Technical Innovations CloudWatcher Telescope and Observatory: DurangoSkies.com

CloudWatcher Model 2	$495.00
[CW2]	Drop Ship

The TI/AAG CloudWatcher system offers astronomers a low cost solution to cloud detection and sky condition monitoring. The system is designed to monitor sky temperature, rain, light conditions and ambient temperture. Sky temperature is measured by means of an infra-red sensor, rain by sensor pad, light by a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR), and ambient temperature by means of a Negative Coefficient Thermistor.

SYSTEM FEATURES

Cloud coverage is determined as a function of sky infrared temperature. An Infrared sensor is used to make these measurements. Clear skies emit very low infrared radiation (i.e. low infrared temperature) and vice versa.
A very sensitive rain detection pad identifies the very first drops with immediate data reporting. This allows observatory auto shut features to engage without parameter analysis or interlock levels. The unit has adjustable heating elements to clear the pad and prevent false signals.
Sky lightness is measured with a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR). The unit has the ability to report not only approaching darkness but pre-dawn light conditions.
The software is ASCOM compliant and ddls provide direct interface to Technical Innovations DDW, ACP and CCDAutoPilot.
Software displays four user graphs of ongoing data collection: "Cloud Condition"; "Rain Condition"; "Daylight Condition"; and "Ambient Temperature".
User defined parameters:

Clouds – From “Clear” (less than -8 degrees C); to “Cloudy” (0 to 5 degrees C); to “Overcast” (0-30 degrees C)
Rain – From “Dry” (values greater than 2,000 cycles); to “Wet” (2,000 to 1,700 cycles); to “Rain” (1,700 to 400 cycles)
Light – From “Dark” (greater than 2100k ohms); to “Light” (between 2,000k and 6k ohms); to “Very Light” (between 6k and 0 ohms)

Alarm system is built in with different audible alarms for each condition. Add-ons will include alarm transmissions to phones and PDAs.
The CloudWatcher software allows different PCs on the same local area network to share the information of the same CloudWatcher Device. The program runs in "Master" mode (physically connected PC) and "Remote" mode on any other PC in the network.
Cleaning is the only maintenance required. Use a clean cotton rag and alcohol to clean the sensor surfaces
The software is open source and add-on features are invited. There will never be a charge for software enhancements, upgrades and add-ons.

CloudWatcher Model 2