The ZWO ASIAir Plus 256G Astrophotography Controller Unit (2024 version) is the latest member of the third-generation device. The main changes include a new, faster, and more efficient CPU, significantly increased 256 GB internal storage, and support for external storage devices.
The ZWO ASIAir Plus 256G is a compact, modern mini-computer prepared for almost every astrophotography task, serving as the "Swiss army knife" for dedicated astrophotographers. It supports numerous ZWO-manufactured hardware, such as motorized focusers (EAF), filter wheels, ZWO guide and astro cameras. Additionally, it is capable of controlling various Canon, Nikon, and SONY digital cameras. (Lists of compatible cameras can be found among the images.) Thus, it is suitable not only for exposure but also for all functions for which a ZWO camera would be used. (Not usable with cameras from other manufacturers!)
Since no PC or laptop is required for its use, only a WiFi-enabled smartphone or tablet, it saves many annoying cables that have previously complicated the lives of field observers. The ASIAir requires significantly less power than, for example, a laptop.
Premium Design
The device's housing is entirely CNC-machined from aluminum, ensuring perfect protection and an elegant appearance. Its low weight does not unnecessarily burden the mechanics. The device measures 102.5 x 70 x 26.5 mm, with M4 and 1/4" (tripod thread) threads on the side and bottom, as well as a dovetail bar, offering numerous mounting options.
The ZWO ASIAir Plus 256G features 2 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting various cameras or the ZWO EAF focus controller and filter wheel. Here, you will find the 2.5 mm camera exposure controller, for which a 2.5 jack-plug exposure cable suitable for the camera brand must be purchased separately. The 4 12V power outputs allow for the power supply of external units (e.g., cooling fan, flatbox, mechanics, focus motor), with a total power capacity of 3 A. We do not recommend powering larger load-bearing mechanics - such as SkyWatcher NEQ-5 Pro, HEQ-5, EQ-6R, Wave 100i, 150i, ZWO AM3N, AM5N - or cooled ASI cameras through the ASIAir.
The new ASIair Plus 256G device, as its name suggests, integrates a much larger 256 GB memory. The Sky Atlas and installed firmware occupy about 12 GB, with the remainder freely available. Unlike the previous device, the new one does not include a micro SD card slot. For image storage, an external hard drive or USB drive up to 1 TB can be connected via USB.
The new device's CPU supports 30% better fps in video mode, and the EAA (electronic astronomy) efficiency has increased by 26%.
The completed images can be quickly downloaded to a computer via the USB-C port, or optionally, data transfer can also be achieved via the WiFi connection.
The ZWO ASIAir Plus 256G unit requires 12V for power supply, which can be provided by a battery or a 230V power adapter. In the latter case, a minimum 2 A power adapter is required, but a 5 A adapter is recommended if you wish to use all 4 power outputs of the unit. Each of the four 12V power outputs has status indicator LEDs to monitor their operation in real-time.
Software Features
The ZWO ASIAir Plus 256G user interface is accessible via WiFi from mobile devices with iOS 10.0.2 or newer or Android (min 5.0) operating systems, with at least 4 GB RAM. To ensure high-efficiency WiFi signal transmission, the ASIAir Plus 256G uses an external WiFi signal booster antenna, allowing control with up to 20 meters range at fast data transfer speeds.
The ASIAir Plus user interface is extremely intuitive and user-friendly, supporting numerous functions:
- focus assistant: helps in precise focus adjustment using a focal ratio graph or even with the use of the ZWO EAF
- polar alignment: enables polar alignment of the mechanics with arcsecond precision using an efficient plate-solving function, even if the North Star is not visible from the observation site
- goto function: easily moves the mechanics to the selected target
- autoguiding: allows precise guiding on multiple stars
- preview: easily view the "live view" of the target to be photographed
- image stacking function: "stacks" the image live, improving the "live view" quality
- planning mode: simply specify which objects you want to photograph, and the device will set and photograph them one after another
Connection to Windows is only possible through an Android emulator, such as Bluestack. The manufacturer does not guarantee flawless operation through the emulator.
Package contents:
- ZWO ASIAir Plus 256G camera/mechanics controller unit
- 2x 0.5 m DC plug cable
- 2x 1 m DC plug cable
- DC 1.5 m male-female extension cable
- USB 3.0 0.75 m B type data cable
