This tutorial is divided into three parts: 1. DWARF 2 App Interface Introduction, 2. Shooting Interface Introduction and 3. Tutorial for Different Modes.

1. Application Interface Introduction

1.1 Home

1.1.1 Device

1.1.2 Help Center

1.1.3 Battery Level

• The device can be used while charging and is compatible with power banks.
• Please charge in an environment between 0-45°C.

1.1.4 Remaining Storage

1.1.5 Host/Node

• You can open the Host lock function and get control of it all along. On Host lock closed the Node might seize the control authority and become the new host if the host backgrounds the app and loses connection to it.
• So if you don't want to lose control of your DWARF 2, always keep the Host Lock on. Instead, if you want to change the controlling device, you must first turn off the host lock on the host current device and then disconnect. After, connect with another device, and this device will become the new host. (If the new device has already connected as Node, a re-connect is needed to make it the new Host.) Restarting the telescope can also reset the current host memory.

1.1.6 Connection Status Icon

1.1.7 Connect

1.1.8 Schedule Shooting

1.1.9 Light Setting

1.2 Sky Atlas

• To ensure a smooth experience on your phone/tablet, you will not be able to download the Atlas database package if your device has less than 2GB of available memory. Please clear some space and try again. When downloading the database, Airplane Mode and VPN should be turned off.
• Preview frame is NOT available in DWARF 2.
• You can adjust the time of Atlas by click the time at the lower right corner.

1.2.1 Exit

1.2.2 Search Your Target & Shoot

1.2.3 Sky Atlas Menu & More

1.2.4 Compass

1.2.5 Time

1.3. Ablum

1.3.1 Categorization

• Bursts & Panorama: The Album will only display the first image and the number of shots taken (for burst), but these cannot be downloaded to your phone.
• Astro Photos: For astronomical targets, in addition to the date and time, the name of the target is also displayed.
• Videos include content you create in Video Mode and Time Lapse.
• Use two fingers to zoom in on the photo to see more details.

1.3.2 Edit Album

• In case of poor network conditions, loading photos might take a few seconds, and videos may also require some time to be refreshed.
• When you delete your photos in the Album, the files in your memory card are also wiped.
• Deleting a certain Astro/Panorama/Burst photo will result in deleting the whole package under it. As saying, all the single frames of the stacked Astro photo or all panorama puzzles.

1.4 Settings

1.4.1 Log In

Tap "Log In" to create your account. Many exciting upcoming features will reply on your account. You can register and log in using your phone number or email. Feel free to update your profile picture, nickname, and other personal information at any time.

1.4.2 My Device

Note：Everytime you change the name of your DWARF, an update with the NFC information is required, you need to tell the NFC connector what name it should submit when pairing with your phone.

9. Firmware Upgrade: Access the firmware upgrade process here. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. When connected to the internet, a red dot will indicate if an update is needed. 

Note: If you are having problems upgrading the firmware, kindly contact our team via support@dwarflab.com

1.4.3 Connection Settings

Note: This feature must be set while connecting to DWARF and requires a restart to take effect.

Notes:

• In this mode, both DWARF 2 and your phone will connect to your home Wi-Fi, so DWARF 2's Wi-Fi won't activate. For those who frequently use STA mode, it's advisable not to enable Active Wi-Fi at Startup and vice versa. If you feeling messed up with all the signal explanations, just remember this one line.
• For networks that have been previously configured, DWARF 2 will remember the password, so you won't need to re-enter it. Also, remember to turn off STA mode if you take DWARF 2 to a new place.
• Remember to use this mode occasionally, as DWARF 2 will only in this mode get a connection to the Internet. If there are any updates, you'll receive a red dot notification for updates in the 'Firmware Update' and 'About' sections.
• STA mode allows for a longer control distance, approximately 10 meters.
• If you're using a LAN-Node setup over a large spatial range, you can still use DWARF 2.
• First, initiate the STA connection process, and ensure that both DWARF 2 and your mobile device connect to the same SSID that covers DWARF 2's sitting location (if using a mesh network, connect to the same node). Then, when moving to a different SSID's coverage area, manually switch your mobile device's network in the phone settings to another preferred SSID.
• The system will prompt you to switch back to the previous network; simply ignore this prompt.
• Remember, as long as DWARF 2 and your mobile device are connected to the same LAN network, you can use them normally.

