A NEW Mini-PC from MELE! Overclock 3C - Good for Astro? And can it run PIXINSIGHT? :D

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Mele Overclock 3C is available here:
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Mele Quieter 3:
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AstroPC Pro: astro-gadget.n...
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[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Support me on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek If you're planning on buying equipment (or anything from Amazon), it will help me if you first click the affiliate links in description! Mele Overclock 3C is available here: Amazon US: amzn.to/3qpnzIJ Amazon Germany: www.amazon.de/MeLE-Overclock3C-Computer-Business-Education/dp/B0C8NKRCRW Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/MeLE-Overclock3C-Computer-Business-Education/dp/B0C8NKRCRW Amazon FR: www.amazon.fr/Mele-Overclock3C-Ordinateur-%C3%89ducation-Publicit%C3%A9/dp/B0C8NKRCRW Other links in description!

[@douglasgriffith393]

So I received the Overclock 3C and after a few days trepidation, I followed your video where you set up the mini PC; and voila, Mon vieux…..success! After downloading all the software and your recommended persistent hotspot, etc., I now can access via Remote Desktop the mini PC; N.I.N.A. (As well as APT…my usual capture software) and Stellarium, etc. Works like a charm!! I am learning N.I.N.A. And must admit it is head and shoulders over anything else I have used. Many thanks for this and your setup video. BTW, the Overclock 3C fan is noisy, but I did not find the vibration to be problematic. Looking forward to your next video.

[@josecotayo7832]

Curious if you used the MyPublicWifi software that was listed in Cuiv's pinned comment or if you downloaded the paid app he showed from the windows store --- I'm trying to set mine up, but I'm stuck at this step (and need it to work without available wifi nearby). Any thoughts that might help me get unstuck? I'd appreciate the help!

[@BagniPlays]

My first one came with a loud fan noise. Customer service was very quick to solve the problem. I am very happy with the new one.

[@joshuamuller9705]

I expected the PC to be more expensive. Def will consider it. Thanks 👌

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Those mini PCs have gotten quite cheap for sure!

[@-Jeremiah-]

I’m constantly getting jealous of mini pc users and Nina but my ASIAIR set up is backpack portable so I don’t think I’m switching until I have a pier in the backyard. Looks cool though. Thx for sharing. CS

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Mini PCs are also backpack portable ;) but I know, I know :)

[@-Jeremiah-]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek I just replaced my Nikon with an asi533 (no regrets) because of the complications of getting 8.4v to it reliably. I shudder at the thought of how to get power to a pc at a campsite. Someday when I have a backyard and a permanent pier then yes, mini pc is the way to go. I am actually jealous of you NINA users but that’s an even steeper learning curve. So many tools… so few paychecks… What a hobby! 😜

[@ravnica1]

I have a Mele 3 for running the rig, processing is done on my desktop PC which has a powerful processor and 32GB RAM. I will keep my Mele lean and mean no need to install anything extra beyond what is needed for its main task - acquiring data

[@vk3dgn]

My MELE 3Q is the only part of my setup unaffected by dew - it chugs along nice and warm with no vents or fans.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hahaha yes!

[@NikonJax]

Decided to give it a try. Will watch your other video again to help me set it up. Thanks Cuiv! Got the $35 off too :)

[@andrewweller5119]

Thanks for these videos Cuiv. My transition from ASIAIR to MiniPC is almost complete so these videos are great. I went with the Beelink U59Pro 16gb dual channel. seems to be good so far but i do miss the simplicity of the ASIAIR. However, am feeling more pro with NINA. at some point i want to motorise my roll off roof and have sensors to park the scope and close the roof if it starts raining. something you can't do with the AIR. I have gone full network rather than wifi and get a gigabit connection which is really nice.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Well done Andrew!!! I hope you get everything dialed in so you don't regret the ASIAIR :)

[@screwyouyoutube5493]

I love using PH2 for guiding, it is far more superior to the ASIair...I have both and with my EQ-6, I go from the ASI getting around 1.2 average to .30 which is fantastic 👍

[@deep_space_dave]

Pretty cool little mini-pc! Seems like Mele is catering to us astrophotographers, now if they only came out with a mini-pc like the AstroPC pro to give us some DC ports 🙂 That would be a direct and cheap competitor to the Eagle 🙂 Thanks for the video and clear skies!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yesssss it would be really nice!

