I am looking to make a semi-permanent pier in the backyard because I truly hate the hassle of polar aligning every time I image with no view of the pole.
I have got a plan for what I use to make the pier (Bessa blocks stacked on top of each other with a solid base), but I'm trying to work out how I should control all my gear. I normally use my laptop to control it all and then I use the chrome remote desktop software to connect to the computer from inside. The issue I have with that is that I use the laptop for school and often homework so will often need it for that each night. So I've decided that I am going to need a Mini PC to keep outside on all my gear. My question is which one? There are so many to choose from and I have no experience in this sort of thing.
I know that as it is just used to image, I don't need a high spec'd PC and that I don't need heaps of space (another question on that later). I would prefer to connect to it via wifi rather than ethernet cable. Also, I don't know any brands that I should look at.
Lastly, I assume that a Mini PC behaves the same as a normal PC or laptop so I would just download the software and drivers and then set everything up, and off it goes? Do I then need to go and plug in a USB to get all the images off and onto my laptop?
Thanks for all the help everyone . I'm just very confused at this point
I use an Intel NUC that is mounted on my tripod. I then connect that to my wireless network and RDP to it from my main PC. Works a treat, never had a problem.
Beelink U55 or U59.
Great value mini PCs and work great with 12V
The older U55 is an i3 and the newer U59 is a Celeron but faster than the old i3.
You don’t need a fast CPU for an imaging rig
To get photos off I just plug in an external SSD and transfer them across at the end of the session or if I’m lazy I sync with OneDrive
I use a CHUWI GBOX mini pc, its awesome. 12vdc input low power and fanless. I use a high speed usb3 wifi adapter and have a script that runs on startup to create its own wifi network. Its run SGP and PHD2 no probs. I can then remote into the pc with my phone to control from anywhere. https://www.amazon.com/CHUWI-Desktop.../dp/B07F15PBDY
A friend has been a major advocate for an ASIAIR for a while and I've just seen one come up for $320. My whole setup apart from mount and scope is ZWO. It appears cheaper and easier than a Mini PC. Opinions?
I have been using the GMK NUCBox for the past year with satisfaction. It's Celeron J4125 based, 8GB RAM & 512GB SATA SSD storage. It's purely image acquisition with N.I.N.A., Stellarium, PHD2, and CCDi.
This thing together with the Pegasus Astro Pocket Powerbox Advance v1 stacks up to the same size as my ASIAir Pro & TP-Link WiFi. It handles my ASI6200MM Bin1 122MB file transfers fine.
The pix shows how the this GMK NUCBox & Pegasus Astro PPBA sits on my FSQ85ED.
However the newer trend for an astro imaging PC is the MeLE Fanless Mini PC Quieter 2. It's pretty much the same specs as the GMK NUCBox but has less storage, and more USB ports (i.e. less need for the Pegasus Astro's USB Hub).
Edit: I should add that the ASI software is simply fantastic. For most basic AP, the ASI does very well for an All-ZWO setup. In my case, I have Takahashi µ250CRS proprietary ASCOM based autofocusing, and PrimaluceLab Esatto 3" for the FSQ85ED, the PC/N.I.N.A. solution makes more sense. Also I tend to have a little bit more automation such as "image one when target is above 40deg", or 'target image XX from the moon", etc. For such kinds of conditions, the ASI is less sophisticated.
It'd be REALLY nice if there was a valid alternative to the ASI Air that could be used on non-ZWO setups. The Stellarmate seems like it could to it, but I hear too many horror stories from that camp.
I'll be getting one in future as I think the concept is great for a lightweight travel rig.
Hi Lachlan I am using a KOGAN ATLAS MINI PC - (KAMPCZ300 they are about $200 /250 it is just as good as the asiair but cheaper .I am running my camera filter wheel ,PHD 2, focuser ,the mount, as well as my guide camera N.I.N.A,CDC maps and ASCOM. I am also using Anydesk as my remote access .Their are some good reply in the above info but at the end of the day it will come down to the price you are willing to spend.
With this idea in mind, I have moved to an entirely ZWO-based setup. Of course there is an associated set of limitations and costs. You are locked into ZWO products - focuser, filter wheel, cameras(although it does run a DSLRif you must).
The setup is based around their ASiair Plus device which is the computer component which sits on the scope via a guide cam foot and controls focuser, guide cam filter wheel, imaging camera and Mount. It runs on 12 volts and most ASi imaging cameras have a USB hub built in and the ASIair has 2 USB2 and 2 USB3 ports. The ASIair has internal SSD plus facility for. SD card and can also use a USB thumb drive as well.
I have no cables to trip over, no laptop to run. I run it all on battery as well. THE ASiair is controlled from an Android tablet or iPad which talks by wifi to the device. It is easy, reliable and above all, fun to use.
It'd be REALLY nice if there was a valid alternative to the ASI Air that could be used on non-ZWO setups. The Stellarmate seems like it could to it, but I hear too many horror stories from that camp.
I'll be getting one in future as I think the concept is great for a lightweight travel rig.
If you have the money there is: PrimaLuceLab Eagle 4
I'm looking at getting a MeLE Quieter2Q - pocket sized, lightweight, runs WIN10/11 so can use any software with it. Just need to get a 12v to USB-C power adapter to run it of my 12v supply.
If you have the money there is: PrimaLuceLab Eagle 4
I was close to getting one once.
But the more I looked into it, the more I thought they are very very overpriced for what they are. Specs wise, they are beaten by any modern mini PC for 1/6 the cost (my Beelink cost 400, the comparable specc'd Eagle costs 2649. Add in a Pegasus PBA and that total comes to 950... that's around 1/3 the total cost of the Eagle
The Eagle is nice but you're paying 2/3 of that total cost for the formfactor.
I'm looking at getting a MeLE Quieter2Q - pocket sized, lightweight, runs WIN10/11 so can use any software with it. Just need to get a 12v to USB-C power adapter to run it of my 12v supply.
I have one of these, works great. Be aware the Type-C is not PD compliant so will not negotiate 12V from a USB power supply. I just bought a cheap Type-C cable and cut the other end off to solder on a new plug. Easy.
Hey Lachlan, I love tinkering, a good thing seeing as 6m of the year the skies are pretty poor in Darwin.
I have the following…
1. i7 NUC (512 SSD, 16RAM) for several years
2. Stellarmate running on the latest Raspberry Pi (3m)
3. ASI Air plus (1m)
I think they can all be made to work beautifully and have different strengths.
1 is powerful and very versatile, has all the functionality of windows and software options are endless. You can do visual, EAA, photography etc configure joysticks, game pads etc. unsurpassed complexity is achievable. And there in maybe lays the downside.
2 can make a brilliantly portable rig for imaging and EAA. Works with most kit. And the best thing is it can run off a power bank…but it’s a bit slow. There is a lot of support, it’s cheap as chips. And I got it all to work with a minimum of fuss.
3 requires next to no tinkering if you are all ZWO. And honestly it just works, I was gobsmacked as to its ease. But it’s not the best for visual pursuits and not as sophisticated for EAA. It’s well made and very small, but the downside compared to SM is that it needs 12v 2amps and won’t run off of a power bank. A pity as it would make a really good pocket mobile solution.
Good luck
Did you get the Pro or the Plus? Keen to hear how you get on!
Thanks Adam,
I got the Pro. Can't afford the Plus. I even got the Pro second-hand so it was once again cheaper. Now looking for a battery that I can use to power the mount and ASI air. I think I'm going to need about 7A/hour?
. I'm just very confused at this point 