1.4.4 Advanced Settings

Notes:

• You must connect to DWARF II via the app before enabling this feature for it to be activated.
• This method is NOT applicable to Mac computers. For file browsing methods compatible with Mac, refer to another tutorial Get to Know and Download SD Card Files in DWARF II.

1.4.5 Location

Note: Correct coordinates are crucial for accurate star observation calibration and locating.

1.4.6 General

1.4.7 Support

You can leave this page at any time to take a screenshot/recording, then return. The system will record your input and provide a recovery option.

Note: If you encounter connection issues, you can also upload logs (even if it shows 0MB).

• After clicking "Cancel", fill in the required information as usual. When connected to the DWARF 2, logs from both the telescope and the mobile app will be uploaded. If not connected, only logs from the app will be uploaded.
• We will soon add a feature for image/video uploading.
• Submitting logs does not require disconnecting DWARF 2 from the phone; but turning on the cellular network switch is needed.
• To help us gather more information, please provide as much detail as possible.
• Or contact our official after-sales support email at Support@DWARFLAB.com for expert advice.

1.4.8 Clear Cache

1.4.9 About

Note: When a new version is available, a red spot will show up here. iOS App update is hidden and appears only when an update is needed, that iOS coder has a weird fascination with easter eggs. Find more if you can, no prize is waiting. In the case of a network connection, a red dot update notification will be displayed.

2. Shooting Interface Introduction

2.1 Exit

2.2 Dual Lenses Switch

Notes:

• The dual-lens system may occasionally be out of sync when switching targets at different distances. Performing auto-focus restores it.
• In the dual-lens system, the wide-angle lens can only take photos in Photo/ Burst/Time Lapse mode and acts as a wide view indicator in other modes.
• You cannot proceed with auto focus by this method when in Astro Mode.

2.3 Guide

• Astronomy: There are Deep Sky Objects, Sun and Moon, The Milky Way, Darks and Preview. Each category includes descriptions and illustrations of the shooting process, ensuring comprehensive understanding.

• Daytime: Panorama Shooting, Burst Shooting, Time-Lapse Shooting, Dual Lenses Locating, Sun and Moon Track, Object Track, Double-tap to Focus.

2.4 Joystick & Speed Control

Tips: You can quickly and precisely locate your target by combining the following three methods:

• Manually rotate the lenses to roughly align with the target.
• Use dual-lenses locating to align the target.
• Adjust the lens position finely with the joystick/arrow panel.

2.5 Battery & Storage

• DWARF 2 can be used while charging and is compatible with power banks.
• Charge in an environment between 0-45°C.

2.6 Host/Node

2.7 Connection Status Indicator

2.8 Album

2.9 Select Mode

2.10 Shoot

2.11 Focus

• The AF button turns green during focusing and reverts to white once focus is achieved.
• Long press +/- and get a proper focus quicker.
• Focusing on targets at a distance of 5 meters or more. Focusing on targets less than this may result in autofocus failure.

Note: The Auto button turns green during focusing and reverts to white once focus is achieved.

2.12 Function

2.12.1 Parameter Settings

Very Important Notes About Parameter (stop being mad at brightness changes and learn about the rules):

• In Astro Mode, when you click 'Auto-focus', 'Calibration', or 'End Current Session' after a shooting session, the settings will automatically adjust to a shutter speed of 1s and gain 120. This helps DWARF 2 maintain the proper brightness for calculating the position of celestial bodies, also known as 'plate solving'.
• The scope automatically detects the sun/moon and adjusts the appropriate shutter and gains value on hitting auto-focus.
• Due to those auto acts above, it's advised to adjust settings right before pressing shoot button to avoid having to re-adjust after automatic changes.

2.12.2 Feature

3. Tutorial For Different Modes

3.1 Photo Mode

3.1.1 Wide-Angle Photography

3.1.2 Telephoto Photography

3.1.3 Object Tracking

Note: Object Track, where you tap and select to track a moving object, is different from Sun/Moon Tracking, which will set DWARF 2 to track the trails of the Sun/Moon (moving very slowly to the extent you don't even notice).

