There are two sections below to assist you in answering many questions that "frequently" come up on our social media pages. Additionally, we have tried to include many suggested methods and processes to resolve issues you find when using your DWARF 3. We may not be able to cover them all, but when there is doubt, please email or message us directly through any of our social media connections.
FAQ - We’re here to help! You have questions, we may have answers! Check out our FAQ section to answer those commonly asked items.
Troubleshooting - If you encounter any issues with your DWARF 3, try the steps below to resolve them. If the issue continues, feel free to contact us—we’ll be happy to assist you.
1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
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Q1: Can it capture Jupiter / Saturn?
A: Yes...and no. If you want details, you need a much larger aperture. The DWARF 3 is "not" designed as a planetary device. You'll see, at best, a dot, some faint coloring (maybe the rings if lucky), maybe some of the larger moons (as bright dots). It doesn't hurt to experiment and see what you can see
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Q2: What can I capture when looking at the Sun?
A: This is more like what you won't see: prominences or flares. When you're looking at the sun, you can most definitely pick up sun spots, and maybe a faint appearance of granulation, but you wont get any specific detail as it gets a bit pixelated at a point in the imaging...
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Q3: Can I capture Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)?
A: Yes....but with limitations. You ideally want a strong KP rating, 5-6 or higher for starters. The DWARF 3 is not optimized for real-time video of Auroras for one. There is no Auto Setting (currently) or written procedure as capturing Aurora's is not a primary or secondary function of the device. You'll have to shoot in manual mode, wide-lens, and a low exposure (1-5 seconds). Use burst or time-lapse to capture motion. Although we are biased for our tiny Astro device, you may have a far better experience using a current cell phone camera or "GoPro" type of device for those magnificent space weather events.
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Q4: Do I need an internet connection 24/7 to use it?
A: No, you don't need a consistent "internet" connection. While you are using the scope, you simply connect your phone to the Wi-Fi signal(hotspot) sent by the scope itself. But the only exceptions are the following;
1. setting up your device initially (Activating)
2. downloading or updating the Atlas catalog database
3. completing a Firmware update for the DWARF 3
4. upload or download files through Stellar Studio or the Pano-Weave features.
Having no "internet" or cellular connection may affect some phones or tablets from displaying your correction location data. In this instance, we have included a feature in the application to manually set your location, which helps the DWARF 3 accurately complete a calibration/EQ (plate solving) of the star field above it.
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Q5: Can I use other filters with the DWARF 3?
A: No—not directly. The DWARF 3 does not include a filter holder as the DWARF 2 did, or have the ability to attach or "affix" 2" filters to the outside of the body/lens area. You can not alter or replace the filters internally either. If you have the need or desire to attach another filter, you would have to find a DIY (do it yourself) solution, for example: a custom 3D printed filter holder, or other type of accessory to mount the filter(s) to the lens area.
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Q6: Can I use third-party apps like Stellarium to connect with or control the DWARF 3?
A: No — it’s a closed ecosystem. You must use DWARFLAB’s own app and interface. There are many other "star" apps that are excellent and complementary to the DWARF 3's function. They may help you plan out sessions, forecast weather or cloud cover and find specific RA/DEC coordinates for an object that we may not list or have updated in Atlas.
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Q7: If I need to enter manual coordinates, what coordinates should I use?
A: we suggest using the J2000 set of coordinates. This is the current standard equinox and epoch process
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Q8: Is there any lens fogging, dew or moisture build up like the DWARF 2?
A: The lens area was completely redesigned to redirect the internal heat to that specific area to eliminate any moisture buildup. While this process is not full-proof, in most operating environments and conditions, there have never been any widely reported or consistent issues with moisture or "dew" that affect a users experience or capture sessions.
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Q9: What is the BAYER Array of the DWARF 3?
A: The DWARF 3 uses an RGGB BAYER Array
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Q10: Does the DWARF 3 use "Dithering"?
A: Yes, the DWARF 3 does "Dither". All exposures under 60 seconds are 6 shots per session, and those of 60 seconds or above are every 10 shots. The dithering capture is discarded and not saved on the device
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Q11: Can the DWARF 3 use an external storage connected directly to it (via USB-C)?
A: The DWARF 3 does not support an external storage connection via USB-C. It has a built-in 128GB eMMC storage for saving captured photos and videos. The best method for backup of your essential image sessions is to connect your DWARF 3 via USB-C to your PC or Laptop, or in some cases, a comptaible phone or tablet. There is also a process to connect via FTP if necessary.
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Q12: How large can I print photos taken with the DWARF 3?
