Are you conisdering to remote control your astrophotography equipment, but find it challenging to choose between a mini-PC or ZWO’s ASIAIR Plus? Then you’ve come to the right blog! The choice between the ZWO’s ASIAIR Plus and a mini-PC hinges on individual needs and equipment. If you predominantly utilize ZWO products and prefer wireless control through a user-friendly touchscreen interface, the ASIAIR Plus may be an excellent option. However, if your astrogear spans multiple brands, or if you seek greater flexibility in software selection, a mini-PC with ASCOM compatibility and a range of astro software tools may be the more suitable choice, despite the additional initial setup effort and the less intuitive interface. Keep on reading to find out more!
In recent years, astrophotography has witnessed a surge in the use of smart devices and smart telescopes equipped with in-device storage, diminishing the need for traditional PC-based astro software to control astrogear. One prominent entrant in this field is the ASIAIR Plus by ZWO. In this blog, I will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of using the ASIAIR Plus compared to a mini-PC, examining aspects such as price, hardware, installation efforts, connectivity options, software, user interface, and ease of use.
Price and Hardware
The ASIAIR Plus, priced at $299 for the basic model, offers an array of hardware features, including 2×3.0 USB and 2×2.0 USB ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a WiFi module for wireless connectivity, 4x12V power outputs to facilitate various astrogear, a DSLR Camera shutter cable port, a USB-C port, and 32GB of storage space (with 12GB already allocated to the operating system running on the Raspberry Pi processor). ZWO also provides alternative versions, such as the ASIAIR Mini for $199 and an ASIAIR Plus variant with 256GB storage for $399. All ASIAIR products come with a 2-year warranty. For the purpose of this discussion, I have assessed the 32GB ASIAIR Plus.
Comparing ASIAIR Plus hardware to available PCs, mini-PCs, and laptops can be challenging, but let me provide a couple of examples. Firstly, consider my refurbished HP EliteDesk 800G Mini PC, I’ve obtained second-hand for $275 with a 1-year warranty. My mini-PC boasts a Core i7 6700T processor with 8GB RAM, a 256GB solid-state drive (with 15GB reserved for the Windows OS), 6x 3.0 USB ports, 1x USB-C port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz WiFi module, and 2x HDMI outputs. While the HP EliteDesk offers superior storage capacity (256GB vs. 32GB) and more USB ports (6x USB 3.0 vs. 2x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0), the ASIAIR Plus uniquely provides 4x12V power outputs and a DSLR shutter cable port, invaluable for astrophotography.
It is worth noting that the HP EliteDesk is somewhat bulky, so those seeking a mountable mini-PC may opt for the MeLE Quieter 3C N5105, available at approximately $275 at the time of writing. Similar to the HP EliteDesk, the MeLE PCG35 features an Intel Celeron 2.0-2.9 GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD storage, WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity, 3x USB 3.2 ports, 1x USB-C, and 2x HDMI outputs. Remarkably compact and lightweight, the MeLE PCG35 measures just 13x8x2cm (5x3x0.8 in.) and weighs a mere 200 grams (7 oz.). Similar to the HP elitedesk, the key distinctions are the MeLE PC’s greater storage space, while it lacks 12V power outputs and DSLR shutter cable ports beneficial for astrophotography.
For users of mini-PCs or laptops without built-in power outputs, various astrophotography gadgets are available. One example is Pegasus Astro’s PowerBox, offering 4x12V outputs and 2x dew heater connections for approximately $200, or the Advanced Gen2 model, which provides 4x12V power outputs, 2x dew heaters, and 2xUSB 2.0 and 2xUSB 3.0 outputs for approximately $350. Nevertheless, these solutions in combination with a mini-PC entail higher costs compared to buying a ZWO ASIAIR.
Installation Effort
The ZWO ASIAIR Plus comes with its operating system pre-installed. Users merely need to power up the device, connect their astrogear, and they are ready to utilize the ASIAIR. In contrast, setting up a mini-PC requires installing the ASCOM Platform (APIs) and specific software drivers for telescope mounts, cameras, filter wheels, or other devices to enable compatibility with most astro software tools. Subsequently, users must install software for controlling their astrogear. Notably, astro software varies widely, offering both freeware and paid options. For deep-sky astrophotography, popular choices include NINA (FREE), SGP (PAID), EKOS/KSTARS (FREE), or APT (PAID). For planetary imaging, options such as SharpCap (FREE & PAID) and FireCapture (FREE) are commonly used. Additionally, users may connect their telescope mount to planetarium software like Stellarium for celestial navigation. In sum, the ASIAIR Plus requires no installation effort, while a PC or laptop grants users the freedom to select and purchase astro software that aligns with their preferences and needs.
