ASIAIR vs. LAPTOP vs. EAGLE

Nebula Photos
28 Apr 202339:16

TLDRIn this comprehensive review, Nico Carver compares three astrophotography control devices: the ZWO ASIAir, the Prima Luce Lab Eagle, and a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad laptop. The ASIAir and Eagle are custom-built for astrophotography with specialized features, while the laptop requires additional hardware. Nico discusses the history of these devices, their physical characteristics, connectivity, software, and potential for automation. He highlights the ASIAir's value and ease of use, the Eagle's advanced features and power efficiency, and the laptop's flexibility with Windows software. The review provides insights into the strengths and limitations of each device, helping viewers choose the right astrophotography computer for their needs.

Takeaways

  • 🌌 The ZWO ASIAir, Prima Luce Lab Eagle, and Lenovo ThinkPad are all computers capable of controlling astrophotography gear, with the ASIAir and Eagle being custom-built for astrophotography.
  • 💻 The laptop requires additional hardware like a Pegasus power box to match the feature set of the ASIAir and Eagle.
  • 📱 The ASIAir and Eagle are designed to work wirelessly, reducing the need for physical cables and offering more flexibility.
  • 💰 The cost of the ASIAir Plus (32GB) is $299, the discontinued Eagle 4S was around $1595, and a refurbished Lenovo laptop setup with a Pegasus power box costs approximately $1630.
  • 🔋 The ASIAir and Eagle do not have internal batteries and require external power, whereas the Lenovo laptop has an impressive battery life.
  • 📷 The ASIAir has support for Canon, Nikon, and Sony DSLR/mirrorless cameras with Indie drivers and all current ZWO cameras, but not other astronomy cameras without ZWO support.
  • 📡 The Eagle and laptop can work with any camera that has a Windows or ASCOM driver.
  • 🌟 The Eagle features a Sky Quality Sensor and GPS module for enhanced functionality, while the ASIAir is limited to ZWO accessories.
  • 🖥 The laptop, with the addition of a Pegasus power box, offers similar control capabilities as the Eagle but lacks some integrated features like the Sky Quality Sensor.
  • 🔗 Connectivity options vary, with the Eagle and ASIAir offering both AP mode for creating their own network and station mode for connecting to a home network.
  • 🛠️ The Eagle provides a more comprehensive feature set, including power and USB port control, environmental sensors, and automation capabilities.
  • 🌐 Both the Eagle and ASIAir software are intuitive, but the Eagle offers more flexibility for power users due to its Windows-based system.

Q & A

  • What are the three devices compared in the video?

    -The three devices compared in the video are the ZWO ASIAir, the Prima Luce Lab Eagle, and a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad laptop.

  • What are the main differences between the ASIAir and the Eagle in terms of astrophotography?

    -The ASIAir and the Eagle are both custom built for astrophotography, but the Eagle has more added features and supports a wider range of accessories and cameras. The ASIAir is more limited to ZWO accessories and cameras.

  • What is the main advantage of using a mini-computer like the Raspberry Pi for controlling astrophotography gear?

    -The main advantage of using a mini-computer like the Raspberry Pi is the ability to control the gear wirelessly, reducing the need for physical cables and allowing for less power consumption as these mini-computers often do not have screens.

  • What is the role of the Pegasus power box when using a laptop for astrophotography?

    -The Pegasus power box is used to match the feature set of the dedicated astrophotography computers like the ASIAir and the Eagle. It provides power routing and USB options that are necessary for controlling the astrophotography gear.

  • What are the main components of the ASIAir's power system?

    -The ASIAir uses a 2.1 millimeter center pin Barrel connector for both power in and power out, with four outputs at 12 volts and a current of 3 amps.

  • How does the Eagle's GPS antenna function?

    -The GPS antenna on the Eagle provides the user with the exact coordinates and altitude, which can be useful for accurate tracking and location-based observations.

  • What is the internal storage capacity for images on the ASIAir and the Eagle?

    -The ASIAir has around 20 gigabytes of internal storage for images, while the Eagle has 200 gigabytes.

  • What is the main difference between the ASIAir and the Eagle in terms of software support?

    -The ASIAir primarily runs the ASIAir software via its app, while the Eagle runs its own control software and is also capable of running any software that can be installed on Windows due to its Windows 11 Enterprise operating system.

  • How does the Eagle's Sky quality sensor (I) work?

    -The Sky quality sensor (I) on the Eagle provides a live reading of the sky brightness in magnitude per square arcsecond, offering an objective measure of the sky's darkness or brightness.

  • What is the significance of the Lenovo ThinkPad's battery life for astrophotography?

