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Install on your SBC

Debian 13 on a ZWO ASIAIR

Flash the original ZWO ASIAIR (a Raspberry Pi 3B+ inside) with Debian 13 (Trixie) and install AlpacaBridge. The 3B+ lacks USB 3.0, so camera downloads are slower than on newer boards, but it works.

ZWO ASIAIR
Debian 13 (Trixie)Raspberry Pi 3B+SD card install

Flashing the SD Card​

Download the Raspberry Pi Imager for your OS from the official site (available for Linux, macOS, and Windows).

No backup needed

Flash a new SD card and keep the original ZWO card in a drawer. Want the stock ASIAIR back? Swap the original card in and you're done.

Steps​

  1. Insert your SD card into your computer
  2. Open Raspberry Pi Imager
  3. Click Choose Device and select Raspberry Pi 3
  4. Click Choose OS and select Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit). Choose either the Desktop or Lite (headless) version
  5. Click Choose Storage and select your SD card
  6. Click Next. You will be prompted to apply OS customisation settings
  7. It is recommended to configure the following before flashing:
    • Hostname
    • Username and password
    • Wi-Fi credentials (if not using Ethernet)
    • Enable SSH under the Services tab for remote access
  8. Click Save, then Yes to apply settings
  9. Click Write and wait for the process to complete
  10. Once verified, remove the SD card and insert it into your ASIAIR

Remote Access​

Two remote access options are available:

  • SSH: Enabled during the flashing process via the Imager settings. Recommended for headless setups; works on a local network without internet access. Connect using an SSH client such as Terminal (Linux/macOS) or PuTTY (Windows).
  • Raspberry Pi Connect: Allows remote access via a browser without needing to be on the same local network. Requires an active internet connection on both devices. See connect.raspberrypi.com for setup instructions.

Keep the System Up to Date​

note

Note 1: If you are using RPi Connect, it may disconnect during the update. Simply reconnect when it completes. Note 2: If prompted about master references, choose Y.

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y && sudo reboot

Install AlpacaBridge​

Your board is ready. Continue to Install & Configure AlpacaBridge to add the OpenAstro APT repository, install the service, and set up your devices.