ASIAIR Mini: Big functionality in a tiny package.

A detailed review of the ZWO ASIAIR Mini & ASIAIR platform. I was thoroughly impressed with the ease of use, and functionality of this tiny device. This is a very useful tool for astrophotographers, that's super power efficient and very easy to use. Before you buy, let's talk about who the device is best for, some features that could be improved, or are missing that I'd love to see added in the future.
www.astrowithroro.com
/ astrowithroro
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:44 Disclaimer
1:22 Overview
2:43 Power consumption
4:09 Platesolving & autofocus
6:22 Guiding
6:51 Finding & imaging objects
8:39 WiFi & station mode
10:33 Who is the ASIAIR great for?
12:25 Don't buy it if...
13:09 I'd love to see this one thing change
14:01 Image gallery

[@AstroWithRoRo]

As always, corrections and updates will be pinned in this comment.

[@user-lt9py2pu6u]

I have just bought a mini for use with my DSLR set up only which includes a SY 135 f2, Lens, Star Adventurer GTi mount, Canon 600D and a ZWO mini guide scope and camera. I found it very easy to set up and use. My other rigs are controlled by an Eagle LE which is far superior as you can use any software and hardware with it, and it has controlled heater outputs, plus USB2 and 3 ports available. It is of course almost four times the price ( in the UK ). Back to the ASIAir mini, I am very happy with the performance, it does exactly what I bought it for. As you say if you wish to use non ZWO hard and software this is not the device for you, but for someone starting with a DSLR and small portable mount this is great value for money.

[@ryh69PL]

THX Mate!

[@Seafox0011]

Great review. Its the ‘walled garden’ aspect that precludes me purchasing into the ZWO line. So will stick with a mini PC and NINA for the foreseeable.

[@AstroWithRoRo]

NINA is great, with all the addons it's become exceptionally powerful. Unfortunately it's not as beginner friendly and does require more knowledge to setup up and costs more with a NUC too. I definitely enjoy using NINA a lot though. :)

[@PadraicLey56]

The way I see it. A walled garden is excellent if the wall is big and good, like the Apple Billions dollar iPhone empire. For entry users, if there are enough ZWO products to cover the first-year needs and more. ZWO's aggressive product cycle, if continuous, can easily displace many competitors in the field, depriving the capital to build new products. I am sure that is the plan. Initially, they need to support 3rd party products, not so later when successful. Wall garden system has the advantage of being efficient in design in both software and hardware, along with less power with less learning curve for the user. Sometimes the limited choice is a plus also. For immediate and advanced users, most have more than 1 rig. So it is not a waste. Even those few is in the low percentages to get to that level.

[@RobertKarlBerta]

My home observatory has AP mounts, various telescopes from 80mm APO, 152mm APO, and than SCTS from 8" to 11". Needless to say that uses a large amount of software, computer, etc. I wanted another setup soley for remote imaging and VERY compact and easy to setup. I went with ZWO all the way even though my other gear is a mix of SBIG, Player 1, and ATIK. I have no problem with ZWO wanting to stay with all their gear. Making it useable for a large number of other gear means complexity and possible glitches in the software and a big PITA. Bottom line...it works fantastic and I am getting images with my OSC camera that are outstanding. I agree that having filter offsets would be a big feature but since i am shooting OSC it is not a bit deal for me....I leave the multiple filters for my home observatory. ZWO is also announcing new producs which will quickly fill in the holes in the system such as a field rotator. By the way I have the ASI AIR Plus version and the mount is the ZWO AM5 which is really excellent when paired wit the ASI AIR and focuser, auto guide camera, etc. The Polar Alignment routine which now can be done by aiming anywhere in the sky is quite good and for those who don't have ability to see Polaris due to trees, etc. it is most welcome. The ability to have all the gear attached and wired up....just place it all in a case or blanket in the car....and than place it on the tripod means I can have it all out of my car and cooling the camera and doing polar alignment in seconds. When done for the night just reverse and in seconds it is all ready for the trip home. This would never be possible with my other gear and why it used to not make sense to only do remote imaging if I was only going to have one night available.

