Accessories

Astronomical weather station SMP R2 with ASCOM support

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Astro-Smart's astronomical weather station SMP R2 line offers all-in-one environmental monitoring for observatories and telescopes. Available in USB and RF models, it integrates sensors for sky quality, weather, and relay control, enabling automated or remote observatory operations.

Astro-Smart has introduced its new astronomical weather station product line, the Sky Master Pro SMP-R2 series, designed as an all-in-one solution for observatory and telescope environmental monitoring. The SMP-R2, available in both USB and RF models, combines essential sensors and controls into a single, robust unit, streamlining remote and local control over observatory systems. This device allows astronomers to monitor environmental conditions, ensuring optimal operation for imaging, visual observation, or data collection activities.

Astro-Smart’s computerized astronomical weather station (SMP-R2/SMP-R2-PRO) with ASCOM support for StandAlone and or remote controller capability for any telescope

The Sky Master Pro SMP-R2 connects to a PC via a single USB or RF link, simplifying the setup process a bit and reducing the need for multiple connections. With the USB model, users can use cable lengths of up to 50 feet using an active cable, while the RF model offers wireless functionality over distances up to 650 feet, depending on interference levels. Each SMP-R2 module is designed to provide real-time data on a range of atmospheric conditions, including cloud coverage, sky brightness, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, rain, wind speed and direction, and GPS data. This array of sensors helps astronomers measure sky quality and environmental conditions, ensuring uninterrupted sessions under the night sky.

For complete observatory automation, the SMP-R2 features an integrated relay control system. This feature enables users to manage dome operations or other observatory equipment remotely through custom rule-based automation, allowing observatories to close domes automatically in response to adverse weather conditions. The relay system offers two configurations: a low-voltage 5V option suitable for audio jack outputs and LED notifications or a more robust 120/240 VAC or 12/24 VDC relay output. The addition of ASCOM drivers allows the SMP-R2 to interface easily with popular software solutions like NINA, SkyX, Maxim DL, and Astro-Smart’s proprietary graphical interface. These drivers facilitate seamless integration into pre-existing observatory systems, offering automated or manual control over observatory components.

The SMP-R2 features a Sky Quality Meter (SQM) sensor that measures sky brightness in Magnitude Per Square Arc Second (MPSAS) and Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude (NELM), key metrics for imaging. This data is shown in real-time through Astro-Smart’s software for monitoring sky conditions. The LUX sensor measures brightness from 0.0001 to 100,000 LUX, providing additional insight into light pollution and natural sky changes.

SMP-R2 USB and RF All In One Systems

The SMP-R2 includes an IR-based cloud sensor to detect cloud cover, along with environmental sensors to help users quickly assess telescope operating conditions. Features like dynamic sampling rates, a Boltwood output for third-party software, and data logging make the system adaptable.

Optional add-ons include wind speed and direction sensors, GPS integration, and a heating option for the SQM sensor, controlled via pulse-width modulation (PWM) to ensure performance in varying weather. Each unit is weather-sealed for outdoor durability.

Priced at $299 for the base SMP-R2-USB model, the system offers a reliable and affordable solution for amateur and professional astronomers. Backed by a warranty, it combines multi-layered PCB construction and high-quality components for durability.

With its simple interface, extensive data options, and remote-control features, the SMP-R2 provides effective astronomical weather monitoring for observatories and telescope users worldwide.