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Electronic Technologies Astro Core User Manual

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Astro Core is an advanced intervalometer and motion control device for time-lapse
photography. It minimizes the cables needed to do synchronized pan, tilt, and linear
motion combinations. In this guidebook you will find everything you need to know
about using the Astro Core. In addition, we will share a lot of the things we have
learned about time-lapse while making the Astro, Pico, and Astro Core.
Let's get started with the basics.
Astro Core works as a remote control DSLR camera. Using settings that you
program, it will trigger your camera at specific intervals and make small movements
between photos. It has a standard 2.5mm jack, and connects to your camera
through the cable included in your package.
Once Astro Core is done taking pictures, you can upload all of the images to your
computer and assemble them into a time-lapse video. To assemble your videos, you
can use one of the many free software alternatives, such as iMovie for Mac, or
Windows Movie Maker for PC. For greater control, we recommend using more
advanced software like Adobe Lightroom, LR Time-lapse, and Adobe After Effects.
Technical Details:
Power source: 2 AA batteries (not included)
Maximum speed: 1.5 degrees/second in panorama mode
Maximum load when panning: 22 lb. / 10 Kg (centered weight)
Maximum load when tilting: 6.6 lb. / 3 Kg (centered weight)
Operating Temperature: 32 to 104⁰ / 0 to 40⁰ C
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Summary of Contents for Electronic Technologies Astro Core

  • Page 1: What Is Astro Core

    In this guidebook you will find everything you need to know about using the Astro Core. In addition, we will share a lot of the things we have learned about time-lapse while making the Astro, Pico, and Astro Core.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS WHAT IS ASTRO CORE………..1 CAMERA SETTINGS……………………14 WHAT IS TIME-LAPSE?..3 Modes Shutter Speed Frames per Second Aperture Recorded FPS Focus & Zoom Playback FPS ANATOMY………………………….4 White Balance Batteries Capture Format Connectivity FIRMWARE UPDATE…………………..16 Status LED GEAR………………………………………….17 GETTING STARTED………………5 CHECKLIST………………………………….17 Attach Tripod Plate Mount Camera SCENARIOS…………………………………18...

  • Page 3: What Is Time-Lapse

    Recorded FPS WHAT IS TIME-LAPSE? This is the number of pictures taken per second. Since time-lapse Time-lapse photography is the process of capturing an event that happens photography requires taking pictures one or more seconds apart, it is more over a long period of time and playing it back as a video of much shorter practical to call it Interval.

  • Page 4: Anatomy

    We recommend using high capacity, lithium rechargeable batteries. The Astro Core is a Low Energy Bluetooth device (BLE) which means it can stay in standby mode for a long time. Batteries will last at least a month in standby mode Fast Blinking Red (2x per second): Low Battery.

  • Page 5: Getting Started

    Attach Tripod Plate Set the camera to Manual Focus. Auto Focus delays can cause interval discrepancies or failure to shoot. Hold Astro Core upside down and attach a tripod plate. Tighten until plate is firmly in place. Set Up a Program Use your smartphone with the Astro Core application to set up a program.

  • Page 6: General Setup

    Screw Astro Core into a ballhead or directly into the camera. Tilt Screw Astro Core into one of the 5 threads on the L-bracket. Use the thread that properly centers your camera with Astro Core. Attach the camera to the L-bracket with the thumb screw, and connect the camera to Astro Core.

  • Page 7: Pan & Tilt

    Pan & Tilt Tilt & Motion Set up a tilting Astro Core. For panning, screw a second Astro Core into a Follow the instructions to set up the Linear Mount per the separate Linear second L-bracket using the outermost thread, and attach the second L- Mount User Manual instructions, but attach a ball-head instead of an Astro bracket into the tilting Astro Core with the thumb screw.

