ToupTek's ASIAir plus alternative, Astrostation - My first Impression Generic equipment discussions · Ali Alobaidly · 6/4/2024 · 19 · 1179 · 10

AstraPharma 7.43
6/4/2024
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Hey guys,

Some friends in China helped me get my hands on the AstroStation to check out in support of my new YouTube channel. I don't want to force my content down your throat, so I thought I should post a written report of my experience here on Astrobin and include the link at the end for those who would like to see it. 

I received the device in a neat package from China. It seemed like it went through a rough journey to get to me in Kuwait, but nevertheless, the package felt premium and well-presented. The whole unboxing experience was pleasant and satisfying. The device was safely nestled along with its WiFi antenna and what I first thought to be a USB flash drive, which turned out to be a WiFi dongle for some reason. Included were four thin and weak-looking DC power cables (Male to Male 2.1mm*5.5mm) and a similar power cable extender (Female to Male 2.1mm*5.5mm).  The device itself has four DC output ports, a DSLR shutter release port, two USB3 input ports, two USB2 input ports, an Ethernet port, and a USB-C connection port for connecting it to other devices such as a PC. All in all, it is exactly the same as the ASIair, with the one notable exception being the SD card slot, which is big enough for a full-sized SD card rather than a MicroSD card in the ASIair. The device came with the mounting wedge already installed at the bottom, as shown in the picture below.  It was striking how similar it is to the ASIair. I guess these companies source their boards from similar manufacturers. Anyway, I managed to mount it on the same scope I had my ASIair on. It is so similar that it was a simple matter of unscrewing, switching, and replugging the cables. 

The app is still unavailable on the iOS store or the Android Play store, though I was able to contact some people in China who provided me the APK to install on an older Android tablet. Please keep in mind that this is a beta, so things may look different later.

I didn't know the default password for the unit's hotspot, so I guessed it was 12345678 (the same default password for the ASIair), and that worked! When you open the app, you are greeted with this loading screen briefly.  The app then autodetected the unit, and I proceeded to select my equipment. I was pleasantly presented with a list of many different products from many different manufacturers. It seemed that the full INDI library is supported. Here is a screenshot of my mount connected to the unit. There are more options if you scroll down.  On the right is where you choose your other equipment, and I will include a screenshot of the drop-down menu for the cameras and focusers.  After connecting my equipment, I was able to autofocus with a click of a button and then polar align easily using a three-star alignment process. One weird thing about the plate solving is that you need to wait for the image to download for the app to solve it, unlike the ASIair, which is quite annoying. Also, you need to hit refresh every time after making an adjustment.  Finally, I was able to choose a target, and all the relevant catalogs were included, slew to it, plate solve, and center it with no issue. Here is a centered image of M8 (very faint as I'm testing from the Bortle 9 city skies).  Everything so far was very smooth and straightforward. However, that was as far as I was able to go, as the guiding module seems to be still a work in progress. In this beta version of the app, it is still broken, and I was not able to guide. It was failing to send guide pulses to my mount from what I was able to discern. I contacted some friends in China, and they confirmed the issue.  All in all, my first impression was very positive. The interface was easily navigable, and it had all the options one needs, such as camera cooling and gain setting. It was very responsive and fun to play around with. 

Final Thoughts

This is not a mature product like the ASIair. However, I can easily see it overtaking it in the future, given the freedoms it offers to users. There is a lot of work to be done before the official release, and I hope all the bugs are ironed out. I myself am very excited to see where this goes. 

Link to the video:https://www.youtube....i8nzUk7Z8&t=35s
Edited 6/4/2024
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djlr 2.11
6/4/2024
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Thank you for the write-up @Ali Alobaidly, this is quite exciting to see.

I started astrophotography almost a year ago so I'm still very much a beginner, I was pulled into the ASIAir as it offered such an easy start for me with my DSLR. I've had some good success with the ASIAir but I think a product like this from ToupTek would be a game-changer for me. It'd be perfect for other people like myself that have really 'caught the bug' and want to move on and use other brands besides ZWO - even better for truly new starters.

For example, I want to move onto a proper astro-camera and have been looking at the Player One products but this would mean also having to purchase another mini-PC and installing NINA etc. If this ToupTek device was on offer then I'd have certainly opted for that over the ASIAir, the freedom to use other brands is what's needed! Perhaps ZWO will have to open up the ASIAir to other branded equipment to keep the ASIAir competitive.
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AstraPharma 7.43
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6/4/2024
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Dan R:
Thank you for the write-up @Ali Alobaidly, this is quite exciting to see.

I started astrophotography almost a year ago so I'm still very much a beginner, I was pulled into the ASIAir as it offered such an easy start for me with my DSLR. I've had some good success with the ASIAir but I think a product like this from ToupTek would be a game-changer for me. It'd be perfect for other people like myself that have really 'caught the bug' and want to move on and use other brands besides ZWO - even better for truly new starters.

