nikonshooter wrote:
Easy Peasy! I made new cables for everything but the Atlas Pro. I used 14 gage wire replacing 22 and up. My next step is to eliminate the outside laptop and add a INTEL COMPUTE stick. I am reading through the reviews now. They run Windows 10 and since I save my images to a Drop Box folder no hard drive is needed. With that addition - I will only have a power chord running from the mount. If anyone has had any experience with these sticks and have a recommendation - help help help!
Yeah, my advice is don't, Ed.
I've been there, done that. The Intel Compute stick is for close proximity Bluetooth and WiFi use, on a TV. It was miserable for me. Wireless my butt!
When I got my Baby Dell 2 in 1, I got back to reliable computer control.
The most important thing missing with the Compute Stick (besides performance) was
no visual at the mount. I'd have to walk back and forth during start-up and alignment. Then, of course, the WiFi would drop out and have to be reconnected. I bought a special external antennae for it. I got a WiFi extender. I got a new dual frequency WiFi hub.
I got disgusted.
A 2 in 1 gives you everything you need at the mount end to operate and SEE a screen. Then reliably WiFi to your indoors computer through your WiFi network.
The stick computer is also lacking in storage. The 2 in 1 has a mini SD slot for a card. I use a 64G SanDisc Ultra there and all my image files are tucked away in night to night folders.
Save yourself the expense and frustration. Stay with your laptop and a single USB cable, or get a dedicated 2 in 1 for your mount. You'll have sight and sound and control at the mount. With a powerful WiFi built in.
Since my mount stays on site, so does my big battery. I cover my battery box with one of those storage containers turned upside down. When I set up, I bring the storage container up on my table on it's side. Then I set my Baby Dell in it. Protected from dew, the container makes a great shield. Once I'm aligned and operational (A short hop), I retire to the inside and connect with Tight Vnc and have complete virtual control from the comfort of indoors (and a 32" Samsung display).
The only drawback I've found is not seeing the clouds. The other night I kept losing my guiding. I finally went outside and discovered I had my own personal cloud bank closing me out. End of the evening, the bar is closed.
Now, if I got a weather camera, for my weather station, I could see that without getting off my butt.