Quick Start Guide¶

Get up and running with AstroManager in just 15 minutes! This guide walks you through creating your first scheduled target and connecting to N.I.N.A.

Prerequisites¶

Before starting, ensure you have:

• [x] Created an AstroManager account (Account Setup)
• [x] Configured your observatory location
• [x] N.I.N.A. 3.0+ installed on your imaging computer

Step 1: Find a Target (2 minutes)¶

Navigate to Deep Sky Objects¶

1. Open the navigation menu (hamburger icon on mobile, sidebar on desktop)
2. Click "Deep Sky Objects"

Search for a Target¶

1. Use the search bar to find an object (e.g., "M31", "NGC 7000", "Orion Nebula")
2. Or use the filters to find observable targets:
3. Set "Observable Tonight" to filter by your location
4. Filter by Object Type (Galaxy, Nebula, Cluster, etc.)
5. Set Minimum Altitude to your imaging threshold

View Target Details¶

Click on any object to see:

• Coordinates (RA/Dec)
• Physical properties (size, magnitude, distance)
• Altitude chart for tonight
• Moon distance and interference
• Preview image

Step 2: Add to Target List (2 minutes)¶

Create a Target List¶

If you don't have a target list yet:

1. Click the "Add to List" button on the target
2. Select "Create New List"
3. Enter a name (e.g., "Winter 2026 Projects")
4. Click "Create"

Add the Target¶

1. Select your target list from the dropdown
2. Optionally add notes about your imaging plans
3. Click "Add"

Step 3: Schedule the Target (5 minutes)¶

Navigate to Scheduler¶

1. Go to "Remote Control" (or "Scheduler" in the menu)
2. Click the "Scheduled Targets" tab

Add a New Scheduled Target¶

1. Click "Add Target"
2. Select your target from the dropdown (shows targets from your lists)
3. Configure basic settings:
4. Priority: 1 (highest) to 10 (lowest)
5. Status: Active, Paused, or Complete

Create Imaging Goals¶

For each filter/exposure combination you want:

1. Click "Add Imaging Goal"
2. Configure the goal:
3. Filter: Select from your configured filters (L, R, G, B, Ha, OIII, etc.)
4. Exposure Time: In seconds (e.g., 300 for 5-minute subs)
5. Target Count: Total exposures desired (e.g., 50)

6. Binning: 1x1, 2x2, etc.

7. Repeat for each filter you want to capture

Example imaging plan for M31:

Save Your Target¶

Click "Save" to add the target to your schedule.

Step 4: Install N.I.N.A. Plugin (3 minutes)¶

Download the Plugin¶

1. Open N.I.N.A. on your imaging computer
2. Go to Plugins tab
3. Search for "AstroManager"
4. Click "Install"
5. Restart N.I.N.A. when prompted

Configure the Plugin¶

1. Go to Options → AstroManager (or the plugin settings)
2. Click "Login" to authenticate with your AstroManager account
3. Select your Observatory from the dropdown
4. Verify connection status shows "Connected"

Step 5: Create Your Sequence (3 minutes)¶

Open Advanced Sequencer¶

In N.I.N.A., switch to the Advanced Sequencer tab.

Add AstroManager Instructions¶

Create a sequence structure like this:

📁 Sequential Instruction Set
├── 🌙 Wait for Darkness (Nautical Twilight)
├── 🔓 Unpark Mount
├── ❄️ Cool Camera
├── 📁 Loop While (AstroManager Loop Condition)
│   └── 🎯 AstroManager Target Scheduler
├── 🔒 Park Mount
└── 🌡️ Warm Camera

Configure the Target Scheduler¶

1. Click on the "AstroManager Target Scheduler" instruction
2. Settings are typically auto-configured:
3. Slew/Center: Enabled
4. Auto-Focus: As per your preferences
5. Dither: Configure dithering settings

Configure the Loop Condition¶

The "AstroManager Loop Condition" controls when imaging stops:

• Continues while AstroManager has targets to image
• Stops when all goals are complete or conditions aren't met

Step 6: Run Your Session¶

Pre-Session Checklist¶

Before starting:

• [x] Equipment connected in N.I.N.A.
• [x] Focus established (or auto-focus configured)
• [x] Plate solving configured and tested
• [x] Weather and safety conditions checked

Start the Sequence¶

1. Click "Start" in N.I.N.A.
2. The sequence will:
3. Wait for appropriate darkness
4. Unpark and cool down
5. Query AstroManager for the best target
6. Slew, center, and start imaging
7. Continue until conditions change or goals are met

Monitor Progress¶

Watch your progress in real-time:

• N.I.N.A.: See current exposure, focus, and equipment status
• AstroManager Web: View captured image count, completion percentage
• Mobile: Check status from anywhere via the web app

What's Next?¶

Congratulations! You've created your first automated imaging session. Here are some next steps:

Explore More Features¶

• Mosaic Planning - Create multi-panel mosaic projects
• Moon Avoidance - Configure filter-specific moon rules
• Exposure Templates - Save and reuse imaging plans
• Night Reports - Review your session results

Optimize Your Workflow¶

• Observability Filtering - Find the best targets for tonight
• Priority Management - Balance multiple projects
• Equipment Profiles - Configure multiple setups

Get Help¶

• FAQ - Common questions answered
• Troubleshooting - Solve common issues
• Community - Connect with other users