    -The battery life of the Lenovo ThinkPad is significant as it allows the laptop to be used for astrophotography in the field without needing to be connected to a power source, providing up to six to seven hours of use on a single charge under normal conditions.

  • What is the main advantage of using the ASIAir for astrophotography over a traditional laptop?

    -The main advantage of using the ASIAir over a traditional laptop is its portability, lower power consumption, and the fact that it is specifically designed for astrophotography with a streamlined user interface and dedicated app support.

Outlines

00:00

🌌 Introduction to Astrophotography Computers

The video introduces three computers designed for astrophotography: the ZWO ASIAir, the Prima Luce Lab Eagle, and a refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad. The presenter, Nico, discusses their common purpose of controlling astrophotography gear and the added features that make them suitable for this use. He also mentions the support from Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope and his Patreon campaign for acquiring the equipment. The video is sponsored by Squarespace, and Nico provides a brief history of his experience with astrophotography and the evolution of the devices used in the field.

05:01

💻 Comparing the Specifications and Capabilities

Nico compares the specifications of the three computers, including their operating systems, internal storage, power requirements, and connectivity options. He details the price comparison, with the ASIAir Plus being the most affordable, and the Lenovo ThinkPad setup being the most expensive after adding a Pegasus power box. He also discusses the differences in cables and power adapters, the operating systems, and the storage expandability of each device.

10:05

📷 Camera and Mount Support Overview

The presenter outlines the support each computer offers for various mounts and cameras. The ASIAir is compatible with any mount with an INDI driver and supports Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras with INDI drivers, but only ZWO astronomy cameras. The Eagle and the laptop, however, support any camera with a Windows or ASCOM driver. Nico also covers the support for additional accessories like focusers and filter wheels, emphasizing the limitations and compatibilities of each computer system.

15:10

🏞️ Physical Characteristics and Ports

Nico describes the physical characteristics of the ASIAir, including its lightweight design, power in and out capabilities, USB ports, Ethernet jack, and Wi-Fi antenna. He also mentions the need for a step-down converter when using a dummy battery for certain cameras. The micro SD card slot for additional storage and the USBC port for image transfer are highlighted, along with the device's Wi-Fi connectivity and potential use of an Ethernet cable for file transfer.

20:10

🔌 Power and Connectivity of the Prima Luce Lab Eagle

The Eagle's physical characteristics are discussed, with emphasis on its weight, connection points, and power input/output options. Nico explains the use of the RCA plugs for dew heater bands and the GPS antenna's function. He also details the high-speed data transfer capabilities of the Thunderbolt 3 port, the HDMI ports for potential dual monitor setups, and the various USB ports available. The importance of the Sky quality sensor (I) for monitoring sky brightness is also covered, along with the Eagle 5's new sensors for automation and polar alignment assistance.

25:13

🖥️ Lenovo ThinkPad Setup and Connectivity

Nico presents his Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, discussing its ports and the use of a Pegasus power box for power management and control. He explains how the laptop is connected to the astrophotography setup via a single USB 3 cable and how remote desktop software allows for wireless control. The presenter also compares the wireless connectivity and range of the Eagle and ASIAir, noting their reliability and performance in various scenarios.

30:15

🌟 Feature Set and Software Capabilities

The presenter discusses the feature set of the ASIAir, highlighting its limitations in automation and compatibility with ZWO accessories only. He contrasts this with the Eagle's broader capabilities, including its lower power consumption, GPS antenna, and the option to use any Windows-compatible software. Nico also mentions the potential for using the Eagle for image processing and the convenience of its all-in-one design.

35:16

📸 Image Capture and Processing Considerations

Nico shares some images captured using the ASIAir and the Eagle, and he addresses the potential of using these computers not only for image acquisition but also for processing. He notes the capabilities of the Eagle 5 line for pre-processing and the convenience for remote imagers. The presenter concludes with his thoughts on the suitability of each computer for different users and the value proposition of the ASIAir. He also invites viewers to share their experiences and join his Patreon community for further discussions and support.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡ASIAir

The ASIAir is a specialized computer designed for astrophotography. It is compact and offers a range of features that cater to the needs of capturing images of celestial objects. In the video, it is compared with the Eagle and a laptop setup, highlighting its ease of use, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, and support for ZWO cameras and accessories. It is noted for its relatively lower power consumption and the convenience of not needing additional hardware for certain functions, which makes it an attractive option for astrophotographers.

💡Eagle

The Eagle, manufactured by Prima Luce Lab, is a high-end, custom-built computer for astrophotography. It is mentioned to have a robust set of features including GPS, an environmental sensor, and support for a wide range of cameras and accessories beyond just ZWO products. The Eagle is praised for its power efficiency, advanced automation capabilities, and the ability to control more complex setups, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a comprehensive solution for their astrophotography needs.

