The cost increase is reasonable, given the upgrades. However, I doubt the unit is *really* lighter when you put the wifi antenna on. Also, can you leave the antenna off? I can see it getting in the way or catching my cables. Thanks for the information Teagan!
Without the load of an antenna on a WiFi (or any other radio frequency type) transmitter, there is a real possibility of damaging it. Even the wrong load (antenna the wrong length) can potentially cause damage.
You might be able to get adapters to "bend or angle" the Antenna in order not to get in the way of your cables.. but when you do that the performance will be compromised.
@@gewglesux Better cable management would be a better way to deal with this. If you look at the way the antenna is mounted from the factory, it looks like the only other solutions would be an appropriate RG cable to move the antenna to a better location or replacing the antenna with a short dummy load. But why buy the plus model only to disable it best feature? May as well get the pro model.
@@MikeHammer1 Agreed. I think that with a few Velcro straps or maybe even some zip ties that would be a better move than messing around with what is already there. I have the Pro that i bought in the summer. I've only used it once due to not having enough time. So to tell you the truth i really DON'T know how bad the WIFI is on the Pro. (it connected and i was able to use it) I can tell you that's the major complaint that i see online
Does the Plus offer full auto-focus capability? What focus method does it use? Does it offer different focusing methods? If I remember well, the Pro only offered 'manual' focus capability, meaning you couldn't program the setup to auto focus with some frequency during the session.
Hey Wayne! The ASI Air Pro and Plus both allow use of the ZWO Electric Autofocuser, but as far as choosing set intervals at which one can run the autofocuser - that's a good question! We'll look into it.
This is “just” a comparison of features and not an actual performance review. In particular no tests on the improved wifi, storage and PC connectivity.
This video does no service other than marketing the newer device based upon published specs, but what more would we expect from a distributor or seller. I expect the ASIAIR Plus will have its own unique faults, but only time will tell.
@@user-yh8ce7tg8l I have the ASIAIR Pro and with the latest updates to both the iPad app and the FW, it is a real pleasure to use. I am sure ZWO did a great job and improvement with this new AISIAIR Plus, but unfortunately this is not reflected in this “review” nor in any of the other marketing/announcement videos on this new device I have seen so far.
After my experience with the Pro I'm very reluctant to purchase this "upgrade". The Pro model is "buggy" at best and has compatibility issues with the Skywatcher EQ6-R mount. I dont appreciate being a "beta tester" for someone's new unproven product. How about I send you my ASIPro and $50 for an "upgraded" Plus?
Hm. With my Pro and the TP link wifi portable Router i don’t see the need to spend 299€ for this upgrade. Too bad ZWO doesn’t offer to add a wifi stick to the pro for example. Tbh: the WiFi is the only real update with the plus. 🧐
This is true. I have no issues with Wi-Fi range. I connect my pro to my router and my iPad has no issues reaching the router. However, the plus may increase the download speeds is the signal is truly stronger. It’s a costly upgrade for really what? I guess I’ll see when my plus arrives. 😛
I wish they still just made the basic ASI Air for those of us that just want to control our autoguider without a laptop and don't need the other functionality. Why not offer the very basic and cheap no frills model?
@@gewglesux I can't find any non-laptop auto guiding option cheaper than the Asiair pro. I just would be happier not spending the $250 to autoguide. But the plate solving would be a nice option with it also. Guessing it is the direction I will go eventually.
@@somguynco Ok Thanks for the reply. I thought the ASPRO was the only one around. I never knew that there was a Basic one. when the plus come out i'll probably get it. Not happy about the price though.
The Wi-Fi isn’t bad on the pro once you understand how to adjust things. Maybe the people who complain want huge range. My pro connects to my router. I make sure the angle of the pro is such for max signal to router. Once in the house, my iPad connects to the router, not to the pro. That’s the configuration I choose works best for me. Of course 5g is out, the range is too far even at only about 30 feet. So I use all 2g and get 3-5Mb transfers between the pro and my iPad. The ASIAIR doesn’t need connection to the app to run properly, so dropping the signal from the app does no damage to your progress. I expect pro owners will be less than impressed by the plus, having to spend another $300 after recently buying the pro for $249.
You call that a review? You never showed the device??!?!!??!! What’s up with that? It also seems like I would be buying a whole new controller, having the pro already, for just a few upgrades that won’t improve my final results. Hmmm 🤨
Hello everyone! A full review of the ZWO ASI Air Plus will be coming soon!
i love the way you explain things! great information and video
CAN'T WAIT for this release!! Love the PRO, but looking forward to that extended wifi coverage!! Thanks for sharing and best wishes from Scotland! :)
I can’t wait to get started in astrophotography.
operating system is not different. ASI Pro: OS was stored in microSD. ASi Plus: in eMMC on board
Thanks for the correction!
The cost increase is reasonable, given the upgrades. However, I doubt the unit is *really* lighter when you put the wifi antenna on. Also, can you leave the antenna off? I can see it getting in the way or catching my cables. Thanks for the information Teagan!
Hey there! We don't know if the WiFi antenna can be left off -- we'll look into it and see if we can find an answer for you.
Without the load of an antenna on a WiFi (or any other radio frequency type) transmitter, there is a real possibility of damaging it. Even the wrong load (antenna the wrong length) can potentially cause damage.
