ZWO AM3 & ASIAir Plus Setup and Target Simulation I only do One Shot Color (OSC) by Bryan Hudson My Online Gallery: inspirationima... Astrobin: www.astrobin.c...
Bryan - I agree that the narration (including voice) and pace were excellent. Love all the equipment you own (jelly) and you're quite knowledgeable. I checked out your online images - you are fantastic! I am surprised that you have the 8" SCT on the AM3 and it still tracks well. Thumbs up! I just got a second AM5 to put my 8" on but haven't used it yet to see how it tracks (still messing with focusing the OAG). I was concerned about the weight on the AM5 but you have me feeling better since you're on the AM3. Thanks for showing the simulation using the AA. I've been using other means but AA would be better because I could get the framing camera rotation set-up prior to the imaging night. It would be great if AA allowed date/time changes for the simulation.
My Celestron C8 rig is well under the payload capacity AM3. It would be nice to change the date in order to do simulations based upon the time of day preferred.
@@VisionCommunications ok, i figured. I thought about just taking it off when done and assembling. It’s not like I’ll be doing it everyday. If I did, I would worry about the plugging and unplugging every time would wear on the sockets
I always use Stellarium to do my research for targets and to know its position in the night sky for a given day. Also use it to determine the moon phase and its location. Once I've identified targets, I put the target identifier into ASIAir to point my scope to the target, plates solve, do imaging, stacking, and export the FIT file for processing in Pixinsight. I am aware that Stellarium can also control the mount, but I prefer the wireless connectivity and seamless integration of ASI air.
@@VisionCommunications I agree. I use stellarium for planning and framing as well but my REAL action takes place using the asi air. I have an asi air on each of my 5 scopes and I love using them minus the connectivity issues with WiFi.
Great video. Just got my AM3, Tripod and PE200 Pier in. These mounts are made with great quality. I'm debating on whether to mount the guide cam on the side of the saddle or in the hot shoe (still using a ML camera for now) of the camera. The air will go where the guide cam doesn't.
Warning: ZWO support doesn't exists. Your warranty means nothing. My AM5 has major mechanical problems. ZWO has ghosted me after the initial "try this, try that " emails.
ZWO's customer service is awful. That is certainly well-known, I just hope that all my gear continues to work. I dread today when I need customer service.
Nice presentation. I also have the Am3. I run at about 12 pounds no but was thinking about the Celestron c9.25 which would bring me right to its capacity. Should I get a more hefty mount or give it a shot. I do use counter weights.
Thanks! I'm not quite a full service UA-camr! :-) You can Google every item brand that I mentioned or showed on the screen. The laser is something I put together from parts I already had.
Great video and thank you. Did you have any tech issues with either AM3, 533MC or ASI AIR? I am planning a full kit upgrade to these three and your feedback will be very useful. Amazing images on Astrobin by the way.
I've had no tech issues with my ZWO gear so far. Hoping I don't have any problems because I've heard that ZWO customer service is terrible! Thanks for checking out my AstroBin gallery!
Have you run your PA on the ASIAir after using the laser to polar align? Just for comparison? I can see that getting your scope(s) assembly and the laser assemblies to match each other's alignment would be difficult.
I only use the laser for polar alignment. Aligning the laser with the mount is not as difficult as it seems. Actually, ASI PA is not better. I did a laser alignment followed by ASI PA and verified that reality. Plate solving and guiding corrects for small errors of polar alignment whether using the laser or ASI PA. I've been using this method for many months, and my guiding is always .70 or better.
I was looking at getting a similar setup to what you are running. I was curious what power adapter you are running into the asiair? I saw that you used the 12v port on the asiair to power the mount but I wasn’t sure what adapter would give the best out put from the asiair
Thanks! I put that laser rig together from parts I already had. There are plenty of low power green lasers available on Amazon. The key is to get one where you can press the switch and it stays on.
Question about the laser polar alignment, isn’t true that Polaris has to be set within I will call it a recital circle using a special app called ps align pro. Just pointing a laser at Polaris isn’t correct. Now I am only a novice so please explain
I already know Polaris is not true North. As I stated, ASIAir plate solving and guiding software corrects for the error. Otherwise, I couldn't get .7 RMS or better guiding with all my rigs, including Celestron C8. Plate solving is the feature that makes this work.
Thank you for viewing! I like AM3 because it is smaller, lighter, and does everything I need a mount to do with all my rigs. If you have rigs over 30pounds (14kg), AM5 is best..
Hmmm, I am debating between the AM3 vs the AM5. Do you have any issues providing the power to the mount from the ASIair? I understand that the AM5 has a 12V output but not the AM3? My CEM70 has power outputs on the saddle.
Thank you for viewing and commenting. AM3 doesn't have a power output. I send 12Volt power from my battery bank to ASIAir Plus. From there power is sent to the mount, to my camera, and the USBC connections. Works flawlessly with no problems.
