I have two issues with the Asiair. 1) ZWO did not develop the software stack that they are using. It's an open source indi software stack, and they have not contributed back to the software at all. 2) In this software stack that they downloaded for free and have not contributed back to, they have gone out of their way to disable the existing drivers in that stack. That is why non-ZWO cameras and other products do not work. Bad ZWO!!!
Yes, ZWO created an eco system much like apple. Its a smart business plan on their part. ZWO makes great gear so personally I find myself purchasing ASI cameras simply because the customer support is great, they stand by their warranty, their gear is on par if not better than most of their competitors and pricing is very competitive.
@@heavyjohnnyexcept most tools are compatible with Apple so this is not exactly a great comparison. Google products work on Apple. Most things outside zwo DO NOT work here, so I fail to see your point here
All depends if you want to use ZWO equipment or not. I have no issues with ZWO, some people like to hate on them for some reason but always see them using some ZWO gear. I love my ASIAir and get amazing images with it and in the end it's the image that counts. Also as a bonus if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon you can run the ASIair software right on your desktop or laptop.
Old (76 years old) astro imager. My observatory setup is a Astro Phsics/6" APO/Windows software but my 80mm refractor, AM5 Mount, ASI AIR Plus, various ZWO ASI cameeras setup is quickly becoming my favorite. Frankly ZWO is eating everyone else's lunch when it comes to ease of use, setup, and results. One thing about your setup....ZWO now recommends that we don't mount the ASI AIR's on the AM5 mount or side of the dove tail. It is too easy to catch a cable or run into something as the mount moves around. The mount is very powerful so when that appens it will rip out cables and connectors and possibly break other gear. Best place for the ASI AIR is up on top of the scope. I found that up there it also maintains the wireless connection a lot more reliably.
i just swapped from the AIR plus to a mini PC and i do miss the simplicity of it. However now that i have NINA and every thing set up i must admit i feel more like a legit astrophotographer and the versitility is a lot bettter.
Nice. I went into ap in 2016. Nina was not really a thing, lots of us used sgpro. Now, in 2023, I'm amazed to see a touch friendly mobile device with power outputs that handles most aspects of what people call "advanced" ap. Cheers.
The video production quality since I last checked in with you seems to have made a massive jump was good before but feels more professional now! Great job!
Having used both Nina and the Asiair pro, I really appreciate the completeness of Nina but always gravitate back toward the simplicity of the asiair. The last few releases have been pretty bullet proof as well.
If someone developes a mobile device that can be mounted on a telescope with a touch friendly interface that has 4 power outputs and runs on android/ ios and recognizes all astrogear, please send it. I'd be the first to promote it and try it 😀. I don't see that device which is why people gravitate to zwo's asiair, especially when just starting out. Clear skies!
It would have been interesting to see a performance comparison as well, like how the guiding compares, and what the final images look like from both.. But I'm firmly in the mini PC camp myself; partly because I have gear from different manufacturers, and partly because I just like messing around with different programs. And I know that if my main PC ever breaks down then I have a spare one sitting on my telescope..
I spent years using a laptop and mini pc trying to do AP of DSOs and was never able to get a good image. I switched to an ASIAIR Plus and on my first night got an image of M51 with almost no post processing that was good enough to publish. I was sold. ASIAIR all the way, it's truly a game changer!
Hi Wido. Nice video. Im a asi air user and i think it works fantastic. I used to have my laptop with cameras and guide cameras but struggled to get everything working properly. I also used a synscan synguider for guiding also with some success on my eq5 mount. However for ease of use the asi air is my weapon of choice. Ive got a zwo guide camera and at first was using it with a dslr. I now use the 533mc pro and im getting my best images by far.
Yeah the ASIAir is pretty easy to use, but I still can't fathom that you think it's the winner. It's only a winner if you've bought into ZWO, but what about drivers for other brands?
