Things to Consider Before Installing NINA on Your Mini PC or Laptop

[@messier7849]

I have followed the ZWO ecosystem BUT 2 drawbacks that have me considering mini-PC: 1. With my current solar rig I need Firecapture as the ROI on the AAPlus doesnt fit my entire solar disc, and 2. for mono imaging the AAPlus does not support filter offset. I like your approach that each rig is self- contained. Makes getting started for a new session much easier.

[@JohnRichards_Astro]

Great video. I personally also use N.I.N.A. but I use a laptop. My scope is in a SkyShed Pod and I only bring out the laptop when I want to image. I like the laptop approach rather than a mini PC, because I like having the laptop screen right by the laptop. I like that, not because I sit by my scope all night, but because for Polar Alignment, troubleshooting, etc., it is very helpful to have the laptop screen right by the scope. When everything is powered up and working, I head into the house and remote into the laptop from my desktop, just to keep an eye on things while I am watching you, or Chuck, or Trevor or Niko on KZbin on the TV next to my desktop screen.

[@DaveUrbanAstro]

@astrojohn70 I used to do that as well, until I got a second rig, then it was either two laptops or migrate to mini PCs. Then the debate was do I load the mini pc on my mount and make it telescope agnostic or do I load the mini pc on my telescope and make it mount agnostic. As I only have two mounts and five telescopes, it seems that having a dedicated mini pc per telescope was the way to go. At least for me. CS!

[@AZ4RunnersRealm]

good stuff Dave. At Home, I've gone the PC married to the mount route and laptop when imaging remotely.

[@DaveUrbanAstro]

That is how I started out too, it was just easier to do it that way until I got comfortable that NINA could work without too much intervention. CS!

[@ronm6585]

Good stuff, thanks.

[@MatthewHolevinski]

Minisforum MS-01 minipc has dual sfp ports, would be a good pc for the QHY 600 Pro with it's dual 10gig fiber ports.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice landscape.

[@DaveUrbanAstro]

Thanks LOL!

[@jwdeepsky]

Nice rig!

[@KevinRudd-w8s]

Thanks for sharing you opinions on this. I also prefer to have my mini computer attached to the scope. I use an Eagle LE. I also have a ASIAir mini which I use solely with my DSLR set up as it keeps things nice and light. Currently I have two scopes a Red Cat 51 and a 81GT plus a 135mm f2 lens though I am about to get either a 115mm refractor or a C8 SCT ( can't make my mind up which). I also have two laptops as well. I have built a mobile desk for these with shelves for power supplies etc. and a hood to prevent light pollution from the screen at night affecting imaging. This is all pre-wired so when in position it only takes a minute to connect everything up. I use this arrangement mainly when solar imaging or as a back up should I experience problems with my mini pc, or when I have a last minute change of plan and don't wish to transfer my mini pc from one scope to the other. Eventually I hope to be like you and have a mini pc for each scope.

[@DaveUrbanAstro]

Kevin, I ran my imaging sessions via my laptop for a couple of year, so understand that process. I eventually moved to mini pcs on each scope as I could configure NINA specifically for that scope and all the pieces and parts that on the rig. It gets confusing when you have to create multiple configurations and keep those up to date on the same mini pc or laptop. Hence I made the decision to move to a mini pc on each rig. As I don't have all ZWO components, the ASIAir is not a possibility, and I'd love to get an Eagle, but I find that the mini pc with the Pegasus Astro powerbox to be a doable and cheaper route. Some day I'd like to go the Eagle route, but I'd rather spend my money on other things right now. YMMV. CS!

[@indysbike3014]

Maybe explain how you setup an eaf with all the settings. My results are not reliable at the moment.

[@DaveUrbanAstro]

@indysbike3014 Cuiv the Lazy Geek has a great video on doing just that. It is where I learned how to setup my EAF. Head over to his KZbin Channel and search for EAF and you'll find the video. CS!

[@freddylq67]

There's a bunny in the background!

[@DaveUrbanAstro]

Yes, that is AstroBunny, otherwise known as Sunny the Bunny. Guess that means that I should do some solar astro! CS!

[@messier7849]

Dinner.😬