Thanks for the question! I like the size and weight of AM3, and I'm not going to put anything on it bigger than my Celestron C8 rig. It also easily fits to into my carry on bag for flights with other gear. It wasn't a matter of money. I can afford any mount that I wanted.
This is excellent. Thank you. Trying to decide between the AM3 and the iOptron HEM15. The HEM15 is 3 pounds lighter with same payload. Do you have an idea of how much weight your rigs are? Mostly looking for a grab and go.
Thanks! Rig weights: C8 = 16.5 lbs, Canon 300mm = 9 lbs, Samyang 135mm = 7 lbs. AM3 does not need a counterweight for under 17 pounds. I still use a 3 pound counterweight for the C8 rig
From what it looks like, you are saying: Samyang rig (7 pounds) + the AM3 (8 pounds) = 15 pounds total? Thanks again, I appreciate your response.@@VisionCommunications
I forgot to ask how you are attaching that ASIair to the mount. Would be a great video on the makeup of your rigs and how you travel with it. @@VisionCommunications
Works great! Always under .7 RMS. Here is a video: ua-cam.com/video/aIhhlkXEb-k/v-deo.htmlsi=o1MaHY8-m_KU7OJ_ Photo: facebook.com/share/p/ap9p1nJg7z8aT5Aq/?mibextid=K35XfP
Thanks for the video. How heavy is your payload with the C8, and do you use a counterweight? With using just the laser pointer for PA, do you ever get any star trailing with long exposures? I agree with you that the ASI Air PA process is "cluegy," but I use the laser to get pretty darn close, then use the ASI Air to get even closer.
AM3 payload without CW is 17 lbs. My C8 rig is 16 lbs. No issues with five minute exposures using laser pointer to align. ASIAir plate solving and auto guiding correct for any lack of perfect alignment. Without that, there would be some star trials if I only depended on tracking. All of my deep sky images with AM3 use the laser (AstroBin gallery linked). For my Star Adventurer GTI, I use optical polar alignment. For me ASIRAir PA is a headache. www.astrobin.com/users/BryanHudson/
@@VisionCommunicationsVery interesting, as the YT "giants" all stress very precise PA in order to get the best results. I may try your method to see what results I get, although clear nights are so hard to come by recently, I hesitate to do any kind of experimentation at all if I get one, LOL!
My method only works with ASIAir and autoguiding, which uses plate solving for precision. There is a lot of "religion" and "boxes" in astrophotography-and some snobbery as well. They say stuff like "a mount can only be loaded to 50-60% of its payload" (that was true with older less well engineered mounts), must to use big heavy mounts, polar alignment has to be "perfect," and other things. I focus on my results, avoid debates, do my alignment in 30 seconds, and enjoy imaging sessions. To each his own, or as my father use to say, "knock yourself out!" My guiding is always under .7 RMS and the stars are always round. Thanks for the comments.
There's a 12V battery bank under the tripod supplying power to ASIAir Plus. From there, 12V power is going to the mount and to the camera. AA+ supports up to four 12V outputs.
@@VisionCommunicationsThank you! I had heard conflicting information regarding the ability of the ASIAIR Plus to power the mount, like the mount needed more power than the ASIAIR Plus could provide, but it looks like its working great for you!
Wow. One video has given me a dozen ideas to try. Your narration and pace is perfect. Thank you sir.
Thank you for checking it out! In this hobby, we help each other!
Fantastic presentation. Thank you for teaching a newbie
Thank you for taking the time to check it out!
Outstanding video!!! I'm brand new and hope to use this technique to learn how to run my setup. Thanks. Much appreciated.
Thank you for watching! Clear skies!
Thanks for the video. Exactly the info I was looking for regarding the AM3 and C8.
@@nathanmay3658 Thanks for checking it out!
Bryan - I agree that the narration (including voice) and pace were excellent. Love all the equipment you own (jelly) and you're quite knowledgeable. I checked out your online images - you are fantastic! I am surprised that you have the 8" SCT on the AM3 and it still tracks well. Thumbs up! I just got a second AM5 to put my 8" on but haven't used it yet to see how it tracks (still messing with focusing the OAG). I was concerned about the weight on the AM5 but you have me feeling better since you're on the AM3. Thanks for showing the simulation using the AA. I've been using other means but AA would be better because I could get the framing camera rotation set-up prior to the imaging night. It would be great if AA allowed date/time changes for the simulation.
My Celestron C8 rig is well under the payload capacity AM3. It would be nice to change the date in order to do simulations based upon the time of day preferred.
Sweet setup. I'll get there one day
Thank you! I’m putting my AA+ on my AM3! Good call!
Thx for commenting! Was a necessity for me since I often change rigs on AM3. Also limits cables getting hung up.