A: The images produced have a DPI of 72 pixels/inch. The maximum print size depends on your chosen printing method and materials, so we recommend consulting your printing service for the best results.
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Q13: Do you have a process to accept community feedback; if we wanted to request a few feature or ask why something works a certain way?
A: Yes, we have a website setup for this very process: https://a.c1ns.cn/y52Ny
*If this link is not working, please let us know at your earliest convenience.
2. Troubleshooting
Here are some common problems and how to address them:
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Connection issues (e.g., device not connecting to the app or network)
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Camera freezing or not working (e.g., stuck during shooting or image stacking)
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Abnormal photos (e.g., blurry, distorted, or dark images)
Step 1: Log File Upload
To help us identify the root cause of the issue, please upload your log files. The logs contain technical details that are crucial for troubleshooting.
How to Upload Log Files:
1. Open the DWARF App.
2. Navigate to the Settings section.
3. Select Support-Upload Log.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the log upload.
Even if you are experiencing connection problems, you should still be able to upload the log files. If the problem persists, try uploading a screen recording showing the failed connection or any error messages.
Step 2: Provide Additional Information
Along with the logs, it’s helpful for us to have visual evidence of the issue. Please attach the following:
• Photos or videos of the problem: If the issue involves image quality or capture problems, please share any photos or videos demonstrating the issue.
• Description of the steps leading to the problem: Include details about what actions you were taking when the problem occurred (e.g., trying to connect, shooting a specific target, adjusting focus).
Step 3: Contact Support
Once you’ve uploaded the logs and gathered relevant photos or videos, please contact our support team. Provide as much detail as possible about the problem, including:
• The model of your device (e.g., DWARF 3)
• The firmware version you are using
• A description of the issue (connection problem, stuck during shooting, abnormal photos, etc.)
• Confirmation that logs and visuals have been uploaded
You can reach out to us via the support section in the app or by emailing our support team at support@dwarflab.com.
2.1 Activation Failure
If you’re having trouble activating your DWARF 3, please follow these steps:
1. Please uninstall the current App and download the latest DWARFLAB App from the App Store (make sure it’s not the Beta version).
2. After connecting to DWARF 3, go to Settings > My Device > STA, and finish the STA connection. This will allow you to use the DWARFLAB App while staying connected to your home WiFi. Activation requires an internet connection. Please ensure your phone is connected to the internet before proceeding with activation.
3. Try activating the device again. Make sure to turn off any VPN!
4. If activation fails again, please:
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Upload the log via DWARFLAB App > Settings > Support > Log Upload.
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Send us the SN (serial number) located at the bottom of your DWARF 3.
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Share the failure message or prompt with us.
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Contact us at support@dwarflab.com with details about the problem, including any error messages you’ve received.
2.2 Connection & Activation Failure Error Code
| Error Code | Category | Solution |
| 1000 / 1001 / 1002 / 1003 / 1004 | Homepage Connection Issue | 1. Completely close the app in the background and reconnect. 2. If the issue persists, restart the telescope. 3. If restarting doesn’t work, go to Settings > Connection Settings and switch to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (for regions like Taiwan, Russia, etc.). 4. Enable Wi-Fi Compatible Mode (for regions like Singapore, etc.). |
| -9 | STA Connection Issue | Reconfigure STA mode: Toggle the STA switch on and off multiple times in Connection Settings, then reconfigure the network and reconnect. *Make sure the entered Wi-Fi password is correct. |
| 200101 / 200102 | Activation Issue | 1. Download the official app and try activation again. 2. If failure persists, record the SN (serial number) on the bottom of the telescope and send it to the support team at support@dwarflab.com. |
2.3 Why did the DWARF 3’s LED light turn red?
This is completely normal! In Astronomy Mode, the LED light automatically turns red to reduce light pollution during observation. Additionally, when the battery is low and the device is about to shut down, the ring light will also turn red.
2.4 What should I do if DWARF 3 fails to connect in normal mode?
If you’re experiencing connection issues in Normal Mode, please do the following:
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Make sure any VPN and/or Anti-Virus applications are turned OFF or paused.
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For iOS/iPad OS Devices: Try the following steps to reconnect to your DWARF using a normal connection
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Open Settings > Wi-Fi > select Edit > Under your "Known Networks", find the DWARF devices network profile (example: it will be DWARF_XXXXX or other custom name you created) > either select the red icon and select DELETE, or press the info icon on the right side of the name, then select Forget This Network, located at the top of the screen. This will remove the saved profile
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For Android Device(s): Try the following steps to reconnect to your DWARF using a normal connection. *Methods or processes may vary from device to device
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Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > locate the option for "Advanced Settings" (or similar selection) > Manage Networks > find the DWARF devices saved network profile (example: it will be DWARF_XXXXX or other custom name you created) > select the saved profile name > at the bottom, select "REMOVE" or "FORGET" to delete the saved profile.
