Use of mini PC's permanently outside

[Tom33]

Having spent a year carting my EQ6-Rpro and SW ED80 outside for imaging, I am considering building a ROR observatory in the summer. I would like to control this with NINA from a mini PC but it will STAY outside. I have looked at various fanless windows PC's such as the Male 2 Quieter and the various Hunsn models but presume some are better than others regarding cold / hot temperatures , condensation etc. The site for my observatory is only 30 feet from the house so I could hardwire it rather than wifi. Its a long term project but any comments would be welcome. 

[barbulo]

Here is my solution, though it’s not a permanent obsy:

Refurbished PC: 90€ on eBay 

PCL network connection: 35€ on Amazon

[scotty38]

I have a Mele Quieter 2 fastened to the dovetail but it's only left out under a Telegizmo 365 for a few days at a time if clear nights are forecast. Once the forecast is not great I bring it in but it's been ok so far. I do add a pet bed warmer thing though to keep the damp off as much as I can.

[wuthton]

My Zotac c320 has been in my micro-obsy for a few years with no problems. 

My main recommendation would be to buy one with 5 or 6 usb ports so that you can avoid pesky hubs. 

[wimvb]

If you leave the mini PC on for most of the time, it will be warm enough so that dew won't be a problem. Same should be for cold, unless you live in the arctic. I have my Raspberry Pi on 24x7, and also a Rock64 Pro that runs a web server for my all sky camera. Both just keep on going.

[Skipper Billy]

I have an Intel NUC that has been outside for 4 years in the Scottish Highlands - not noted for nice weather!!

Zero issues. 

Same for my Raspberry Pi that has been on 24/7 for 4 years.

[Whistlin Bob]

Mine has been outside for two and a half years- no problems so far, and it's switched off when not in use, so not warm. Keyboard didn't like getting dewed up though!!!

[Adam J]

Of your obsy is damp it will kill your optics long before it will kill the mini pc. 

[JeremyS]

I’ve had two HP laptops running permanently in my obsy since 2014. And there were old off eBay before I got them. They owe me nothing 

[whipdry]

I have a ROR observatory I use for imaging, my first NUC lasted 3 years on the mount... decided when it failed next one would be keep in the warm room, that lasted 4 months before a warranty replacement was needed! 

Seems to be more luck of the draw than anything else... 

 

Peter

[Tom33]

Thanks for all the comments. Looks like best advice is to give it a go!