DWARF Error Codes 1000–1004, -9 and 200101 Explained (DWARF 3, mini)

Dwarflab publishes a short table of connection and activation error codes in its help center, along with fixes for connection, calibration and image problems. This page puts them in one place for the DWARF 3 and DWARF mini. The help center's guide covers both models.

Connection and activation error codes

Dwarflab notes the 2.4 GHz step is for regions such as Taiwan and Russia, and Wi-Fi Compatible Mode for regions such as Singapore. Source: Dwarflab help center.

If it won't connect in Auto Mode

Dwarflab's steps:

1. Turn off or pause any VPN and antivirus app.
2. Forget the DWARF network on your phone. On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → Edit, find DWARF_XXXXX and delete it. On Android: Wi-Fi → saved networks, find DWARF_XXXXX and choose Forget.
3. In the DWARFLAB app open Settings → Connection Settings and turn everything off (Enable 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi Compatible Mode).
4. Go back to the home page and tap Connect.

If that fails, upload a log (Settings → Support → Log Upload; it works even when not connected) and email support@dwarflab.com saying whether you can see the DWARF's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth names in your phone's settings and whether you can join DWARF_XXXXX manually.

AP mode and STA mode

AP mode is the direct connection to the DWARF's hotspot. Dwarflab's checklist: are you too far away, is there interference or many wireless devices nearby, is your phone's OS up to date, and is the DWARF within its operating temperature (-10 °C to 45 °C for the DWARF 3, -20 °C to 45 °C for the mini)?

STA mode joins your home Wi-Fi. Check the DWARF isn't too far from the router, that the network doesn't need special sign-in, and whether you use a mesh system. Dwarflab suggests setting up STA close to the access point you'll use. When STA is on, the DWARF's IP address changes; it is shown under Settings → My Device → IP Address.

Activation failure

Activation needs internet. Dwarflab says: reinstall the latest DWARFLAB app (not the beta), make sure your phone has internet (on a Wi-Fi-only tablet, finish an STA connection first so the app can reach the internet), turn off any VPN and try again. If it still fails, upload a log and send your serial number and the error message to support@dwarflab.com.

Firmware update failed

If an update fails or the DWARF can't be reached afterwards, Dwarflab says it may be due to "an interrupted update, power fluctuation, or incomplete installation" and asks you to contact it immediately at hello@dwarflab.com. Before updating, charge the telescope and keep the app open.

Calibration or GoTo failure

Dwarflab's calibration guide (written for the DWARF II, with the same principles) lists the usual causes:

• A filter attached during calibration or GoTo. Dwarflab's guidance for the DWARF II is to attach external filters only before you start shooting.
• No well-focused stars, or clouds, trees and buildings in the way. Calibrate with the scope tilted 45–80° up and at least 10° of clear sky to each side.
• Location missing: allow the app to use your location, or enter latitude and longitude by hand under Settings → Location.
• Mount at its movement limit: rotate it by hand, recalibrate and try GoTo again.

"Motor reset" or "position failed" errors have the same main cause, a filter in place during calibration or GoTo. If they keep happening, Dwarflab asks for a log upload and a phone video of the motors moving during calibration.

Stacking fails or images look wrong

From Dwarflab's guide:

• Stacking fails: reduce gain if the background is too bright, check focus, wait 30 seconds after GoTo for tracking to settle, and avoid wind or a shaky tripod. If stacking fails at the very start, retake your dark frames with the lens fully covered.
• Colored stripes, dotted noise or black lines: the dark frames don't match the current temperature or let in light. Retake darks (Astro mode → Function → Darks) at the same exposure and gain, then re-stack with Mega Stack.
• Focus value missing and the image soft: in Photo mode, focus manually on a bright object about 5 m away until the value reappears, then autofocus on something farther away and save it in Astro mode.

For more on soft images, see our blurry image checklist. If nothing works, upload a log via Settings → Support → Log Upload and email support@dwarflab.com with your model, firmware version and a description.