Using an ASI AIr to reduce cable tangle

[gregbradley]

I have an ASI AIR latest and want to use it as a power distribution system and a USB hub. I don't want to use it for a wifi connection and ASI AIR controlling software.

Has anyone here done that? I would use it to connect the various components to The Sky.

Greg.

[Startrek]

Greg,
I don’t use these little red boxes as it ties you into using ZWO and nothing else, but there’s quite a few posts on CN about using your ASIair as a power or network hub
From what I’ve read power is Ok to use but USB is not as obviously ZWO have designed it to use with their software and devices
Most folk recommend the Pegasus power box and the like ( very expensive though $$)
I use Startech 4 port industrial active USB hubs on both rigs and for power I made up my own cables with 12v centre positive connector and Powertech 12v power adaptor power supply ( total cost $250 )

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/924643-should-i-get-an-asi-air-for-cable-management/

Maybe someone on IIS has found a workaround for the USB on the ASIair to convert it into a dumb network distribution hub ???

Cheers
Martin

[joshman]

Depending on which version of the ASI air you're using, you might be able to just swap out the Compute board inside and roll your own solution. But that is doing things the hard way.


Depending on how much power/usb capacity you require, you'll probably be better served by a something like this:
https://www.testar.com.au/products/wanderer-astro-wandererbox-lite-v3

[JohnA]

yea, you wont be able to use it as a usb hub, i looked into it too.
I wanted to be able to use my asiair for DSO and pc for planetary but figured you cant do it, would need a separate powered usb hub, which is what i also do now.

In saying that, i also just ordered the latest SVBONY powerbox. It is priced very well and will do exactly what you need. How reliable it is, unknown at this point as it just hit the market. I can report back once i get it and and test it out

https://www.svbony.com/sv241-astronomical-powerbox/?srsltid=AfmBOoomsC0UxkwyzoPYPgPO_f jqDMQQ4CCVfM7TdlLTkt0PfLAbXHmx#W919 3A

[Retrograde]

I have also ordered the SVBONY sv241. I figured that for the price, it's worth a punt.

[JohnA]

100% So far i have been impressed by the quality of their products. My SV555 is very good for the price and for me, the filter drawers are so much better then the zwo ones at half the price, so with any luck this power box is good

[Allan3026]

I also tried the asiair for usb but gave up. It does work for power distribution and I can set my dew heater output.The SV241 is almost exactly what I've been looking for.
You can get a power box OR a USB hub but if you wanted both you had to pay a premium. This appears to do both for a great price. No dew heater control though. For that I need the wanderer plus for an extra $400 ish.
I'm ordering the SV241 now.

Edit...There is also the wanderer lite version which seems to be very similar to the SV241. Price is around $180

[gregbradley]

That looks a lot like th eTerrans Powerbox but for 1/3rd the price!

That's a great deal.

Greg.

[gregbradley]

I am unable to login to SVBony. It comes to shipping and says they are unable to ship to the US dues to regional restrictions. My address is clearly Auatralia.

Anyone else find this?

[Retrograde]

I bought mine from ebay so didn't try their website. SVBony have their own ebay store.

[pmrid]

I have this setup on one of my rigs. It's a non-ASI setup.
It's solid and stable.

[gregbradley]

Thanks Pete.

Greg

[gregbradley]

Thanks Peter. Making something myself is a possibility.

Greg.

[pmrid]

Greg, in case you are leaning that way, the updated ( i.e. USB 3.2 version) USB hub is https://www.coolgear.com/product/usb-3-1-4-port-metal-hub-wdin-rail-clip-esd-surge-protection
And the power distribution board is a RigRunner 4000 (used mainly by ham radio types).

Cheers
Peter

[Allan3026]

I've also ordered from Ebay. Has anyone received it yet? I haven't.

[Retrograde]

Mine arrived just a few minutes ago!
It's smaller than I expected from seeing the photos online. It has come with a cigarette lighter socket to DC cable, two DC-DC cables (one slightly longer than the other) and a USB cable. :)

[JohnA]

Mine also arrived today, yes very small. I'll give it a test run next clear night