ASIAir Plus, Review and Teardown

This is now a mature product that truly feel perfected. Now it is just up to ZWO to continue to add software based features and add more support for other products. Here are my thoughts and impressions. Along with some reasons you may or may not want to get one. I also did a teardown of all three generations of the ASIAir just because I am a hardware nerd.

[@GarnettLeary]

Thanks for the review. This adds many things that were not included in other popular videos. Always great to have multiple opinions and reviews.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks. I try to cover things other do not.

[@mycarolinaskies]

Excellent overview of the advancement of the core of the ASIAIR. Think I really got to get on board with this soon.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you. You will love the was of use that it brings

[@WindyCityAstrophotography]

Really nice! And wow good job opening those up! Good tip too on the standard thread for the antenna. Also love the Wagner at the end 😁

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks! 👍 Wagner is an old favorite.

[@JohdagM]

Sir, you just got a new subscriber. The intro = priceless (and a cruel reality).

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you kindly!

[@benc7102]

G’day Ben Great review mate I have the Pro & I throughly enjoy using it Keep up the great work 👍👍

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks, will do!

[@tarasmonax2595]

I forgot to thank you for your review, which I found very helpful.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you. Much Appreciated.

[@astrojet9484]

Great review! Is the any software diffence on these asiairs, if there isn't, should I just keep my 1st Gen because I don't worry wifi, power-outputor or bootup-speed, and I don't crash at anytime?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

There are some between first gen and the Pro and plus but they are not significant.

[@Njunx10minutesastro]

Hi, cool video, btw does Asiair plus/mini support other astro cam like qhy,touptek,etc ? Thanks.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

No it does not sadly.

[@phcalama]

Hi. Great review. Wondering why you use a USB3 thumbdrive rather than a SDXC card in the TF slot?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I do now actually.

[@AstroEscape]

Such a great product, isn't it? I LOVE my Plus! The only caveat is dealing with switching out antennas. Everyone thinks it's a great idea. But, ZWO basically told me to wait until the official manual is out. There are regulations regarding wireless signals and products being sold, and if they can be modified. ZWO didn't tell me if the Plus was certified to use with other antennas, but they said "go ahead and test." For us, since we both live in PA, probably not a problem. But if someone close to the dead zone in West Virginia decided to boost the AIR+? That might be an issue. Little things to think about that I HOPE like mad ZWO clears up.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Sounds like legal red tape. lol. The included antenna work ok. I think I might only put a large on one if I go to the farm as the clearing is farther from the living room.

[@kamilrakowski23]

I was waiting for this video. In Europe, the price of asiair pro is far too high. I can see they did a good job. Time to ditch the laptop. Photos at the end of the video are amazing. There are "astrophotographers" on yt that have 10x more followers than you, but they don't even come close to the results you got. The start of the video was great. It's hard to explain to my girlfriend these purchases, and even harder to explain that I disappear for the nights and come back without photos, because this is Denmark and this is the weather we have. Great review!!

[@robbyvillabona]

Can the ASIAir (Plus/Pro) connect and control an Olympus camera?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Not directly yet. It is on the list to be supported.

[@richardshagam8608]

The Lazy Geek's major criticism of the ASIAIR+ is that, excepting Nikon or Canon DSLRs, it doesn't support non-ZWO components. I'm sure that was a major marketing decision--force the users to stick to their brand (kinda like a big-name computer and phone manufacturer a lot of folks either worship or hate). I, myself, would like to see it support some USB based filter wheel or focusers that tinkerers have built using Arduino-based circuits. I doubt that would ever happen, though.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I really do not mind the exclusivity but I have also built my system from the ground up with ZWO parts. My limited experience with other controls was that though you could hook up almost anything getting drivers to work was impossible.

[@Star_boy369]

Your set up at 11:50 is pretty unique. Can you do a review of that set up?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Its not a review video but is showed the setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWirhqqHo5Jsq6s And here is how I balance it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iICofnl5f52fjZo

[@Star_boy369]

Awesome. What tripod/mount did you use with it?

[@Psychlist1972]

I must be one of only a few people in the world who had no problems with the Wifi on the pro. I ran it at 5ghz. I'd go to the park with it and sit in my (closed) truck. Tons of wifi and phone signals in the area, plus a fire station right next door and a huge radio tower. So lots of RF noise. Still had full signal. The Plus does look nice, though. There are some downsides to these: the software isn't as advanced as some of the PC offerings including basic things like target searching, I can't do anything in the app without being connected to the pi and setup (so I can't build out a plan or anything in advance), I can't seem to control cooling ramp up and down curves like you're supposed to for some cameras, the whole plan setup is usable but super clunky, and finally, you have complete vendor lock-in not just for cameras, but also focusers. That last part (focusers) is what got me to order a PrimaLuce Labs PC for my larger scope. TBD if it's better. I'll still keep the ASIAir on my smaller scope as, other than autofocus for some reason, it does well. If my Plus ever shows up, I'll swap out the Pro :) That all said, it's a nice compact package with some decent (but not great) software and some nice wire management.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I can actually agree with all your comments on the software. When the generation 1 was released it was incredibly primitive but at the time I had little knowledge to start with anyway. With time it will get better. Do wish the development speed was faster though.