Note: After you have completed the previously suggested steps for the applicable phone or tablet device, open the DWARFLAB application, under Connection Settings, verify all settings are turned off, including STA mode. Go back to the HOME page, then press CONNECT to find your DWARF device through the normal connection process. If you still continue to have difficulties connecting your phone or tablet to your DWARF 3, then continue on to the next troubleshooting step below to report your log and contact our support team.
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Open the DWARFLAB app and go to Settings → Support → Log Upload to upload your log files (you can do this even if the DWARF 3 is not connected).
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Contact us at support@dwarflab.com with details about the issue. The following information will help us resolve it faster:
• Can you see the DWARF 3’s Wi-Fi/Bluetooth name in your phone/tablet’s system settings?
• Can you find the DWARF 3 in your Wi-Fi list and manually connect using DWARF_12345678?
• Did the connection issue suddenly appear, or has it existed since you first received the device?
2.5 What should I do if DWARF 3 fails to connect in STA Mode?
First, check if you can connect when the STA mode is turned off. If the connection also fails when STA is off, please refer to the steps in Issue #7.
If non-STA works but STA Mode does not, please check:
• Is the DWARF 3 too far from your router?
• Did you enter the correct Wi-Fi password?
If you’ve ruled out these possibilities and still cannot connect, please upload your log files via Settings> Support > Log Upload and contact us at support@dwarflab.com.
For more details on connection settings, check our help page: DWARFLAB Help Center – Connection Settings
2.6 Device Won’t Power On or Charge
If your DWARF 3 isn’t turning on or charging, please try the following:
1. Use a different charger and cable to see if the issue persists. We recommend using a 10W or higher charger.
2. If changing the charger and cable doesn’t help, please email support@dwarflab.com with a short video showing:
• The specifications printed on your charger.
• The charging cable plugged into the DWARF 3, along with the side LED indicator.
2.7 My computer asks me to format the DWARF 3’s storage / I can’t download photos from the album
If you encounter this issue, please contact support@dwarflab.com. We will schedule a remote session to assist you in resolving the problem. We also suggest trying another USB-C Cable to see if that resolves the connection issue as well and seeing if you can replicate the problem on another PC or Laptop device. It may simply be a USB driver missing from your computer which doesn't allow the connection, or in some cases, virus software or security settings blocking it.
2.8 Issues with Image Quality or Stacking Failures
Stacking may fail due to the following reasons:
1. Over-exposure: The background is too bright. Try reducing the gain. (Note: Stacking may fail in areas with high light pollution, such as high Bortle levels.)
2. Misfocus: Stars appear distorted or not round due to improper focus.
3. Unstable tracking: Star trails instead of round stars caused by tracking instability.
4.Dark frames: Contain streaks or trails, or they were not taken in complete darkness.
⚠️ Especially note: if stacking fails at the very start, this is most likely due to incorrect dark frames.
5. External factors: Wind or an unstable tripod can cause stars to appear distorted or elongated.
If you notice issues with your images or stacking fails:
1. Locate the unstacked photos:
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Connect DWARF 3 to your phone/PC via a USB-C cable.
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Look for the "DWARF_RAW" folder and locate the affected photos.
2. Share the files with us:
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Upload the unstacked photos via Google Drive or WeTransfer.
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Share the viewing permissions with hello@dwarflab.com and sm3muzi@gmail.com.
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Include the sharing link in your response.
How to improve stacking results:
The automatic stacking feature activates when the camera detects celestial objects. To ensure successful stacking, follow these steps:
1. Shoot a starry sky: Ensure stars are visible and unobstructed. Stacking will fail if stars are blocked by clouds or obstacles.
2. Focus properly: Make sure the stars are sharp and round.
3. Avoid overexposure: Reduce the gain if the image is too bright.
4. Wait for stable tracking: After using GoTo, wait 30 seconds for stable tracking. Stacking may fail if stars have trails due to unstable tracking, wind, or vibrations.
5. Delete the problematic dark frames and re-shoot them properly — make sure the lens is fully covered and no light enters.
2.9 Tele Photo and Wide-Angle Views Do Not Align
If the tele photo and wide-angle views seem mismatched, try refocusing the long-focus lens during daylight for better alignment.