[@BigTylt]

This kinda makes me want to explore turning a Framework mainboard into a mini astro PC...that could be a fun project

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That's a super cool idea!! What input voltage does Framework take?

[@BigTylt]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek As far as I know, most voltages from 5V to 20V...but, on the other hand, I'm sure that output from it is pretty much limited to what USB and Thunderbolt can do.

[@juno1666]

Thanks for the video Cuiv! I have happily used an imaging laptop for years and just pulled the trigger on the Overclock 3c on Amazon ($212). I really don't need the extra punch of the 16G ram and 512G storage (over the 8G/256G), but for $3 more, why not? Your video several years ago on the Sharpstar EDPHII prompted me to buy one and after the objective replacement (thanks for the help on that too!) I absolutely love the scope! Thanks man! Looking forward to setting up the Overclock 3c!

[@BiscuitAdvisory]

personally ill never get a fan on a minipc for astro. high humidity, dew, the odd sprinkle, and bugs, the winter cold... i dont want openings into my pc. nice vid tho Cuiv! ill keep my 3c for now haha

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I'll see how long mine survives haha

[@sonnyedmonds2212]

I tried going with a Mini PC several years ago. I almost wore a path from my inside computer to my mount outside. 😂 My goal always has been remote operation so my wife doesn't become a "golf widow". And in the wintertime I'm not freezing my tushy off half the night bundled up like the Michlin man. I realized I need visual at the rig, as well as inside. So, I use a poweted USB hub on my telescope, and a single USB3 cable off the mount to my laptop dedicated to AP control and image collection. A laptop wifi's better to my router, and Tight Vnc gives me control over everything at both ends of my path. I have a single data, and a single 12 volt wire between my mount and the laptop. But more importantly, I have visual and control outside, and visual and control inside the house. I missed that when using a Mini computer. Lots of ways to skin a cat...😉

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hey that works great as well, well done!!

[@v3xro885]

I received my Mele 3C yesterday, works great!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Enjoy it!

[@viewintospace]

Good video Cuiv! And did you know that your dream you describe at the end - the fast Mini-PC with an integrated Power Box already exists? It's the PLL Eagle 😉

[@TareqAstroPhoton]

Simply i bought two mini pcs also, last year, one is for outdoor imaging, and one almost like a replacement of all my computers i have such as desktops and laptops all old models, and i can remote the outdoor mini pc with my indoor mini pc with ease, i am now planning to buy more mini pcs but not sure which ones, i also have Raspberry Pi 4 but i ignored them as i focused on Windows system more, i hope i can manage my equipment better in future.

[@jdolmana]

I've just recently acquired a mini-pc with the Celeron N100 16GB RAM ,512 GB SSD , I think is much better than the N5095. Just for 190 euros.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

The N100 should indeed be better, but I haven't found a mini-PC with that CPU that has a form factor I like (they're all NUC-like bricks, which I find a bit more difficult to mount). Great to see though!

[@jdolmana]

Hi, the one I got is just 114x104x39 mm weight 260 grs

[@TexasEngineerScotty]

Take my money! I have been using a Quieter 3 since January and have not had any problems. It even runs during the day when the temperature under my telegizmos365 gets up to 50 degC here in Texas. That said I never even considered installing PixInsight on my Quieter 3 and have been using ASI studio to preview files before I transfer them to my processing PC. Now that you propose the possiblity of launching a PI session on the scope PC it would be awesome to "blink" my subs and cull them before transferring them. Also with how cheap M,2 drives have gotten I wonder how difficult an upgrade would be....Thanks for the video Cuiv! Great and relevant content as always!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Upgrade is super easy, there's even a part of the manual for that

[@TexasEngineerScotty]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek Order placed through your link! has a $35 coupon in US Amazon by the way $215! this is less than I paid for the Quieter 3 in January.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

@@TexasEngineerScotty hopefully it works out well! Even if it doesn't, Amazon has strong return policies :)

[@Heathrutledge]

I use a ryzen 5 mini pc. 32gb ram 512gb nvme . 6core/12thread. Had to spend 25dollars on the two ram sticks but after everything it was about 210dollars from Amazon. Very fast and had 2usb 3.0, 2 usb2.0 and one usbC. I’ve used the quieter2 as well. Any of these work great but I will definitely say I prefer the ryzen pc because of how incredibly fast it is.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Would be nice to have a ROG Ally Astro edition:-)

[@Heathrutledge]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek that would be cool

[@julianmatthews3262]

Another fab and informative video, thanks Cuiv

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

My pleasure!