[@stevenlippis5488]

I'll admit, I clicked for the corgi. Mine often comes with me on astro adventures.

[@dannmetal6459]

Cheers mate. Great vid and explanation. Being a newbie myself in AP, you've really got detail in this short video. The 'sun'? Ha! That was funny. I think they're a bit like Apple in some respects, a very closed shop, as it were - which in itself can be both good and bad. I commented previously about going 'all in' but i backed out and have now got a supported Nikon D750 DSLR (mates rates) that has gone along with my Redcat 51 and Sky-Watcher Adventurer 2i Pro. I was looking to get the ASI Air mini over the plus - but I'm still not convinced the mini is the better option. True, once you're stuck with ZWO you're...well, you're hog-tied for sure. Maybe it is their master plan after all? Still, great review mate - so glad there is someone I can check out on video and information here in Australia. Phew! Cheers mate, Dann

[@AstroWithRoRo]

Absolutely! It has a lot of good benefits of having such tight integration with all of their other products. They good thing is they do have good products which helps! The D750 is a great camera (I have one myself), do note that the RedCat will have some coma/aberrations on a full frame sensor so don't freak when you see it in your images. You can always crop down to keep the star shapes more controlled. :)

[@gghana]

Great video as always. I am in that walled garden, but that's okay. But not being able to modify plans is a real pity. As you say, filter offsets is another. Hopefully they come, as ZWO certainly do a pretty good job with updates.

[@AstroWithRoRo]

Agreed! They looks like they release updates very frequently so am hopeful they will add in more features and update this over time :)

[@marcusa3177]

5:50 - as of posting this comment/comment, the ASIAir has a functionality to set the time to find autofocus every filter swap. How much time should you allocate per filter, say the Antlia LRGB and 4.5nm Antlia SHOs? And I have to confirm, but if I recall correctly we can now also set gain levels on a per plan basis e.g. use x value for Ha, use global for RGB. What gain levels would you recommend for say, the ASI533mm Pro? Thanks! PS - the shoutout on ZWO's OSS shenanigans is much appreciated. I really hope ZWO reconsiders supporting even just accessories that are already supported by the OSS they use, because this will actually increase their user base

[@timebert1132]

Can I power the mini (with the 120MM guidescope and a 700D connected) only with a 5V/3A USB powerbank? Or is the USB C port not enought? Maybe then a 12V dummy and connecting the powerbank to the 12V DC input on the mini is enough? I try to get around getting a dedicated native 12V DC powerbank :D Im would be very happy if someone can help!

[@southbronxny5727]

I wish QHY would release an zwo air equivalent.

[@ronaldleedham4719]

If I'm not mistaken, you can use a DSLR even if not supported as long as its independent from the ASIAir, correct? I do run a D5300 that I know has been tested but would probably still run it independently and store pictures internally to an SD. I just want a computer that manages the guiding and dithering and easily uses the ZWO guide cameras I use. All at low power consumption. I'm seriously considering the jump to this. Thanks for your great, easy to interrupt videos. Always informative!

[@davidletz9123]

Good question, and I would like to see an answer as well. I am getting the Mini soon, and I use mirrorless cameras only (at least for a while...).

[@rtpman1953]

Very nice review. My current setup is nearly all ZWO except my guide camera and filters. Still, I don't like the ZWO proprietary design. I want to add eventually a cooled OSC. I'm leaning toward one from Player one which means I'd have to have two maintain two separate hardware/software platforms.

[@AstroWithRoRo]

It's definitely a difficult choice. They have great products, and the ASIAIR system is wonderful but I do wish there was more support for accessories from more manufacturers, even non camera ones.

[@osoparr]

what is your guide camera that works with the asiair mini? I will buy this asiair, and in the future a svbony guide camera/scope

[@AstroWithRoRo]

Only ZWO guide camera work with the ASIAIR.

[@nikaxstrophotography]

As an intermediate zwo user I don't mind the walled garden it just works

[@AstroWithRoRo]

No question! The gear integrates very well, and just like Apple the system is smooth and seamless.

[@PafMedic]

3 Min In..Im Getting The Plus..Not Even Messing With This..