Get to Know and Download SD Card Files in DWARF IIUpdated 2 months ago
Files on the memory card can not only help you relive various moments of your observations but obtaining single-frame images for advanced post-processing is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a mature astronomer! Without further ado, let's get started!
1. Accessing SD card Files in DWARF II
1.1 SD Card Reader (Compatible with Windows & Mac)
Step 1: Remove the Micro SD card from DWARF II and insert it into the card reader.
Step 2: Insert the card reader into your computer (Mac users may need an adapter), open the Micro SD card on your computer, and access and view the images.
*Notes: The SD card comes with DWARF II-Capacity: 64G, (The scope is also compatible with 128G, 256G and 512G). Interface type: UHS-I. Transmission speed: 100MB/s
1.2 MTP Mode
The following steps fit Windows computers only, but with the help of Android File Transfer , you can also use MTP mode to get access to your SD card files on a Mac.
Step 1: Connect DWARF II to your windows computer with a USB-C cable; keep SD card in DWARF II.
Step 2: Turn DWARF II on and connect it to your phone. Go to Settings - Advanced Settings - MTP Mode and enable MTP mode.
Step 3: On your computer, click on "This PC" or "My Computer," then select DWARF II and access the "MTP" folder to view and edit all files.
*Notes：
- Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) is a standard developed for connecting media devices and smartphones over USB. So it is a mode for you to use Dwarf thru your Windows computer/laptop
- Make sure there is a memory card inserted into DWARF II already. Without it, do not add any files to this folder, as it may consume the system space and cause lag or malfunction.
- When the memory card is full, feel free to format it. Some necessary shooting data, including dark frames, are already backed up in Scope and won't affect your photography.
- Insert the memory card before powering on, as the card reading process only occurs during startup. Inserting the card after booting up may result in the photo gallery displaying no content. Restarting can resolve this issue.
1.3 FTP Mode (Compatible with Windows & Mac）
*Note: FTP refers to wireless viewing and copying files in SD card with your computer but does not allow you to edit (add or delete) the contents of the memory card.
1.3.1 FTP Mode for Windows
Step 1: Connect your computer to DWARF II's Wi-Fi (hotspot). The default password is DWARF_12345678
Step 2: Open "This PC" and in the address bar, enter ftp://192.168.88.1 then press Enter.
Step 3: View or download files
*Note: If you cannot see any files after following the above steps, please make sure to check all three options in the fourth step：
1.3.2 FTP Mode for Mac
Step 1: Connect your computer to DWARF II's Wi-Fi (hotspot). The default password is DWARF_12345678
Step 2: Click on Finder - Go - Connect to Server.
Step 3: In the server address bar, enter DWARF II's IP address ftp://192.168.88.1
Step 4: Click "Connect," set it to Guest, and click Connect again.
Step 5: View or download files.
*Note: The above methods are for regular DWARF II connections. If you are currently using the STA mode, there are slight differences due to changes in the IP address. Please follow these steps instead:
- Connect your mobile device to DWARF II in STA mode.
- Connect your computer to the same home Wi-Fi network as DWARF II.
- Click on "My Device" - "IP Address" to obtain the current IP address.
- Follow the above steps in 1.3.1 or 1.3.2 to open the address bar on your computer, enter the current IP address, and you can view or download files in STA mode.
2. Introduction to SD Card Files in DWARF II
Next, let's take a look at the contents of the memory card! This section will help you understand the naming rules and usage scenarios of files.
Open the "sdcard-DWARF II" folder, you will see: Astronomy, Burst, Normal Photos, Panoramas, Videos, and some basic data folders.
2.1 Astronomy
In here, there are 3 types of folders: DWARF_DARK, DWARF_RAW and Solving_Failed.
2.1.1 DWARF_DARK
DWARF_DARK contains the most recent dark frames you take with DWARF II.
The naming convention for dark frame folders is exp_15_gain_value_bin_setting.
Dark frames set default 15s exposure and captures 3 corresponding frames for gains ranging from 30 to 150, with binning set to 1x1 and 2x2 respectively.
For example, exp_15_gain_30_bin_1 represents a dark frame captured with 15 seconds exposure, gain set at 30, and binning at 1x1 (binning off, 4k resolution). 
The abundance of dark frames allows you to find the corresponding frames for stacking in post-processing.
2.1.2 DWARF_RAW
Each astro shooting session generates a corresponding folder that stores your captured light frames, also known as raw files.
The naming convention for DWARF_RAW (light frame) folders is DWARF_RAW_TARGET_EXP_value_GAIN_value_TIME (precise to millisecond).
For example, DWARF_RAW_Sun_EXP_15_GAIN_30_2023-01-01-10-30-30-100 represents a set of light frames captured with a 15-second exposure, 30 gain setting, on January 1, 2023, at 10:30:30 AM (100 milliseconds).
Each folder contains individual raw files. The name of the respective single-frames inside this folder is: 
Scroll all the way to the bottom, and you'll find a stacked JPG image (8-bit, also the one you can download on mobile devices) and an uncompressed FITS stacked image (16-bit, offering more detail but can only be obtained on a computer). Additionally, all folders contain the suffix "_thumbnail" files, which are thumbnail files to be displayed in the gallery and are generally of no use to you.
Accessing the light frames allows you to perform post-processing on your own or, when you're not satisfied with the stacked images, you can bundle this folder and send it to us for review!
2.1.3 Solving_Failed
When the classic "Calibration Failed" occurs, this folder is automatically created.
The naming convention for the Calibration Failed folder is DWARF_CALIBRATION_TIME_(precise to millisecond).
Each folder includes all attempts made during this calibration failure, up to 9 times. 
When calibration failure happens, don't be upset or annoyed. First check if there are clear and properly focused stars in the images here. The image format is JPG, making it easy for you to review on your own. Alternatively, you can package it and send it to our experts to receive professional advice!
For more calibration knowledge, please refer to Every Secret Tip You Wonder about DWARF II in Astrophotography
2.2 Burst
This folder contains your burst photos, perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating a series of images to be compiled into animations or high-dynamic range (HDR) photos.
In burst mode, you can use both the telephoto and wide-angle lenses to capture shots. With the previous explanations, the naming convention here becomes self-explanatory: DWARF_WIDE_TIME and DWARF_TELE_TIME. I'll save my tongue.
2.3 Normal Photos
The naming convention for this folder is completely consistent.
For your convenience, we have placed all the unnecessary thumbnails in one folder.
2.4 Panoramas
The DWARF_PANORAMA_TIME files are the panoramic photos you've captured. Take them to pro software to stitch them into large panoramic images! Alternatively, you can look forward to our upcoming automatic stitching feature. Simply package the folder, upload it, and it'll return a beautifully stitched piece of art to you!
Panorama folders are composed of sequentially shot photos, and their numbering follows the order of capture. You may have noticed that all photos start from 0, not 1,astro fits as well, which, programmers say that's a coding rule and I hope this doesn't cause any confusion.
2.5 Videos
Just like in your App album, the contents of the Videos folders are divided into two categories: videos shot in Video Mode and Time-Lapse Mode, each named with DWARF_TELE_TIME and DWARF_TELE_TL_TIME, respectively.
Alright, the above covers all the information about the SD card and files. If you find it helpful, don't forget to give it a thumbs up and schedule some time for post-processing!
