Getting Started with DeepSkyLog

Complete guide to setting up DeepSkyLog for the first time

Getting Started with DeepSkyLog

This guide will walk you through setting up DeepSkyLog and uploading your first imaging session.

Step 1: Create Your Account

  1. Visit app.deepskylog.com/signup
  2. Enter your email and create a password
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Log in to your new account

Step 2: Set Up Your First Location

Locations help you track where you’re imaging from and associate site-specific data.

  1. Navigate to Locations in the main menu
  2. Click “Add Location”
  3. Fill in the details:
    • Name: e.g., “Backyard Observatory”
    • Coordinates: Enter latitude/longitude or click on the map
    • Timezone: Select your timezone
    • Bortle Scale: Estimate light pollution (1-9)
  4. Click “Save”

Pro Tip: You can add multiple locations if you image from different sites!

Step 3: Create Equipment Profiles

Equipment profiles let you track what gear you used for each imaging session.

Adding a Telescope

  1. Go to Equipment → Telescopes
  2. Click “Add Telescope”
  3. Enter specifications:
    • Name (e.g., “Celestron EdgeHD 11”)
    • Aperture (mm)
    • Focal length (mm)
    • Mount type
  4. Save

Adding a Camera

  1. Go to Equipment → Cameras
  2. Click “Add Camera”
  3. Enter details:
    • Name (e.g., “ZWO ASI2600MC Pro”)
    • Sensor size
    • Pixel size
    • Color/Mono
  4. Save

Adding Filters

  1. Go to Equipment → Filters
  2. Add each filter in your collection:
    • Name (e.g., “Optolong L-eXtreme”)
    • Type (Narrowband, Broadband, LRGB)
    • Bandwidth (nm)

Step 4: Create Your First Project

Projects organize your imaging sessions by target object.

  1. Navigate to Projects
  2. Click “New Project”
  3. Fill in project details:
    • Target Name: e.g., “M31 Andromeda Galaxy”
    • Object Type: Galaxy, Nebula, Cluster, etc.
    • Coordinates: RA/Dec (auto-filled if you search for common objects)
    • Equipment: Select telescope, camera, and filters
    • Location: Choose where you’ll image this target
  4. Set optional goals:
    • Total integration time target
    • Number of sessions
    • Specific filter requirements
  5. Click “Create Project”

Step 5: Upload Your First Frames

There are three ways to upload frames to DeepSkyLog:

The NINA plugin automatically uploads frames as they’re captured:

  1. Download the plugin from Settings → Integrations
  2. Install the plugin in NINA
  3. Configure your DeepSkyLog API key
  4. Frames will upload automatically during imaging!

See NINA Integration Guide for detailed setup.

Option 2: Manual Upload

Upload frames through the web interface:

  1. Go to your project
  2. Click “Upload Frames”
  3. Select FITS files from your computer
  4. Frames will be automatically grouped by session
  5. Metadata is extracted from FITS headers

Option 3: Desktop Uploader

For batch uploads of existing data:

  1. Download the desktop uploader from Settings → Downloads
  2. Configure your API key
  3. Point it at your FITS directory
  4. Bulk upload all files

Step 6: Explore Your Data

Once frames are uploaded, you can:

View Project Dashboard

  • See total integration time
  • View session breakdown
  • Check progress toward goals
  • Monitor equipment performance

Use the Sky Map

  • Visualize frame coverage
  • Plan mosaic layouts
  • See target altitude throughout the year
  • Identify nearby deep-sky objects

Review Statistics

  • HFR (Half Flux Radius) trends
  • Guiding performance
  • Weather conditions during sessions
  • Equipment usage patterns

Next Steps

Now that you’re set up, explore these features:

Tips for Success

✅ Consistent Naming: Use clear, consistent names for equipment and projects

✅ Regular Uploads: Upload frames promptly so you don’t forget session details

✅ Set Goals: Project goals help you stay motivated and track progress

✅ Check Statistics: Review HFR and guiding stats to optimize your setup

✅ Backup Metadata: Export your data periodically as a backup

Need Help?

Stuck? Here’s where to get help:

Welcome to DeepSkyLog! Clear skies! 🌌