Do you think a Beelink SER3 3750H mini-computer with 16GB DDR4 and a 500GB SSD would do the job or does it need to be bigger ? F** recommends using a regular PC
Hey Wido, very good and pretty comprehensive comparison between the 2 computers, ASI Air Plus and the Mini Computer. I want to mention that I have both of the ASI Air Plus's, the 32 GB version and the 256 GB version. The WiFi on the new 256 GB version does have a better range and this is noted on ZWO's website within the description, I think, for the new ASI Air Plus 256 GB. Also, I have connected a very small travel router to my ASI Air Pluses, which is extremely easy to do, and now my WiFi range probably close to 100 ft. I always setup up my telescope on my driveway and I can go into my house into one of the back rooms where I have my computers setup and I have no problem running my ASI Air Pluses on my Windows 11 computer using an app called BlueStacks that lets you run Android apps on top of Windows. I love it! Also, the storage on the ASI Airs is expandable. I run a 512 GB micro SD card on each of them. THat also makes it very easy to move my captured images to any other device like my Windows 11 computer that has all my processing software on it. Anyway, there are several more features on the ASI Air that were not mentioned like "Live Stacking", basic image processing for the different kinds of images whether it be Solar, Lunar Planitary or DSO's, and much more. But I've gone on way too long already so I will end it here. As you may have guessed I am a proponet of the ASI Air Plus simply because it is an, almost, all in one EAA solution. So, here is a link to the ASI Air Plus on ZWO's website in case anybody is interested: astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/asiair-plus/ Thanks again for your videos. I always enjoy watching and they are always very informatifve. Sincerely, Rich Williams Astor, Florida 32102 USA!
Wido, je kan je Asiair ook gewoon rechtstreeks connecten met je thuis netwerk wifi. Zo kan je er ook overal bij en heb je geen extender of hub nodig. Zit gewoon in de instellingen van Asiar wifi settings.
I have a nipogi stick pc for attaching the cameras and the mount, it is very light and slim. It came with windows 10 pro but I also installed linux and indigo server and drivers in it.
I would say, for my own needs, the ASIAIR (mini, in my case) is the best option. I had some astrophotography sessions using my huge gamer laptop, and my small power tank just didn’t get the job done. Only 4 hours of power. So I wondered, should I buy a bigger yet expensive power tank? Should I buy a new laptop only for astrophotography? And then I discovered the ASIAIR mini. With my EcoFlow River 2, this small and powerful device keeps going for almost two nights. Also, the dew is a problem when it gets into your laptop in the middle of the darkness. Hans up, the ASIAIR was the best option (for my own needs). This I would change: The fact that I have to go back to change between modes to adjust some options (for example, when I finally center an object and adjust the frame in Preview mode, and I have to go back, create a plan, and the frame is lost). Dunno if it’s possible, but it would be great to have the option to force meridian flip on the Star Adventurer GTi mount. Things I love: is small and light, and still can control my camera, guide camera and mount. It’s awesome for small setups, and the plate solve does all the hard work for me. No more wasted minutes figuring if the object is in frame, centered or not.
I live in a block of flats, with no balcony, so i have no option but to travel with the plus, that i am traveling to dark sites ( bortle 3-4 ). As i do not have a laptop, i went ASIair mini for my dslr imaging set up. once imaging starts, i can hop in my car, slip into my sleeping bag and get a couple of hours so that i am not too tired during the day
Exactly why I got my AM5 and ASI gear. I have a home observatory with Astro Physics 1100 mount, 6" APO revfractor and full frame SBIG camera with full set of filters for color and NB imaging. Fantastic setup BUT a PITA to haul it to remote sites. Uless it will be at least a couple of days it isn't worth it. I can have my ZWO setup out of the car, setup, and cooling down in a couple of minutes. Polar Align takes around 5 minutes or less. Now ready to image. Take down is about 1 minute to start to driving away. ALSO one shot color camera with a Narrow band....2 or 3 bands will let you take great images in really light polluted skies.
