moving to ASIAIR Plus - how to still use Sharpcap

[efriday]

I have an Celestron Nexstar 8SE scope now controlled by CPWI, and SharpCap. I use a ZWO ASI224 camera, a ZWO Filter Wheel, and a Celestron focus motor. Just acquired a ZWO ASM5 drive and an ASIAIR Plus controller.

It seems that the ASIAIR Plus controller won't recognize the Celestron focus motor (by ZWO design, I guess). I would like to preserve the ability to use the previous CPWI, SharpCap setup while working on the new ASIAIR setup. The web site for the ZWO EAF claims -"Support ASCOM platform and various ASCOM-compatible third-party software".

If I add a ZWO electronic auto-focus (EAF), will SharpCap be able to use it?

[admin]

Hi,

yes, the ZWO EAF has an ASCOM driver available, so as long as you install that, SharpCap should be able to control it just like it can with the Celestron focuser through its ASCOM driver.

cheers,

Robin

[dfurdon]

Robin,
So very new to Astrophotography and you answered some questions I had previously. I basically will have the same type of setup as the OP
I just want to make sure ASI AiR and cpwi and SharpCap play nicely together? Im also interested in this method I’ve seen using blue stacks so I can use a laptop as opposed to iOS or android device.
Thanks
Danny

[admin]

Hi,

as far as I understand it (and I don't have an ASI Air), there is nothing to stop you plugging everything into a laptop and using SharpCap one day and then plugging it into the ASI Air and using that the next. However, I'm sure that you cannot get both to talk to the same camera/telescope/focuser/etc at the same time... Each assumes that it will be in full control of the hardware (and needs the hardware plugging in).

cheers,

Robin

[dfurdon]

Thanks Robin, one thing I know I’m sticking with SharpCap!
Danny

[AMIF]

Sorry, I did not fully understand, is it possible to use ZWO ASIAIR mini-computer as wifi adapter for connection with Sharp Cap on notebook? Just for live stacking.

[admin]

Hi,

I'm honestly not sure, since I don't have the ASIAir. The only way it might work is if the ASIAir can put the files into a network folder or similar - you could then use the 'Folder Monitor' camera in SharpCap to pick up those files as ASIAir saves them, and that would allow stacking. However, since I have no experience with the ASIAir, I don't know if this is actually possible or not.

cheers,

Robin