🔭 AstroLink 4 micro
Compact power, focusing, and environmental control for astrophotography
AstroLink 4 micro is a compact, multifunctional controller designed to simplify astrophotography setups. It combines precision focuser control, 12V power distribution, PWM dew heater regulation, environmental sensing, and power monitoring in a single device.
With its slim enclosure and optional stackable USB 3.0 hub, AstroLink helps reduce cable clutter and makes your imaging equipment easier to manage — whether you use a portable setup or a permanent observatory.
AstroLink 4 micro works with an external computer, such as a laptop, mini PC, or Raspberry Pi. It does not include a built-in computer.
⚡ Power Distribution & Protection
AstroLink provides centralized 12V power distribution for your astrophotography equipment.
- 🔌 3 switchable 12V DC outputs – Individually controlled outputs, rated up to 5A each, for cameras, mounts, and accessories.
- 🔋 2 permanent 12V outputs – Continuous power connections, including one dedicated to the optional USB hub.
- 💾 Configurable startup states – Define which switched outputs should automatically turn on when the controller starts.
- 📊 Real-time power monitoring – Monitor input voltage, total current consumption, and accumulated energy usage (Wh).
- 🛡️ Programmable protection – Adjustable overvoltage and overcurrent thresholds with configurable response delay.
- 🚨 Customizable alerts – Audible and visual warnings for abnormal voltage, current, or energy consumption.
The total current limit for the entire controller is 10A, including all connected devices and accessories.
🎯 Precision Focuser Control
The integrated focuser controller supports a wide range of stepper motor-based focusers, including MoonLite, RoboFocus, and compatible generic motors.
- ⚙️ Unipolar and bipolar stepper motor support
- 🎯 Microstepping – 1/8 and 1/32 step modes for compatible bipolar motors.
- 🔋 Adjustable motor current – Up to 2A peak, with configurable holding current.
- 💾 Permanent position memory – Focuser position is retained when power is removed, eliminating the need to park after each session.
- ↔️ Motion settings – Adjustable speed, acceleration, travel limits, and movement direction.
- 🌡️ Temperature compensation – Automatic, manual, or script-controlled focus correction based on temperature changes.
- 📈 Compensation calculator – Determine the optimal temperature compensation coefficient from recorded measurements.
An optional manual hand controller can also be connected for convenient focusing directly at the telescope.
🔥 PWM Outputs & Dew Prevention
Two independently controlled PWM channels allow precise adjustment of dew heaters, cooling fans, and other compatible loads.
- 🔥 2 PWM outputs, each rated up to 40W.
- 🎚️ 0–100% power regulation with independent channel settings.
- 💧 HEAT mode – Automatically adjusts heating power based on relative humidity.
- 🌡️ Temperature-based control – Regulates output power using an external temperature sensor and a configurable target temperature.
- ⚙️ Configurable PWM frequency – 31kHz default, with alternative settings available.
- 💾 Stored startup values – Define the power level applied when AstroLink is switched on.
PWM outputs can be controlled through the AstroLink software or compatible ASCOM Switch applications.
🌡️ Environmental Sensors & Monitoring
AstroLink supports optional external sensors to monitor observing conditions and enable environmental automation.
- 🌡️ Ambient temperature – Monitor temperature changes and support automatic focus compensation.
- 💧 Humidity and dew point – Track conditions that may cause condensation and automate dew heating.
- ☁️ Sky temperature and cloud detection – Estimate cloud coverage using infrared sky temperature measurements.
- 🌌 Sky brightness – Measure night sky brightness with a compatible SQM sensor.
- 🚨 Environmental alerts – Configure warnings for temperature changes and potentially cloudy conditions.
- 🧩 Multiple sensor support – Connect several compatible sensors using an optional signal splitter.
Sensor readings are available through the AstroLink control software and supported ASCOM interfaces.
🔗 Optional Stackable USB 3.0 Hub
AstroLink 4 micro is designed to work with the Y-3184 active 7-port USB 3.0 hub.
Both units have matching enclosure dimensions and aligned power and USB connections, allowing them to be stacked into one compact assembly.
- 🔌 7 additional USB 3.0 ports for imaging peripherals.
- 📐 Matching enclosure dimensions for a clean installation.
- ⚡ Dedicated power connection from AstroLink to the hub.
- 🧰 Flexible configuration – Purchase AstroLink separately or as a preassembled bundle with the hub.
When ordered together, the hub and AstroLink are supplied as a connected assembly with the necessary power connection and short USB cable.
💻 Software & Compatibility
AstroLink supports computer-controlled and automated astrophotography workflows.
🖥️ AstroLink Unified Control Panel
The latest AstroLink software provides centralized access to connected equipment and controller functions.