3.1.4 Sun Tracking & Shooting

Please note, due to the absence of calibration in this process, it is very important to keep the lens cylinder face to the front side (DWARFLAB MARK) while tracking the sun and moon.

3.1.5 Moon Tracking & Shooting

Please note, due to the absence of calibration in this process, it is very important to keep the lens cylinder face to the front side (DWARFLAB MARK) while tracking the sun and moon.

3.2 Video Mode

Note: When you switch the App to the background or disconnect, the shooting process will still continue.

3.3 Burst Mode

Notes:

• The change of interval settings during a shooting session will take effect to make sure you get a better record of a whole imaging process saying totality.
• When you switch the app to the background or disconnect, the shooting process will still continue.

3.4 Time Lapse Mode

Recommended settings for different scenarios:

• Clouds: 2-5 second intervals for capturing dynamic cloud movements, aiming for a 20-30 minute duration.
• City Traffic: 1-3 second intervals to capture the hustle of city life, ideally for about an hour during peak times.
• Blooming Flowers: Longer intervals, like 1 minute, for slower processes such as flowers blooming, extending over several hours or days.

3.5 Panorama Mode

3.5.1 Locating the Target

Note: This telephoto view will serve as the center of the final entire panorama.

3.5.2 Selecting the Shooting Range

Note: The size of a green frame is taken as one unit. We will add a range preview in future updates. For now, the best is to estimate visually.

3.5.3 Adjusting the Parameter

3.5.4 Shooting the Panorama

Notes for Panorama photography:

1. During the panoramic shooting, after clicking the shoot button, DWARF 2 will perform a reset operation (AKA, rotate to its limit position) to reset the motor, then rotate back to the first photo in the top left corner of the entire panorama, shooting from left to right, row by row.

2. After clicking the shoot button, there is an approximate 3s waiting time for you, in case you want to attach any filters.

3. After shooting is complete, the telephoto view indicator (green box) will return to the center of the panorama,as saying, the initial position.

4. In 'Album', the panorama will be displayed as the first shot thumbnail and cannot be downloaded. This means you cannot preview the full panorama on your phone. In the next updates, we will soon add automatic panorama stitching and a preview feature. Stay tuned! As for now, you can check this Article: Creating Panoramic Images on a Computer

3.6 Auto Capture Mode (Bird & UFO)

3.6.1 Locate the Target

3.6.2 Tap and Record

Notes:

• When the SD card memory is less than 1GB, recording will automatically stop and save.
• When the battery is below 7%, shooting will automatically stop and save.
• To achieve the best detection results, you cannot switch shooting modes or manually select tracking objects during the target detection phase. However, you can use the joystick to control the device’s movement or manually focus.
• To achieve the best tracking results, you cannot perform operations such as moving the device, focusing, or zooming during automatic tracking and recording.

3.7 Astro Mode

3.7.1 Taking Astro Darks

Note: Remember, shooting Astro Dark helps prepare for Astrophotography Adventure and ensures better quality images.

Turn off the lights in Home Page-Light Setting.

Enter shooting interface. Select 'Astro' mode and choose "Darks".

3.7.2 EQ Mode

Setting your telescope in equatorial mode (proceed with polar alignment) can neutralize the effect of Earth's rotation when tracking the target, ensuring stable tracking during long shutter time and reducing the impact of field rotation on your image. 

Didn’t succeed on the first try? No problem! Make some adjustments based on the suggestions, and you'll achieve perfect results!

3.7.3 One Click GoTo

Open the Atlas, select your target, and click the little camera.Then follow the prompts, DWARF will automatically locate and track the target. For detailed information on the sky atlas, see Section 1.2 of this user manual.

3.7.4 Configuring Shooting Settings

After successful tracking, adjust the shutter speed to 15 seconds during the parameter setting and wait for the image to update while observing if there is any trailing of the stars. If there is no trailing, you can start taking pictures. If there is trailing, wait for a minute or two until it disappears. Once the star tracking is stable, adjust the gain to ensure that the background is not overexposed.