You might be able to get adapters to "bend or angle" the Antenna in order not to get in the way of your cables.. but when you do that the performance will be compromised.
@@gewglesux Better cable management would be a better way to deal with this. If you look at the way the antenna is mounted from the factory, it looks like the only other solutions would be an appropriate RG cable to move the antenna to a better location or replacing the antenna with a short dummy load. But why buy the plus model only to disable it best feature? May as well get the pro model.
@@MikeHammer1 Agreed. I think that with a few Velcro straps or maybe even some zip ties that would be a better move than messing around with what is already there. I have the Pro that i bought in the summer. I've only used it once due to not having enough time. So to tell you the truth i really DON'T know how bad the WIFI is on the Pro. (it connected and i was able to use it) I can tell you that's the major complaint that i see online
Does the Plus offer full auto-focus capability? What focus method does it use? Does it offer different focusing methods? If I remember well, the Pro only offered 'manual' focus capability, meaning you couldn't program the setup to auto focus with some frequency during the session.
This is all handled by the ASIAIR app on the iPad. Autofocus with the ASIair PRO and the ASI EAF works great!
But I have not checked out if the new planning mode allows for re-occurring autofocusing. Good point!
Hey Wayne!
The ASI Air Pro and Plus both allow use of the ZWO Electric Autofocuser, but as far as choosing set intervals at which one can run the autofocuser - that's a good question! We'll look into it.
The app controls auto focus and allows you to program intervals like if temp changes a certain amount of degrees.
Does the Asiair Plus support the LX85 mount?
Hey Blair! That's a great question. We'll look into this and see if we can find an answer.
This is “just” a comparison of features and not an actual performance review. In particular no tests on the improved wifi, storage and PC connectivity.
This video does no service other than marketing the newer device based upon published specs, but what more would we expect from a distributor or seller. I expect the ASIAIR Plus will have its own unique faults, but only time will tell.
@@user-yh8ce7tg8l I have the ASIAIR Pro and with the latest updates to both the iPad app and the FW, it is a real pleasure to use. I am sure ZWO did a great job and improvement with this new AISIAIR Plus, but unfortunately this is not reflected in this “review” nor in any of the other marketing/announcement videos on this new device I have seen so far.
Another slick and informative video, thanks! I'm so buying the Air Plus when it comes out.
After my experience with the Pro I'm very reluctant to purchase this "upgrade". The Pro model is "buggy" at best and has compatibility issues with the Skywatcher EQ6-R mount. I dont appreciate being a "beta tester" for someone's new unproven product. How about I send you my ASIPro and $50 for an "upgraded" Plus?
Lemme know how that works out for you.
I want a free upgrade !! Forget the “plus $50”. No pun intended. 😉
Hm. With my Pro and the TP link wifi portable Router i don’t see the need to spend 299€ for this upgrade. Too bad ZWO doesn’t offer to add a wifi stick to the pro for example. Tbh: the WiFi is the only real update with the plus. 🧐
This is true. I have no issues with Wi-Fi range. I connect my pro to my router and my iPad has no issues reaching the router. However, the plus may increase the download speeds is the signal is truly stronger. It’s a costly upgrade for really what? I guess I’ll see when my plus arrives. 😛
Full review? You just read the press release…
I wish they still just made the basic ASI Air for those of us that just want to control our autoguider without a laptop and don't need the other functionality. Why not offer the very basic and cheap no frills model?
There are powerful stand-alone autoguider devices from different manufacturers out there. A Raspberry-Pi is a little bit of an overkill.
Price diffrence?
@@gewglesux I can't find any non-laptop auto guiding option cheaper than the Asiair pro. I just would be happier not spending the $250 to autoguide. But the plate solving would be a nice option with it also. Guessing it is the direction I will go eventually.
@@somguynco Ok Thanks for the reply. I thought the ASPRO was the only one around. I never knew that there was a Basic one. when the plus come out i'll probably get it. Not happy about the price though.
The Wi-Fi isn’t bad on the pro once you understand how to adjust things. Maybe the people who complain want huge range. My pro connects to my router. I make sure the angle of the pro is such for max signal to router. Once in the house, my iPad connects to the router, not to the pro. That’s the configuration I choose works best for me. Of course 5g is out, the range is too far even at only about 30 feet. So I use all 2g and get 3-5Mb transfers between the pro and my iPad. The ASIAIR doesn’t need connection to the app to run properly, so dropping the signal from the app does no damage to your progress. I expect pro owners will be less than impressed by the plus, having to spend another $300 after recently buying the pro for $249.
Nice run down. YAY!! they fixed the WIFI
Is fixing the Wi-Fi is the only real benefit of the plus, maybe ZWO should give the plus free to pro owners. 😛
@@skyboy98046 I can’t say that thought hasn’t crossed my mind as well.
You call that a review? You never showed the device??!?!!??!! What’s up with that? It also seems like I would be buying a whole new controller, having the pro already, for just a few upgrades that won’t improve my final results. Hmmm 🤨
Yeah but can you change the default WiFi password? 😜
Good question, we're looking into this!
Got my preorder in already bitches 😁
Thumbs down for not showing the product at ALL