observatory set up - mini computer startup

[gb44 (Glenn)]

Hi all
Can anyone help me please. I want to set up my mini computer at the telescope so it STARTS by itself when I switch it on and I THEN can connect to it (via ethernet and a modem) using my favoured windows freeware program TightVNC viewer set up 3m away INDOORS. I expect to use TightVNC to then start up all the observatory programs where peripherals are all connected to the mini computer. The observatory camera would then download to either its own SSD or an external SSD.

Or do I need to hire a geek to come and do it?

GlennB

[Cam99 (Campbell)]

I am no expert, but the BIOS will probably have an option to boot on power-up which you need to set. That is how I solved this problem on my mini piggy back pc.
Good luck!

Campbell

[Ryderscope (Rodney)]

Just to confirm Campbell's response, this is exactly what I have done with the NUC mini PC in my observatory. There is a BIOS setting that allows the computer to boot up when it sees the power switch on.

I also use an IP switch from Aviosys which allows power ports to be switched on and off via a web browser. This way you can control the power to the mini PC remotely and therefore switch on the PC as required.

CS,
Rodney

[carlstronomy (Carl)]

As per the others, my mini PC is a HP and has wake on keyboard press. Once this is activated in the bios the computer also turns on when the power is turned on to my observatory.

Carl

[joshman (Josh)]

As other have mentioned, you'll want to enable "Power on Boot" in the bios. You might also enable "Wake on LAN" as well, that way you can wake up the miniPC without needing to power cycle.

You'll probably need to enable automatic sign-in on windows. I know that the Windows Remote Desktop will load with windows, but i suspect some 3rd party programs might only load on user login, meaning that if, for whatever reason, you're booted to the login screen, you might be in a bit of a pickle.


If your miniPC has Windows Pro installed is there a reason to use TightVNC instead of the Windows RDP?

[gb44 (Glenn)]

Thanks for the info guys.
Now to get started...

I see what you mean with third party stuff so I will try the remote desktop stuff as I have Win10 Pro

I suppose wireless is also better than ethernet too. My telescope mount computer is a Gemini 2 connects to a router and then to laptop via ethernet so I can likely do away with that and go Gemini to the mini PC (NUC)and wireless from there. So I just go outside power up the NUC and go inside and start the remote desktop on a laptop and then setup the Gemini and peripherals. Cool

GlennB

[joshman (Josh)]

Originally Posted by gb44

Thanks for the info guys.
Now to get started...

I see what you mean with third party stuff so I will try the remote desktop stuff as I have Win10 Pro

I suppose wireless is also better than ethernet too. My telescope mount computer is a Gemini 2 connects to a router and then to laptop via ethernet so I can likely do away with that and go Gemini to the mini PC (NUC)and wireless from there. So I just go outside power up the NUC and go inside and start the remote desktop on a laptop and then setup the Gemini and peripherals. Cool

GlennB

That would depend on your particular setup. i personally prefer direct Ethernet connection to my MiniPC's. I've got a very inexpensive wireless travel router that I've setup as a wifi extender on my home network, and this sits out at the mount with the min PC hardwired via Ethernet.



Its one of those things where I'm not sure how Windows handles wireless connections, whether they'll connect on windows boot, or user login. I've found this to be a very robust arrangement.

[gb44 (Glenn)]

Thanks. They do recommend ethernet for the Gemini telescope computer connection...
I'll see what happens.

I tried Remote Desktop - works fine on the miniPC. The laptop I'm using which cost 8-9 times the cost of the miniPC does not support Remote Desktop as it is Home Edition of Windows.
I tried the route of upgrading to Win11 Pro. This includes the necessity to put in the lappys activation code. It accepts the first 4 letters and wont accept any more than that saying something about it cant accept the type of digit entry.

I tried downloading the Remote Desktop app but I cant follow what data goes where.
MS obfuscation wins.
Win 11 - avoid it.

However, the good news is that TightVNC viewer worked fine, and only took 2 minutes to set up. Now to get into startup and bios...

GlennB

[gb44 (Glenn)]

I found I can upgrade from Win 11 home to Win11 Pro for $169...

Im waiting for a response from ASUS about the BIOS setting as I cant find a setting about BIOS on power-up.

GlennB

[gb44 (Glenn)]

Solved!
I can access the miniPC via tightVNC and start it up with an enter and password.

Now to work on the peripherals cables etcetc

GlennB

[joshman (Josh)]

Originally Posted by gb44

Solved!
I can access the miniPC via tightVNC and start it up with an enter and password.

Now to work on the peripherals cables etcetc

GlennB

Excellent! Good to hear the Tight VNC works.


Though for the record, you only need Windows Pro to host a remote desktop, not to access it. SO if you miniPC already comes with the Pro flavour of windows, you're all set.