Notes:

• In Astro Mode, after each autofocus or calibration, or when you tap 'End Current Session' after a shooting, the parameters will automatically change to Expo 1s and Gain 80 to obtain a proper brightness for DWARF’s star calculation. Therefore, once locating a celestial object, you will need to manually adjust the parameters.
• Clicking on preset allows you to quickly apply recommended parameter sets. For more details, refer to Section 2.12.1 Parameter Settings and Section 3.7.1 Taking Dark Frames in this tutorial.

• Once the parameters are set, go to the Settings section and choose the format/Preview/Tele Binning/AI Enhance/Mandatory Calibration based on personal preference. With the AI Enhance feature on, the celestial will show up against a clearer night sky.
• AI Enhance uses artificial intelligence to detect noise and provide customized algorithm processing for image stretching and noise reduction. AI Enhance will not add any synthetic data or AI-generated content to your images.

3.7.5 Shooting & Waiting for Completion

Afterwards, simply click the shooting button to begin taking photos. Once two photos have been taken, the real-time stacked image will begin to appear.

During shooting, you can adjust Curve to enhance the colors of the RGB channels and overall brightness of deep space celestial objects. Click the 'Reset' button to return to previous channels.

3.7.6 Manual Astrophotography

If the shooting process fails, click "manual" to proceed with astrophotography manually.

The step is as follows.

We recommend using the manual shooting mode in the following situations:

• The automatic shooting process fails.
• You want to keep the focus fixed. Manual mode will not perform auto-focusing, allowing the telescope's focus to remain in the same position unless you manually change it.

Select the target from the Atlas, on hitting the camera button, the App will bring you to a page where you need to perform focus and calibration first on your own.

3.7.6.1 Focusing on the Stars

There are two scenarios for focusing - the first time after a firmware update, and subsequent times.

Scenario 2: First time focusing after the update, please use Autofocus. If the image is not sharp, try Autofocus multiple times until a sharp image is obtained.

Click on "Focus" in Astro mode, then select "AF" from the pop-up menu of options. At this time AF should be highlighted, and the status bar at the bottom will display "Autofocus", which takes about 1 minute.

Scenario 2: For subsequent focusing, simply tap Infinity Icon to complete focus.

3.7.6.2 Implementing Calibration

Place the DWARF 2 on an open area with the rotation axis in its original position. Point the altitude axis at 45-80 degrees towards the starry sky, avoiding any obstructions to DWARF 2's view.

In Astro mode, execute the calibration function. Under normal conditions without clouds or other obstructions, wait a moment and calibration success will be indicated.

Please wait for the calibration process to be completed.

3.7.6.3 Start GoTo

Click the Start GoTo button. DWARF 2 will automatically navigate to the target you chose just now in Atlas.

The DWARF 2 will automatically begin calculating the position, pointing to and tracking the star. If you get an image like the one below, congratulations! The tracking was successful! If not, please try repeating this step.

If you want to switch targets, select the next target in the Atlas, click the small camera icon and confirm. Without manually moving the telescope, you can directly click "Start GoTo" without needing to manually refocus or recalibrate.

Notes for Astrophotography:

• Ensure DWARF 2's viewing area is unobstructed, with visible stars (no clouds or buildings blocking stars), as these factors may cause Calibration and GoTo failures.
• Avoid using a filter and adaptor during calibration, as it may cause failure.
• If acquiring location information fails during calibration, try several more times and check if location permissions are allowed.
• Pay attention to rotation axis limits during GoTo. Hitting the limit will prevent GoTo from reaching the target. Rotate the DWARF 2 base by a certain angle and recalibrate/GoTo.
• If the stacked number does not increase when capturing long expo photos:

1. Check if the preview background is too bright at the current gain, try lowering the gain and reshooting.
2. At Expo 1s, Gain 80, check if stars are in focus and minimized. Refocus if needed before reshooting.
3. If the above are correct but stacking still fails, ensure the environment is stable - solid tripod, no/low wind, etc. Then reshoot.

3.7.7 Schedule Shooting

Schedule Shooting allows you to capture celestial objects late at night without staying up. Simply set up your DWARF telescope, which will independently complete the task without supervision. Check the weather forecast to ensure you don't miss any clear night skies due to unexpected conditions!

