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I've been online trying to research cloud detection/rain detection equipment to use with my observatory. Both Diffraction Limited and Starlight Xpress have units around the $1200 point. These are a little rich for me, having just build an observatory but on the other hand, the equipment that I'm trying to protect is very expensive also as all of you are aware. Are there any in the $600 range that I've missed or should I just bite the bullet and purchase one of the above? I'm sure many of you who have automated your observatories have come up against this same situation. I'd appreciate some input. Hank |
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Hello Hank I´m using the AAG Cloudwatcher, it should fit your price range and is very reliable. Wolfgang |
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I personally would avoid Defraction Limited. It may require using MaximDL. I still use Maxim and it has become extremely out dated for the cost. I bought a used Starlight Xpress Oculus all Sky camera for around $600. But, They rarely come up for used sale. However, the Oculus is only an all Sky camera. It is not a weather monitoring system. A ZWO non- cooled camera with the all Sky lens/ ASIAIR combo will near do the same thing. But unlike the Oculus it is not weather proof. There are online instructions to make your own weather proof all Sky camera, if you have electrical knowledge. But if you want a more complete weather monitoring system. I think the Lunatico Astronomy products are a good buy. I plan to incorporate some of their products into my Pod. Here is a link to the cloud sensor page. You can excess other products from there. https://shop.lunaticoastro.com/?product=aag-cloudwatcher-cloud-detector Lynn K. |
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Hank, In addition to the Lunatico Astro mentioned above, you also have the interactive astronomy unit. If you haven't figured out your roof control (if you have a rolloff), he also has a great complete control system. https://interactiveastronomy.com/purchase_info.html CS, Jeff |
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I also would avoid Diffraction Limited. Their Boltwood was a good unit in it's day (early 2000's) and I had one of the old ones that was OK but when I replaced it with another after 10 years or so due to a failure, the second one was total garbage and gave me constant false roof closures. Add to that it is the most expensive. Support operates on the "customer is always wrong" principle as well.  Next I went to the commonly used Sky Alert (Interactive Astronomy) and went with the recommended ethernet version. That was fine for a month or so and then the ethernet circuit died. They offered replacement or refund and I chose refund so I can't fault their support.  I wound up getting the Lunatico (AAG Cloudwatcher) and so far it has been great. It also can use serial which is more robust for this kind of application, assuming you use it with a native serial port. |
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| I'm using an AAG unit. Works great with Voyager and will park my mount with rain (or clouds if you want). It would close the roof it it wasn't manual... lol |
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I used to run this in my backyard obs. It's not as festure packaged as the AAG but it gets the job done. https://www.hitecastro.co.uk/index.php/products/item/hitec-weather-deluxe.html |
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AAG Cloudwatcher. My first unit lasted 12years and could have probably gone longer. They have had some hardware upgrades since and this is a device you cannot have fail. The service is second to none. Jaime Alemany is very, very helpful. They stand by their product and have many other useful devices for observatories. |
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Barry Schellenberg: Barry, I will also second the support. They are extremely responsive |
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Thanks to all of you for responding. I now have my rolling roof working properly with N.I.N.A. Next I’ll have to make a choice from your suggestions above and set up a cloud/rain system. Also, I’m looking at surge protectors. When I started this build and its costs I only thought about construction materials. Surprise, surprise - I didn’t think about the other things I would need to properly finish it.  I’m not complaining. Having an automated observatory will let me take advantage of the ever shrinking clear skies. Thanks again for your help.Hank |
