ZWO ASIAIR Mini User manual

ASIAIR Mini
User Manual
2022.07
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Supporting Material
ZWO Provides instructional videos and the following supporting documents for ASIAIR Mini users:
1. Quick Start Guide
2. User Manual (including disclaimer and safety summary)
It is recommended that users watch the instructional video first, and then read the “Quick Start Guide” to
understand the installation and basic setup.
For detailed product information, please read the User Manual.
YouTube Videos
To watch some very useful videos: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=asiair
Download the ASIAIR App
Scan the QR code to download the app, iOS users can search and download the app in the App Store,

Android users will find the app in the Google Play Store.
ASIAIR app requires Android 6.0 and above, iOS 11 and above.
iOS / iPadOS requires 1GB and above: iPhone 5 and above full series, iPod sixth generation and above, iPad
third generation and above, iPad Air series, iPad Pro series.
Android devices: 4 GB or more of RAM is recommended.
Table of Contents
01.Product Overview
Introduction
Features
Preparation
Device Component
Indications
02.Initial Setup
Data Cable Connections
Power Cable Connections
Network Connection

Mount Connection via Cables
Mount Connection via Network
DSLR Camera Connection
03.ASIAIR App
Homepage
Basic Configuration
Guiding
Mount Control Panel
Additional Tools
Quick Start Guide to Imaging
Live Stacking
Autorun
04.Appendix
Export Image File
Software Updates
ASIAIR OS Restore
Security Essentials
Disclaimer
After Sale Support
Product Description
This section introduces the ASIAIR Mini.
Introduction
ASIAIR Mini is a smart Wi-Fi device. It is equipped with a power management module, ample USB
connectivity, telescope mounting foot and ASIAIR App's rich feature set. ASIAIR Mini is the third generation
of ASIAIR since its first release in July 2018.
Features
The ASIAIR Mini case is constructed of CNC milled aviation aluminum. The case is finished in a rugged and
pleasing anodized finish. The case measures 100*70*26.5mm, which makes it excellent in size and weight,
and easily mounted on almost any telescope.
A laser engraved star maps of the Ursa Major and Ursa Major Polaris adorn the front of the unit. M4 and 1⁄
4-inch threads in the bottom and sides, combined with the supplied dovetail plate, make for easy installation
and removal .

The built-in power management module makes cable management easy. A variety of USB ports makes
connecting equipment a simple task. In addition to the USB ports, it also provides a shutter release port
for SLR cameras, which supports exposure over 30s.
LED status lights provide indications to the operator which are easily viewable.
Preparation
When shipped from the factory, the SD card, and the side dovetail plate on which the system is mounted
are preinstalled. Before first use please ensure the SD Card is correctly and the dovetail is tight as they may
have moved in shipping.
Do not use excessive force when tightening the dovetail bolts as these may become damaged.
Product certifications
“ FCC ID: 2A7R3-ASIAIRMINI”
“IC: 28392-ASIAIRMINI”
“This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is Subject to following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received including interference that cause undesired operation.”
Device Component

1. DSLR Camera Shutter Release Port (2.5mm)
2. DC 5.5x2.1mm Power Output x4
3. Type-C Port
4. External Hinged WiFi Dual-band Antenna
5. Wi-Fi Status Indicator
6. System Status Indicator
7. Power Status Indicator
8. Reset
9. DC 12V Input
10. USB 2.0 x4
Indications

Issues with Wi-Fi can be corrected by pressing the RESET button and releasing it after the light flashes. The
Wi-Fi hotspot, password and the details for station mode will be reset after 5 seconds.
Initial Setup
This section describes the initial setup and connects to ASIAIR Mini.
Connections
Data Cable Connections
Connect the main camera and memory stick to USB 2.0 port.
Connect guide camera and telescope mount to USB 2.0 port.
EFW/EAF connect via the main camera hub.
DC 12V@3A~5A power adapter is required for cool cameras.
Power Cable Connections

ASIAIR Mini requires 12V@5A power supply.
ASIAIR Mini power outlets can provide power to connected equipment such as the main camera cooling,
EAF, EFW and dew heaters.
Pay attention to cable management to avoid entanglement when the equatorial mount rotates.
Network Connection

Step 1: After electrify and wait for the ASIAIR to beep once.
Step 2: Connect your mobile device to ASIAIR network using 12345678 as the password then open the
ASIAIR app.
Step 3: Start your journey into astrophotography!
Mount Connection via Cables
1. Connecting RS-232
Most equatorial mounts have a hand controller used to manage mount settings and control. Common ones
are ARGO VAVIS, GTOCP series, StarGo, NexStar series, SynScan V 3 / V4 series, Pulsar2 GoTo, Go2Nova
series, Gemini series, AutoStar Series, AudioStar series, PMC-8 and Electronic FS-2 commonly used by DIY
telescope builders.
Many mounts now support direct USB connection, but you can also use the included RS232-USB adapter
to connect to your mount.
SynScan V5 needs to use a USB Type B ‒ Type A printer data cable. If the connection type or baud rate is
incorrect, it will fail to connect in the app.
2. Direct USB Connection to the mount