💡Laptop

In the context of the video, a laptop is used as a generic computing device for astrophotography. While laptops are versatile and can run various astrophotography software, they often require additional hardware such as a power box for controlling gear. The video discusses how a laptop can be used effectively for astrophotography with the right setup, but it may lack the specialized features and streamlined experience of dedicated astrophotography computers like the ASIAir or the Eagle.

💡Astrophotography

Astrophotography is the art and science of capturing images of celestial objects and the night sky. It is the main theme of the video, as the host discusses different computing solutions for astrophotography. The video emphasizes the importance of specialized equipment and software in obtaining high-quality astrophotography results.

💡ZWO

ZWO, or ZW Optics, is a company known for its astronomy cameras and accessories. The ASIAir is noted to have native support for ZWO cameras, which is a significant advantage for users invested in ZWO products. The term is used in the video to highlight compatibility and the ecosystem of products that work seamlessly together for astrophotography.

💡Power Box

A power box, such as the Pegasus power box mentioned in the video, is a device used to manage power distribution for astrophotography setups. It is necessary for a laptop setup to control power routing and USB options, which are more readily available in specialized astrophotography computers like the ASIAir or the Eagle.

💡Mount Support

Mount support refers to the compatibility of a computer system with various telescope mounts. The video discusses how the ASIAir works with any mount that has an INDI driver, while the Eagle and laptop require mounts with Windows or ASCOM drivers. This is crucial for astrophotographers to ensure their equipment can be controlled effectively.

💡Camera Support

Camera support indicates the range of cameras that a computer system can interface with for astrophotography. The video outlines how the ASIAir has support for specific Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras with INDI drivers, as well as all current ZWO cameras. In contrast, the Eagle and laptop can work with any camera with a Windows or ASCOM driver, offering broader compatibility.

💡INDI Driver

INDI, which stands for Instrument Neutral Distributed Interface, is an open-source protocol for controlling a wide range of astronomy equipment. The video mentions INDI drivers in the context of device compatibility, noting that the ASIAir is compatible with devices that have INDI drivers, which is essential for astrophotographers to connect and control their gear.

💡Live Stacking

Live stacking is a feature that allows astrophotographers to view the progress of their image stacking in real-time. The ASIAir is mentioned to have some live stacking capabilities, which is beneficial for immediate feedback and quality assessment during a shoot. However, the video points out that it does not save the calibrated master frames, which are crucial for post-processing.

💡Remote Imaging

Remote imaging refers to the practice of controlling and capturing astrophotography images from a distance, often from a home base while the equipment is located elsewhere. The video discusses the Eagle's capabilities in the context of remote imaging, highlighting its advanced features and automation options that are particularly useful for this application.

Highlights

ASIAir and Prima Luce Lab's Eagle are custom-built computers for astrophotography, while a standard laptop requires additional hardware.

ASIAir and Eagle have added features that make them ideal for astrophotography, unlike a laptop which needs extra components.

The ASIAir and Eagle are gaining popularity for their effectiveness in controlling astrophotography gear.

The first ASIAir was released in 2018, with subsequent models improving on its capabilities.

The Eagle 5, released in 2023, offers significant advancements over previous models with more sensors and options.

ASIAir Plus 32GB costs $299, while the discontinued Eagle 4S was priced at $1595, and a Lenovo laptop setup costs around $1630.

ASIAir uses a customized Linux OS, Eagle uses Windows 11 Enterprise, and a laptop can run any Windows OS.

ASIAir has around 20GB of internal storage, Eagle has 200GB, and a laptop has 470GB, all expandable.

ASIAir and Eagle do not have internal batteries and require external power, unlike laptops.

ASIAir supports Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras with Indie drivers, but not astronomy cameras without ZWO support.

Eagle and laptops have broader camera support, working with any camera that has a Windows or ASCOM driver.

ASIAir is limited to ZWO accessories, whereas Eagle and laptops are compatible with a wider range of accessories.

ASIAir software is app-based and can be controlled via iOS, Android, or emulated on Windows, providing flexibility.

Eagle's Control software is pre-installed and user-friendly, offering both simplicity and power user options.

The Eagle 5 features an inclinometer and motion detector for accurate polar alignment and frame rejection in case of disturbances.

ASIAir offers live stacking features and supports calibration frames but does not save calibrated masters.

The Eagle is considered a more powerful and automated option, suitable for observatory setups and remote imaging.

Laptops can be used for both image acquisition and processing, though they may not be as efficient for large mosaics.