[@QawiemJamil]

Allow me to ask you a question I’ve been struggling with - if you were asked to recommend a consumer camera for everyday photography but also occasional deep sky astrophotography, would you recommend Olympus or Canon/Nikon which seems to be more well supported brands in this hobby? (ASCOM drivers, NINA, ASIAIR etc) Im a micro four thirds guy and im in pain everyday knowing that I cant connect my camera (panasonic) to any astrophotography software 💔

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I know the feeling. Support for Olympus Cameras are coming though to the ASIAIR. They were added to their development que a year ago. At the rate they have been working through that list though it may be a next year before they are added in though. I myself have found work arounds though. As for what would be best for every day use. There is no real advantage between the three in daytime photography and no real advantage in astrophotography, however canon is the most often supported. I could never get Nina or ascom to work though. They we too difficult.

[@QawiemJamil]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel I had no idea support for olympus is in development! That changes everything! What else have you heard? Any other brands on the list too? Looks like i’m switching to olympus then. I’ve been eyeing the em5 mark iii for a while now. As it is, its a pretty darn good camera. Getting asiair support would be a bonus. Maybe im being a bit presumptuous in thinking that model would get support too considering em1 mark iii is the one that has the star autofocus feature. Even if the support means being able to set up an imaging routine, that would be good enough tbh.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

@@QawiemJamil The cameras on the list were the Em1 Mk2 and 3 I remember that for sure. I think one of the Em5s were listed but cannot remember which one.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

@@QawiemJamil bbs.astronomy-imaging-camera.com/d/12551-feature-request-of-asiair-share-your-ideas every once in a while they open this for people to request support for their accessories.

[@mycarolinaskies]

General support across the board, Canon & Nikon. Other brands are less so depending on what the manufacturers have released for sdk used to control the cameras. The new mirrorless cameras are probably the next wave of popular astro SLR cameras. I just got a used Canon M50 as it has higher frame rates and the short sensor depth makes fitment with filter wheels, oags, etc, much easier. A few years ago there was much greater difference in sensor performance but that Gap is constantly closing as they offer new CMOS sensors. I think one of the questions you probably should ask especially if you want to do daytime shooting is how many lenses are offered for the particular camera you're looking at and how you plan to shoot with it during daytime. One of the larger problems with some manufacturers as the lack of native lens offerings that give enough variety. So definitely check on that aspect for whatever model you are considering.

[@tarasmonax2595]

It appears that the Pro version does not have an antenna. Has anyone tried adding an antenna to it to see if it improves the wifi? I have done this with small transmitters and it definitely improves the range. Just wonderiing.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Yes lots have done it. It is not easy though as you have to do some micro soldering. Very tricky. There is a guy on Ebay doing conversions for 35$ I think. but still I think is better to get a Plus.

[@tarasmonax2595]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thanks for your reply. Yes, soldering in modern electronics is quite challenging with components being so small. It would be too easy to botch it if you were not very capable with a soldering iron. I repair electronics but think I will take your advice and buy the Pro.

[@lwizzit]

I love and depend on mine. However, I just downloaded the newest version of the app. When installing the firmware (download is fine), it fails at 83%. Furthermore, the Plus does not seem to reload the OS from an SD card. I imaged one, installed it and nada. Same disappointment. I’m really not looking forward to learning the entire NINA thing especially with 3 clear nights coming up. Any ideas? I wrote ZWO support, but ya know….

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I think with the beta version I can attempt to reimage it a second time. But I have no idea if they have more open slots for the beta app. Have you reached out to any of the air communities on FB? I myself have not tried reimaging a plus. Only the Pro and the Pro was quite easy to do. I actually have other operating systems I run on it too.

[@alfredobeltran611]

Hi It’s a good product by all means. What keeps me away from it is the fact that won’t control my Feathertouch/MicroTouch focuser. Being so closed to ZWO products only is a huge deal breaker for me. Regards, Alfredo

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Its a sad thing. It is actually more expensive for them to keep it closed then it is to just use the databases of drivers available to all.

[@alfredobeltran611]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Sure. There could be a lot of sales if they would allow the user to install the capture software of choice for the Pi like KStars or The SkyX. It would make this product a winner!

[@woody5109]

I’m sorry, so this thing won’t work with a DSLR ? I only have a canon T8i ??!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You would have to check it compatibility on ZWOs website.

[@kevinhanley3023]

Maybe I can add an antenna to mine?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I sent my old Pro out to have that done. Well worth it.

[@hindey19]

I had to stop watching after the comment about 1's and 0's being able to flip flop, and that's the reason it crashes 🤦

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I guess most people do not know about this. Binary is written as either a signal or no signal to a drive. With cheap ram sometimes there is noise or extraneous signal on the memory. If that noise gets high enough it can cause the computer or reading system to mistake a zero for a one. Sort like noise in our images. There are also times when the writing system does not put down a definite enough one in the drive it if that sign that is supposed to be indicating a one is not strong enough the system may think it is a zero. Really the 0s and 1s are never true or perfect. Most of the time they are like 0.98 or 0.03. With good quality ram that numbers are closer to a turn 1 and 0. Cheap less reliable ram will write stuff down like 0.3 or 0.7 and sometimes they cross the 0.5 zone thus are written or read wrong and cause the system to crash. Sorry if I got too nerdy on you. The internet was not around when I was a kid so I have seen it all develop.