@@AstroForumSpace in de polar align de scope draait naar een andere lcatie in 60graden maar dat is voor mij problematies ik zit rondom helrmaal ingebouwd in nina kon het wel daar deed ik 5graden en geen probleem
This almost feels like a paid and very bias comparison of the two. It is very indepth for the ASIAir and skims over the mini-PC. I am currently running AstroBerry as I already had a pi laying around. We are getting my old man an AM5 w/ asi tracker though he will be using a DSLR w/ telephoto lens for imaging. He has an old C8 he can defork to swap out too. Looking for same computer solution for both of us. I have a LX200 Classic + asi174mm guider. Using my mirrorless camera with it and plan to get DSO camera in the future. I am concerned about compatibility with the asiair outside of its ecosystem.
I used a mini pc for 6 years. Then the asiair came and changed my experience for the good forever. It is limited to zwo gear so that's definitely a pity , but boy, did I save time and ease my workflow. Sorry, that's just the way I feel. You can check out a stellarmate or an eagle as alternative or stick with a mini PC, whatever you like. This is not a paid review.
@@AstroForumSpace I understand that you like the ASIAir, it looks like a very good system. That is one reason I am considering it. Though I have seen a few of your other videos and really liked the information you provided. Though compared to your other videos, this video really fell short of the goal of a comparison video. If you put "Why I like my ASIAir", that would have been a lot better title. I am looking at the ASIAir, a MiniPC, or a Raspberry Pi for both my old man and I. I am currently using a pi. I am looking for detailed comparisons and I am finding that difficult to locate.
Jeff, i turned it around and powered the asiair from my am5 last night. It also worked fine and there's the benefiit of not needing a 12v output for the mount om the asiair. So your solution is the best one. Im sticking to it. Clear skies.
#150 Thumbs up here :) Great Video Wido! I just wish i could use the AA+ to control my Skywatcher 10" GOTO DOB, but I hear it doesnt play nice with Synscan app for this.
@@luboinchina3013soon I get my AM3. If I understand I need 2 adapters? 1 for am3 and 1 for asiair? My asi294mc will be feed by the asiair plus and no problems
@@AstroForumSpace for real, when you least expect it, your mount will crash into it. Also there are bare wires behind the screw holes that are connected to the main boards power. If you screw something in a cm to deep you risk shorting the wires. Don’t ask me who I know lol
I have two issues with the Asiair. 1) ZWO did not develop the software stack that they are using. It's an open source indi software stack, and they have not contributed back to the software at all. 2) In this software stack that they downloaded for free and have not contributed back to, they have gone out of their way to disable the existing drivers in that stack. That is why non-ZWO cameras and other products do not work. Bad ZWO!!!
Asiair only supports zwo products apart from the mount and a handful of dslr cameras.
Yes, ZWO created an eco system much like apple. Its a smart business plan on their part. ZWO makes great gear so personally I find myself purchasing ASI cameras simply because the customer support is great, they stand by their warranty, their gear is on par if not better than most of their competitors and pricing is very competitive.
@@heavyjohnnyexcept most tools are compatible with Apple so this is not exactly a great comparison. Google products work on Apple. Most things outside zwo DO NOT work here, so I fail to see your point here
All depends if you want to use ZWO equipment or not. I have no issues with ZWO, some people like to hate on them for some reason but always see them using some ZWO gear. I love my ASIAir and get amazing images with it and in the end it's the image that counts. Also as a bonus if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon you can run the ASIair software right on your desktop or laptop.
Old (76 years old) astro imager. My observatory setup is a Astro Phsics/6" APO/Windows software but my 80mm refractor, AM5 Mount, ASI AIR Plus, various ZWO ASI cameeras setup is quickly becoming my favorite. Frankly ZWO is eating everyone else's lunch when it comes to ease of use, setup, and results.
