Install of ZWO ASIAIR Pro, ASI120 Mini Camera, & 30 mm Guide Scope

Sky-Watcher HEQ5 PRO Equipment Guiding Beginner Help Needed
7 replies•363 views
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Greetings,

I just received my ZWO guide system and am excited to put it to use, however, right off the bat, I have some questions that I'm hoping others with experience can clarify:

  • How far into the guide scope I should set the camera?[/*]
  • Do I need to use the extension tube for the camera?
    • [/*]
  • Which way do I position the camera in the scope?[/*]
  • How do I focus the guide scope?[/*]
  • What do you use to connect the ASIAIR's power?[/*]
Please share any other tips you may think are helpful.

I have this connected to my WO Zenith Star 73, atop an HEQ5 Pro mount.

Thanks for the help!
Well Written Respectful Engaging
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Update: it looks like I can connect the mount power to the ASIAIR then power my mount through the outputs on the ASIAIR.

I also do not seem to have the proper USB cord to connect to the mount for guiding. Thanks in advance for advice.

If anyone has the same setup, I'd love to see some pictures.

Thanks!
dkamen avatar
dkamen avatar
Hi schmaks,

See this:

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/tutorials/how-to-connect-asiair-to-your-skywatcher-mount.html

I use EQmod with a cable purchased from First Light Optics, but have also connected via synscan with a USB type B cable from a printer. If connecting as synscan you must go to the hand controller's menu and enable PC direct mode in Utilities.

Note: I am not sure how the rs232 method they describe there would work, never used that and the diagram seems a bit wrong.

Re: power, the supply to most Skywatcher mounts MUST be earthed if you are connecting to the grid. An unearthed DC adaptor might cause issues with the rest of your equipment (notable symptom in my case was the ASI mini resetting all the time) or injury to you, especially if it is a night with high humidity. You can use a testing screwdriver to see if your mount is like that, simply put it on a tripod leg when everything is connected and if it lights up you need a grounded power supply to the mount. Disregard if you are using battery.

Obviously the need for grounding applies to ASIAIR if you are powering the mount through it (I didn't know you could do that).
Helpful
Marc Agostini avatar
Marc Agostini avatar
How far into the guide scope I should set the camera?Do I need to use the extension tube for the camera?
Which way do I position the camera in the scope?
How do I focus the guide scope?

Hi Schmaks,

I use the extension on the ASI120 Mini camera, I push it in just so far that the gap between the extension and the camera is at the end of the guidescope. like this, I have a focus reference point if I need to remove the camera from the guidescope.

I would position the camera so that its chip is parallel/orthogonal to the RA/Dec Axis of your mount, in theory this gives you the best guiding.

You focus the guide scope by loosening the knurled red ring and then screwing the black objective in or out. Once you reach focus, tighten the red knurled ring against the objective. Best way to do it is to make a rough adjustment on a faraway object by day and do the fine focusing on a star by night, I do it by the fwhm method.
Helpful
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Thanks, everyone—this is very helpful! I have a EQMOD cable on the way and will be testing this out when I have clear skies!

Looking forward to some cable management here too. I think with this setup, I can get away with just the single power cord so long as the power cord from the mount to the asiar pro is long enough for rotations.

Thanks again!
Well Written Respectful Supportive
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Me again!

How do I find out ideal dithering settings on the asiair pro?
wsg avatar
wsg avatar
Schmaks.  I just started dithering with my asiAir pro so I'm not an expert. There are no ideal settings exactly because of numerous factors such as your seeing, your target RA and DEC. The asiAir pro manual is very clear, but one thing I can add is that the default settings are pretty good if you are PA'ed and balanced well.  If you want to lower or raise your aggression take your time and let the guiding adjust to new settings. In my experience the changes are small and usually involve DEC.

Scott
Concise
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Thanks Scott!

I’ll soon be experimenting with it!
Related discussions
a quick question for any ZWO ASIair users out there...
I have a quick question regarding the zwo asiair. i purchased this unit for the purpose of guiding but am a little confused (beginner still), Am i correct in thinking that i only need to connect the guide camera to the mount via serial/usb connectiio...
ZWO ASIAIR Pro installation and setup guide directly addresses your equipment questions.
Feb 18, 2019
Which Version of ZWO ASI120MM?
*** Apologies for those of you also active on Cloudy Nights, where I have also asked this question *** I am looking to start guiding with a WO Uniguide 32 atop a WO Zenithstar 61, mounted to a Skyguider Pro. I am considering the ZWO ASI120MM Mini or ...
ZWO guide camera installation and setup questions directly match source post.
Oct 24, 2021
Cable management for newbies/people on a budget
I just wanted to share what I've done in terms of power supply/cable management in case it helps anyone on a tight budget. Basically it goes like this: * I only run two cables from my study: a power extension cable and an active USB * I have moun...
Power connection for ASIAIR mentioned in source post as specific question.
Apr 20, 2022