Frequently Asked Questions¶

Common questions about AstroManager and answers.

General¶

What is AstroManager?¶

AstroManager is a cloud-based astrophotography planning and management platform that integrates with N.I.N.A. to automate target selection, track imaging progress, and enable remote monitoring.

Do I need N.I.N.A. to use AstroManager?¶

AstroManager can be used standalone for planning and target management. However, automated scheduling and remote monitoring currently require the N.I.N.A. plugin. Other acquisition tools might be supported in the future. You can request them :)

Is my data safe?¶

Yes. All data is transmitted over encrypted channels, stored securely in the cloud on servers in Germany and is being backed up regularly. We are GDPR compliant. Upon Request we will delete all your data.

Does Runtime Safety guarantee that my equipment is safe?¶

No.

Runtime Safety helps reduce risk during unattended imaging, but it cannot guarantee the safety of your equipment or observatory.

AstroManager is an assistance system, not a substitute for proper physical safeguards, weather protection, monitoring, and responsible observatory design. You remain responsible for safe operation of your setup.

Can I use AstroManager offline?¶

AstroManager requires internet connectivity. The N.I.N.A. plugin requires connectivity for sync, but N.I.N.A. itself continues to function for an extended time period with local cache even if connection is lost.

Account & Subscription¶

How long is the free trial?¶

14 days with full access to all features.

What happens when my trial ends?¶

If you don't subscribe, access is suspended.

Can I cancel my subscription?¶

Yes, cancel anytime. Access continues until the end of your billing period.

What's the difference between monthly and yearly?¶

Monthly: planned, with final pricing to be announced
Yearly: planned, with final pricing to be announced

What is included in the subscription?¶

Everything is included, including future updates.

No, not as a normal use case.

Your AstroManager account is intended for the subscribing customer and that customer's own devices and observatory systems. Using the same account from your desktop, laptop, phone, or observatory PCs is fine. Sharing one paid account across multiple different people, teams, or unrelated observatories is not allowed unless we explicitly offer or approve that setup.

To keep the service fair for everyone, we may investigate or limit abusive account sharing or unusual simultaneous usage patterns.

How many Client licenses are included?¶

Each subscription includes two Client licenses for Remote Control and N.I.N.A. integration.

Additional Client pricing will be announced separately.

If you replace your imaging computer, contact support so the license can be moved for free. After the transfer is approved, the license will no longer work on the old PC.

N.I.N.A. Plugin¶

How do I install the plugin?¶

Go to Plugins → Available in N.I.N.A., search for "AstroManager", and click Install. See Installation Guide for details.

The plugin won't connect. What should I do?¶

See Troubleshooting

Scheduling¶

How does the scheduler decide which target to image?¶

See Scheduler Overview.

Can I manually override the scheduler's choice?¶

Yes, you can pause targets, adjust priorities, or use manual Target Mode to focus on a specific object.

Why isn't my target being scheduled?¶

Common reasons: - Target is below minimum altitude - Moon distance requirements not met - All imaging goals are complete - Target status is not Active - Higher priority targets are available

Check Night Preview in the Remote Control Dashboard.

Imaging¶

How are exposures tracked?¶

The N.I.N.A. plugin reports completed exposures to AstroManager automatically. Counts update in real-time.

Can I add exposures I captured before using AstroManager?¶

Yes, manually edit the captured count on imaging goals to include previous frames. The import of existing subframes will be supported in the future.

Contact¶

Can't find an answer? See Contact Support.