Many equatorial mounts now have their control system built into the equatorial mount body and allow
direct USB connection. The equatorial mount is connected to ASIAIR Mini by direct USB connection.
To confirm whether your mount is supported by ASIAIR Mini or not, you may need to check the documents
of the mount first.
3.EQMod with EQDir cable
For the EQMOD system, use an EQDir cable and connect your mount with ASIAIR Mini. Select [EQMod
Mount] or [EQMod with SkySafari] in the app.
Supported EQMod Mounts:
EQ3-2
NEQ3
HEQ3
SkyView Pro EQ
EQ4
EQ5
HEQ5
EQ6
EQ6 Pro
NEQ6
EQ6-R PRO
AZ-EQ5GT
AZ-EQ6GT
EQ8
EQM-35 Pro
AZ-GTi*
M-Uno Fast Reverse Single Fork Arm EQ
Linear Fast Reverse EQ
Vixen GPDX/ Vixen SP fitted with SynScan Upgrade kit (EQ5)
EQMod baud are 9600，except ZEQ5 which is 115200.
For AZ-GT via network connection the correct baud rate is 11880and UDP protocol.
Mount Connection via Network

1. Connecting via WiFi
Some mounts now have built-in Wi-Fi modules or provide an external Wi-Fi accessory, such as AZ-GTi with
SynScan WiFi module, StarFi Wi-Fi Adapter, SkyPortal Wi-Fi Module, StarGo Wi-Fi mode, PMC-8 Wi-Fi mode
etc.
For a detailed description of ASIAIR Mini connections, please refer to the relevant documents on the support
page of ZWO official website.
2. Network Cable Connection
This method is mainly aimed at Vixen's StarBook series control system, including StarBook, StarBook One,
StarBook-S, StarBook Ten, etc. Specific steps are as follows:
① Power on the StarBook control system.
② Directly connect the ASIAIR Mini and StarBook control systems via an RJ45 standard (Crystal connector
is also in A or B mode).
③ Open the ASIAIR App, select wired ethernet on the connection settings page to automatically obtain an
IP address.
④ Select the corresponding StarBook control system option and fill in the StarBook control system IP in the
IP input box (obtained at "Menu-About LAN"), for example, 169.254.0.1, port 80.
If the ASIAIR prompts that the connection failed reconfirm on the ‘About LAN’ page in the StarBook, that it
obtained an IP address.
DSLR Camera Connection

DSLR cameras can only be used as the main camera, using Preview, Autorun, Live.
Connect the DSLR camera to ASIAIR Mini through the camera data cable. Before connecting in the app,
select the following camera settings before launching the app:
Camera Mode: M
Shutter Mode: Bulb
Image Format: RAW (RAW + JPEG not available)
Image Quality: L (maximum size)
In addition, turn off any power saving mode or long exposure noise reduction. If using a DSLR camera with
mirror lock functions, you should also turn these functions off.
To ensure that the remaining space of the camera's SD card is sufficient refer to the "estimated space" in
the ASIAIR plan shooting settings interface and ensure your DSLR battery is sufficiently charged or use an
external power source.
ASIAIR Mini supports shutter release cable which will break the limitation of 30s exposure.
ASIAIR App
This section introduces the main features of the ASIAIR App.
Homepage
With the ASIAIR Mini switched on and the mobile device connected to the ASIAIR network ‒ select the
ASIAIR App:

Click Enter to enter the app homepage.
① Top Menu Bar
At the top of the screen you will see a selection of icons - From left to right these are: ASIAIR Settings, Main
Camera Settings, Guide Settings, Telescope Settings, Filter Wheel Settings, Focuser Settings, Storage settings.
If a device is connected and enabled, the icon will be "lit", otherwise it will be grayed out.
② Right Side
Switch between main functions. Touch “preview” to switch between main function modes such as focus
adjustment, polar axis calibration, multi-targets, live stacking, plan mode and video mode.
③ Bottom – Information Bar
Displays current ASIAIR Mini working status information and camera information such as resolution, gain,

temperature, cooling power, etc.
④ Left Side
Show tools available in the current function mode, including Histogram, Guiding, Crosshair, Annotate etcs.
Touch the icon to open/close the current tool.
Base Configuration
Network Settings
This area contains most of the basic settings related to ASIAIR.
Info Display：ASIAIR box serial number, CPU temperature, input voltage, input current, total power and
etc.

Network Settings：You can customize ASIAIR Mini wireless hotspot name and password, switch Wi-Fi
hotspot band between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, configure Wi-Fi STA mode and Ethernet cable network.
Device Operation: Switch Device ‒ After completing the setting for Station mode, you can switch between
multiple devices in the home area network. Shutdown ‒ For safety reasons, the option of shutdown in APP
is provided.
Station Mode: After you complete the settings above, you can connect the ASIAIR device to home area
network via Station Mode. By doing that, you are now able to control your gear and photograph targets
anywhere of your home, breaking the distance limitation of AP connection! Also, you will still have access
to network in your phone or other mobile devices while ASIAIR doing astrophotography for you. Just be
aware that the Station Mode can only work with 2.4Ghz WiFi.
Shut down the ASIAIR device and exit the app, please wait for 5-10s before disconnecting the power of the
ASIAIR Mini.
Main Camera Settings
Select the main camera and slide the slider switch to the right to connect it.
When switching cameras, please set the switch to off first. Then change camera, followed by sliding the
slider switch on again.
Enter main scope focal length and choose gain setting.
If you’re using a cooled camera, the cooling function is on after you open the APP by default. In addition,
some cameras also have heating and anti-dew functions.
To use a DSLR camera as the main camera please refer to the "DSLR Camera Connection" section for the
DSLR camera models supported by ASIAIR. For models that do not support long exposure, you need to use

