Why I’m Switching from ASIAIR to N.I.N.A. for a remote Observatory

Over the past 2 years, ASIAIR by ZWO has proven to be a reliable and user-friendly solution for capturing the night sky. In fact, I would  still recommend ASIAIR to any beginner looking to get started with astrophotography: it allows to achieve good results very quickly, and its interface is really intuitive. The seamless integration with ZWO hardware (cameras, filter wheels, focuser, rotator) makes setup and operation remarkably straightforward.

However, with the plan of constructing a fully remote observatory on the rooftop of my house, new requirements have emerged that demand more flexibility, customization, and open-ended control than ASIAIR can currently provide. Most important the integration of a dome, allowing to control the shutter and the dome rotation automatically.

That’s why I’ve decided to migrate my astrophotography workflow to N.I.N.A. (Nighttime Imaging ‚N‘ Astronomy), an extremely powerful open-source imaging /sequencer software that offers a modular approach for astrophotography.

Why N.I.N.A.?

N.I.N.A. is an adaptable and extensible platform built with the remote observatory in mind. Its core strengths align perfectly with my current goals:

• Hardware Flexibility: Unlike ASIAIR, which is tightly integrated with ZWO’s ecosystem, N.I.N.A. supports a broad range of cameras, filter wheels, rotators, focusers, domes, and mounts—thanks to its full ASCOM and INDIGO compatibility. This opens up my observatory to a wider set of equipment, both present and future.
• Advanced Automation: N.I.N.A. enables fully automated imaging sequences, including unattended meridian flips, dynamic target scheduling, autofocus, filter changes, and now—even automated flats.
• Remote Observing Capabilities: My rooftop observatory is designed for remote access and control. N.I.N.A.’s robust integration with remote desktop tools, cloud syncing, and observatory control systems makes it ideal for this setup.
• Third-Party Integration: The switch allows me to use the new automatic flat panel by RBFocus, which integrates seamlessly with N.I.N.A.—something that is not currently possible within ASIAIR’s closed environment.

A Learning Curve again

Switching to N.I.N.A. also means taking a few steps back—to relearn what ASIAIR had already automated. Tasks like polar alignment, focusing, filter changes, and imaging routines, which were handled seamlessly in ASIAIR, now require manual configuration, integration of ASCOM drivers and all in all a deeper understanding of the imaging process. The learning curve is real—N.I.N.A. offers a vast array of features and customization options, and finding your way around can feel overwhelming at first. But with time and patience, it becomes clear that this complexity is also its greatest strength: N.I.N.A. gives you full control over every aspect of your setup, which is exactly what a remote observatory demands.

Setting Up the New Hardware

Initially, I chose the GAIUS S‑2 from RBFocus—a control computer conceptually similar to ASIAIR, complete with integrated 12 V power supply. However, its reliability soon proved insufficient: power delivery issues, limited control over power ports, and even the failure of a 12 V socket due to a miswired fan connection pointed to severe hardware limitations.

After investigating further, I came across a combination that is quite popular and well–established within the amateur astronomy community: the Pegasus Astro Ultimate Powerbox V3 paired with an Intel NUC mini–PC. The advantages for me:

• The Powerbox V3 can deliver 12 V across six individually switchable sockets, plus two “always‑on” outputs, and also includes three dew‑heater channels, stepper‑motor control, and a USB 3.1 hub—all manageable via Wi‑Fi or USB.
• It supports a regulated 12–24 V output, often used to power down‑mounted PCs like the Intel NUC (needing 19V) directly from the same 12 V supply. Therefore only one XT60-Poewrsupply-cable is needed, which is a big advantage.
• The Powerbox’s VESA mounting holes allow stacking the NUC directly on top, minimizing cable clutter and improving system stability.

Together, the Powerbox V3 + Intel NUC offer a stable power management, extensive port control, and modular expandability.

Remote Control with AnyDesk and Windows 11 Pro

To enable full remote access to the observatory system, the Intel NUC runs Windows 11 Pro, allowing for advanced remote desktop features and system-level control. From my MacBook Pro, I connect using AnyDesk, a fast and reliable remote desktop solution that lets me manage imaging sessions, monitor hardware, and operate all N.I.N.A.-based functions from anywhere with internet access.