you find any solution yet?

Well written

AppalachianAstroworks

Topic starter

Jun 21, 2023

Moshen Chan:
I've noticed the same thing and came across this post when doing a google search. Did you find any solution yet?

I haven’t found a solution yet. However I took flats and dark flats at Cherry Springs on Saturday and it took 2 hours to do 60 total divided between filters. My scope was in the sun and they didn’t come out right so I retook them at home and the whole session was done within 5 minutes! So I have no idea what’s going on. I tried again in an effort to troubleshoot this and it once again took 2 hours. I think I’m going to message ZWO and see if they can update this or fix it. I was so surprised when they happened normally. I wonder if the firmware on my camera needs updating and if that’s the cause. Something is definitely wrong.

Moshen Chan

Jun 22, 2023

Usually they don’t take long but recently my experience is like yours with ASI6200 and Asiair Plus, so I don’t know what’s going on either. Keep me posted if you figure it out.

Ahmed Alqallaf

Jul 1, 2023

Slow because of the data transfer through wifi, Connect your camera directly to a computer when taking flats and control it with ASIAIR software in your computer.

AppalachianAstroworks

Topic starter

Jul 1, 2023

I can connect the camera cable to my computer and run it through the ASIAIR app on that? I could easily connect to the Pro I have, however, 3 of these are the new minis and they don't have a LAN port. Will the app work through the cable to the camera?

Moshen Chan

Jul 1, 2023

I don't believe the wifi is an issue as the ASIAir writes directly to its internal or attached SD card (via USB3). Additionally I had no problems with the times taking flats in the past with ASIAir. Only recently has it been an issue.

AppalachianAstroworks

Topic starter

Sep 13, 2023

Moshen Chan:
I've noticed the same thing and came across this post when doing a google search. Did you find any solution yet?

I figured it out! Sorry for taking so long, I’m gone a lot and don’t get a ton of time to capture. The Mini is missing the 3.0 ports. When taking flats it’s too much for the processor to handle and while it’s taking the next frame the loading of the previous frame gets bogged down in the transfer.

The workaround that I found is saving all flats onto the SD card built into the mini instead of a flash drive. I use a 2TB 3.0 flash drive and it doesn’t like the 2.0 port that well. When it’s done with the flat session simply go into image management and select the folders and click “Move To.” Easy peasy.

Helpful

Related discussions

Issues with SCT calibration frames

I've recently been trying my Edge 8HD for DSO targets with the Celestron reducer. I have now encountered an issue with calibration. Flats are taken the same way I do them for my other rigs (flawlessly). Several layers of a white t-shirt and then ...

Issues with SCT calibration frames — discusses flat frame problems with equipment.

Jan 12, 2025