How to focus StarAid with the ZWO 30mm Mini guide scope

Owned by Pieter Smith (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Dec 23, 2020
2 min read

This article provides instructions to get the ZWO 30mm Mini Guide Scope focused with minimal effort.

Instructions

Please follow these steps:

  1. Start during daytime when you can see well and you have a view on a distant object (e.g. radio mast, apartment building or tree)

  2. Lightly loosen the lock-ring (the red part) on the ZWO Mini.

  3. Screw the lock-ring and lens forward until the ZWO Mini has a total length of 147 mm.

  4. Lightly tighten the lock-ring again.

  5. Insert StarAid into the back of the of the ZWO Mini.

  6. Lock into place with 60 mm of the StarAid body protruding out the back of the ZWO mini.

  7. Refer to the picture above and make fine adjust if needed.

  8. Attach the ZWO guide scope to your telescope and lock firmly in place.

  9. Power StarAid and open the Web App.

  10. Stop the guider and open the Live View.

  11. Aim StarAid (the telescope) at a distant object with good contrast (E.g. a dark object against a bright background).

  12. Lightly loosen the lock-ring on the ZWO Mini.

  13. Rotate the front of the guide-scope along with the lock-ring until the focus is as good as you can get it.

  14. Lightly tighten the lock-ring again.

  15. Wait for the evening and fine-tune when pointing at a bright star.

  16. Carefully lock the focus setting in place by holding on to the front of the guidescope and tightening the lock-ring.

To tighten or loosen the lock-ring, it helps to hold on to the front part (lens holder) of the ZWO Mini