Astro-Smart’s Computerized Sky Quality Meter System (SQM) Remote Controller Capability for any telescope.
(Model: SQM-RC-PRO)
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Typical Configuration for the SQM-RC-PRO is shown below to be used with a generic observatory with a role off roof or Dome control from remote computer with SQM sensor support.
The SQM-RC-PRO can be setup with your home observatory or telescope mount for trouble-free operation controlled by the user supplied computer interface. The SQM meter sensor as seen in the configuration picture should be mounted outside the observatory, so the user can determine if imaging, visual or technical work is appropriate. The SQM meter sensor cable length is typically 6 feet but can be made to any length based on customer requirements. Simply, plug the SQM sensor in and mount the sensor to the location desired on your observatory or telescope mount. Then, connect to your PC with the USB/Serial cable provided and launch the GUI interface provided to read and graph MPSAS and NELM readings continually or when desired. The SQM features of the include a graphical reporting system on the software GUI which graphically maps NELM(Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude) and MPSAS (Magnitude Per Square Arc Sec) over a programmable measurement scale as low as 1 sample every 3 seconds.
Astro-Smart is the innovator of this elegant and convenient sky meter solution to your telescope mount or observatory needs . The Computerized Sky Quality Meter System Controller Pro (Model: SQM-RC-PRO) is a economical yet superior Automation solution made available to the amateur or professional Astronomer. The Computerized Sky Quality Meter System Controller Pro (Model: SQM-RC-PRO) is designed to be used with any make or model observatory and or telescope mount where the user needs information of the night sky.
The intent of the SQM-RC-PRO is to be used standalone or in conjunction with CDAP-PRO devices. Other forms of this product are available at Astro-Smart combining DEW and Observatory Control as an “All IN ONE” product.
As part of the SQM-RC-PRO package, includes an ASCOM Observing driver tested across multiple PC operating system platforms which monitors your SQM-RC-PRO with remote activity of all parametric values and various graphs to track your SQM-RC-PRO system.
The super professional version software GUI increases the capability of your SQM-RC-PRO to even a higher level. This includes a Boltwood File output to 3rd party programs such as SkyRoof, data acquisition and processing suite for Multi-Channel Real Time Data Acquisition, Variable Acquisition Rate, Variable Power Distribution Algorithm Selection, Flash Memory Storage Of Critical Sensor Calibration Data, File Storage and Plot Retrieval for Extended Regression Data Analysis including .csv, .txt, .png file formats for easy interface to Office Products(Excel, etc) and a Simulator Trainer Mode. Snapshot shown below.
In the following pictures you can see the SQM-RC-PRO software GUI interface snapshots. Shown first is the Super SQM + LUX Sensor pro software, The 2nd is the CDAP/SQM Software integrated SQM and DEW controller GUI Interface with real time data acquisition. The 3rd picture shows the Super SQM PRO GUI interface with real time graphing and data acquisition.
Since, the inception of this unique product at Astro-Smart, the SQM-RC-PRO was many years in the making, over long periods in astronomy using existing products on the market identifying their weaknesses and limitations making the product you see before you. The SQM-RC-PRO is finally here!!! The Astro-Smart Computerized SQM Sky Quality Meter System Controller Pro (Model SQM-RC-PRO designed to be user friendly, serviceable, elegant and reliable and include the following features shown below:
| 1. | Worry Free Warranty Program For Life Of Product Sale. |
| 2. | Full Computerized Sky Quality Meter Sensor Solution. |
| 3. | SQM Sky Quality Meter Sensor to measure MSPAS and NELM. 0.2 mag/square arch sec accuracy. 4 pin Aviation style Din locking pin interface. Variable length of sensor cable is available. Standard Length 6 feet. |
| 4. | Sky Lux Sensor Integration. Sensor range 0.1 Lux to 50K Lux. |
| 5. | Audible Alarms for Sky Conditions and Cloud Prediction. |
| 6. | Automated system data logger storage, retrieval and plot comparison capability. |
| 7 | Updateable Firmware And Standalone Windows Operating System Graphic User Interface. |
| 8. | USB/Serial interface with PC GUI Measuring Software With Night Sky Advisory Capability. |
| 9. | Long distance remote control interface to observatory including Microsoft Windows software interface via remote computer. The SQM-RC-PRO interface supports serial RS-232, USB, Ethernet, Wireless Bluetooth(200 Feet) and Wireless ISM RF(650 feeet) backhauls. |
| 10. | Void Of RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) protected to enhance sensor reading accuracy. |
| 11. | High quality design employs multi-layer PCB form factor and only the best quality components with conformal coatings for outdoor use. |
| 12. | Dimensions(5.2″ Length x 3″ Wide x 1.9″ High). |
| 13. | Price point set below development cost for such a system while providing more features. |
[CLICK THIS LINK OR IMAGE BELOW–>FOR WATCHING SQM-RC-PRO VIDEO TUTORIALS!]
New SQM-RC-PRO Sky Quality Control System….Click Picture and watch video.
| [CLICK THIS LINK TO ORDER NOW!] |
| The Computerized SQM Sky Quality Meter System Controller Pro for any Roll Off or Dome Observatory!
The SQM-RC-PRO package contents are shown below: |
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| 1. SQM-RC-PRO Controller Wtih USB interface Cable. 2. One RS-232 to USB interface Cable For Long Distance Remote Control Operation. 3. SQM and Integrated Lux Sensor Standard 6 feet in length. Can Specify other length if needed. 4. 12VDC 2Amp AC/DC Power Supply. 5. CD with user manual, SQM-RC-PRO PC Remote Software Platform, Videos Tutorials. |
Optional Accessories:
Another convenient accessory that Astro-Smart offers is a right angle mounting brackets (RAMB-DM).This allows your SQM-RC-PRO controller to be mounted securely on a variety of surfaces.
COMMUNICATION Upgrade Options:
Note: The SQM-RC-PRO controller comes included with a serial to USB-A cable and converter. The reason, I use the base serial connector on my units is it yields the greatest flexibility for distance reaching up to 700 feet if necessary to your host computer. With this base serial port, the user can add a variety of add-on options to produce the range desired. Serial port communication can give up to a 500 foot run if needed which is why I picked this port choice in my design. However, if your communication run is shorter, the USB-B option can be purchased as an add-on along with other communication options are listed below.
Another convenient accessory add-on that Astro-Smart offers is the Serial to Serial Extender interface specifically designed for the SQM-RC-PRO. For dedicated communication distances less than 500 feet to your computer, the RS232EXT option is right for you. You just plug the supplied Serial Cable into your your SQM-RC-PRO controller Serial port and the other Serial port adapter end of the cable into your supplied serial to USB-A adapter that comes with your SQM-RC-PRO controller computer or other backhaul interface to your computer(ie ethernet or wireless options)(SERIAL-EXT).
Another convenient accessory add-on that Astro-Smart offers is a RF Bluetooth or ISM Wireless interface specifically designed for the SQM-RC-PRO . For dedicated wireless communication distances less than (200 feet)Bluetooth and (650 feet) ISM to your computer, the embedded Wireless upgrade option is right for you. You just connect with your wireless capable PC or use supplied wireless adapter and enjoy a wireless connection that’s wire free unit separation. This add on gives the user ability for simultaneous use of supplied standard serial/USB port interface plus the addition of the Wireless assigned serial port which can run two remote software applications at once if desired.
