AstroLink 4 Pi is the first device in the AstroLink family, that can operate in standalone mode. It is controlled by the internal Raspberry Pi* 4 module, which is responsible for running the astroimaging setup. AstroLink 4 Pi INDI driver controls all the device components. The recommended operating system is astroberry (https://www.astroberry.io/) with KStars and Ekos software (see Ekos documentation here). Alternatively, StellarMate OS (https://www.stellarmate.com/products/stellarmate-os.html) can be also used – the device was tested with version 1.7.9 64bit.

AstroLink 4 Bee is a standalone astrophotography setup controller based on a T4 Pro mini PC with Windows 10 Pro operating system. It covers similar functionalities to AstroLink 4 Pi, but the operating system is Windows, so all the astronomy software like N.I.N.A., MaxIm DL, Sequence Generator Pro, PHD2, ASTAP, ASI Studio and many others is ready to pick up. Both ASCOM driver and dedicated control panel are available to control all the functions of AstroLink 4 Bee.

Both AstroLink 4 Pi and Bee are powered with 12V via a reliable XT60 socket. They can either connect to an existing WiFi network or create their own hotspot. Once connected, an imaging session can be planned via a remote desktop or dedicated application. Any computer, laptop, or tablet can be used to plan and control the imaging session.

Common features of the AstroLink 4 Pi and Bee:

focuser motor control for Robofocus, Moonlite, or generic unipolar or bipolar stepper motor
up to 1/32 micro-stepping control with 2.0A maximum current and 1.4A maximum continuous hold current
temperature, humidity, and sky temperature/cloud coverage/sky brightness sensor support
voltages, current, power and energy consumed monitoring in the panel
permanent focuser position – no need to park focuser after the session
2 adjustable PWM power outputs to control dew heaters, telescope fans, or custom Peltier coolers. The maximum load is 40W per output
2 or 3 switchable 12V DC outputs to power mount, cameras, or filter wheels. The maximum load is 5A per output
1 additional 12V DC output
1 additional adjustable 3-10V output
XT60 high current input voltage socket
connectivity: LAN and WiFi

AstroLink 4 Pi

astroberry, StellarMate OS, or any other based on Raspbian
integrated real-time clock (version 2 and later)
integrated cooling fan enabled automatically when CPU temperature rises
dedicated INDI driver which covers all hardware components
USB ports: 2xUSB3.0, 2xUSB2.0
dimensions 137 x 85 x 32 mm
weight 235g (with Raspberry Pi* module installed)

AstroLink 4 Bee

Windows 10 Pro OS
ASCOM Focuser, Observing Conditions, Switch drivers, and dedicated control panel application
3xUSB3.0 port, 2xHDMI port, audio jack port
dimensions 173 x 105 x 25 mm
weight 350g
controlled by T4 Pro mini PC (4/64 GB)