For example, I want to move onto a proper astro-camera and have been looking at the Player One products but this would mean also having to purchase another mini-PC and installing NINA etc. If this ToupTek device was on offer then I'd have certainly opted for that over the ASIAir, the freedom to use other brands is what's needed! Perhaps ZWO will have to open up the ASIAir to other branded equipment to keep the ASIAir competitive.

I completely agree with everything you said. To me, the AA+ has such a great interface, better than most PC software even imo. It’s a shame I can’t use it with my bigger setup due to the device’s exclusivity to ZWO products.

The PlayerOne cameras were indeed among the choices in the Astrostation. If they can make a product as polished as the AA+, the field would look a lot more interesting!
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Jeroe 3.61
6/4/2024
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Does it also have a Skyatlas like the asi air? In my opinion that's one of the big strenths of the air.
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AstraPharma 7.43
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6/4/2024
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Jens:
Does it also have a Skyatlas like the asi air? In my opinion that's one of the big strenths of the air.

So far, no. It is unfortunate. I particularly like the rotation adjustments feature on the AA+ and wish that it gets integrated here. I will be following the beta closely and will post any update here!
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martin-in.space 0.90
6/4/2024
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Great, thanks for info about this new product.  Because I'm leaving ZWO ecosystem (new camera has been ordered) I will keep eye on it if they will support SvBony cameras.
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bdm201170 5.07
6/4/2024
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wow ,   look like asi air, great  and finally open  the eco system 

one question , it support  rotators 

thank you 

CS,Brian
Edited 6/4/2024
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sn2006gy 3.61
6/4/2024
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Yeah, if this can support rotators and flip-flats then I'd be extremely interested.
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messierman3000 6.29
6/4/2024
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the asiair still looks more advanced in the capturing/acquisition section of the app

but the fact that it supports other equipment besides zwo stuff and that I could easily replace my asiair without fussing around with software/cables is exciting

i'll wait to see if they improve the gui, and I hope they do
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sjk045 1.43
6/5/2024
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Byron Miller:
Yeah, if this can support rotators and flip-flats then I'd be extremely interested.

Theoretically, Touptek Air supports any device that has Indi driver.
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TiffsAndAstro 0.90
6/5/2024
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How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?
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AstraPharma 7.43
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6/5/2024
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TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!
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TiffsAndAstro 0.90
6/6/2024
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Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)
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AstraPharma 7.43
Topic starter
6/6/2024
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·  1 like
·  Share link
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)

Do you recommend chrome Remote Desktop over team viewer??
Like
TiffsAndAstro 0.90
6/6/2024
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·  Share link
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)

Do you recommend chrome Remote Desktop over team viewer??


im using a legit but unactivated windows10 on my astromac via bootcamp. team viewer seems bloaty a faff for me and the only thing i can't do in chrome remote desktop is audio and copy files across.
Like
AstraPharma 7.43
Topic starter
6/6/2024
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·  Share link
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)

Do you recommend chrome Remote Desktop over team viewer??


im using a legit but unactivated windows10 on my astromac via bootcamp. team viewer seems bloaty a faff for me and the only thing i can't do in chrome remote desktop is audio and copy files
Like
AstraPharma 7.43
Topic starter
6/6/2024
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·  Share link
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)

Do you recommend chrome Remote Desktop over team viewer??


im using a legit but unactivated windows10 on my astromac via bootcamp. team viewer seems bloaty a faff for me and the only thing i can't do in chrome remote desktop is audio and copy files

Apparently the Stellarmate pro now lets you load up PHD2 on the app. I will test it and see how reliable things are with it. If it fulfills my needs then I will start using it exclusively, otherwise I’ll set up a mini-pc and call it a day.
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frankszabo75 1.20
6/7/2024
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Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)

Do you recommend chrome Remote Desktop over team viewer??

Try Rustdesk. Forget about Teamviewer and the rest. Rustdesk is free and open source and works just as good as Teamviewer or Anydesk without the ads.
Like
AstraPharma 7.43
Topic starter
6/8/2024
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Frank Szabo:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
Ali Alobaidly:
TiffsAndAstro:
How much does/wil it cost?

I'm a Nina fan, so I'm struggling to see the advantages of this or asiair over a mele quieter 2 or 3?

Just power out control for dew heaters bands?

NINA is king! 

Though people like to have everything on their phone, as do I. I use NINA for my EHD but I also use the AA+ for my small refractor and imaging with the Air is so much more straightforward and beginner friendly!


i just use chrome remote desktop. if i need to pop to the local 24 hour garage i can check nina's progress while i queue to pay

also recently been running siril at the same time to live stack the lights as they come in. at least gives me an idea of what im getting, or not ;)

Do you recommend chrome Remote Desktop over team viewer??

Try Rustdesk. Forget about Teamviewer and the rest. Rustdesk is free and open source and works just as good as Teamviewer or Anydesk without the ads.

It is natively installed on the Stellarmate pro, I have a pretty good idea on it and sure enough, it’s pretty great!
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Plan9 0.00
6/9/2024
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Thank you for sharing your first Astrostation impressions!

This could be a great alternative for the ASIAIR!
Especially if it remains opne for different cam and mount manufacturers!
I will follow this interesting development!

CS

Alex
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