The laptop I've been using to run my deep sky imaging setup is on its last legs and I will likely need to find something to replace it sooner rather than later. I have been looking at my options and would appreciate some advice.
As I don't have a permanent observatory, my initial thought was something down the lines of a ZWO ASIAir (probably the Mini) to keep what I have to bring outside each time as compact as possible and to allow me to remotely control/monitor my setup from indoors.
Is the AsiAir my best option or should I be looking more towards mini-pcs/raspberry pi?
My current setup:
Telescope: Askar 71F Flat Field Refractor
Mount: Celestron AVX
Imaging camera: Canon EOS 600D (Astro modified)
Guide camera: Altair GPCAM130C
Misc: QHY Polemaster
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That very much depends on whether you want to use NINA or not. If so then you want a moderately spec'd laptop or a mini-PC with connection to a desktop/laptop (i.e., Remote Desktop).
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I personally prefer a mini PC running Windows apps. I'm going to assume that your ailing laptop is running Windows, as well, meaning that a transition to a mini PC should be fairly painless–you can run the same software as on your laptop. A lot of people are running the ASIAir, but it's a less open platform based on Linux and would require learning new software. ASIAir may also not support all your hardware, as none of your hardware is from ZWO. So that would be something to check.
One factor to consider with either platform is how to interact with it. In my case, my imaging rig with mini PC is close enough to the house that I can connect it to my wifi network and access it using Remote Desktop. I imagine you could set the mini PC to put up a hotspot and connect to that, as well, but either way you'll need another computer. unless you connect a display, keyboard, and mouse directly to the mini PC. The ASIAir, i think, is designed to be accessed and controlled by a smartphone, which might be more convenient. (That being said, there's an Android app under development that allows you to control NINA from your phone, as well. It's called Touch-N-Stars and Cuiv the Lazy Geek did a Youtube video on it recently.)
My mini PC is a Mele Quieter3Q–I've been running two of them for a couple years now and they work quite well. I think there's probably a newer version (4Q?) now. There are also a number of other mini PCs to choose from.
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Thanks very much for your advice. The issue of compatibility with other cameras is why I've held off getting an ASIAir so far - I know my Altair guide camera definitely won't work with it. The other similar alternative is the Touptek Astrostation which costs more and seems to be a bit unfinished at the moment - do you have any thoughts on this?
I'll have a look at the Mele mini pcs, definitely could be an interesting option. Which remote access software do you use to connect to your mini pc?
I did notice Cuiv's video on Touch-N-Stars - only issue being I don't have any android devices so probably won't work for me at the moment.
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I started out last year with an AISAir. It's great and simple to use, but it is limited to mostly ZWO cameras/focusers and other mounts aren't necessarily supported well. I started with an IOptron mount and that worked fine, but then got an AP Mach 2 and it was super flaky. Also, laptop remote control support isn't great (need to run an an emulator) and I found WIFI range was fairly short (yes, it was the newer improved WIFI Model). Downloads were also very slow, or required swapping a micro sd card. I switched over to a MeLE mini PC ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP3YL6J7?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1) and a Pegasus pocket power box to act as a USB hub and power distribution. Then I went through the learning curve of Nina. More wires, more learning, but more capability overall and far more flexibility. Nina's advanced sequencing is awesome. The WIFI range is great and I can control it well with windows remote desktop either on a laptop of on an ipad (and even my phone in a pinch) anywhere in the house. I also have it set up to store captured images and some logs on my NAS, so I can monitor and do a quick analysis of mid-session on my indoor laptop and process afterwards without the MeLE being power on or going through the download step or messing with SD cards. But with your setup, I don't think ASIAir would work. Maybe your mount would be OK, but the cameras and polemaster would not
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Thanks very much for your advice. The issue of compatibility with other cameras is why I've held off getting an ASIAir so far - I know my Altair guide camera definitely won't work with it. The other similar alternative is the Touptek Astrostation which costs more and seems to be a bit unfinished at the moment - do you have any thoughts on this?
I'll have a look at the Mele mini pcs, definitely could be an interesting option. Which remote access software do you use to connect to your mini pc?
I did notice Cuiv's video on Touch-N-Stars - only issue being I don't have any android devices so probably won't work for me at the moment. I’m not familiar with the Touptek device, but I would generally shy away from specialized hardware like that because it tends to limit your choices of software and hardware. I use MS Remote Desktop to access the mini PC remotely. Mini PCs generally come with Windows 11 Pro, which is required in order for them to be accessed by MS Remote Desktop. The remote laptop you use to access the mini PC can be running Windows 11 Home, though—Pro not needed. There are many other remote access options, but I’ve been using MS Remote Desktop for many years and find it quite stable and capable.
