AstroWorld TV: ASIAIR Plus vs. ASIAIR Mini...What's the difference?

[@ttp_007]

One small but important detail. At 6:46 the antenna of your Plus is on almost at the horizontal, which in a big problem, as these antenna's most signal broadcasts at 90-degrees perpendicular to the antenna's plan. In simpler words, with the antenna at the vertical position, the signal will broadcast horizontally. In your case your Plus' signal is broadcasting vertically. I was hesitating to comment to not sound the smart guy here, but I think my input may help others too. Thanks for your video!

[@rob2323]

Easy to get a 5.5 barrel jack with inline switch for the mini so that's not a problem

[@user-od3di4jf3n]

これは驚きましたminiの方がWifiが強いのですね 参考になりました、ありがとうございます😊

[@user-lt9py2pu6u]

Good comparison. My understanding is the mini is really intended for light weight grab and go set ups which is what I use it for and it works great. These things are currently less than £200 in the UK And will be undoubtedly cheaper in the States so I would rate it as one of the best value for money items out there. I must say as none of my astronomy cameras are ZWO I only use this with my Canon DSLR (I use an Eagle LE with my other rigs). I sort of understand ZWO trying to lock people into buying just their products but I think they are actually loosing sales because of it. I only bought the mini because it was cheap and I only needed it to control a DSLR otherwise I would not have bought any ASIAir unit. For those who do use ZWO astronomy cameras I'm sure the mini would still be a good buy, especially if you had a lighter set up based around something like a Red Cat51 and ASI 533 camera with a SA GTi mount. I really do enjoy using the mini but it would be nice if they made some of the 12v outputs variable so you were able to control the dew heaters ( if connected ) without the need for an external controller. I dont find the absence of an on/off an isue as you can very easily install an inline switch in the 12v supply lead for a dollar or two and a few minutes work if you really want one.

[@philipgelsheimer5705]

Nice video, thanks for posting. I too bought the original ASI Air and returned it right after testing the wifi, which was essentially non-existent. Note at 9:25 you misspoke and said you could connect wirelessly from your studio to the ASI Air PLUS. Oopsie😀

[@AstroWorldTV]

Damn lol voice over here I come lol

[@gapteckspace]

Hi, I'm thinking of using the Mini with the Asi 178 to create an Allsky station. What do you think about it? Cheers from Italy

[@brinkoo7]

Great video! I am still a bit confused why they decided to create a smaller version of this though. I have not done research myself on it, but I can't grok the use case lol. Maybe if it was small enough to load up on a hot shoe for the the DSLR folks it could make more sense. Either way I am just happy they learned about antennas and stopped pumping out faraday boxes haha.

[@AstroWorldTV]

Hi James, From what I heard. The different motherboard was more easier to come by. With possible chip/board shortages. Some other hardware options needed to be found. However it seems that both are in good supply now! Thanks for your comment! Dan

[@stephane153]

@@AstroWorldTV would you happen to know which motherboard they use in the mini please?

[@lwizzit]

I’m a bit surprised at the weak signal that you’re getting on the Plus. My rig is on the lawn patio, about 25 ft from my back door. I can travel anywhere within my house including the basement and maintain connection. I’ve also used it upstairs in my bedroom checking progress on my phone when I wake up in the middle of the night. That’s a good 100 ft and several walls away.

[@AstroWorldTV]

Hi @G G..It even could have been the house construction as well. Are you connected to the asiair hotspot or are you in station mode?

[@lwizzit]

@@AstroWorldTV Hotspot. Pretty standard construction from the 70s. Siding like yours.

[@AstroWorldTV]

@@lwizzit interesting perhaps I will try again

[@miclanone]

Nice vid, but.. most important i think; Does the Mini have the same SOC? Is it just as fast with loading, stacking etc?

[@AstroWorldTV]

SOC?

[@carolsantulis1990]

Have you tried the mini's antenna on your Plus?

[@AstroWorldTV]

Not Yet! Was planning to do that when I get a clear sky! LOL