PrimaLuceLab EAGLE6 Computer for Telescopes and Astrophotography

An All-in-One Computer for Any Telescope

The EAGLE6 is engineered to replace the laptop or desktop computer at the heart of your imaging rig, moving all processing, power distribution, and device connectivity directly onto the telescope. This simplifies cable management, as the connections for your camera, mount, and accessories move with the telescope, reducing the risk of cable snags or detached cables during an imaging sequence. A single 12V power cable is all that's needed to run your entire setup.

Designed for universal compatibility, the EAGLE6 can be attached to any telescope (refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrains, Ritchey-Chretiens, Newtonians and others) using PrimaLuceLab's PLUS system of rings, bars, and clamps. It creates an open platform for astrophotography, allowing you to use your preferred devices and Windows software from any manufacturer without being locked into a proprietary ecosystem.

The Intel Celeron J6412 Processor and Windows 11

The EAGLE6 is built around an Intel Celeron J6412 Quad-Core processor with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of just 10W. PrimaLuceLab chose a low thermal design power to keep power consumption low, which reduces the battery capacity needed for a night of imaging.

It runs a lightweight and stable version of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, which is free from the bloatware often found on consumer PCs. This ensures that system resources are dedicated to your imaging tasks. Because it's a full Windows environment, you can install the same software and drivers you use on a desktop, for example NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, Voyager, SharpCap, MaxIm DL, TheSkyX, Stellarium, Cartes du Ciel, PHD Guiding and PrimaLuceLab's own PLAY software.

EAGLE6 Performance vs. S, PRO, and XTM Models

The EAGLE6 is the foundation of a family of computers designed to meet different performance needs. PrimaLuceLab offers the models with different computing power, memory and disk space so you can choose the one that fits your application, power requirements and budget; the base EAGLE6 uses the lowest-power processor of the four.

Based on PCMark benchmark tests, the EAGLE6 offers 62% more performance than a common Mini PC with an Intel Celeron N3160 processor. For users needing more power, the family scales significantly:

• EAGLE6 S: With a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, this model scores 272% more than the same Mini PC in PrimaLuceLab's PCMark test, and adds a 256GB SSD and Thunderbolt 4 on its USB-C ports.
• EAGLE6 PRO: Upgrading to a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, the PRO model scores 310% more than the Mini PC in the same test.
• EAGLE6 XTM: The XTM has a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and scores 349% more than the Mini PC in the same test.

A 10-Port USB Hub with Remote Switching

The EAGLE6 eliminates the need for external USB hubs by integrating ten ports directly into its chassis. This includes four high-speed USB 3.2 ports (two of which are USB-C) for connecting modern cameras and high-bandwidth devices, alongside six USB 2.0 ports. The ports are positioned for easy access to reduce tangled cables.

A key feature for remote and automated observatories is the ability to remotely power cycle four of the USB 2.0 ports via the EAGLE Manager X software. If a device like a guide camera or focuser becomes unresponsive, you can reset its connection without physically unplugging the cable. This feature also allows you to power down unused peripherals to conserve battery life.

The 7-Port, 16A Smart Power Bridge

The EAGLE6 accepts a single 12V DC input up to 16A and distributes it through seven protected outputs. This integrated power bridge can run your entire imaging rig, including your mount, camera, and accessories, from one central unit. The system features four standard 12V outputs with screw-type connectors to prevent accidental disconnection. Two of these ports are rated for up to 3A each, while two high-current ports can deliver up to 8A each for devices that need more current.

In addition, three dedicated dew heater ports provide adjustable voltage up to 12V, allowing you to control the power to your dew straps without an external controller. The EAGLE Manager X software lets you monitor the real-time power consumption of every connected device and the power board has an overcurrent protection chip that disconnects power in case of electrical problems, faster than traditional fuses, and re-activates it automatically once the problem is resolved.

WiFi 6E, Dual Ethernet, and GHOST Mode

You can control the EAGLE6 without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor using a Remote Desktop client (for example Microsoft Remote Desktop or the Parallels Client) on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The EAGLE6 features powerful WiFi 6E (802.11ax) connectivity, which operates on the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands for reduced interference and a more stable connection. In its default Access Point (AP) mode, the EAGLE6 creates its own WiFi network for direct connection in the field. Alternatively, HOST mode lets it join your existing home or observatory network.

