ASIAIR App Control Arrows Backwards: Fix & Guide

Discover why the ASIAIR app control arrows backwards issue happens and how to fix it step-by-step with real user insight.

If your ASIAIR app control arrows move your telescope in the opposite direction you expect, it’s usually because your mount’s direction settings or orientation are reversed. Adjusting your mount’s direction setup or toggling reverse options typically fixes the ASIAIR app control arrows backwards problem. Like many modern mobile applications, ASIAIR requires proper configuration to work seamlessly with your equipment.

When I first connected my telescope to the ASIAIR app, I pressed the up arrow expecting the mount to tilt up toward the sky. Instead… it went down. For a second, I thought my setup was haunted. The arrows looked right, the app connected fine, but somehow every direction was flipped.

If you’re here, you’re probably staring at your screen wondering the same thing: “Why does pressing up make my mount go down?” You’re not alone. This little reversal issue is surprisingly common… and oddly confusing when you’re just trying to frame a galaxy or nebula in peace.

Let’s walk through this together. I’ll tell you what I found, how I pieced it together, and how you can fix it yourself without tossing your mount out the window.

What ASIAIR app control arrows backwards Actually Means

When we talk about “control arrows backwards,” we’re describing a simple but maddening problem: you press an arrow on the ASIAIR app, and your telescope moves the opposite way.

You hit left… it goes right. You hit up… it goes down.

It’s like your telescope suddenly decided to defy gravity and common sense.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

At first, you might think it’s a minor quirk. But once you start aligning or trying to frame an object manually, those reversed arrows mess with your brain. You nudge the mount up to center Jupiter, and it drifts out of the frame instead.

It’s not just annoying… it wastes your time and throws off your fine-tuning. Especially during polar alignment or while centering stars for GoTo accuracy. The difference between “up” and “down” suddenly matters a lot when you’re zoomed in on Saturn’s rings.

Why the Arrows Go Backwards

Here’s what I eventually realized after too many coffee-fueled nights trying to make sense of it. The ASIAIR app itself isn’t broken. It’s reacting to how your mount is set up or what mode it’s in.

Let’s break it down.

Mount Direction Settings Are Reversed

Most mounts (like SkyWatcher, Celestron, iOptron, etc.) have direction settings for their buttons. If you’ve ever changed these on the hand controller… you might’ve unknowingly flipped the logic.

So now, when ASIAIR sends a “move up” command, the mount interprets it as “move down.” That’s exactly what causes the arrows to behave backwards.

If you ever used your mount standalone and reversed button directions for comfort… that’s what’s haunting you now.

Mount Mode or Orientation Is Wrong

Another thing that got me stuck for hours was my mount mode. The ASIAIR app expects your mount to be in a certain mode… EQ or Alt-Az. If the mount thinks it’s in one mode but is physically set up in another, it starts guessing directions wrong.

Also, if your home position isn’t truly “home,” then your idea of north or zenith doesn’t match the mount’s internal logic. The arrows then act reversed because the mount’s sense of direction is literally flipped.

It’s like telling someone “turn left” when they’re facing the wrong way.

Firmware or App Glitches

Sometimes it’s not your fault at all. Outdated firmware or an older app version can throw command mismatches. If your ASIAIR app or the mount’s firmware isn’t updated, the signal translation between them can misfire… making the arrows behave strangely.

So even if your settings are perfect, old code can confuse new commands.

Tracking and Slewing States

Another sneaky one: when your mount is actively tracking an object or slewing to a target, it sometimes ignores or delays manual arrow inputs. The movement feels reversed… or lags before moving.

If you’re testing arrows, make sure tracking is paused. That’s how you know the direction issue is real, not just delayed movement.

How to Fix ASIAIR App Control Arrows Backwards

Alright, now let’s fix this. I’ll walk you through what I did… step by step.

Step 1: Confirm It’s Actually Backwards

Start by opening the ASIAIR app and go to your mount control panel. Tap each arrow briefly and watch the mount carefully.

Does pressing up move the mount down? Does left move right?

If yes, then yeah… you’ve got the “arrows backwards” bug.

Step 2: Check Your Mount’s Hand Controller Settings

This was the big one for me. Grab your mount’s hand controller (if you have one). Go into its setup or utilities menu. Look for something that says “Direction Buttons,” “Button Direction,” or “Reverse.”

You’ll see options like “Normal” or “Reverse” for both altitude and azimuth (or RA/DEC on EQ mounts).

If any are set to “Reverse,” switch them to “Normal.” Save your changes and reconnect to ASIAIR.

Now test the arrows again. If they respond correctly… you’re good!

Step 3: Check Mount Orientation and Mode

Make sure your mount is in the correct mode (EQ or Alt-Az) for your current setup. If you switched from an equatorial tripod to an alt-az base recently… your mount might still think it’s in EQ mode.

Then check its home position. It should be perfectly aligned… level, facing north, counterweights down if EQ.

After fixing the mode and orientation, test the arrows again.

Step 4: Update Firmware and the ASIAIR App

If things still don’t behave right, update everything.

• Update your ASIAIR app from your device’s app store.
• Check the mount’s firmware version (through its controller or software) and update if possible.
• Restart both the ASIAIR and mount after updating.

Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Step 5: Use a Temporary Workaround if You’re Shooting Tonight

If you’re in the middle of a session and don’t want to spend another hour troubleshooting… just note the reversed directions.

You can still shoot. Just remember: up is down, left is right. Use plate solving or GoTo for accuracy instead of manual slewing. It’s not elegant, but it works until you can adjust the settings later.

When You Might Actually Keep the Reversed Controls

Here’s something I didn’t expect… in some setups, the reversed arrows actually feel correct.

If your optics flip the image (like a diagonal mirror or certain refractors), then pressing “up” might truly look like “down” in your viewfinder.

So, you might want to keep it that way.

Or, if you’re using a tablet and often rotate it upside down while observing, your sense of direction on screen could flip too. Reversed arrows can match your view better.

Bottom line… choose what feels natural to you when centering objects.

Normal vs Reversed Arrow Behavior

If what you see matches the reversed column, your controls are flipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my arrows backwards in the ASIAIR app? Because your mount’s direction settings or orientation are reversed. The ASIAIR just follows what the mount tells it.

Can I fix this from the ASIAIR app itself? Usually not. You’ll need to adjust the mount’s own settings, especially if you have a hand controller.

Does this affect tracking or GoTo accuracy? Not directly. It only affects manual slewing with the arrow buttons.

Will updating the firmware fix this? Sometimes. If the problem is caused by a software bug or communication mismatch, updates can help.

Do I need to restart after changing settings? Yes. Power cycle the mount and reconnect the ASIAIR so the new direction settings take effect.

Key Takings

• The ASIAIR app control arrows backwards problem happens when your mount interprets direction commands in reverse.
• The most common cause is reversed button settings on the mount’s controller.
• Double-check your mount’s mode, home position, and orientation before testing.
• Firmware and app updates can fix command mismatches.
• If you’re in a hurry, just note the reversed mapping and continue shooting.
• Some setups (like mirror-flipped optics) may actually feel more natural with reversed arrows.
• Fixing this once saves you a lot of frustration during every session that follows.

Additional Resources

1. ASIAIR User Guide: A practical breakdown of ASIAIR’s setup and mount control process for beginners.
2. ASIAIR Mount Troubleshooting: Real-world user experiences and fixes for common ASIAIR and mount communication issues.