One thing about your setup....ZWO now recommends that we don't mount the ASI AIR's on the AM5 mount or side of the dove tail. It is too easy to catch a cable or run into something as the mount moves around. The mount is very powerful so when that appens it will rip out cables and connectors and possibly break other gear. Best place for the ASI AIR is up on top of the scope. I found that up there it also maintains the wireless connection a lot more reliably.
Thx, i recently Upgrade to mini pc. Very helpful
i just swapped from the AIR plus to a mini PC and i do miss the simplicity of it. However now that i have NINA and every thing set up i must admit i feel more like a legit astrophotographer and the versitility is a lot bettter.
Nice. I went into ap in 2016. Nina was not really a thing, lots of us used sgpro. Now, in 2023, I'm amazed to see a touch friendly mobile device with power outputs that handles most aspects of what people call "advanced" ap. Cheers.
The video production quality since I last checked in with you seems to have made a massive jump was good before but feels more professional now! Great job!
Having used both Nina and the Asiair pro, I really appreciate the completeness of Nina but always gravitate back toward the simplicity of the asiair. The last few releases have been pretty bullet proof as well.
Have you not heard of Indi and Ekos? Does ZWO comply with the software licences it uses?
If someone developes a mobile device that can be mounted on a telescope with a touch friendly interface that has 4 power outputs and runs on android/ ios and recognizes all astrogear, please send it. I'd be the first to promote it and try it 😀. I don't see that device which is why people gravitate to zwo's asiair, especially when just starting out. Clear skies!
It would have been interesting to see a performance comparison as well, like how the guiding compares, and what the final images look like from both..
But I'm firmly in the mini PC camp myself; partly because I have gear from different manufacturers, and partly because I just like messing around with different programs. And I know that if my main PC ever breaks down then I have a spare one sitting on my telescope..
I spent years using a laptop and mini pc trying to do AP of DSOs and was never able to get a good image. I switched to an ASIAIR Plus and on my first night got an image of M51 with almost no post processing that was good enough to publish. I was sold. ASIAIR all the way, it's truly a game changer!
Thanks for this video. Great information. ❤
“No you pervert!” I just was listening to this video in the background and had to stop and lol!!!😂
Hi Wido. Nice video. Im a asi air user and i think it works fantastic. I used to have my laptop with cameras and guide cameras but struggled to get everything working properly. I also used a synscan synguider for guiding also with some success on my eq5 mount. However for ease of use the asi air is my weapon of choice. Ive got a zwo guide camera and at first was using it with a dslr. I now use the 533mc pro and im getting my best images by far.
Yeah the ASIAir is pretty easy to use, but I still can't fathom that you think it's the winner. It's only a winner if you've bought into ZWO, but what about drivers for other brands?
Do you think a Beelink SER3 3750H mini-computer with 16GB DDR4 and a 500GB SSD would do the job or does it need to be bigger ? F** recommends using a regular PC
I would be tempted by the ASI air if they ever include support for my Altair and QHY cameras, until then its a non starter.
Thats like asking apple to work with windows
Thank you.
Hey Wido, very good and pretty comprehensive comparison between the 2 computers, ASI Air Plus and the Mini Computer. I want to mention that I have both of the ASI Air Plus's, the 32 GB version and the 256 GB version. The WiFi on the new 256 GB version does have a better range and this is noted on ZWO's website within the description, I think, for the new ASI Air Plus 256 GB. Also, I have connected a very small travel router to my ASI Air Pluses, which is extremely easy to do, and now my WiFi range probably close to 100 ft. I always setup up my telescope on my driveway and I can go into my house into one of the back rooms where I have my computers setup and I have no problem running my ASI Air Pluses on my Windows 11 computer using an app called BlueStacks that lets you run Android apps on top of Windows. I love it! Also, the storage on the ASI Airs is expandable. I run a 512 GB micro SD card on each of them. THat also makes it very easy to move my captured images to any other device like my Windows 11 computer that has all my processing software on it. Anyway, there are several more features on the ASI Air that were not mentioned like "Live Stacking", basic image processing for the different kinds of images whether it be Solar, Lunar Planitary or DSO's, and much more. But I've gone on way too long already so I will end it here. As you may have guessed I am a proponet of the ASI Air Plus simply because it is an, almost, all in one EAA solution.