There are two ways to schedule shooting: creating a plan directly from the homepage or creating a plan from the Atlas.

3.7.7.1 Create a Shooting Plan Directly

1. Create a plan: Follow the prompts to create a plan, fill in the plan name, select the shooting time, and save it.

2. Edit Plan: Edit plan name and time, change shooting device.

3. Click on the blank space in the schedule or the "+" icon in the bottom right corner to add a shooting target:

If you select "Input Coordinates", click on "Right Ascension" and "Declination" in the image below to input the coordinates.

If you select "Add Recommended Target", enter the target name in the input box shown below or choose from the recommended list.

Slide the time range below to set the shooting time.

Click "Shutter" "Gain" "Filter" here to set the parameters.

Notes:

• Due to various dynamic factors, the number of frames cannot be set manually. The system will automatically capture the maximum possible frames within the scheduled time.
• In schedule shooting it automatically set appropriate filters for some common targets, with other targets defaulting to astro filters.

4. Synchronize Plan

You need to synchronize the configured shooting plan to the DWARF device. Due to the changing visibility of celestial objects, to ensure the plan is executed perfectly:

• Plans can only be synchronized for the same night.
• Synchronization is allowed up to 12 hours in advance and no later than 5 minutes before the plan starts.

If the synchronization time has not yet arrived, you cannot sync the plan.

Synchronization is possible within the valid timeframe.

5. Preparation for Shooting

Once synchronization is complete, secure the following items are fulfilled:

• Sufficient Power: verify the DWARF device is fully charged.
• Correct Placement: Position the DWARF in the appropriate location.
• Disconnect and Leave: After all preparations are complete, disconnect your device and step away. DWARF will automatically enter sleep mode and wake up at the scheduled start time.
• Do Not Power Off: Ensure you do not hit the power off button.

Notes:

• Regarding EQ Mode: You can use EQ mode in Schedule Shooting to align the DWARF with the polar axis in advance. Also, you may turn off the ring light for better results.
• Regarding Dark Frames: Check the dark frame files before shooting to ensure there are corresponding frames available for stacking. If not, you can capture them now.
• Do Not Power Off: Do not press the power button, as DWARF will then forget the shooting plan and will not wake up at the scheduled time.

Unexpected Issues:

If you accidentally power off the device after synchronizing the plan, please power it back on, cancel the synchronization, and re-sync the plan. Then, let the DWARF stay open.

• DWARF in sleep mode cannot be woken up. If you need to use it in other sessions, manually turn it on and perform the desirable operations. Restarting will refresh DWARF’s schedule memory, so don’t forget to re-sync your shooting plan for the day.
• DWARF will not enter sleep mode while charging. It will only enter sleep mode to save power once the charging stops.

6. Modify Plan

You can modify the plan at any time before it starts.To modify a plan, you must first cancel synchronization. You can add targets at any time. And a long press can delete the target.

Locking a plan prevents it from being accidentally deleted.

 

7. Plan Execution Status

Your shooting plan will have the following statuses: Pending Synchronization, To Be Commenced, Shooting, Schedule Accomplished, and Schedule Expired.

You can connect to a DWARF at any time to check the plan’s execution status. If you encounter a plan execution failure, please upload the log in Settings - Support to get assistance.

3.7.7.2 Create Plan from Atlas

From the Atlas, you can freely browse and click on a target to directly plan its shooting. To commence, you need:

1. Choose the Right Time: click the time icon in the bottom-right corner to select the time you plan to shoot. The Atlas will update to reflect the sky at the selected time.

2. View Targets: Click the top-right corner to view recommended targets or search for targets to see their visibility.

3. Select a Target: Choose your desired target. Swipe the menu to add it to the shooting plan.

Go back to the homepage to check your newly set shooting plan. All subsequent actions and precautions are listed in the previous section.

With the Schedule Shooting feature, capturing stunning deep-sky objects has never been easier. Whether you’re planning a night-long astrophotography marathon or simply want to automate your stargazing experience, DWARF 2 ensures precision and convenience!

 

For the Stellar Studio and Mega Stack tutorials, please click to access DWARF 2 User Manual Part 2.