@@VisionCommunications gotcha. Also, do you remove it after every shooting session?
@@MrMrduke1975 It stays attached to AM3. I use a different bag to store and transport it as it will not fit the case that was made for it.
@@VisionCommunications ok, i figured. I thought about just taking it off when done and assembling. It’s not like I’ll be doing it everyday. If I did, I would worry about the plugging and unplugging every time would wear on the sockets
@@MrMrduke1975 It is a robust unit. I leave mine connected for quick start to an imaging session.
I use the green laser technique as well, I spend less then two minutes to PA, let the software do the rest.
Works great! Spend more time imaging than fooling around with PA.
Get Stellarium fam. Using the asi air is cool but stellarium is free and one of the best planning tools I have used. Clear skies!
I always use Stellarium to do my research for targets and to know its position in the night sky for a given day. Also use it to determine the moon phase and its location.
Once I've identified targets, I put the target identifier into ASIAir to point my scope to the target, plates solve, do imaging, stacking, and export the FIT file for processing in Pixinsight.
I am aware that Stellarium can also control the mount, but I prefer the wireless connectivity and seamless integration of ASI air.
@@VisionCommunications I agree. I use stellarium for planning and framing as well but my REAL action takes place using the asi air. I have an asi air on each of my 5 scopes and I love using them minus the connectivity issues with WiFi.
Great video. Just got my AM3, Tripod and PE200 Pier in. These mounts are made with great quality. I'm debating on whether to mount the guide cam on the side of the saddle or in the hot shoe (still using a ML camera for now) of the camera. The air will go where the guide cam doesn't.
You certainly have options. I've mounted mine on the saddle so I can more easily swap out different telescopes and lenses.
Yes we do!
@@VisionCommunications
Thank you!
GREAT VIDEO!!!
Thanks for watching!
Warning: ZWO support doesn't exists. Your warranty means nothing. My AM5 has major mechanical problems. ZWO has ghosted me after the initial "try this, try that " emails.
ZWO's customer service is awful. That is certainly well-known, I just hope that all my gear continues to work. I dread today when I need customer service.
Nice presentation. I also have the Am3. I run at about 12 pounds no but was thinking about the Celestron c9.25 which would bring me right to its capacity. Should I get a more hefty mount or give it a shot. I do use counter weights.
I don't plan to use anything bigger than C8. With counterweight, AM3 payload is 28 pounds. I mistakenly said 23 pounds in the video.
Great and helpful video! Subscribed for future content. Any chance you can add links / names of items used in the description?
Thanks! I'm not quite a full service UA-camr! :-)
You can Google every item brand that I mentioned or showed on the screen. The laser is something I put together from parts I already had.
Great video and thank you. Did you have any tech issues with either AM3, 533MC or ASI AIR? I am planning a full kit upgrade to these three and your feedback will be very useful. Amazing images on Astrobin by the way.
I've had no tech issues with my ZWO gear so far. Hoping I don't have any problems because I've heard that ZWO customer service is terrible!
Thanks for checking out my AstroBin gallery!
@@VisionCommunications That's quite reassuring. Thank you and have a Happy Easter.
New subscriber. Nice video.
Thanks for taking time to check it out!
Have you run your PA on the ASIAir after using the laser to polar align? Just for comparison? I can see that getting your scope(s) assembly and the laser assemblies to match each other's alignment would be difficult.
I only use the laser for polar alignment. Aligning the laser with the mount is not as difficult as it seems.
Actually, ASI PA is not better. I did a laser alignment followed by ASI PA and verified that reality.
Plate solving and guiding corrects for small errors of polar alignment whether using the laser or ASI PA.
I've been using this method for many months, and my guiding is always .70 or better.
I was looking at getting a similar setup to what you are running. I was curious what power adapter you are running into the asiair? I saw that you used the 12v port on the asiair to power the mount but I wasn’t sure what adapter would give the best out put from the asiair
I use this power bank: GOLABS R300 Portable Power... www.amazon.com/dp/B08P5SFV4D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Nice video.. Can you tell me what the láser reference is? and where could I get it? Thank you 🙏
Thanks! I put that laser rig together from parts I already had. There are plenty of low power green lasers available on Amazon. The key is to get one where you can press the switch and it stays on.
Question about the laser polar alignment, isn’t true that Polaris has to be set within I will call it a recital circle using a special app called ps align pro. Just pointing a laser at Polaris isn’t correct. Now I am only a novice so please explain
I already know Polaris is not true North. As I stated, ASIAir plate solving and guiding software corrects for the error. Otherwise, I couldn't get .7 RMS or better guiding with all my rigs, including Celestron C8.
Plate solving is the feature that makes this work.
Thank you for your tour. Do you feel that the am5 is a better choice. I am trying to decide which one
Thank you for viewing! I like AM3 because it is smaller, lighter, and does everything I need a mount to do with all my rigs. If you have rigs over 30pounds (14kg), AM5 is best..