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Interesting to know. The only catch is that I don't have another computer running windows just an older MacBook Air which seems to handle processing in photoshop well enough and a newer Apple silicon one - I suspect neither will allow me to connect to a windows 11 pc without using third party software, if at all.
Ideally I don't really want to have to get a new windows pc just to be able to connect to the astrophotography setup if I can help it. Probably would work out to be more cost effective to get an ASIAir and replacement guide camera if that was the case.
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You can run Microsoft RDP from your mackbook just fine. I run it from my M4 Ipad Pro and it works great. The hardest part is switching your brain from mac to windows
As I said, I can even run it on my Iphone and can monitor things and do basic controls.
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The laptop I've been using to run my deep sky imaging setup is on its last legs and I will likely need to find something to replace it sooner rather than later. I have been looking at my options and would appreciate some advice.
As I don't have a permanent observatory, my initial thought was something down the lines of a ZWO ASIAir (probably the Mini) to keep what I have to bring outside each time as compact as possible and to allow me to remotely control/monitor my setup from indoors.
Is the AsiAir my best option or should I be looking more towards mini-pcs/raspberry pi?
My current setup:
Telescope: Askar 71F Flat Field Refractor
Mount: Celestron AVX
Imaging camera: Canon EOS 600D (Astro modified)
Guide camera: Altair GPCAM130C
Misc: QHY Polemaster *** Celestron 2 The question you need to answer is how advanced and versatile do you want your control to be and is being locked into ZWO products an issue. I use the ASIAir mini with my android tablet. The Canon 600D is supported. I have used the Canon T3i, SL2 and M6 mkii with it. I now use ASI533 and 2600pro. If you are not averse to being locked into ZWO get a mini and an ASI guide camera for not a whole lot of money. Then save up for and AM3 or AM5 mount. I assume the AVX will be compatible, but I have no experience with that mount. Also you will no longer need the Polemaster as the Air will plate solve and polar align. While not state of the art it is just so simple even I can do it and it just works. CS, Bob
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... While not state of the art it is just so simple even I can do it and it just works.
CS, Bob I will attest to the fact that the ASIAir "just works" without installing this and downloading that. Getting Nina set up is a chore. Once set up, it also "just works". But if I were tech averse, it would be quite intimidating.
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I believe Stellarmate runs on INDI and EKOS.
I use EKOS on my Mac Pro and it works beautifully, even on an old 2012 machine.
Stellaremate is the mini PC version, which is similar to the ZWO ASAIR, except its not limited to what hardware it will run.
probably worth a look.
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I use a mini-pc mounted on my ota. I use APT for session management, phd2 for guiding, eqmod for mount control and ascom platform to allow it all to work seemlessly. Fully supported software is the key to me. I'm not locked into the ZWO platform, but they do make a nice camera.
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After being on Windows for years I moved to ZWO and am very happy. I have the ASIAIR plus running a 12" scope in my backyard observatory, and it's been a pleasure to use. Have wired ethernet out there and running everything indoors is simple. The ASIAir app runs on my MacBook Pro, so I can control that setup and process on the same machine with PixInsight and Photoshop.
My portable setup uses a ZWO AM3 mount with an Askar 103 and an Askar SQA55. I'm using the new ZWO 2600 Air camera and swap the camera between those 2 scopes. Since it combines the ASIAIR, camera and guider it really reduces the wires and simplifies the setup. That equipment goes on my patio and I connect via WiFi using the same Mac. Setup time (including carrying everything out) is around 5 minutes. Tripod aligns with marks on the patio, so polar align is very fast.
I've recently added the ZWO CAA rotator to my portable equipment, and that's been great for multiple target sessions. In was the missing link in the ZWO line.
I find the setup very flexible and reliable, yet simple to operate.
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I've been down the windows rabbit hole and switched to ASIAir.
The deciding factor IMHO is productivity, ie whether or not you come home with a bunch of nice subs, or not.
ASIAir has been very dependable for me, and 'm usually set up and ready to image in 30 minutes.
Looking at your gear you'll need to acquire a ZWO guide camera.
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We use genuine Intel NUC computers on all of our remote systems and they have worked great for years.
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i use a primalucelab Eagle 4s and worked fine.
CS
Brian
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David Russell:
I believe Stellarmate runs on INDI and EKOS.
I use EKOS on my Mac Pro and it works beautifully, even on an old 2012 machine.
Stellaremate is the mini PC version, which is similar to the ZWO ASAIR, except its not limited to what hardware it will run.
probably worth a look. +1 for a Raspberry Pi setup, if you like to tinker. You can configure everything yourself, or pay $50 for the StellarMate build. There are also a couple pre-built boxes sold by StellarMate which are very similar to ZWO. My biggest issue with ZWO is they take open-source code (EKOS, PHD2), limit its functionality to their hardware and put a slick UI on it. Underneath, it’s a Pi with some extra power ports and an external antenna.
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