So, here is a link to the ASI Air Plus on ZWO's website in case anybody is interested:
astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/asiair-plus/
Thanks again for your videos. I always enjoy watching and they are always very informatifve.
Sincerely, Rich Williams
Astor, Florida 32102 USA!
Wido, je kan je Asiair ook gewoon rechtstreeks connecten met je thuis netwerk wifi. Zo kan je er ook overal bij en heb je geen extender of hub nodig. Zit gewoon in de instellingen van Asiar wifi settings.
aha, ik zie idd station mode. Maar...mijn eigen wifi signaal reikt niet zo ver buiten....fijn weekend:-).
Yes. Gisteren mijn wifi repeater iets dichterbij mijn balcon gezet. Station mode werkte prima. Dank!
Interessante video, dankjewel. Volgende keer wat minder muziek aub, beetje distracting.
😀
I have a nipogi stick pc for attaching the cameras and the mount, it is very light and slim. It came with windows 10 pro but I also installed linux and indigo server and drivers in it.
how worn is that guide camera? The red color has faded a lot
I would say, for my own needs, the ASIAIR (mini, in my case) is the best option. I had some astrophotography sessions using my huge gamer laptop, and my small power tank just didn’t get the job done. Only 4 hours of power. So I wondered, should I buy a bigger yet expensive power tank? Should I buy a new laptop only for astrophotography? And then I discovered the ASIAIR mini. With my EcoFlow River 2, this small and powerful device keeps going for almost two nights. Also, the dew is a problem when it gets into your laptop in the middle of the darkness. Hans up, the ASIAIR was the best option (for my own needs).
This I would change: The fact that I have to go back to change between modes to adjust some options (for example, when I finally center an object and adjust the frame in Preview mode, and I have to go back, create a plan, and the frame is lost). Dunno if it’s possible, but it would be great to have the option to force meridian flip on the Star Adventurer GTi mount.
Things I love: is small and light, and still can control my camera, guide camera and mount. It’s awesome for small setups, and the plate solve does all the hard work for me. No more wasted minutes figuring if the object is in frame, centered or not.
Great job as always. What refractor is that mounted on the AM5 in the video??
It's a german teleskop service 80/480 f/6 APO refractor.
Csn i ask which battery you are using?
It's a ctechi 320wh
ASI air is verry nice but why wont they make a windows app? till that time i use my desktop pc and the Skywatcher dongle and app.
Yes, it's very much Android and Ios. Zwo does have asistudio for Windows,, but I never checked it out
You mean for your windows phone? Or for a small laptop? Windows is not so popular on the phonemarket so that's why its only for Android and ios
Because it was to designed to be used from a pad or phone. Buy an old used Ipad
Why have a LAN ethernet cable if you can just join it to your WiFi network? That is why I do, and I can control it from anywhere in my house.
Yes, station mode, I use it too.
I live in a block of flats, with no balcony, so i have no option but to travel with the plus, that i am traveling to dark sites ( bortle 3-4 ). As i do not have a laptop, i went ASIair mini for my dslr imaging set up. once imaging starts, i can hop in my car, slip into my sleeping bag and get a couple of hours so that i am not too tired during the day
Yep, I should do that to get a decent picture of andromeda, without light pollution:-)
Exactly why I got my AM5 and ASI gear. I have a home observatory with Astro Physics 1100 mount, 6" APO revfractor and full frame SBIG camera with full set of filters for color and NB imaging. Fantastic setup BUT a PITA to haul it to remote sites. Uless it will be at least a couple of days it isn't worth it. I can have my ZWO setup out of the car, setup, and cooling down in a couple of minutes. Polar Align takes around 5 minutes or less. Now ready to image. Take down is about 1 minute to start to driving away. ALSO one shot color camera with a Narrow band....2 or 3 bands will let you take great images in really light polluted skies.
