Dew annihilator CDA-R Family controllers released by Astro-Smart

Astro-Smart is excited to announce the release of the CDA-R Family Controller—a versatile and robust solution for telescope dew control, observatory management, and environmental monitoring. Designed to meet the needs of astronomers of all levels, the CDA-R provides advanced features in a compact and affordable package, ensuring clear views and seamless operations under various observing conditions.

New Astro-Smart 4 channel differential computerized dew annihilator CDA-R Family features

Astro-Smart’s CDA-R Controller is engineered to provide precise and reliable control over dew prevention and monitoring. Its advanced capabilities include:

1. Lifetime Warranty for worry-free ownership and long-term support.
2. Dual-Channel LED PWM Indicators to monitor heating output for dew control.
3. Low Voltage Cut-off with LED Indicator to protect battery life and prevent power issues.
4. Comprehensive Protection against over-current, reverse-current, and over-voltage scenarios.
5. Fully Automatic or Manual Dew Control for customizable use.
6. Four Automated or Manual Heat Channels that support up to 120 watts (12VDC, 10 amps) each. Compatible with RCA-type heat straps, including Astro-Smart, Astro-Zap, Kendrick, and others.
7. Differential Temperature Sensors and Ambient Humidity/Temperature Measurement to monitor environmental conditions.
8. Automated Dew Point Management with customizable temperature variance (1-10 degrees) to prevent lens fogging.
9. Adjustable Power Control with variable duty cycles (0-100%) for precise heat management.
10. User-Selectable Power Curve Algorithms and bias offset controls to fine-tune settings for optical sensors.
11. Flash Memory Storage to save critical sensor calibration data for future sessions.
12. User-Configurable Threshold Settings for sensor alarms.
13. Audible Alarms with desktop, phone, and email notifications via the Pushover app for real-time alerts.
14. Updatable Firmware with a standalone software GUI for easy customization and updates.
15. Flexible Interface Options, including RS-232, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth (up to 200 feet), and ISM RF (up to 650 feet).
16. Automated Data Logging with storage, retrieval, and comparison capabilities for enhanced analysis.
17. Compact Dimensions: 5.2" L x 3" W x 1.9" H.
     

Astro-Smart's integrated differential RC dew controller RC-CDAR

In addition to the base CDA-R model, Astro-Smart offers several specialized versions, each integrating additional features to suit specific needs:

• RC-CDA-R: Includes fan control for primary mirror cooling.
• RS-CDA-R: Features a rain sensor for weather monitoring.
• SM-CDA-R: Integrates an SQM (Sky Quality Meter) sensor for light pollution analysis.
• SM-RS-CDA-R: Combines rain and SQM sensors for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
• OC-RS-CDA-R: Adds rain sensor and observatory control for fully automated operations.
   

The CDA-R Controller is available at a competitive price of $149 and includes everything necessary to get started with advanced dew control:

• CDA-R Unit
• Ambient/Humidity Temperature Sensor Probe
• USB Interface Cable
• 12VDC 2.1x5.5mm Male Pigtail Power Cable
• User Manual and Video Tutorials for easy setup and use.
   

CDA-R Family controllers models

The CDA Family controllers come in multiple models, including SM-RS-CDA-R, OC-RS-CDA-R, RS-CDA-R, SM-CDA-R, RC-CDA-R, and CDA-R, each offering a variety of features to meet specific observatory needs. These systems utilize remote control technology to automatically manage dew removal, making it easier to maintain optimal observation conditions. With the flexibility to be controlled manually or set to automatic mode, the CDA controllers are compatible with any reflector, refractor, Newtonian, or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

Astro-Smart’s CDA Family is engineered to provide precise and efficient dew management. The controllers are equipped with a common four-port heater system, capable of managing multiple temperature sensors. Each sensor, such as the DTS-12 and DTS-34, is linked to a specific heater channel, allowing for targeted dew removal on various telescope components, such as the main optics and auxiliary scopes. These sensors work seamlessly with heater straps, ensuring dew-free operation without introducing unnecessary heat currents.

Astro-Smart has also integrated additional environmental monitoring into the CDA Family. The controllers include an Ambient Temperature and Humidity Sensor (ATHS) to keep track of atmospheric conditions, ensuring that telescopes are heated only when necessary. Each model in the CDA Family features Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) indicators for precise control, as well as low-voltage cutoff circuits to protect battery-operated setups.

The advanced RC-CDA-R model takes dew control a step further with integrated fan cooling for primary mirrors, making it ideal for Ritchey-Chrétien and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. This model intelligently adjusts cooling based on temperature changes, enhancing image stability and clarity. Meanwhile, the RS-CDA-R incorporates rain sensors and relay control, enabling it to manage observatory closures during unexpected weather conditions.

Monitoring sky conditions

For those interested in monitoring sky conditions, the SM-CDA-R model includes a Sky Quality Meter (SQM), which evaluates the quality of the night sky, providing visual data and recommendations on imaging or observing conditions. This model offers a graphical interface to track the Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude (NELM) and Magnitude Per Square Arc Second (MPSAS), giving astronomers a detailed overview of sky transparency and atmospheric conditions.

Astro-Smart’s flagship model, the SM-RS-CDA-R, combines all features from the other models, integrating both rain detection and sky quality analysis. The OC-RS-CDA-R model offers additional relay outputs for observatory equipment control, making it a comprehensive tool for fully automated observatories.

Each controller in the CDA Family is designed with long-term performance and reliability in mind. The devices are powered by 12V DC and support up to 15 amps for various heating configurations. Astro-Smart’s innovative Patent-Pending Heat Distribution Technology minimizes thermal currents during imaging, preserving the integrity of observations. Other notable features include automated dew control based on humidity and temperature measurements, firmware updates, and a sophisticated computer interface for monitoring and control.

The CDA Family comes complete with everything needed for immediate use: a dew point, humidity, and ambient temperature sensor, USB interface cable for remote control, and a car power adapter for mobile operations. Astro-Smart also offers a range of optional accessories, such as additional sensors for differential dew control, rain sensors, and the SQM module for enhanced sky monitoring.

In addition to hardware innovations, the CDA Family’s remote control software has been tested on multiple PC platforms, offering real-time data acquisition, variable power distribution, and data logging. The software provides multi-channel monitoring, graphical data visualization, and alarm management, making it a versatile tool for both novice and advanced astronomers.

Astro-Smart’s Computerized Dew Annihilator Family represents years of research and development, offering a sophisticated yet affordable solution for dew control. With these new controllers, Astro-Smart aims to enhance the observing experience for astronomers, allowing them to focus on capturing the beauty of the night sky without the interruption of dew buildup.