2.10 Focus Not Right (Value Not Displayed)
When entering Photo mode, the focus value does not appear, and the image remains out of focus. This issue is often software-related and occurs when the focus motor fails to retrieve a focus position.
Step-by-Step Solution
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Connect to DWARF 3
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Make sure your mobile device is connected to the telescope and launch the DWARFLAB App.
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Enter Photo Mode
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From the home screen, go to Photo Mode.
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Adjust Lens Position
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Move the telescope so that the telephoto lens is pointed at a bright object approximately 5 meters away.
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Manually Adjust Focus
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Tap the Focus button.
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Use the + / – buttons to manually adjust the focus until the image becomes clear.
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Once the image sharpens, the focus value should reappear.
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Use Auto Focus for Distant Objects
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Now point the telephoto lens at an object more than 5 meters away.
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Tap Auto Focus.
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Fine-tune the result manually if needed.
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Save Focus Settings in Astro Mode
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Switch to Astro Mode.
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Tap Function → scroll to Manual Adjust Focus → tap Update to save the focus settings.
2.11 Color Swirls or Colored Borders in Stacked Images
If your stacked image shows colored edges, RGB fringing, or a swirled/vortex-like filed rotation pattern, this usually indicates that some frames affected by light pollution or inconsistent brightness were included in the stacking process.
Possible Cause
When a frame with light pollution, lens flare, or significant brightness shift is included in the stacking, it can distort the alignment and create edge artifacts or color distortions.
How to Fix It?
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Go to the Album
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Open the DWARFLAB App and tap Album at the bottom.
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Enter Mega Stack, Open the Folder for the Problem Image and Select View Single Frames
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Go through the individual frames and uncheck any that are overexposed, discolored, affected by light pollution, or clearly misaligned.
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Tap “Megastack”
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Re-stack the Clean Frames
Tips: Common causes include outdoor lights, moonlight, or daytime reflections entering the frame.
2.12 Colored Stripes, Dotted Noise, or Black Artifacts in Your Photos?
If your stacked astrophotos show colorful streaks, spotty artifacts, or black line patterns, this is often caused by a mismatch between the ambient temperature and your existing dark frames.
The dark frame (used to subtract sensor noise) is sensitive to temperature changes.
If the environment has changed significantly since you last took your darks — especially if the temperature is higher or lower — the dark subtraction becomes inaccurate, and residual noise patterns can appear in the final image.
What To Do?
In this case, please retake your dark frames at the appropriate settings:
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Go to the Astro Mode - “Function-Darks” in the DWARFLAB App.
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Cover the lenses using the solar filter (or take the darks in a fully dark environment).
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Ensure the device has stabilized at the current ambient temperature before capturing.
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Retake the dark frames for both wide and telephoto lenses if needed.
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To fix image sessions with the issues identfied in the example pictures above, use the MEGASTACK function and the "new" darks you captured (as long as they are similar to your image settings) will be used for the re-stacking and should resolve the visual issue.
2.13 Strange Square Artifact in the Stacked Image.
This effect is usually caused by issues during stacking, such as target drift or instability in the setup. Possible reasons include:
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Target drift or misalignment
The telescope may have slowly drifted off the target during capture.
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Obstruction or corrupted frames
Sometimes the stacking “catches” an obstruction or includes single frames with drifted stars (to the left or right).
How to fix it?
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Try re-stacking the original FITS files using MegaStack.
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Check the individual subframes in your album. Delete those with drift or artifacts, then restack the remaining frames. It may recover a more usable area and re-center the target in the final stacked image.
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If the issue persists, you may need to reshoot the session with a more stable tripod and careful alignment.
2.14 Stellar Studio Upload Takes a Long Time and Then Fails
If you see the error “upload failed”, it is usually caused by an unstable network connection. Here’s what you can try:
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Finish your capture session first
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Switch to STA mode
After finishing, connect your DWARF device to a stable home Wi-Fi network in STA mode.
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Choose a strong and reliable signal
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Uploading from a location with strong Wi-Fi (such as your home network) will make the process much more stable.
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Many users in the community have reported that this greatly improves upload speed and reliability.
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If you continue to have an "upload failed" message, our cloud services may be down. Please wait for a period of time and try again. Check our social media pages for any notifications or updates of disrupted services. We intend on adding a cloud service status notification in the Dwarflab application at a future date.
2.15 Firmware Update Failed or Cannot Connect After Update
If your DWARF 3 fails to update the firmware or becomes unreachable after a firmware update, it might be due to an interrupted update, power fluctuation, or incomplete installation. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@dwarflab.com. We’re always happy to help! 😊