Nice Mini PC 'NUC' alternative...

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Took delivery of one of these today:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZXXJL6N?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Quad core CPU 8 gig of RAM, and M.2 Storage, 802.11 AC wireless, 4 USB 3 ports on board, plus an ethernet jack.

The thing is really small!

I have been using the Intel Compute Stick (M3) which is even smaller, but only has 4 gig of RAM, so its occasionally been a bit laggy when running all the requisite tools normally needed for Voyager.

[billdan]

That's a good price, I'm thinking of buying two, one for the Obs and another dedicated to processing.

[AdamJL]

Really keen to hear your reviews on this if possible? Performance, hardware, port reliability, power draw etc

[DavidTrap]

I think the computing power of this would be fine for image acquisition, but not processing images.

Look forward to hearing further reviews.

DT

[AnakChan]

Very nice find. Do share your thoughts after some use. I've been using the GMK NUCBox for the past 6-7 months - it has similar specs (J4125, 8GB RAM), but with 512GB 1/2 sized 2242 NVMe and a fan. That spec handles my ASI6200MM 122MB files fine.

Your MeLE has got more USB3.x ports, and an ethernet port which gives it more flexibility than my GMK NUCBox. I'd be keen to see how it goes for image acquisition, etc.

1) Is the power switch a soft switch?
2) Does the BIOS have a power-on by AC option?

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So early days, but I can definitely recommend getting a separate M.2 SSD drive. Makes a big difference in terms of speed.

I've only gotten to the point of installing all the tools I need, but it is definitely snapper than the old compute stick.

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1) yes it is a soft switch.
2) Not sure what you mean by AC (the unit has a 12v DC USBC power input) but there is a BIOS option that allows the unit to power on as soon as power is connected.

[AnakChan]

#2: Cheers, that’s what I meant. It’s convenient if you have a a WiFi AC (or some kinda ability to power on remotely). So this PC can be used in a remote setup.

[starspoon]

Thats a great idea

[AnakChan]

Sadly not mine. Someone else in my little astro gangster group does this regularly - often when he's working and not at home. He controls everything remotely.

Under my (bad) advisement he bought the GMK NUCBox which turned out not to have this feature; so when this thread popped up, everyone was excited.

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Here is my poor man's rig :lol:

[garymck]

Hi, has anybody tried this using Sharpcap for live stacking? Thinking about using one for this so I can sit inside on these frosty nights and just VNC into it for views and control....
Gary

PS also found it is cheaper on Ali Express and includes free DHL shipping:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002487769084.html?spm=a2g0o.pro ductlist.0.0.5a94725bcwRQye&algo_pvid=0e49c5b1-98fb-4352-a60d-067870f8531a&algo_exp_id=0e49c5b1-98fb-4352-a60d-067870f8531a-2

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Yes - Ive used it for live stacking briefly, and also tested it at high speeds with the ZWO 224MC - works really well.

Even my old Intel compute stick worked perfectly for Sharpcap Live stacking using the ZWO 533 and 1600MM.

[garymck]

Thanks Tim
Just what I needed to know.. Ordered one.
cheers
Gary

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So doing some imaging tonight - no issues so far. The WiFi is good enough, but it is not quite as good as a decent laptop. More than enough to remote desktop and run NINA, CPWI, PHD2.

The only bummer was my Kendrick dew heater appears on the 'blink'. The lights are flickering, and it is barely heats up.

[garymck]

[QUOTE=toc;1524560]So early days, but I can definitely recommend getting a separate M.2 SSD drive. Makes a big difference in terms of speed.

Hi,
I'm currently trying unsuccessfully to install an ssd on my Mele which arrived today following the instructions here:
http://forum.mele.cn/thread-45673.html

I've followed the instructions on Mele's forum to install an ssd, but when I try to boot from the usb drive to reinstall windows I keep getting the following error:

wpeinit
"USBKeyMain.cmd" is not recognized as an internal or external command operable program or batch file.

Any ideas?

TIA
Gary

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[QUOTE=garymck;1526219]
I didnt follow the instructions on Meles forum. All I did:
- installed the SSD.
- Downloaded the Windows Install media to a USB drive.
- In the BIOS of the Mele, I made sure it booted from the USB drive
- Installed Windows on the SSD.

[garymck]

In the end, that is what I did. I found that the missing device drivers in the windows install could be picked up by searching the original drive using the update drivers options in device manager.

Now works very well.

All I have to do is work out a cable to power it from the same 12 volt supply I run the mount and camera from.....

cheers
Gary

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I made my own - If you get a 'PD' USBC cable they have two thicker red and black wires that are designed to take 5A of power. I just connected them up to my 12V power supply and it worked fine. I use Anderson connectors for everything.

[RIX83]

Tim,

Any update? how has it been operating ? im interested in getting one...

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I was meaning on doing an update :) It's working fine - Ive used it for high frame rate planetary without issues, and it handles all the software I need fine - NINA, sharpcap, PHD, ASTAP etc...

Ive seen one or two unexpected USB issues - my ASI533 can sometimes fail when the PC is first powered up so I have taken the habit of unplugging and plugging it in when I first powerup. Not sure if this is a problem with the camera or USB though. When it is connected I never see things randomly disconnecting, so It's very reliable from that POV.

I have also noticed that unplugging other devices can very occasionally cause the mount USB connection to fail. Again, not sure if the issue is with devices or PC...

Overall, very happy with it - fast enough for what I need.