NINA Integration Guide

The DeepSkyLog NINA plugin automatically uploads frame metadata as images are captured, keeping your projects up-to-date in real-time. No image files are transferred — only FITS header metadata is sent to DeepSkyLog.

Prerequisites

  • NINA (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy) version 3.0 or higher
  • An active DeepSkyLog account
  • Internet connection during imaging sessions

Installation

Step 1: Install the Plugin from NINA

  1. Open NINA
  2. Go to Options → Plugins
  3. Search for “DeepSkyLog” in the available plugins list
  4. Click “Install”
  5. Restart NINA

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

  1. In NINA, go to Options → Plugins → DeepSkyLog
  2. Enable the plugin by toggling Plugin Enabled to ON
  3. Click the Login button — this opens the DeepSkyLog web app in your browser
  4. Log in with your DeepSkyLog credentials
  5. The plugin will show “Connected as [your username]” once authenticated
  6. Optionally select your Location and Equipment from the dropdowns

Usage

Automatic Project Association

The plugin automatically associates frames with projects based on:

  1. Target coordinates: Matches RA/Dec from NINA sequence
  2. Project name: Searches for matching project names
  3. Manual selection: Choose project if multiple matches found

During Imaging

Once configured, the plugin works automatically:

  1. Start your NINA sequence as normal
  2. After each exposure, the plugin:
    • Reads the FITS header metadata from the captured frame
    • Sends only the metadata to DeepSkyLog (no image files are transferred)
    • Associates the frame with the correct project
    • Groups it into a session
  3. Your images stay on your local drive — DeepSkyLog never receives image files
  4. View real-time updates in DeepSkyLog web interface

What Gets Uploaded

The plugin sends metadata only — no image files are transferred:

  • ✅ FITS header metadata (filter, exposure, temperature, HFR, FWHM, etc.)
  • ✅ Session information (time, location, conditions)
  • ✅ Equipment details (automatically matched)
  • ✅ Target coordinates (RA/Dec)
  • ❌ Light frames or any image files — these stay on your local drive
  • ❌ Calibration frames (darks, flats, bias)

Network Settings

Configure network behavior:

  • Retry on failure: Automatically retry on network errors
  • Timeout: Maximum time to wait for each metadata upload (default: 60s)
  • Background sync: Don’t block NINA while sending metadata (recommended)

Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Appearing in NINA

  1. Ensure NINA is version 3.0 or higher
  2. Check your internet connection (plugin list is fetched online)
  3. Try restarting NINA
  4. Check NINA logs: %localappdata%\NINA\Logs

Metadata Upload Failing

Check Account Connection

  • Verify the plugin shows “Connected as [username]” in the plugin settings
  • Try logging out and logging back in
  • Ensure your DeepSkyLog account is active

Alternative: Manual Upload

If automatic upload doesn’t work for your setup:

  1. Image normally in NINA without the plugin
  2. After the session, manually upload:
    • Via DeepSkyLog web interface
    • Using the desktop uploader tool

Plugin Updates

Keep the plugin up to date:

  1. Check for updates in NINA: Options → Plugins → Check for Updates
  2. Restart NINA after updating

Support

Need help with the NINA plugin?