AstroLink 4 Bee
AstroLink 4 Bee – the first AstroLink to feature an integrated Windows-based mini PC, offering a compact, all-in-one astrophotography solution. Weighing just 350g and measuring 17x10x2.5cm, it includes standard AstroLink components: a focusing motor controller, four 12V DC switched outputs, one 3-10V regulated output, two dew heater outputs with regulation, and support for multiple sensors, including temperature/humidity for compensation and automation, sky temperature/cloud coverage, and sky brightness. Integrated with a T4 Pro or T5 mini-computer, it enables seamless control via remote desktop. Simply connect 12V power, and you’re ready to capture the night sky.
AstroLink 4 micro
AstroLink 4 micro – a compact (15×5 cm) multifunctional controller designed for astrophotography setups. It features a focuser motor controller, three switchable 12V DC outputs, and two regulated dew heater outputs. Integrated sensors support temperature compensation, dew heater automation, sky temperature/cloud detection, and sky brightness monitoring. A manual focuser controller is also included. Compatible with ASCOM and INDI drivers, the device integrates seamlessly with dedicated control software. Pair it with the Y-3184 7-port USB 3.0 active hub for a powerful, space-efficient control solution.
AstroLink 4 mini II
AstroLink 4 mini II – a versatile controller for astrophotography setups, offering comprehensive functionality. It includes control for two focusing motors, enabling simultaneous operation of the primary telescope focuser and a guider focuser or SCT mirror focusing knob. The device features four 12V DC switchable outputs, and two regulated dew heater outputs, and supports multiple sensors for temperature compensation, dew heater automation, sky temperature, cloud coverage, and sky brightness. A manual focuser controller and an additional regulated voltage output are also included. Compatible with ASCOM (focuser, switch, observing conditions, and safety monitor) and INDI drivers, it comes with dedicated control software for seamless operation.
AstroLink 4 Pi
AstroLink 4 Pi – a compact astrophotography controller powered by Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, designed for seamless operation. Simply connect a 12V DC power supply, attach your peripherals, and start capturing the cosmos.
It integrates multiple essential modules, eliminating the need for additional controllers:
– Focusing motor controller: Compatible with your own or our motors.
– 12V DC power distribution: Powers all your equipment.
– Regulated PWM outputs: Supports dew heating stripes
– Regulated voltage output: Supports powering additional devices like DSLR or USB hub.
– Sensor integration: Connect temperature/humidity, sky temperature/cloud coverage, and sky brightness sensors.
AstroLink 4 Pi operates with astronomy software via a dedicated INDI driver, supporting platforms like Stellarmate OS, Astroberry, and AstroPi. A professional, all-in-one solution for astrophotography.
AstroLink 4 USB
AstroLink 4 USB – another multifunctional controller for astrophotography setups. Focusing motor controller, four 12V DC outputs switch, two dew cap heaters regulated outputs, multiple sensors available: temperature/humidity for temperature compensation and dew heaters automation, sky temperature/cloud coverage, sky brightness. Also, a manual controller for the focuser is available. Additional 5V DC voltage output is present.
There is an integrated USB hub inside that exposes three USB 3.0 outputs in the device for connecting peripherals.
ASCOM (focuser, switch, observing conditions, and safety monitor) and INDI drivers are available as well as dedicated control software.
FocuserOne
FocuserOne – focusing motor controller. Connect any stepper motor you already own, or select the one from our offer, and you are all set!
ASCOM and INDI drivers are available, with dedicated control software, an environment monitoring sensor, manual control buttons, focuser temperature compensation, and an OLED display.
FocuserOne device can also work as rotator control – a dedicated ASCOM driver is available.
Sensors
Sensors are integral to astrophotography setups, offering various functionalities. Temperature and humidity sensors monitor ambient conditions, enabling automatic dew heater control and temperature compensation for focusers. Sky temperature and cloud coverage sensors assess sky transparency, while sky brightness sensors measure background brightness. These metrics are accessible via control software and ASCOM observing conditions and safety monitor drivers. Additionally, multi-sensor devices combining 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 capabilities are available.
Focusing motors
Focusing motors are essential for astrophotography setups. We provide unipolar stepper motors with integrated gearboxes, offering high resolution, low power consumption, and position retention without continuous power. Our controllers (AstroLinks and FocuserOne) are compatible with popular bipolar motors and support microstepping, allowing users to choose or utilize their existing motors.
Dew heaters and controllers
Dew heaters are offered in a range of sizes to accommodate various needs. Compact models are available with USB connectors, enabling them to be powered by a 5V power bank for convenient field operation. Additionally, our selection includes manual power regulators designed for use with dew cap heaters.
AstroLink devices comparison table
| | | | |
|
| AstroLink 4 Bee | AstroLink 4 Pi | AstroLink 4 mini II | AstroLink 4 USB | AstroLink 4 micro | |
| Size | 175 x 105 x 25 mm | 137 x 83 x 32 mm | 122 x 86 x 28 mm | 162 x 92 x 29 mm | 155 x 50 x 25 mm |
| Weight | 350g | 230g | 160g | 215g | 115g |
| Focuser outputs | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Microstepping support | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| 12V switchable outputs | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 12V permanent outputs | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| PWM regulated outputs | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Adjustable voltage output | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| 5V output | no | no | yes (option) | yes | no |
| Temperature sensor support | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Humidity sensor support | yes | yes (v3) | yes | yes | yes |
| Sky temperature sensor support | yes | yes (v3) | yes | yes | yes |
| Integrated USB hub | no | no | no | yes, USB3.0 | option - 7 port USB3.0 |
| Control mode | remotely via WiFi or LAN (PC remote desktop) | remotely (WiFi) with integrated Raspberry Pi module and astroberry system with INDI driver | from PC with ASCOM/INDI driver | from PC with ASCOM/INDI driver | from PC with ASCOM/INDI driver |
Software and downloads
| AstroLink 4 mini S | AstroLink 4 USB | AstroLink 4 mini II | AstroLink 4 micro | Focuser One | Focuser Link |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel application | 4.2.3 | 4.8.0 | 4.9.2 | 4.6.13 | 2.4.1 (v2 only) | 1.0.0 |
| ASCOM driver | 3.2.10 | |||||
| ASCOM driver #2 | N/A | 3.2.10 #2 | ||||
| Firmware | 4.2.0.1 | 20240715 | ||||
| Documentation | ||||||
| Tutorials | YT | YT | ||||
| Enclosure model | STL | STL | STL | STL | ||
| INDI driver | INDI | INDI | INDI | INDI | INDI | INDI |
| Other | Rotator driver | |||||
| FTDI drivers | FTDI Virtual COM Port Drivers | |||||
| CP210x drivers | Silicon Labs Virtual COM Port drivers | |||||
| USBTreeView tool | https://www.uwe-sieber.de/usbtreeview_e.html | |||||
| Software/firmware changelog | ||||||