  • Page 8: Setting Up A Program

    Open your Astro Core application on your iOS or Android smartphone. Once you have opened it, the application can recognize up to three Astro Core units. The application will show those units at the top of the screen with a different colored flashing LED for each unit.
  • Page 9 Step 3: Tilt: If you are not doing a Tilt, skip to Step 5. If you are using a unit for Tilt to do a tilt only you will set this up first, or if you are doing a pan and tilt, you will set this unit up second. Select the amount of rotation desired for tilt and whether you would like to tilt clockwise or counter clock wise.
  • Page 10 Gesture Mode Step 3: Pan: If you are not doing a Pan, skip to step 4. If you are using a unit for Pan, you will set this unit up first. Select the unit the commands should For Gesture programming, follow Step 1 and Step 2 above. Once that is go to using LED color, and then press the ‘Save’...
  • Page 11 Step 4: Tilt: If you are not doing a Tilt, skip to Step 5. If you are using a unit for Tilt to do a tilt only you will set this up first, or if you are doing a Once this is set up, select the unit the commands should go to using LED pan and tilt, you will set this unit up second.
  • Page 12 Repositioning The reposition menu provides methods to move the Astro Core to point in the direction desired. This is most critical for the unit that holds the camera. The Left or Right buttons will move the unit in the corresponding direction up to 360 degrees.
  • Page 13 Core allows for selection of the Middle Exposure and the exposure value ADVANCED FEATURES (EV) step. BRAMPING Bulb ramping, or bramping, is a method of adjusting exposure settings to maintain a specific exposure value throughout the duration of a time-lapse sequence. The bulb ramping feature allows for selection of linear or non- linear options.

  • Page 14: Camera Settings

    jumps or even make cars appear in one frame and disappear in the next. The discontinuity can be distracting and is normally undesirable in a time- CAMERA SETTINGS lapse video. On the other hand, using a slow shutter speed will produce smooth and continuous motion but will reduce sharpness.

  • Page 15: Focus & Zoom

    White Balance White balance refers to the temperature of the color in the picture. It is best to manually choose the desired temperature or a preset to ensure consistent results and reduce flicker. Capture Format This means using RAW image format. It is okay to use JPG for tests or rough sequences, but always use RAW when capturing your final sequence.

  • Page 16: Firmware Update

    FIRMWARE UPDATE If a firmware update is necessary for the Astro Core unit, it will be delivered through an application update. The application will detect the firmware of the unit, and if it is older than the current firmware, will request to update the unit.

  • Page 17: Gear

    GEAR LIST ✓ Set capture format to RAW ✓ Program and connect Astro Core This is a list of useful items for shooting time-lapse. You might not need all ✓ Level the camera the equipment every time, but it is good to have these items on hand.

  • Page 18: Scenarios

    Moving clouds can be impressive yet difficult subjects; pay close attention to light changes. Aperture: Use a small to medium aperture such as f4-f11 to keep everything in focus. Shutter: Use fast shutter speeds such as 1/100 seconds, to capture crisp slow moving clouds.

  • Page 19: Traffic

    Moving traffic is one of the best scenarios to use slow shutter speeds to Busy crowds can be very interesting subjects. Use a slightly long shutter smooth motion. time to smooth the motion and make it fluid. Aperture: Use a small aperture to keep everything in focus and allow for Aperture: Use a small aperture such as f8-f11 to keep everything in focus.

  • Page 20: Stars

    Some of the most beautiful time-lapse videos capture the sky at night. Using a tilt-shift effect it is possible to make cities look like miniature toy cities. You can use a special tilt-shift lens or simulate it using software. Aperture: Use a large aperture such as f2.8-4 and then this will let a lot of light in and keep the image sharp.

  • Page 21: Water

    In time lapse videos, flowing water looks like a mysteriously peaceful mist. The idea here is to capture how shadows move over time, avoid cloudy days and fast moving subjects. For better results, use a wide angle lens. Aperture: Use a large aperture such as f2.8-f4 to keep the image sharp. Shutter: You will need an ND filter to allow for long exposure times of 5–10 Aperture: Use a small aperture to keep everything in focus f 11–f 16.

  • Page 22: Troubleshooting

    1. Device recognition issues (flashing LED with app open) is because the duration needs to be rounded up to a duration If your Astro Core unit is not showing up in the application, there are several that can be evenly split into the requested intervals, and split things to try: into 61 segments.

  • Page 23: Fcc Compliance

    CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION. Astro and the Astro logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Astro Core has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Electronic Technologies, LLC in the United States of America and/or digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.

  • Page 24: Warranty

    WARRANTY – ASTRO CORE Electronic Technologies warranties the Astro Core to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty applies to customers who properly complete the online product registration form found on http://www.orderastro.com...

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