Try the Simulator
ARIS includes a built-in simulator that provides virtual versions of all major equipment types. This lets you learn the interface, practice workflows, and test features without connecting to real hardware.
What the Simulator Provides
Section titled “What the Simulator Provides”The simulator creates a complete virtual imaging rig:
- Mount — Simulated GoTo mount with tracking, slewing, and park/unpark. Points at real sky coordinates.
- Camera — Virtual camera that generates synthetic frames with configurable exposure, gain, and cooling.
- Focuser — Simulated focuser with position control and temperature readout. Supports V-curve autofocus.
- Guider — Virtual guide camera with simulated star drift and corrections.
- Filter Wheel — Simulated filter wheel with LRGB and narrowband positions.
- Rotator — Virtual rotator with angle control.
The simulator responds to all the same commands as real equipment, so anything you learn in the simulator translates directly to field use.
Launching the Simulator
Section titled “Launching the Simulator”-
Open ARIS and go to the Connection screen (the first screen you see if no rig is connected).
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Tap Launch Simulator.
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Wait a moment for the virtual devices to initialize. You will see each device appear in the equipment list.
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Tap Apply Equipment to load the default simulator equipment profile.
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The app is now fully connected to simulated hardware. Navigate to any screen to begin exploring.
What You Can Do
Section titled “What You Can Do”With the simulator running, you have access to the full ARIS feature set:
- Slew the mount to any target in the sky atlas.
- Adjust camera settings and take simulated exposures.
- Run autofocus to see the V-curve routine in action.
- Start the guider and watch simulated guide corrections.
- Build a sequence and run it to see the automation engine at work.
- Explore the sky atlas and plan imaging sessions.
Switching to Real Equipment
Section titled “Switching to Real Equipment”When you are ready to connect to real hardware, go to the Connection screen and enter your backend’s address. See First Connection for the full walkthrough.
You can switch between the simulator and real equipment at any time. The simulator does not interfere with real connections.