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Use AstroManager in Sequences

This page shows how to use AstroManager inside the N.I.N.A. Advanced Sequencer.

In practice, you only need two AstroManager building blocks:

  • AstroManager Loop Condition
  • AstroManager Scheduler Container

AstroManager Target Scheduler (legacy) remains to support older AstroManager sequences. If you still use this container in your sequences, it is recommended to replace it with the new Scheduler Container. The surrounding structure in the sequence can remain unchanged.

Keep your normal N.I.N.A. startup, trigger, and shutdown instructions.

The legacy AstroManager part usually looks like this:

Startup instructions
Sequential Instruction Set
|- Triggers you want to use
|- Loop While (AstroManager Loop Condition)
|  |- AstroManager Scheduler Container
Shutdown instructions

A fuller example could be:

Wait for darkness
Unpark mount
Cool camera
Loop While (AstroManager Loop Condition)
|- AstroManager Scheduler Container
Warm camera
Park mount

AstroManager Loop Condition

The Loop Condition decides whether the sequence should keep running.

It continues while AstroManager still sees useful work for the night and stops when there is no more useful target left to run.

That makes it the outer control around the AstroManager-managed part of the sequence.

AstroManager Scheduler Container

The Scheduler Container is the instruction that does the actual work inside that loop.

It asks AstroManager what should run next and then lets N.I.N.A. execute it with the normal acquisition flow.

In practical terms, it can:

  • request the next target from AstroManager
  • slew and center
  • autofocuse, calibrate guider, dither, etc.
  • capture the planned work
  • report progress/status back to AstroManager

Keep Normal N.I.N.A. Logic Around It

AstroManager is not meant to replace the rest of your sequence.

You should still keep your usual N.I.N.A. logic for things like:

  • startup and shutdown
  • meridian flip handling
  • autofocus triggers
  • guiding restore
  • centering after drift