Hmmm, I am debating between the AM3 vs the AM5. Do you have any issues providing the power to the mount from the ASIair? I understand that the AM5 has a 12V output but not the AM3? My CEM70 has power outputs on the saddle.
Thank you for viewing and commenting. AM3 doesn't have a power output.
I send 12Volt power from my battery bank to ASIAir Plus. From there power is sent to the mount, to my camera, and the USBC connections. Works flawlessly with no problems.
Hello. How do you fix the Asiair on the AM3 mount? Do you have a link? Thanks!!
There is a mounting point on the saddle of AM3. You can see it looking at a close-up of AM3. Perhaps look at product literature
Did you consider the AM5 vs the AM3 and what made you go with the AM3 ?
Thanks for the question! I like the size and weight of AM3, and I'm not going to put anything on it bigger than my Celestron C8 rig.
It also easily fits to into my carry on bag for flights with other gear.
It wasn't a matter of money. I can afford any mount that I wanted.
Thanks for this video! Where did you get the bubble level?
Thanks for taking time to watch! I bought the bubble level from Amazon:
www.amazon.com/dp/B09F3XB5LG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@VisionCommunications forgot to say thanks! I ordered some. Appreciate you :)
This is excellent. Thank you. Trying to decide between the AM3 and the iOptron HEM15. The HEM15 is 3 pounds lighter with same payload. Do you have an idea of how much weight your rigs are? Mostly looking for a grab and go.
Thanks!
Rig weights:
C8 = 16.5 lbs, Canon 300mm = 9 lbs, Samyang 135mm = 7 lbs.
AM3 does not need a counterweight for under 17 pounds.
I still use a 3 pound counterweight for the C8 rig
From what it looks like, you are saying: Samyang rig (7 pounds) + the AM3 (8 pounds) = 15 pounds total? Thanks again, I appreciate your response.@@VisionCommunications
I forgot to ask how you are attaching that ASIair to the mount. Would be a great video on the makeup of your rigs and how you travel with it. @@VisionCommunications
@@user-dp4ev9ec8f it’s mentioned on this video at :39, ua-cam.com/video/QC9Ol7bkyV4/v-deo.htmlsi=0XmeoOtvyAUf_ghE
Hey! How did the mount do with the C8? Did you try guiding it?
Works great! Always under .7 RMS. Here is a video: ua-cam.com/video/aIhhlkXEb-k/v-deo.htmlsi=o1MaHY8-m_KU7OJ_
Photo: facebook.com/share/p/ap9p1nJg7z8aT5Aq/?mibextid=K35XfP
Thanks for the video. How heavy is your payload with the C8, and do you use a counterweight? With using just the laser pointer for PA, do you ever get any star trailing with long exposures? I agree with you that the ASI Air PA process is "cluegy," but I use the laser to get pretty darn close, then use the ASI Air to get even closer.
AM3 payload without CW is 17 lbs. My C8 rig is 16 lbs. No issues with five minute exposures using laser pointer to align. ASIAir plate solving and auto guiding correct for any lack of perfect alignment. Without that, there would be some star trials if I only depended on tracking.
All of my deep sky images with AM3 use the laser (AstroBin gallery linked). For my Star Adventurer GTI, I use optical polar alignment. For me ASIRAir PA is a headache.
www.astrobin.com/users/BryanHudson/
@@VisionCommunicationsVery interesting, as the YT "giants" all stress very precise PA in order to get the best results. I may try your method to see what results I get, although clear nights are so hard to come by recently, I hesitate to do any kind of experimentation at all if I get one, LOL!
My method only works with ASIAir and autoguiding, which uses plate solving for precision.
There is a lot of "religion" and "boxes" in astrophotography-and some snobbery as well. They say stuff like "a mount can only be loaded to 50-60% of its payload" (that was true with older less well engineered mounts), must to use big heavy mounts, polar alignment has to be "perfect," and other things.
I focus on my results, avoid debates, do my alignment in 30 seconds, and enjoy imaging sessions. To each his own, or as my father use to say, "knock yourself out!"
My guiding is always under .7 RMS and the stars are always round.
Thanks for the comments.
Nice setup! Does the ASIAIR power the mount? Or are they powered separately?
There's a 12V battery bank under the tripod supplying power to ASIAir Plus. From there, 12V power is going to the mount and to the camera. AA+ supports up to four 12V outputs.
@@VisionCommunicationsThank you! I had heard conflicting information regarding the ability of the ASIAIR Plus to power the mount, like the mount needed more power than the ASIAIR Plus could provide, but it looks like its working great for you!
@@JethroXP AA+ only passes 12V power along to other devices. It is a robust unit. Been using mine for over a year with no problems.