I recently completed my full review of the 2600MC Air, which you can read on my website (linked below). We'll take a look at the sensor heat, WiFi range, user experience, and whether this camera is a smart investment or not. Once ZWO release the official firmware update for the app and camera, I'll create a video review as well. www.peterzelinka.com/blog/2024/9/asi-2600mc-air-review
I love how innovative ZWO has become! The ASI air has been a game changer for me, so I can only imagine how amazing it would be to have an all-in-one camera like this. I shoot with a RASA though so I don't know if this version would be usable for me. It'd be amazing if they could somehow do away with the antenna at some point.
@@daveeckblad I wonder if they have improved the connectivity issues of the ASI air with this version. That's my only gripe about the device. Mine disconnects a lot, even just being on the other side of the wall from my router. I'd worry that not having the antenna facing upward would make reception even worse? Maybe a wired connection via an ethernet cable would allow for the removal of the antenna altogether?
I can't speak for the 2600MC Air. I got the DUO. But, the ASIAIR Mini was horrible and the software is still buggy and annoying to configure. I prefer having multiple software options for control. Gonna make my own laptop hotspot to control via a tablet with RDP or Teamviewer.
I think this is a wonderful leap forward when it comes to simplicity and portability of an astro rig. My biggest concern though is if one part breaks… either the ASIair part, the guide camera part, or the main camera part… the whole thing is bricked. In this case modularity comes in handy.
Using the ZWO ecosystem has been helpful for me. I have 2 rigs set up and it sure is better than having two laptops out there! I also tried a mini PC with Nina and it was cumbersome and difficult. The only thing I don't like is the inability for the AA to set focus offsets for mono imaging filters.
As someone who likes to connect an ethernet cable to the ASIAIR, the absence of such a port on this device would make me unlikely to want to buy one. Not to mention the worry that if something goes wrong with the camera, or the “air” portion of it, that’s your whole setup put out of action.
True but this is meant for travel setups where you’re not going to need an Ethernet cable most likely. I plan on taking this, a redcat 51, and an AM3 to the Atacama desert. The perfect travel arrangement
Great video. Thanks, Peter. Do you think you could get higher transfer speeds if you used Station Mode? I routinely get 10 or more MB/s with my ASIAir Plus's when using Station mode, whereas connecting to the ASIAir directly I used to get about 2-3 MB/s. (Assuming, of course, you have WiFi set up in your home. Best of luck with it, BTW! It looks beautiful.)
Great video Peter! This new ASI2600MC Air and the new AM5 mount seems like they work really well together; may I ask which telescope is that in the video?
Hello Peter, been following your videos over the last few years. I purchased this camera based on your review but am confused. You screwed the camera to the back of your telescope with only the parts supplied. However that doesn't seem to reach the magical 56mm backfocus. Is this camera different?
Gimmick for my needs. I have multiple scopes, cameras, mounts… I have a couple AsiAir + I can move around supporting different configurations. I can see it as an attractive option starting out but as your kit grows, it’s going to become less useful.
So, what happens if i want to swap out my sensors with a newer model? Does that mean i will have to pay premium for the built in ASAIR every time i want to change sensors? (not that it's gonna happen often, but when it does.. i end up with a bunch of ASAIRs (so to speak)
Start the AA without the thumb key in. Then put the thumb key in and it'll ask if you want to switch to the thumb key and hit no. Then you go to the internal files and you can select them and then there is an option to transfer to your thumb key. I'm doing this from memory so...
I have a question. Is it possible to connect the camera in a PC with NINA? Cause it's a good option if one wants to bring it to travel (using asiair) or at home with NINA. Otherwise, the camera is exclusively for the internal asiair
Technically it'll work with ASCOM Alpaca but I've seen other reviewers say it's very slow. I got the regular DUO instead, use Nina on a laptop with hotspot active. Remote desktop via tablet or other pc.
My issue? When something breaks on it what's the point? it will be a very expensive paperweight I'm not a fan of all in one with sensitive equipment like this, great concept but also planned obsolescence
i just cant get on board with this due to how terrible their software update track record has been on the asiair. its fix a bug introduce 2 new bugs type progress. once i was forced to explore other control like NINA i dont think i can ever see myself using the ASIAIR again. i agree about the asi2600, its my fav camera in my arsenal. i do enjoy some ZWO products but im not a fan of the limited use equipment like the ASIAIR only working with other ZWO products. now, put a built in rotator on the camera, and i will immediately drop a wad of cash to buy 3 new cameras to replace the ones i have :D
I personally don't understand the desire to operate a telescope from your phone, where you're working on a small screen and are at the mercy of your phone battery capacity to remain connected.
This isn't worth it. the asiair app is garbage. very poorly supported, lots of missing tools. Do not get this if you expect to continue in the hobby. This is going to lock you into having a bad time. Stick with a camera that has USB connectivity so you can use it with any other software. ASCOM Alpaca isn't going to save you here.
