Anna
Updated :
Sharing your data is not mandatory for your observations - we do not access it if you do not choose to share it with us. The data collected by the telescope at each observation is stored in its memory and includes raw data (frames) of the objects observed in Enhanced Vision or during Science Missions, as well as metadata (geolocations, timestamps). All the data collected by our users is gathered in our secure database (server) and allows us to continually improve the observing experience of our users.
- The eVscope storage (also referred to as “eVscope memory”) only fills up when you use Enhanced Vision or Science Observation modes;
- saving pictures of your observations does not fill up the eVscope memory;
- the storage capacity of the eVscope allows for up to 7 hours (for model 1.0) or 35 hours (for model eQuinox) of Enhanced Vision mode. In Science Observation mode, the shorter the exposure time, the more frames it takes, and the faster the memory will fill up;
- even with full memory (100% data storage used), the eVscope will continue operating normally, and you will still be able to save your pictures. However, you will not be able to take part in community events or citizen science campaigns;
- Storage information can be found under the “User” tab of the App;
- Uploaded data help us create a better user experience, improve our app and allow you to take part in scientific discoveries or community events.
While using the Enhanced Vision mode or the Science Observation modes, raw data (frames) of the objects you are observing are automatically saved in your eVscope memory. The eVscope storage information is found when you click on the gear button in the top right corner and then my eVscope (Instrument).
Note: you will also find the battery charge gauge, the eyepiece focus helper button, and the button to take a dark frame/sensor calibration.
The beautiful pictures that you save during all your observations are not saved on the eVscope but rather on your smartphone, so use your smartphone storage space instead.
In order to free up (reset or empty) the eVscope storage, it is recommended to regularly upload the data to our servers. To do so, follow these simple steps:
Upload process
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While your smartphone (or tablet) is connected to your eVscope, open the App and go to "My eVscope" (this can be done once you have returned to the comfort of your home);
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If there is data stored in your eVscope, tap on “UPLOAD”, otherwise the button will be grayed out;
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You will then be redirected to a new page where you will be asked to enter your "Wi-Fi information". This can be your home Wi-Fi network or your phone hotspot information depending on which you want to use for the upload.
The SSID is the name of your network - it is case sensitive
It is possible to use the same device you used to connect to the eVscope to upload the data, although it is usually easier to use a different device
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After clicking on "Validate", the eVscope LED will turn from the usual red color to blinking bright yellow - this means that the eVscope is trying to connect to your selected network. At that point, your device will no longer be connected to the eVscope and information like its name or storage usage will no longer be accessible by the app. The LED will blink in a regular pattern:
The eVscope LED will then either:
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turn green (here it looks like orange) and blink rapidly between 1 and 5 times and then stay solid green for 1 minute if the upload succeeds. The number of blinks indicates how much data there is to transfer, the higher the number of blinks the more data there is.
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or turn solid orange for 1 minute, which means an error occurred.
8 times out of 10 it will be a typo in the network name (SSID) or the password, but other factors may be causing this: maximum number of allowed devices on the network reached, MAC address filtering in place, or Wi-Fi channel incompatibility. For that last issue, restarting your router/device's Wi-Fi connection will solve the issue. For the other two issues, you will need to connect to your home Wi-Fi network with another device to enable more devices or add the eVscope MAC address to the list.
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To clarify the blinking progress :
Blink 5 times 81% - 100% left to upload meaning our progress is between 0% and 20%
Blink 4 times 61% - 80% left to upload meaning our progress is between 21% and 40%
Blink 3 times 41% - 60% left to upload meaning our progress is between 41% and 60%
Blink 2 times 21% - 40% left to upload meaning our progress is between 61% and 80%
Blink 1 time 1% - 20% left to upload meaning our progress is between 81% and 100%
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Optional step: to check if everything went smoothly, reconnect your phone to the eVscope. Go back to the User tab of the App. After a few minutes, the amount of data in the storage section should indicate “Storage: 0% used”. The transfer was a success. Sometimes, it can show 1%, and it's OK as well (the telescope kept its dark frames).
Tip 1: regular users usually go through this process at the end of each night of observation or, at the very least, every time their eVscope data storage approaches 20%. This guarantees they are ready whenever they want to participate in citizen science campaigns or community-based observation events.
Tip 2: starting the upload process just before going to bed and leaving your eVscope on during the night should allow the data transfer to get completed overnight. Please note that this is not a software issue and there is no other way to empty your data. Again, sharing your data is not mandatory for your observations - we do not access it if you do not choose to share it with us.
Tip 3: it is possible to get raw data (TIFF, FITS, or PNG) after you have uploaded your observations, a feature "work in progress". Please contact our customer support for guidance.
Please note that only observations made within the last 30 days are kept on our servers due to storage limitations. We therefore recommend that you request your data within 30 days of your observations.