For wired connections, it includes a standard Gigabit Ethernet port and a dedicated LOM (Lights-Out Management) Ethernet port. A unique GHOST mode feature also allows you to control PrimaLuceLab devices (SESTO SENSO 2, ESATTO, ARCO, GIOTTO and ALTO) wirelessly, replacing the USB cable with the EAGLE6's WiFi connection.

Lights-Out Management and CTRL IN/OUT Ports

Designed for true remote operation, the EAGLE6 introduces Lights-Out Management (LOM) and Observatory Actions. LOM uses a dedicated Ethernet port to provide access to the EAGLE6's core systems, even when the main computer is powered off. From a web browser on the same network, you can remotely power the EAGLE6 on, check sensor status, and toggle power to USB and 12V ports before your session begins.

The new CTRL IN and CTRL OUT ports allow the EAGLE6 to interface directly with other observatory hardware. The CTRL IN port can be triggered by an external device (like a smart relay) to perform actions like powering on the EAGLE or activating dew heaters. The CTRL OUT port can turn external equipment such as mounts or domes on or off, in Switch or Pulse mode, when the device accepts an external switch input.

Onboard Sensors: GPS, EYE, Inclinometer, and Motion Detection

The EAGLE6 is equipped with a suite of integrated sensors that provide critical environmental and positional data to your imaging software. This data is displayed in real-time within the EAGLE Manager X interface.

• GPS: An external high-gain antenna automatically acquires precise latitude, longitude, elevation, and UTC time, which can be synced with Windows to ensure your mount and planetarium software have accurate location data.
• EYE Sensor: This sensor measures sky brightness in a 5° field of view pointed parallel to your telescope, providing a real-time sky quality reading in magnitudes per square arcsecond.
• Inclinometer: Measures the elevation of your telescope with a resolution of 0.1 degrees (average error under 1 degree), so you can remotely check that the telescope points at the correct elevation.
• Motion Detector: Shows unexpected motions from wind gusts or cable snags without confusing them with tracking or goto movements, so PLAY (or third-party software that supports the Motion Detector) can automatically repeat the last acquisition.

EAGLE Manager X: Your Telescope's Control Center

At the core of the EAGLE6 experience is the EAGLE Manager X software. This interface provides a central dashboard for controlling all of the EAGLE’s hardware features, monitoring system status, and managing your connected devices.

From the main screen, you can remotely enable or disable each of the four 12V power out ports and the four switchable USB 2.0 ports, name each port for the device connected to it, and monitor the real-time power consumption of your entire system. The software also provides access to all sensor data, allows you to set dew heater output levels, configure network settings, and activate special functions like DARK mode (which disables all LEDs) and GHOST mode for wireless device control.

The 1100g PLUS Case: Secure Mounting on Any Telescope

The EAGLE6 is housed in a rigid, 1100 g aluminum chassis designed for seamless mechanical integration with any telescope. The PLUS case system features an array of M5 and M6 threaded holes, allowing you to securely attach the EAGLE directly to PLUS support rings, dovetail bars, or clamps. PrimaLuceLab's FEM simulations give a maximum deformation of 0.002 mm with a 10 kg load.

Using the M5 threaded holes on top, you can install PLUS guide rings and a guide scope in parallel (the manual says the guide scope must not exceed 8 kg). By mounting the computer and all peripherals directly to the telescope assembly, you can pre-assemble your rig and reduce setup time in the field. The manual includes a caution on screw length to ensure internal electronics are not damaged during installation.

Getting Started with the PrimaLuceLab EAGLE6

Your EAGLE6 arrives with everything needed to begin integrating it into your setup. The box contains the EAGLE6 computer, two WiFi antennas, one GPS antenna, a 250cm 12V power cable with a cigarette lighter plug, and a comprehensive set of M6 screws of various lengths for mounting.

PrimaLuceLab strongly recommends that your first action is to create a Windows 11 recovery drive using a USB stick. This ensures you can restore the system to its factory state if you encounter any issues after installing third-party drivers or software. Once the backup is complete, you can connect the EAGLE6 to your network, access it via Remote Desktop, and begin installing your preferred astronomy software and device drivers just as you would on any other Windows computer.