NINA Integration Guide

Set up the DeepSkyLog NINA plugin for automatic frame uploads

NINA Integration Guide

The DeepSkyLog NINA plugin automatically uploads your frames as they’re captured, keeping your projects up-to-date in real-time.

Prerequisites

  • NINA (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy) version 2.0 or higher
  • An active DeepSkyLog account
  • Internet connection during imaging sessions

Installation

Step 1: Download the Plugin

  1. Log in to DeepSkyLog
  2. Navigate to Settings → Integrations
  3. Click “Download NINA Plugin”
  4. Save the .zip file to your computer

Step 2: Install in NINA

  1. Open NINA
  2. Go to Options → Plugins
  3. Click “Add Plugin”
  4. Browse to the downloaded .zip file
  5. Click “Install”
  6. Restart NINA

Step 3: Configure the Plugin

  1. In NINA, go to Options → Plugins → DeepSkyLog
  2. Enter your API Key:
    • Get this from DeepSkyLog: Settings → API Keys → Create New Key
    • Copy and paste into NINA
  3. Configure upload settings:
    • Upload immediately: Upload after each frame (recommended)
    • Batch upload: Upload at end of session
    • Upload calibrated frames: Include calibrated files (optional)

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 frame is:
    • Saved to your local drive (as usual)
    • Uploaded to DeepSkyLog in the background
    • Associated with the correct project
    • Grouped into a session
  3. View real-time updates in DeepSkyLog web interface

What Gets Uploaded

The plugin uploads:

  • ✅ Light frames (all filters)
  • ✅ FITS metadata and headers
  • ✅ Session information (time, location, conditions)
  • ✅ Equipment details (automatically matched)
  • ❌ Calibration frames (darks, flats, bias) - optional

Advanced Configuration

Custom Metadata

Add custom metadata fields in NINA’s sequence properties:

  • Project notes
  • Session tags
  • Weather conditions
  • Seeing estimates

These will be uploaded and searchable in DeepSkyLog.

Network Settings

Configure network behavior:

  • Retry failed uploads: Automatically retry on network errors
  • Upload timeout: Maximum time to wait for each upload (default: 60s)
  • Background upload: Don’t block NINA while uploading (recommended)
  • Bandwidth limit: Throttle uploads if internet is slow

Conflict Resolution

If frames already exist in DeepSkyLog:

  • Skip: Don’t re-upload (recommended)
  • Overwrite: Replace existing frame metadata
  • Create duplicate: Upload as new frame

Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Appearing in NINA

  1. Ensure NINA is version 2.0 or higher
  2. Check that the .zip file was fully downloaded
  3. Try restarting NINA
  4. Check NINA logs: %localappdata%\NINA\Logs

Uploads Failing

Check API Key

  • Verify the key is correct in NINA settings
  • Ensure the key hasn’t expired in DeepSkyLog
  • Generate a new key if needed

Network Issues

  • Test internet connection
  • Check firewall settings (allow NINA outbound HTTPS)
  • Try increasing upload timeout
  • Enable retry on failure

Frame Too Large

  • Large files may time out on slow connections
  • Consider batch upload at end of session
  • Compress FITS files if possible

Frames Not Associating with Projects

  1. Check that project coordinates match NINA target
  2. Verify project exists in DeepSkyLog
  3. Manually select project in NINA sequence settings
  4. Check project is not archived

Upload Status

Monitor uploads in NINA:

  • Plugin Tab: Shows upload queue and status
  • Status Bar: Displays current upload progress
  • Logs: Detailed upload information

Best Practices

✅ Test Before Imaging Night: Run a test sequence to verify uploads work

✅ Check Internet: Ensure stable connection at your imaging site

✅ Create Projects First: Set up projects in DeepSkyLog before imaging

✅ Use Project Names: Name NINA sequences same as DeepSkyLog projects

✅ Monitor First Session: Watch the first few uploads to confirm configuration

✅ Enable Retries: Turn on automatic retry for network hiccups

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
    • Via API script

See Uploading FITS Files for manual upload instructions.

Plugin Updates

Keep the plugin up to date:

  1. Check for updates in NINA: Options → Plugins → Check for Updates
  2. Or download latest version from DeepSkyLog
  3. Restart NINA after updating

Support

Need help with the NINA plugin?

API for Developers

Building your own integration? Check the API Documentation for:

  • Frame upload endpoints
  • Authentication
  • Metadata format
  • Example code

Ready to start imaging? The plugin handles the rest! 📸✨