It's looking a little hot out there for the Netherlands!
Yep, 30°c 😀...sweet summer nights.
ik heb een vraagje hoe kan ik in pa de 60graden kleiner maken ik heb weinig ruimte hier
geen idee wat je vraag is Rinus :-)
@@AstroForumSpace in de polar align de scope draait naar een andere lcatie in 60graden maar dat is voor mij problematies ik zit rondom helrmaal ingebouwd in nina kon het wel daar deed ik 5graden en geen probleem
This almost feels like a paid and very bias comparison of the two. It is very indepth for the ASIAir and skims over the mini-PC. I am currently running AstroBerry as I already had a pi laying around. We are getting my old man an AM5 w/ asi tracker though he will be using a DSLR w/ telephoto lens for imaging. He has an old C8 he can defork to swap out too. Looking for same computer solution for both of us. I have a LX200 Classic + asi174mm guider. Using my mirrorless camera with it and plan to get DSO camera in the future. I am concerned about compatibility with the asiair outside of its ecosystem.
I used a mini pc for 6 years. Then the asiair came and changed my experience for the good forever. It is limited to zwo gear so that's definitely a pity , but boy, did I save time and ease my workflow. Sorry, that's just the way I feel. You can check out a stellarmate or an eagle as alternative or stick with a mini PC, whatever you like. This is not a paid review.
@@AstroForumSpace I understand that you like the ASIAir, it looks like a very good system. That is one reason I am considering it. Though I have seen a few of your other videos and really liked the information you provided. Though compared to your other videos, this video really fell short of the goal of a comparison video. If you put "Why I like my ASIAir", that would have been a lot better title. I am looking at the ASIAir, a MiniPC, or a Raspberry Pi for both my old man and I. I am currently using a pi. I am looking for detailed comparisons and I am finding that difficult to locate.
I power my AM5 from power source and then power asiair+ from the AM5. Should I switch to power AM5 from the asiair+ ?
Jeff, I think you got it right. It works both ways. Enjoy your day!
Jeff, i turned it around and powered the asiair from my am5 last night. It also worked fine and there's the benefiit of not needing a 12v output for the mount om the asiair. So your solution is the best one. Im sticking to it. Clear skies.
Why use the background noise/music? Can't hear the info😢
I'll try to do a better job in the next video
Sadly , the ZWO ASIAir Products will not control ALL of my current equipment . The StellarMate Product will . Enough said . Cheers ./SRK
#150 Thumbs up here :) Great Video Wido! I just wish i could use the AA+ to control my Skywatcher 10" GOTO DOB, but I hear it doesnt play nice with Synscan app for this.
Asi warns not to mount the asiair on the side of the am5 as there is a very high possibility you will crash into it while guiding.😮
Also not to power your mount using ASIAIR. The power draw from the mount and the cooled cameras is too big for ASIAIR
@@luboinchina3013soon I get my AM3. If I understand I need 2 adapters? 1 for am3 and 1 for asiair? My asi294mc will be feed by the asiair plus and no problems
Ah. Yes, perhaps when your cables are small it could happen...
Seriously? It just works for me...I'll reverse the cabling to power the AM5 and then the ASIAIR. Have a nice day!
@@AstroForumSpace for real, when you least expect it, your mount will crash into it. Also there are bare wires behind the screw holes that are connected to the main boards power. If you screw something in a cm to deep you risk shorting the wires. Don’t ask me who I know lol
Your mini-pc can hardly be called "mini"!
Hey, show a little respect man, lol. Oké, maybe mini-ish then.