Why is it a good idea to be trapped into the ZWO ecosystem? I would not be saying this if there was a fast way to connect to this camera not using ASIAir. That one limitation worries me, but thankfully there seems to be healthy competition right now. Awesome product no doubt, but trapping people into your ecosystem is never cool. I like my Duo, and I'm not trapped.
Then don’t buy it. The benefit of ZWO is the ecosystem. Some of us don’t want an overly complicated mess of equipment of random manufacturers that may or may not work together seamlessly. We just want the scope to work and be accurate and simple.
So you are starting a new hobby, buy this smart cam and soon find out that the built in AsiAir has its limitations. You look around and want to switch to N.I.N.A. Then you find out that you need another camera. Great! (not)
I have nothing to base this on aside from conjecture, but my bet would be that is you power it up and plug a USB cable into it, the camera and guide camera can be seen completely independent of the Air app. It would be nice to know if this theory is true though.
I see this argument all the time from astro-nerds that probably have many mounts, telescopes, cameras (including "DLSR's") and lenses. 😊 I do not think anyone starting out with ZWO would consider N.I.N.A or anything else based on "Open Source". Unless they like to to waste valuable imaging time on software and configure different hardware with a more or less intuitive GUI.
@@TL1000S97 maybe you see this argument all the time because it’s valid. When I started with this hobby I replaced my asiair within one year, because of its limitations. That would have been costly if I was lured into this camera. We’re flooded with reviews of this cam and no one mentions this (probably afraid they will not get to review the next ZWO device).
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I recently completed my full review of the 2600MC Air, which you can read on my website (linked below). We'll take a look at the sensor heat, WiFi range, user experience, and whether this camera is a smart investment or not. Once ZWO release the official firmware update for the app and camera, I'll create a video review as well.
www.peterzelinka.com/blog/2024/9/asi-2600mc-air-review
I just received my ASI2600mc Air. This with AM5 and Redcat51 will be so ideal for overseas astro trips!
ZWO changing the game at crazy pace - love this 💯🙏🏼
Camera looks interesting, but man, what a nice place and landscape!
I love how innovative ZWO has become! The ASI air has been a game changer for me, so I can only imagine how amazing it would be to have an all-in-one camera like this. I shoot with a RASA though so I don't know if this version would be usable for me. It'd be amazing if they could somehow do away with the antenna at some point.
The antenna is kind of the point of the device. Just point it directly away from your rasa scope so it doesn't affect the aperture
@@daveeckblad I wonder if they have improved the connectivity issues of the ASI air with this version. That's my only gripe about the device. Mine disconnects a lot, even just being on the other side of the wall from my router. I'd worry that not having the antenna facing upward would make reception even worse? Maybe a wired connection via an ethernet cable would allow for the removal of the antenna altogether?
I can't speak for the 2600MC Air. I got the DUO. But, the ASIAIR Mini was horrible and the software is still buggy and annoying to configure. I prefer having multiple software options for control. Gonna make my own laptop hotspot to control via a tablet with RDP or Teamviewer.
That view is a dream!!
I think this is a wonderful leap forward when it comes to simplicity and portability of an astro rig. My biggest concern though is if one part breaks… either the ASIair part, the guide camera part, or the main camera part… the whole thing is bricked. In this case modularity comes in handy.
Same for upgrade. What if I need to upgrade one part out of any of these three :)
These points came to my mind right away. It’s not as if these individual components are reliable in the first place
I have the same Jackery and used 12v cigarette socket and I've had zero problems so far.
You can also connect the AM5 through Bluetooth and rmeove the USB cable.
Great homestead you have there Peter. You definitely should see better weather!
Where is he located now? ..he was in Utah.
Using the ZWO ecosystem has been helpful for me. I have 2 rigs set up and it sure is better than having two laptops out there! I also tried a mini PC with Nina and it was cumbersome and difficult. The only thing I don't like is the inability for the AA to set focus offsets for mono imaging filters.
Thanks! Comprehensive but succinct-my favorite kind of RUclips.
East Idaho seems like a nice place for this hobby 😍
As someone who likes to connect an ethernet cable to the ASIAIR, the absence of such a port on this device would make me unlikely to want to buy one. Not to mention the worry that if something goes wrong with the camera, or the “air” portion of it, that’s your whole setup put out of action.
True but this is meant for travel setups where you’re not going to need an Ethernet cable most likely. I plan on taking this, a redcat 51, and an AM3 to the Atacama desert. The perfect travel arrangement
Nice property Peter!
Great video. Thanks, Peter. Do you think you could get higher transfer speeds if you used Station Mode? I routinely get 10 or more MB/s with my ASIAir Plus's when using Station mode, whereas connecting to the ASIAir directly I used to get about 2-3 MB/s. (Assuming, of course, you have WiFi set up in your home. Best of luck with it, BTW! It looks beautiful.)
Great video Peter! This new ASI2600MC Air and the new AM5 mount seems like they work really well together; may I ask which telescope is that in the video?