Hardware Connectivity Options (Astrogear)
Since ZWO’s introduction of its initial ASIAIR in 2017, the company has been committed to enhancing the integration of ASIAIR with their own products. ZWO has transformed from merely producing astro-cameras in 2012 to an extensive ecosystem of ZWO Astro products, including telescope mounts (AM3 and AM5), planetary, deep-sky, and guide cameras, filter wheels, electronic auto focusers, and stand-alone products like the Seestar. The ASIAIR serves as the central hub for connecting and controlling all ZWO devices. Unlike most astro software tools designed for the Windows OS, ZWO has developed the ASIAIR APP for Android and iOS. Consequently, users can control their astrogear through the ASIAIR APP on their smartphones or tablets, rendering the traditional PC setup unnecessary. However, it is essential to note a trend: ZWO’s increasing emphasis on exclusivity with their own products. While the ASIAIR Plus maintains support for telescope mounts from other brands and popular DSLR cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony), many astro cameras, filter wheels, and auto focusers from other manufacturers are incompatible with the ASIAIR and go unrecognized.
This has sparked controversy within the astro community, with some developers alleging that ZWO has transformed its ASIAIR operating system, originally based on open-source software (INDI), into a platform more exclusively tailored to ZWO products. These developers argue that ZWO should openly share upgrades derived from open-source software. Regardless of these debates, ZWO’s direction is apparent: they are shifting towards a “closed system” where the ZWO ASIAIR serves as a remote control hub for ZWO equipment. This movement towards a closed system may incentivize some users to consider mini-PCs or laptops, despite the additional installation effort required. On an open-source system like a Windows-based PC, users retain the freedom to select software and install drivers for various types of astrogear, as long as they have compatible Windows drivers and adhere to ASCOM-based Astro tools.
Wired and Wireless Control
The ASIAIR Plus offers wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect to the device via their smartphones or tablets within a 20-meter (60 feet) radius using the WiFi signal broadcasted by the ASIAIR. To set this up, users need to download the ASIAIR app, connect their mobile device to the ASIAIR’s WiFi signal, and input the password (default: 12345678). No internet connection is necessary, making it possible to remotely control astrogear in remote locations. Additionally, the ASIAIR Plus includes a station mode, advantageous when setting up telescope gear within reach of a home WiFi network. In station mode, the ASIAIR Plus extends its WiFi signal throughout the home network, enabling users to connect via their home WiFi network rather than being limited to a 20-meter radius. Alternatively, the ASIAIR Plus offers a Gigabit Ethernet port for a wired connection to a network (e.g., by connecting to a WiFi repeater).
Now, let’s delve into the realm of controlling your astrophotography gear using a mini-PC or laptop. If you happen to possess a laptop, a straightforward approach involves connecting all your astrogear directly to the laptop. This typically involves the use of your laptop, and possibly an additional USB hub to accommodate multiple devices, granting you direct access to your equipment. Mini-PCs lack built-in screens, so devising a method for (remote) access becomes necessary. When your mini-PC resides within the range of your home Wi-Fi network, you have several options for connectivity. One approach is to link the mini-PC to your network using remote desktop software. Choices such as TeamViewer (Paid), Splashtop (Paid), or Windows Remote Desktop (Free) can facilitate this connection. Through this method, you gain the capability to employ a secondary PC or laptop for seamless wireless control of your mini-PC from inside your home. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that numerous remote software solutions, including TeamViewer and Splashtop, extend their functionality to Android and iOS devices. This means you can utilize your smartphone or tablet to remotely log into the mini-PC.
