Quote:
Originally Posted by AdamJL
Any reason you want the Eagle?
I looked into them when I first started out too. They definitely have some pluses going for them
- Windows Enterprise.. no updates when you don't want them!
- great form factor. Mounts in a lot of places and can mount a guide scope on top as well. Can even use it as a counterweight.
- support for the excellent Eagle Eye system
- LOADS of ports, all configurable
But the downsides outweigh the pluses, IMO, so I ended up getting a Mini PC and Pegasus Powerbox Advance instead.
- Proprietary connectors. This is nice in that they're big, reliable and they lock, but they're EXPENSIVE, and they could have easily gone with a more open standard.
- the price is absolutely ludicrous, because the CPUs are very old. You can build a far faster NUC system with a Pegasus for half the price easily. My system was about 1/4 the price of a comparable Eagle.
- Windows Enterprise is good, but sometimes you do need to update it. PLL own the license so you have to contact them if you need to upgrade. Silly.
- Some issues with QHY cooled cameras upon startup (QHY cameras power to 100% instantly, and this can shut down the Eagle).
Honestly, if the Eagles were 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of what they are, they'd be a good alternative to the NUC/Pegasus option. But the price is, frankly, insane.
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I own an Eagle 4 and have no issues updating the OS. Its just the same as any Windows OS very easy to update. PrimaLuceLab Eagle's are an Intel NUC at the end of the day with added functionality i.e. USB3/USB2 Hubs, Dew Control, Sky Quality Meter and Power Control. I agree that the 4x power cables are Proprietary but they are a one off payment at $60 each for the full cable or you can make your own and buy the connector for $22. I use 3x power cables from my Eagle - camera, focuser and mount with one spare.
I owned a Pegasus Power Box before the Eagle and would never go back. The Powerbox still needs something like a NUC to control everything plus all the cables running from the Powerbox to the NUC can get a little messy whereas the Eagle is cleaner with less cables.
The Eagle is very well made in a strong aluminum case. I have a dovetail clamp bolted to the top of my Eagle and my scopes sits on top of the Eagle