[@julianmatthews3262]

So timely as my EAGLE3S has just failed and cannot be repaired.

[@Astro_Shed]

Great video, there is a new Mele 3C out now too with 16gb of ram now….exactly the same as the 3C but with 16gb RAM….

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yep I saw that as well! So many good choices :)

[@Astro_Shed]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek can I ask, when you swap from one PC to another for testing, or any other reason, so you reinstall everything from scratch or do you have a way of moving all the software and drivers and son on, to the new PC so it works without a complete re install….??

[@akb1974]

Another great video Cuiv. High Point Scientific just started selling a mini pc astro controller called a STELLARMATE PRO. Of course I just bought another asiair plus (off your agena astro link) then I found out the Stellarmate went on the market. Maybe High Point can send you one and you can have a mini PC shootout special with all the minis you've showed on youtube.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It's on preorder, and I've been in contact with Javier (the creator of Stellarmate) to get a review sample! It will be interesting to see how well it performs, especially on the smartphone app side!!

[@wilfredoz]

running my equipment on a raspberry pi4 and kstars, always planning on running NINA. Maybe this is the pc for me :)

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Definitely a good contender!

[@jasonpatterson8091]

Wish this had been out when I set up my computer rig. Couldn't make myself buy an underpowered minicomputer, so I based my system on a "renewed" Lenovo M910Q miniPC - 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM for $233 from Jeff Bezos. It had all the ports and could compute anything I want, but it has its downsides as well. It's a 19V computer, so to make it battery powered I had to use a DC converter. It's also bigger than these little guys, at ~7" (18cm) square and 1.5" (4cm) thick. If I were using this with a little refractor it would be badly out of scale, but I'm not, so it's all good.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Just FYI many 19V PCs will also run on 12V - but as long as it works!!

[@markwood1660]

Looks interesting but here in Europe prices are always a bit of a "rip off". Here it is 329Euro for the 16GB ( Mele3Quite 16GB is 349Euro). Given that the AstroPC Pro also has the power out options then even with exchange rate and import tax it would probably still be better buy.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Right, Europe always has this issue... :-(

[@msacco]

This new version kinda eliminates the advantages it had before in my opinion. I have the quieter 3Q(N5105), can easily run pixinsight and livestack, much much smaller, fanless isn't a huge issue with high temps for me. For that price and size, I think there are just better options, even the gadget mini pc you covered seems like a much better option, some mini pcs also use N100 now, and are pretty cheap.

[@caracolrpower]

Why not used the N5105 processor? I see is this Mele one thing that could be in quiter3 that is the fan. Very useful in hot nights. Cuiv gratz for another great video 💪👍

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

No idea! From what I see in benchmarks, the 5095 and the 5105 both perform equivalently, so it could be a TDP reason

[@danhoard1285]

Cuiv, excellent video my friend. I was curious if the active cooling fan might create vibrations that show up in your images, similar to what you covered in your video on actively cooled camera designs? Thank you again for the valuable information!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

On the Hyperstar, no such impact

[@canen2031]

Thanks for video, like it was already said and written before, a dc hub with software management would be a game changer! I´m running a Mele Quieter3Q with N.I.N.A and I am happy with the performance (not to mention the power connection ..) cs

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Fully agree :)

[@msacco]

There already are dc hubs with software managements tho?

[@ssrattus]

Thanks Cuiv!

[@astrofromhome]

Hey Cuiv! Another great video! Thanks a lot! How long does the PixInsight Plug-In for NINA need to include a new frame via Live Stacking on the MeLe Overclocked. I have a faily slow Notbook (i5-1035G1, 20GB RAM) running NINA to control my telescope. PX WBPP is very slow on that laptop that I am always concerned to start using the Plug-In. Maybe switching to the MeLe Overclocked could overcome my concerns.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

That i5 processor should still be marginally better than the Overclock 3C, even at 18W TDP... I'll time it next time I do imaging!

