Using your ASI ZWO camera on Android

[JimsShed]

I chanced by this today at https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software/
and yes it actually runs on my Samsung Galaxy S7 with my ASI185MC. As they say, a few bugs to iron out but it does run. Waiting for the clouds to clear here in Brisbane to test it's usefulness in the field.

[rrussell1962]

Forecast clear tonight Jim!

[JimsShed]

I gave it a try and it was pretty good. Yes a few bugs and ergonomic aspects I would change. I think the app crashed once. If you give the current version a go, forget about the "auto" settings or you won't see anything. Eg On auto exposure it set itself to 100ms so you see nothing . Manually set to say 3secs and up and it's a different story. I was really surprised how much detail I saw in Omega Centauri at 5 second exposures despite the software not having any live stacking. Overall though I like it and hope they continue it's development.

[ChrisV]

It's fun. I've only used it on my phone so a bit small. Would be good on a tablet.

I've used it with the asi290mm. Great on star clusters with short exposures and a bit of gamma. I could even pull out small bright nebs like the trifid with 2-5sec exposures.

Now if they put in an on the fly stacking feature ...

[netwolf]

Jim did the s7 provide enough power ? I have the s7 edge and an older galaxy tab s 8.4" but I'm finding my battery on the 8.4 Does not last very long.

[JimsShed]

Battery does not last long. On a full charge you might get 30mins continuous use. Don't quote me on that but the depletion is pretty rapid. Currently looking for some sort of portable powered USB hub through which the phone can still see the camera.

[lazjen]

What about using a wireless charger for the phone?