Actually I just worked it out (Spacecat 61 WIFD) :)
Hello Peter, been following your videos over the last few years. I purchased this camera based on your review but am confused. You screwed the camera to the back of your telescope with only the parts supplied. However that doesn't seem to reach the magical 56mm backfocus. Is this camera different?
Beautiful location! ❤
Curious as to how much additional heat load would be generated within the case because of the ASIAIR board? What effect in hot climates?
Gimmick for my needs. I have multiple scopes, cameras, mounts… I have a couple AsiAir + I can move around supporting different configurations. I can see it as an attractive option starting out but as your kit grows, it’s going to become less useful.
I have my main rig at home, and then a travel setup that I take out to darker skies. This seems like the perfect fit for the travel rig.
So, what happens if i want to swap out my sensors with a newer model?
Does that mean i will have to pay premium for the built in ASAIR every time i want to change sensors?
(not that it's gonna happen often, but when it does.. i end up with a bunch of ASAIRs (so to speak)
How do you transfer files from internal menory to thumb drive?
Start the AA without the thumb key in. Then put the thumb key in and it'll ask if you want to switch to the thumb key and hit no. Then you go to the internal files and you can select them and then there is an option to transfer to your thumb key. I'm doing this from memory so...
This + a Redcat 51 on an AM3 would be the sickest portable setup....Might be my setup I take to the Atacama desert in Chile.
I have a question. Is it possible to connect the camera in a PC with NINA? Cause it's a good option if one wants to bring it to travel (using asiair) or at home with NINA. Otherwise, the camera is exclusively for the internal asiair
Technically it'll work with ASCOM Alpaca but I've seen other reviewers say it's very slow. I got the regular DUO instead, use Nina on a laptop with hotspot active. Remote desktop via tablet or other pc.
My issue? When something breaks on it what's the point? it will be a very expensive paperweight I'm not a fan of all in one with sensitive equipment like this, great concept but also planned obsolescence
Order a longer antenna. Longer is always better
Testing
i just cant get on board with this due to how terrible their software update track record has been on the asiair. its fix a bug introduce 2 new bugs type progress. once i was forced to explore other control like NINA i dont think i can ever see myself using the ASIAIR again. i agree about the asi2600, its my fav camera in my arsenal. i do enjoy some ZWO products but im not a fan of the limited use equipment like the ASIAIR only working with other ZWO products.
now, put a built in rotator on the camera, and i will immediately drop a wad of cash to buy 3 new cameras to replace the ones i have :D
I can't even get a regular ASIAIR Mini to work in station mode. The UI and support are garbage. Buy a USB Cam and use competent software instead.
Salut, gorgeous -bye. Peter.
I personally don't understand the desire to operate a telescope from your phone, where you're working on a small screen and are at the mercy of your phone battery capacity to remain connected.
QHY better start innovating or there gonna be bought by ZWO soon.
love Idaho
Good Product but not game changer..
Gimmick for 2k lol
This isn't worth it. the asiair app is garbage. very poorly supported, lots of missing tools. Do not get this if you expect to continue in the hobby. This is going to lock you into having a bad time. Stick with a camera that has USB connectivity so you can use it with any other software. ASCOM Alpaca isn't going to save you here.
Why is it a good idea to be trapped into the ZWO ecosystem? I would not be saying this if there was a fast way to connect to this camera not using ASIAir. That one limitation worries me, but thankfully there seems to be healthy competition right now. Awesome product no doubt, but trapping people into your ecosystem is never cool. I like my Duo, and I'm not trapped.
Agreed
Then don’t buy it. The benefit of ZWO is the ecosystem. Some of us don’t want an overly complicated mess of equipment of random manufacturers that may or may not work together seamlessly. We just want the scope to work and be accurate and simple.
@@aztronomy7457 the ASIAIR software doesn't work. So it doesn't solve anything.
So you are starting a new hobby, buy this smart cam and soon find out that the built in AsiAir has its limitations. You look around and want to switch to N.I.N.A. Then you find out that you need another camera. Great! (not)
I have nothing to base this on aside from conjecture, but my bet would be that is you power it up and plug a USB cable into it, the camera and guide camera can be seen completely independent of the Air app. It would be nice to know if this theory is true though.
I see this argument all the time from astro-nerds that probably have many mounts, telescopes, cameras (including "DLSR's") and lenses. 😊
I do not think anyone starting out with ZWO would consider N.I.N.A or anything else based on "Open Source". Unless they like to to waste valuable imaging time on software and configure different hardware with a more or less intuitive GUI.
@@TL1000S97 maybe you see this argument all the time because it’s valid. When I started with this hobby I replaced my asiair within one year, because of its limitations. That would have been costly if I was lured into this camera. We’re flooded with reviews of this cam and no one mentions this (probably afraid they will not get to review the next ZWO device).
@@WilsonFlyer There's no USB port
@@TL1000S97 I started out in the hobby with ASCOM and every random PC software tool I can find. People are smart. They can figure it out.