[@astrofromhome]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek great thanks a lot! 😃

[@andreyyatsunenko8070]

I'm afraid Mele Quiter Overclock has fan, that could add some problems for such long focus adtrophoto setup. Considering how many problems people have with astrocamera cooling fans (and me personally), I'd prefer to use fanless Quieter version.

[@ricklaird2218]

Thank you Cuiv. Have you tested this PC while running off a battery? What do you think the additional draw would be over the Mele Quieter 3 or 2?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It worked off the battery, I'll test how fast it runs it down!

[@darkrangersinc]

I’ve been looking at the Eagle 5s this is the first attractive alternative set up I’ve seen so I’m not locked into ZWO! I’m assuming once you power this with a “power box” it’s basically the same thing

[@OleDanJørgensen]

Thanks for a nice video as always! I wonder if the fan in the pc could be a problem because of vibrations? That is if the pc is mounted on the scope or on the tripod..

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

It shouldn't be more of an issue than the camera fan, but as I mentioned in the video, something to keep in mind!

[@CAPAstro]

I think I would still prefer the Quieter3 which I'm running with NINA etc etc and PI livestacking. The only 'slight' problem is if I also run Stellarium which could stutter a bit when scrolling around, otherwise, all good.

[@danielblair2934]

This looks great for what I need. Can I add a powered USB hub to it also?

[@JustJamie-h3l]

yeah but what are they like in the winter dew and frost. i imagine it would destroy them pretty quick

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Not sure, but I do know the Quieter series have been used in the Canadian winter - not sure how the active cooling would be impacted though!

[@blackice5649]

Great Video - Thanks! I just bought one of these, any suggestions for physically mounting the device on my rig? I have an Askar FRA500 along with an AM5.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

I just use velcro straps........... :D

[@blackice5649]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek - Totally makes sense! Thanks!

[@shaunozs1ra92]

I had to laugh when you said shoganai. You have become Japanese. I often hear that term at work in South Africa from my Japanese colleagues. Thanks

[@naveenmalik8531]

Honestly, I wouldn't buy it. I just bought my second Quieter2 and added a 512GB NVMe M.2. It's got the 4 USB ports, is smaller, has no fan, and works great. I do run PI on it for live stacking, as long as subs are longer than 1 minute.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Awesome! What size of sensor is that? My quieter 2 struggled with live stacking with the IMX571

[@naveenmalik8531]

@@CuivTheLazyGeek it's the IMX571. My subs are 2min or longer so it has plenty of time. I don't turn on live stacking if it's shorter, but it's not likely I will go shorter unless it's something like a comet.

[@backgammonbacon]

4 USB ports and a fan mean this is dead on arrival for me. XCY do a slightly larger and heavier fanless mini PC with 8 USB ports and 4 serial ports. The upgraded CPU isn't very interesting as even the Quieter 2 has enough processing power to run a telescope.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

What's the XCY model??

[@DaveM-mp6yu]

Have you tested the mele 4c overclock yet? Great videos thanks.

[@scottinharwood]

Unfortunately, my Astro PC Pro died after 2 weeks of use. The idicator lights come on, but the operating system does not boot, even when you try a boot to the BIOS. I am in the process of sending it back, however postatge to the Ukraine and time are not on my side. So I did get a MOREFINE mini PC which is actively cooled, for my second telescope setup. The Mele Quieter 3Q lets you add in an additional M.2 memory card. The MOREFINE Mini PC has an addional M.2 slot, but it is set up to NOT allow its use, so you are stuck with it existing M.2 card that has the operating system on it. I did image the original MOREFINE memory card over to a 2TB M.2 card so the Astro has lots of memory, but the memory card is a single point failure. Does the Overclock 3C have a usable M.2 slot for adding an addional M.2 memory card? Also, I wish the documentation would tell you where the WiFi antennas are located so you can orient the PC to optimize the WiFi connectivity to stop loss of connectivity on a telescope slew.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Oh that's a bummer on the AstroPC Pro!!! Mine is still going strong... The Overclock 3C has a slot available for NVMe SSD. In the 512GB configuration, it is already taken by the additional 256GB SSD, but that can be replaced with higher capacity SSDs

[@Thurgosh_OG]

I wonder how much less that mini PC would be with a Linux OS on it as Windows Pro versions are Not known to be very cheap.

