{"id":7821,"date":"2026-04-20T12:26:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.primalucelab.it\/blog\/?post_type=ht_kb&p=7821"},"modified":"2026-04-20T12:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:34:55","slug":"how-to-use-giotto-and-alto-with-nina-astronomy-imaging-suite","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/www.primalucelab.com\/blog\/support\/how-to-use-giotto-and-alto-with-nina-astronomy-imaging-suite\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use GIOTTO and ALTO with NINA astronomy imaging suite"},"content":{"rendered":"

Among the most popular astrophotography platforms in the advanced astronomy community, NINA (Nighttime Imaging \u2019N\u2019 Astronomy<\/a>) stands out for combining complete freedom of configuration: it is a free, open-source application that connects to virtually any ASCOM-compatible device. Its powerful automation engine, detailed sequencing tools, and extensive plugin ecosystem make it a favorite for users who want to push their imaging sessions to the next level, and who are happy to invest time in learning a feature-rich environment. All PrimaLuceLab products connect seamlessly to NINA, and this guide, written with the collaboration of Ronald Brecher<\/a>, walks you through the specific steps to integrate your GIOTTO smart flat field generator and ALTO telescope cover motor into your NINA workflow.<\/p>\n

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  1. Install the latest stable version of N.I.N.A. from the link above. Setup your GIOTTO (and ALTO, if you have one) as directed in the user manual. If using both, only the ALTO will be connected directly to the PC. GIOTTO will be connected to the ALTO using the supplied cable.<\/li>\n
  2. Disconnect the ALTO (or GIOTTO) USB cable from the EAGLE or other PC.<\/li>\n
  3. Click the Windows Start button and begin typing \u2018Device Manager.\u2019 When you see the Device Manager, launch it and expand the PORTS section.<\/li>\n
  4. Connect your ALTO or GIOTTO via USB and take note of which COM port appears in the device manager. Jot it down as you may need it later.<\/li>\n
  5. In NINA, go to the Equipment tab and select Flat Panel.<\/li>\n
  6. Choose the \u2018PLL ASCOM Cover Calibrator\u2019 from the drop-down list.<\/li>\n
  7. Click on the gear icon and the ASCOM settings window will open. Setup the cover calibrator based on whether you have ALTO and GIOTTO, or just GIOTTO. From the dropdown list set the COM port to the one you wrote down in step 4 and press SELECT. You can access other ALTO\/GIOTTO settings by clicking on the gear icon in the ASCOM driver window .<\/li>\n
  8. Click the Connect button for the focuser.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Once N.I.N.A. connects successfully, information about the flat panel will be displayed. Next, verify that N.I.N.A. can control the cover motor and\/or flat panel. Use the controls on the Equipment\/Flat Panel tab and verify visually that the ALTO closes and opens as expected. With the ALTO open, toggle GIOTTO\u2019s light on and off and try different brightness settings to ensure it is operating as expected.<\/p>\n

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    \"How<\/p>\n

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    Troubleshooting Your Connection<\/strong><\/p>\n

    You\u2019ll get an error message if ALTO\/GIOTTO fails to connect to your PC. The most common causes of failure to connect are no power, no USB connection, or wrong COM port selected during setup.<\/p>\n