BackyardEOS on a mini PC?

[orbmanBYEOS]

I recently posted a thread if there was a BackyardEOS version for an iPhone. That's not possible.

So I want to explore another possible option. I am currently running BackyardEOS on my Surface Pro 4 laptop connected via a USB cable to my Canon 7DII and optics. But I need to use the laptop on a small table and sit in a chair to use it. Even in tablet mode, the laptop is too big and heavy to hold and use it while standing.

I need to find an option for field use where I do not need a small table and chair. I've tried researching mini PC laptop/tablets and the reviews are all over the place. Some reviewers state that the brand they bought had malware in the operating system. Other reviewers said that the rechargeable battery in the brand they bought would not hold a charge after using it for three months.

So has anyone had a good experience using BackyardEOS on a mini laptop/tablet, and if so what brand and model?

Thank you.

[admin]

I've been using the "MeLE Mini PC Quieter 4C N150" for about a year and I really like it. The mini pc sit with my rig and I remote desktop to it.

It's a fanless mini pc, so no fan vibration is transferred to your gear.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DZCSFQGF?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1

[admin]

take a look and this review and how to setup wifi hotspot.

 

 

 

[astroman133]

I expect that it won't be the PC that is too big or heavy or awkward. You will still need some kind of display or monitor which would typically need to sit on a table.

[orbmanBYEOS]

39 minutes ago, astroman133 said:

I expect that it won't be the PC that is too big or heavy or awkward. You will still need some kind of display or monitor which would typically need to sit on a table.

Yes, I looked at similar mini PC units as suggested above, but there's no display to operate BackyardEOS. I really need a mini laptop or tablet that is reliable, and probably 8 inches or smaller.

Thanks!

[admin]

Something like this? 

https://x-plus.store/products/piccolo-8-tiny-laptop

[orbmanBYEOS]

1 hour ago, admin said:

Something like this? 

https://x-plus.store/products/piccolo-8-tiny-laptop

Yes, however; I looked this product up on Amazon and there were a lot of complaints about it not working or failing soon after purchase, and poor customer support - more than just one or two dissatisfied customers.

And that's been my problem finding something that will work. Looks great in the ads until you start reading customer reviews.

I'm trying to find an option that has been well tested and found to be reliable.

[s3igell]

On 6/28/2025 at 10:55 AM, orbmanBYEOS said:

Yes, I looked at similar mini PC units as suggested above, but there's no display to operate BackyardEOS. I really need a mini laptop or tablet that is reliable, and probably 8 inches or smaller.

The usual "trick" with the mini PC at the mount (or even mounted on the OTA):  It is setup to operate WITHOUT either a monitor or keyboard/mouse.  Rather, you "Remote Control" it via your existing Windows Surface notebook - via WiFi or an Ethernet Cable.  You see the contents of the mini PC "Display" in a window on your Surface, and your Mouse/Trackpad/Keyboard acts as that of the mini PC.

The mini PC can be powered by Extension Cord or by Battery/Powerbank.  While not truly weatherized, it is rather well enclosed and its moderate amount of internal heat acts as a self- dew-heater.

The mini PC spends the entire Imaging Session running BYE and storing the Images on its internal SSD.  You remote control it at the start of the session, to ensure that the DSLR is operating (and also any Tracking Software and even any "Live Stacking" are running optimally).  Then you are free to disconnect the remote control software and go about your evening.  Anytime you wish to see how the imaging session progresses, simply re-establish the remote control connection.  And, when you are ready to shutdown, one more remote connection session is used to stop the programs on the mini PC and then to shutdown the mini PC itself.  Later, at your convenience, you use another remote control session to transfer the accumulated images to a HDD or USB Stick or even transfer them via Mapped Drive; so that you can start your post-processing efforts. 

[orbmanBYEOS]

'The usual "trick" with the mini PC at the mount (or even mounted on the OTA):  It is setup to operate WITHOUT either a monitor or keyboard/mouse.  Rather, you "Remote Control" it via your existing Windows Surface notebook - via WiFi or an Ethernet Cable.  You see the contents of the mini PC "Display" in a window on your Surface, and your Mouse/Trackpad/Keyboard acts as that of the mini PC.'

Well, if I am traveling to a remote site, and don't want to have to lug a small table and chair to use my laptop, your suggestion seems to not solve the problem. Might as well just connect my laptop running BackyardEOS to my camera as I do now.