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Plugin Installation

This guide covers installing and configuring the AstroManager plugin for N.I.N.A.

Prerequisites

Before installing the plugin, ensure you have:

  • [x] N.I.N.A. 3.0 or later installed
  • [x] Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)
  • [x] An AstroManager account
  • [x] Internet connectivity

Installation Steps

Step 1: Open N.I.N.A. Plugin Manager

  1. Launch N.I.N.A.
  2. Navigate to Plugins tab (puzzle piece icon)
  3. Click "Available" to see installable plugins

Step 2: Find AstroManager

  1. Use the search box
  2. Type "AstroManager"
  3. Locate the plugin in results

Step 3: Install

  1. Click the "Install" button
  2. Wait for download to complete
  3. Accept any prompts

Step 4: Restart N.I.N.A.

  1. Close N.I.N.A. completely
  2. Reopen N.I.N.A.
  3. Plugin is now active

Verifying Installation

Check Installed Plugins

  1. Go to Plugins tab
  2. Click "Installed"
  3. Verify "AstroManager" is listed
  4. Check version number

Check Sequencer Instructions

  1. Go to Advanced Sequencer
  2. Open instruction categories
  3. Look for "AstroManager" category
  4. Should see:
  5. AstroManager Target Scheduler
  6. AstroManager Loop Condition

Initial Configuration

Step 1: Access Settings

  1. Go to Options (gear icon)
  2. Find "AstroManager" section
  3. Or click the plugin's settings button

Step 2: Login

  1. Click "Login" button
  2. Browser opens with login page
  3. Sign in with your AstroManager credentials
  4. Authorize the plugin
  5. Return to N.I.N.A.

Step 3: Select Observatory

  1. From the dropdown, select your observatory
  2. This links the plugin to your AstroManager configuration

Step 4: Verify Connection

Look for connection status:

Status Meaning
🟢 Connected Successfully linked
🟡 Connecting Establishing connection
🔴 Disconnected Not connected

Plugin Settings

Connection Settings

Setting Description
Auto-Connect Connect when N.I.N.A. starts
Reconnect Interval Time between reconnect attempts
Sync Interval How often to sync status

Equipment Sync

Setting Description
Sync Mount Report mount status
Sync Camera Report camera status
Sync Focuser Report focuser status
Sync Filter Wheel Report filter status
Sync Guider Report guide status

Image Settings

Setting Description
Upload Thumbnails Send image previews
Thumbnail Size Preview resolution
Track All Images Log every capture

Updating the Plugin

Check for Updates

  1. Go to Plugins → Installed
  2. If update available, button shows
  3. Click "Update"
  4. Restart N.I.N.A.

Automatic Updates

N.I.N.A. can auto-update plugins:

  1. Go to Options → General
  2. Enable "Auto-update plugins"

Uninstalling

Remove Plugin

  1. Go to Plugins → Installed
  2. Find "AstroManager"
  3. Click "Uninstall"
  4. Restart N.I.N.A.

Clean Uninstall

To remove all settings:

  1. Uninstall plugin
  2. Delete folder: %LOCALAPPDATA%\NINA\Plugins\AstroManager
  3. Clear saved credentials if desired

Troubleshooting Installation

Plugin Not Appearing

  1. Ensure N.I.N.A. version 3.0+
  2. Check internet connectivity
  3. Try refreshing plugin list
  4. Restart N.I.N.A.

Login Fails

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify AstroManager account is active
  3. Try logging in via web first
  4. Clear browser cookies if needed

Connection Issues

  1. Verify firewall allows N.I.N.A.
  2. Check antivirus isn't blocking
  3. Ensure api.astro.sleeman.at is accessible
  4. Try manual reconnect

Next Steps

After installation:

  1. Configure the Plugin - Detailed settings
  2. Set Up Target Scheduler - Create sequences
  3. Understand Loop Condition - Control imaging flow