Alternatively, you can establish a direct connection between your mini-PC and your Wi-Fi network or router using an Ethernet cable. While the allure of wireless control is strong, it’s often experienced astrophotographers’ wisdom that a reliable old network cable delivers the most stable connection…Finally, when operating beyond the reach of your home Wi-Fi network, certain mini-PC models offer the possibility of connection via Bluetooth. Another ingenious approach involves creating a wireless hotspot using your smartphone to link the mini-PC to your phone, tablet, or laptop. Admittedly, all these methods demand more effort in comparison to the straightforward convenience of merely powering on the ASIAIR Plus.
Ease of Use
Transitioning to the ease of use, the ASIAIR Plus boasts a user interface tailored for touchscreens. The interface prominently displays various icons representing connected astrogear, such as the mount, camera, guide camera, filter wheel, and electronic auto focuser. Each icon leads to a menu providing control over specific devices. For instance, clicking on the main camera icon allows adjustments to gain and cooling settings, while the mount icon facilitates tasks like meridian flip control, tracking toggling, and telescope return to home position. The filter wheel icon provides control over filter positions and selection, and so on.
Moreover, the ASIAIR Plus’s user-friendly interface includes a built-in virtual planetarium that visually identifies the telescope’s current position in the night sky. Users can initiate a goto command to slew the telescope to a desired celestial object. The ASIAIR Plus features platesolving, ensuring precise alignment of the selected object with the main imaging camera’s field of view. In planetarium mode, users can rotate the object to achieve their desired framing, and the software provides a comprehensive database of objects available for observation and photography at the user’s specific date and location. The database also includes information on object paths and altitudes throughout the night. Users can simply click on an object in the database, and the telescope will automatically slew to that object and commence tracking.
For advanced deep-sky astrophotography, the ASIAIR Plus offers numerous functions, including polar alignment, camera focusing, autoguiding, advanced imaging plans with autorun capabilities specifying exposure times, gain levels, and filters, as well as multi-target imaging plans. Captured images are stored on the eMMC card and can be previewed within the app to ensure high-quality data.
However, it’s important to note that the ASIAIR Plus has certain limitations when it comes to high-quality planetary imaging. Due to the eMMC card’s writing constraints, it cannot handle high-framerate videos crucial for planetary imaging. Additionally, the ASIAIR Plus provides a maximum view of around 1080P, which may not fully exploit the native resolutions of cameras. In the realm of advanced planetary imaging, it is generally recommended to use a mini-PC with a fast USB 3.0 connection. In summary, the ASIAIR Plus excels with its user-friendly touchscreen interface, making it an excellent choice for smartphone or tablet control, particularly for deep-sky astrophotography. However, it does not fully satisfy the demands of advanced planetary imaging.
When utilizing a mini-PC, users have the freedom to select and configure their preferred astro software. Comparing all kinds of software tools to the ASIAIR APP would take to much time. Nevertheless, there are certain observations when using astrotools and a mini-PC versus the ASIAIR APP:
- Interface Design: Most Windows-based astro tools are designed for mouse and keyboard interaction on larger screens. When attempting to control these tools via a tablet or smartphone on a mini-PC, the experience is less intuitive, as the interface is not optimized for touchscreen use.
- Interoperability: Users often employ a variety of astro tools for different purposes. For instance, they may utilize SharpCap for polar alignment, Stellarium for celestial navigation, NINA or Sequence Generator Pro for precise goto commands, platesolving, and deep-sky astrophotography, and Sharpcap or Firecapture for planetary imaging. When using a mini-PC, transitioning between these software tools using a tablet or smartphone is less seamless compared to the touchscreen-friendly, all-in-one interface of the ASIAIR APP.
In summary, for smartphone or tablet control, the ASIAIR Plus offers an interface that excels over traditional astro tools. The user experience may not be as optimal when employing a mini-PC, especially when using a touchscreen.
Final verdict
Ultimately, the choice between the ZWO ASIAIR Plus and a mini-PC hinges on individual needs and equipment. If you predominantly utilize ZWO products and prefer wireless control through a user-friendly touchscreen interface, the ASIAIR Plus is an excellent option. However, if your astrogear spans multiple brands, or if you seek greater flexibility in software selection, a mini-PC with ASCOM compatibility and a range of astro software tools may be the more suitable choice, despite the additional initial setup effort and the less intuitive interface. Consider your specific requirements and preferences when making your decision.
Happy stargazing under clear skies!
Wido.
