Titan Astro SkyCamOne HAT for Raspberry Pi 5

Titan Astro, a young innovator in amateur astronomy technology, recently announced the launch of its groundbreaking SkyCamOne HAT for Raspberry Pi 5. This device combines the power of Raspberry Pi 5 with advanced capabilities, making professional-grade all sky cameras accessible to astronomers of all levels.

Titan Astro SkyCamOne for Raspberry Pi 5: Revolutionizing DIY all-sky camera

The SkyCamOne HAT is a compact and versatile add-on board that seamlessly integrates with the Raspberry Pi 5, transforming it into a powerful core for any all sky camera. Equipped with a universal 12V power supply, Power over Ethernet, SSD slot and servo, stepper and sensor interfaces, the SkyCamOne HAT is the perfect platform for professional grade DIY all sky cameras everywhere.

We wanted a one-step solution for every all sky camera out there. One board covering all that one would want to implement. With these powerful features, the SkyCamOne HAT is the ideal companion for your allsky adventures.

Key features of the SkyCamOne HAT

• M.2 2230 SSD PCIe NVMe drive support up to 1TB
• Integrated power supply to the RPi5
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) IEEE 802.3bt class 4 with 30W output
• Can be powered fully with a 12V power source from a battery, car, whatever you like
• Stepper motor control built in (e.g., camera focus) • Servo motor control built in (e.g., dome cover)
• SkyCamOne HAT Press Release, September 1, 2024
• Three I2C connectors (QWIIC) for sensors like temp/hum, cloud cover etc.
• Fan control for standard 4-wire PC fans at 5V (we recommend the Noctua NFA4x20 5V PWM)
• Dome heater control at 5V, 3.5W
• Compatible with the original Raspberry Cooler for the Pi 5
   

"We are thrilled to introduce the SkyCamOne HAT to the amateur astronomy community. This innovative device empowers astronomers to explore the cosmos like never before, at a fraction of the cost. With its advanced features and ease of use, the SkyCamOne HAT is a gamechanger for all sky astrophotography," said Kim Dalmeijer, founder at Titan Astro. 

The SkyCamOne HAT is now available for pre-order through the Titan Astro website and soon through select authorized retailers.

SkyCamOne HAT for Raspberry Pi 5

ScopeTrader: What is Titan Astro?

Dalmeijer: Titan Astro is a young company founded this year in Spain, aiming to bring innovative astronomy and astrophotography products, like for instance the SkyCamOne HAT.

ScopeTrader: On your website, you say “To democratize exploration and discovery of the universe by creating innovative and accessible astrophotography and astronomy products for all” - what exactly do you mean by that, and how does your company solve for problems astrophotographers have?

Dalmeijer: By democratizing we mean that we want astronomy, astrophotography and the exploration and discovery of the universe to be more accessible to the general public. But we also want the public to be part of the innovative process by contributing with new ideas, visions and concepts.

As for a solved problem; there's a community of tinkerers building all sorts of all sky cameras that cover photos and videorecordings of the night sky from horizon to horizon. Most of these cameras are internally equipped with a Raspberry Pi and a big stack of add-on boards - each board with a separate buy specialised function. Titan Astro aimed to solve the problem of the big stack of add-on boards by creating one integrated board featuring all the most used and required functions.

ScopeTrader: Follow up question to that, let's say someone has the Pi 5, and your new all-in-one board, what is the recipe to make it function as an All Sky Camera?

Dalmeijer: With a Raspberry Pi 5 and the SkyCamOne HAT one would only need to add a camera and software to start capturing the night sky. The software is available in the open source domain, there's several flavours available. The camera can be anything from a Raspberry Pi camera to a high-end specialised camera like from QHY or ZWO.

If the camera is supposed to be installed permanently, some sort of weather proof housing is needed to protect the camera and electronics. Many people make these from PVC plumbing components or electric junction boxes and use CCTV acrylic domes to protect and cover the camera.

Additionally, a stepper motor can be added to the lens to provide remote focusing, a heater device can be added to battle condensation forming during the night, or a servo activating a dome cover to protect the camera from the elements during the day or rainy nights.

SkyCamOne HAT: A powerful core for any all sky camera

Pre-Order Here