the shutter release connection.
To customize the file name, you can refer to "Customize File Name" option. The components that can be
added in the file name includes camera model, gain, date and temperature.
It is recommended to open the advanced settings, which includes Auto White Balance, Mono Bin and
Continuous Preview.
Guide Camera Settings
Select and connect the guide camera. Be sure to fill in the focal length of the guidescope.
You can enable dithering according to your needs. If you are just starting to use ASIAIR for the first time,
we recommended to keep this feature off until you are more familiar with its operation.
Mount Settings

Select the corresponding mount model and connection method here, and slide the switch to connect it. For
the specific connection method of the mount, please refer to section 2 of "Mount Connection".
If the information such as the geographic location and time is inaccurate. You can also synchronize the GPS
information of the phone to the equatorial mount. If the Right Ascension and Declination display is 0 0 ° 00
'00” please restart the mount and reconnect after checking your connections.
It is recommended to turn on Auto-Center GoTo commands and keep tracking enabled.
Filter Wheel Settings
After selecting and connecting your filter wheel you can customize the name of the filter wheel positions.
You can select a filter position and the wheel will rotate to the filter hole position. Tap Calibrate EFW if you
need to recalibrate your wheel positions.
Focuser Settings

After connecting the focuser, you can change parameters such as fine and coarse steps, backlash settings
and send the focuser to a specific position, or reverse the focuser In/Out commands. Please refer to ZWO
EAF Manual for detailed operating instructions.
It is recommended to turn on the beep.
Storage Settings
Shows the location and usage of ASIAIR storage space. You can choose to store the image files in eMMC
storage of ASIAIR or SD card.
In Image Management, you can sort the images files you’ve captured, and preview, export or delete the
files in storage.
The USB Memory Stick supports FAT32 , exFat and NTFS formats, if you use a storage device with a large

capacity such as 128GB to 512GB external drive, please ensure that the device has a power supply connected,
ASIAIR Mini USB power supply is not capable of supporting reliable memory operations.
About
Selecting the Update Log will display the ASIAIR update log and terms of service.
Guiding
Touch Preview/Autorun/Live/Plan mode, there will be a floating window popping up that showing the brief
guiding information. Touch this guiding floating window to enter the guiding page.
On the guiding page: On the left side you can turn the guiding graph on and off, and on the right is the
guide cameras settings.

Tap this button for the guider calibration data. The graph shows the movement of the star formed by
the guide pulse sent by ASIAIR during calibration. The line represents the RA and Dec guide star rates
calculated as a result of the calibration. They should generally be approximately vertical.
After setting the EXP exposure time, touch this button to start refreshing the image captured by the
guide camera in real time. It is generally recommended to set the exposure time to 1-4s.
Start calibration. Before tapping calibration, you can also manually select a star. Note, do not select
the brightest star, generally choose the medium brightness on the image with a HFD of 3-6. You can also
tap the button directly, and ASIAIR will automati cally select a suitable star for you to start the calibration
process. After the calibration is completed, guiding will be turned enabled.
Touch this button if you want to stop guiding.
Normally you just need to keep the default setting of these options. However, some- times the guiding
graph can be very volatile. In this case you can tap the “show/hide” button on the far right, see the
corrections signs and slightly adjust the value of “DEC Aggr”and“RA Aggr” to help flatten the guiding graph.
When you complete the calibration work and get the ready for guiding, please first wait for 10-20 frames
and then tap the clear button on the left side of the guiding graph for the previous guiding graph and the
value of total error might not be that correct.

Mount Control Panel
The ASIAIR app provides a range of features to you to move your mount via the mobile device, select a
shooting target, complete a GoTo and target composition. We call it the "Mount Control Panel (MCP)". Meet
the control panel from top to bottom:
Target search box: Touch to enter the "celestial library" interface, we have carefully selected
more than 14,000 solar systems and deep sky objects, and there is a "best tonight" list, making the choice
of shooting targets even easier.
Some users may shoot targets that are not included in the celestial library, in this case a custom target is
added.
GoTo button: When the target object has been selected in the library, it will return to the MCP
interface, touching the button ASIAIR will command the mount, move to the co-ordinates where the target
is located and complete the automatic centering routine.
Direction buttons and speed slider: Through adjusting the direction and move speed, you can move the
right ascension axis and declination axis of your mount, allowing you to make the composition you want or
fulfilling your other needs.
The library includes NGC , IC , M catalogs, solar system objects and well-known star names . Future
updates add more. To enable GoTo’s an equatorial mount with serial/USB connection is required and ST4
commands are not supported