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Very true, on such an embedded system I'd still expect the licenses to be cheap, but it could bring the cost down!

[@chrismcgrew4692]

Cuiv, can you please measure the physical dimensions of this? Trying to see if it will fit in a space I need for my setup.

[@douglasgriffith393]

I was about to pull the trigger on a MeLe Quieter 3C when I saw your video. I can get a much better deal on the Overclock 3C (more RAM and larger SSD for the same price as Quieter 3C); but I am worried that the fan in the Overclock might introduce vibration. Any issue with the Overclock 3C in this regard? BTW, LOVE your videos!

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Up to now, no issues - but I haven't tested on long focal lengths...

[@ctortolini]

Why couldn't they just use a regular 5.5 12v plug which is basically the standard for astro equipment?🤔

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Because USB-C is the more general standard for PCs these days.... I agree though and have pointed out that to them

[@lucasmaguire7625]

I need to upgrade from my beelink

[@hael8680]

USB-C port for power input? Mele is certainly not listening well to you. I'll wait for version 4, maybe by then they will have listened to you 🤔😉

[@alanrockowitz379]

I totally agree with the opinion that the USB-C but 12V is ridiculous. Everyone says "12V??" when they hear about it. I have had a Q2 and a Q3 now, and I just cannot believe that they are using this stupid connector.

[@hael8680]

The physical size of this new version is starting to be an issue...

[@astrodysseus]

4:50 so is the MeLE overclock colder than the Quieter 3c ? I just got it and will probably return it. I have never had a pc stick or ultra mini pc going that hot (barely touchable)... even when doing nothing. So how hot was this one ?

[@wardogdauwdd3020]

Can this be powered my a mini portable power charging supply

[@LeeeB0]

Is the CPU powerful enough to do live stacking and planetary capture work with Sharpcap?

[@Nabby13]

Wait a minute. In the video, you said that the 12v to usb-c adapter worked fine for you. Yet in the description of the video, you say that you haven't tested those *two* adapters. Which one is it, does it work or not?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

My adapter was bought on Amazon Japan, and uses DC 5.5x2.1mm female on one end (standard for astro). It is no longer available even in Amazon JP. The closest equivalent seems to be the DC5.5x2.5mm female DC, but for many astro cables, it requires a converter to DC5.5x2.1mm. I have actually tested a similar config, but on stuff bought from Amazon JP, which are not the same brands as Amazon US. Hope this helps!

[@woody5109]

For imaging manufacturers should be using a GPU rather then a CPU, in the end it’s all about graphics, running the rig isn’t challenging in itself. Great review, thanks Cuiv.

[@backgammonbacon]

This is just for controlling the telescope and getting the cameras to take images its not actually processing the images itself it does not need a GPU. Even if you wanted to do live stacking of images the CPU is more than fast enough to do that. You are making up requirements that do not exist for this use case.

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

Hi Cuiv. Is this compatible with, CdC, Sharp Cap and APT? (I have these installed on my Eagle LE and Laptops and they do everything I want so have not got round to using NINA)

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Yes! It's a full featured Windows PC! But it won't be as fast as an Eagle...

[@LeeeB0]

Is this better for astro than a Beelink N100?

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

The N100 should be faster, but I haven't tested Beelink!

[@peterkavanagh64]

The airplabes need the metals cooled and cleaned to see the craxks by this i cant see safe flights . For the time been. Tje cooling revelas sometimes repairs oft thiugh shows a rarther dangerous craxks i think the vast majority if flights cant be due to the energy into ie aprpti horels and the maintinace of thr lmabe itslef and lanfogn.and retunr . I thinktoo the exvuse for wprkers i must travle is a no.option that will create to many arguement .sp it is family set down and retirn or ill corrections that can work well. Ships can be and some rrains and spme buses locally the nature is a great escape and que. It is time but flights only for that volune will drag a repost

[@سبحانخالقالكون-ش3ز]

مرحبا من المانيا

[@CuivTheLazyGeek]

Hello there from Japan :)

[@peterkavanagh64]

Thr volume.of inflights therofore out drew huge car volumrs to object thereofee no. Set that to stagger onr an giur for large airports and excees adkust the airport and the figure whixh hitel is or not time to be pariient