- Focuser movement and configuration
- 12V output switching and PWM regulation
- Environmental sensor readings
- Power monitoring and safety settings
- Configuration and operating parameters
🧩 ASCOM Integration
AstroLink provides the following ASCOM interfaces:
- Focuser – Motorized focus control
- Switch – Power output and PWM control
- Observing Conditions – Environmental measurements
- Safety Monitor – Observing safety status
🐧 INDI Support – Fully compatible with the latest AstroLink firmware 5.x, enabling integration with Linux-based astrophotography systems, including Raspberry Pi.
📐 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 155 × 50 × 25 mm |
| Weight | 115 g |
| Input power | 12V DC, XT60 connector |
| Maximum total current | 10A |
| Switchable outputs | 3 × 12V DC, 5A each |
| Permanent outputs | 2 × 12V DC |
| PWM outputs | 2 × 40W, 0–100% |
| Focuser output | RJ12, 6-pin |
| Stepper motor current | Up to 2A peak |
| Sensor interface | RJ11, 4-pin, I²C |
| Computer connection | USB 2.0 |
| Optional USB hub | Y-3184, 7 × USB 3.0 |
| Enclosure colors | Black, graphite, cherry red |
Note: Individual output ratings do not increase the total 10A current limit of the controller.
📦 Accessories & Expansion
AstroLink 4 micro can be extended with compatible sensors, power accessories, mounting hardware, and the optional USB 3.0 hub.
Choose the accessories that best suit your astrophotography setup.
📥 Software, Firmware & Documentation
The recommended software configuration uses ASCOM 7 with AstroLink software, driver, and firmware versions from the 5.x series.
The previous software stack, compatible with ASCOM 6 and 7, remains available for existing installations but is no longer receiving new features.
Download the latest software, drivers, firmware, and user manuals below. Always use matching software and firmware versions.
If you are looking for a simple focusing solution, please check the FocuserOne device.
If you are looking for an astrophotography controller integrated with a computer, please check the AstroLink 4 Bee or AstroLink 4 Pi.
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AstroLink 4 microPrice range: 590.00 zł through 820.00 zł incl. Vat -
Active USB 3.0 hub with card reader79.00 zł incl. Vat -
Active USB 3.0 hub99.00 zł incl. Vat -
AstroLink mounting platePrice range: 80.00 zł through 100.00 zł incl. Vat -
3-in-1 multi sensor for AstroLinkPrice range: 370.00 zł through 410.00 zł incl. Vat -
2-in-1 multi-sensor for AstroLinkPrice range: 195.00 zł through 260.00 zł incl. Vat -
Sky temperature sensorPrice range: 165.00 zł through 230.00 zł incl. Vat -
Temperature / humidity sensor75.00 zł incl. Vat -
Sensor signal splitter65.00 zł incl. Vat -
AstroLink connectors caps10.00 zł incl. Vat -
12V power supply for AstroLinkPrice range: 150.00 zł through 190.00 zł incl. Vat -
PSU Connector Replacement – XT60 Upgrade Service25.00 zł incl. Vat
📥 Latest software and downloads (ASCOM 7 platform only)
| Device | Panel application | ASCOM driver | Firmware | Docs / other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New software requires ASCOM 7 platform installed. Additionally, AstroLink ASCOM driver, panel and firmware in version 5.x.x are required. |
||||
| AstroLink 4 Go | 5.0.16 Unified control panel manual [PDF] YT presentation | 5.0.9 | (5.0.2) 1.1.11 | |
| AstroLink 4 Bee | (5.0.1) 1.0.8 | PDF / YT | ||
| AstroLink 4 MAX | (5.0.3) 1.0.8 | |||
| AstroLink 4 micro | (5.0.1) 1.0.8 | |||
| AstroLink 4 mini II | (5.0.3) 1.0.6 | |||
| Software/firmware changelog | ||||
📥 Latest software and downloads (ASCOM 6 or 7)
| Device | Panel application | ASCOM driver | INDI driver | Firmware | Docs / other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
However, no new features will be implemented in this stack. |
|||||
| AstroLink 4 Bee | 4.6.13 | 3.2.10 | N/A | (4.8.5) 1.0.5 | PDF / YT |
| AstroLink 4 micro | 4.6.13 | INDI | (4.8.5) 1.0.5 | ||
| AstroLink 4 mini II | 4.9.2 | INDI | (4.5.8) 1.0.5 | ||
| AstroLink 4 Pi | N/A | N/A | INDI | N/A | PDF / YT |
| Software/firmware changelog | |||||
| Other software | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
🏞️ AstroLink gallery
See AstroLink 4 micro and its optional accessories in detail.
