Hi again, I have compiled INDILib and Drivers on the RPI3. Also compiled KStars but not on the RPi, I am using a x86 Atom laptop (ASUS 1000H).
The RPi is just too slow for remote operation with KStars.

That puzzle means the camera can't download the image correctly, USB problems.It happened to me too and it's common with these cameras (USB2 Versions).
First, no hubs in the middle, they just don't work with the majority of hubs. Directly connected to RPi. Second flash the compatible firmware of the ASI120MM.
Third, USB bandwidth at 40.

I'm thinking of getting an ASI120MM as a guide camera, thinking that because ZWO sold the RasPi based ASIAir, bundled with an ASI120MM, this would be a reliable way to get guiding.

But now I am hearing a need to jump through all sorts of hoops - compilng from sources, flashing firmware and so on. Even then operation seems flaky.

I've already got an Altair GPCAM which doesn't work with INDI on the RasPi and I don't want another Windows only camera.

Is it really that bad? I'm thinking of getting one and if it doesn't work out of the box return it. Am I wasting my time even trying?

Or can someone suggest a small, not too expensive, guide camera that does just work with INDI and the RasPi?

You dont need to compile from the source, Just follow those 3 steps. If you already have one of course.

Also it seems the 120MM-S, the usb3 version works very well, without those hassles. But someone here can confirm that.

Allready made the 2 first step, have to try the third one.

Many thanks for your answers!

I used to use an ASI120MC-S (USB3 version) on an RPi3 running Ubuntu Mate 18.04 without any problems whatsoever. I switched to a mini-pc because that one has 4 Gb of memory which makes operating it smoother. But apart from having only 1 Gb of memory the RPi has always performed flawlessly.

By the way, I initially installed Ubuntu Mate 16.04 on the RPi and then upgraded to 18.04 manually.


HTH, Wouter

Thanks! One more step, make sure it's on 8 bit mode.

I think I may be getting to the bottom of this, there are two very similar cameras:

The ZWO ASI 120MM USB 2.0. This is a large diameter short camera with a T mount. It doesn't work although it might be persuaded to do so by installing different firmware.

The ZWO ASI 120MM MINI USB 2.0. Ths is an eyepiece sized longer camera, it has a C mount. This does work with the RasPi and ZWO bundle it with their ASIAir version.

The one I'm thinking of getting is the second, the MINI version. The ZWO forum and their support is pretty unequivocal that the 120mm mini works and the 120mm doesn't, at least with ASIAir.

Has anyone used the ASI120MM MINI with vanilla INDI rather than ASIAir?

Yop...sadly, it happens to me.... Grrrr

Ok, I confirm :
No hub and nothing else. I'm testing the camera on RPi3B+ alone by day (right now).
Bandwidth is on 40, Depth on 8bit.

And it doesn't work.

I allready flash the firmware but how can I be sure that it is the good one ?
I tried many parameters : restrict to 640x480, in strealming AND picture controls. I move bandwidht too but go back to 40 and even tried 16bit mode

Here is cpature of my ekos sreen with the puzzle...I have an average of 1/4 images like this.

I had an ASI120MC (USB2 version) as well and flashed it but never got it to work on Linux. Others on this forum have flashed it successfully. I guess your mileage may vary.

However, there is a third version: the ASI120MC-S (USB3). This one does work on Linux. I can confirm this because I have two and I use them all the time.

To my best of knowledge the ASI120MC MINI works on Linux but I am not 100% sure.

By the way, apart from the color version (MC) there also is a black and white version (MM) and all that I wrote applies to that as well, apart from the fact that I own or have owned one.


Wouter

There is no such camera as the 120mc mini, they only make a mono version of this mini camera..

Thanks for the correction!

And how about Bin 2x2? Did you try it? This reduces the image size and it should at least solve the "puzzle".
I always use mine at 2x2. Also 0.02s exposure is too fast for that camera in picture mode. The minimum
safest exposure I tested was 0.5s. Anything faster than this gives that puzzle. It's too fast for USB2.