AAG CloudWatcher features include:
- Full information about sky conditions
- Sky quality measurement
- Reliable readings
- Easy interpretation of all information
- Connectable to the CloudWatcher SOLO for low power, 24×7 remote availability
- Software available for:
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- Windows (free)
- INDILib (free) http://indilib.org/devices/weather-stations/aag-cloud-watcher.html,
- INDIGO
- MAC OSX (developed by Richard Francis, GerSpatial, available from the AppStore at a very reasonable cost).
- And autonomously with the SOLO
- ASCOM safety monitor and observing conditions drivers available
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- Very low maintenance
- Product in constant review and improvement
Advanced features include:
- Multiple users in LAN (MASTER mode and REMOTE mode operation);
- MASTER and REMOTE installations can be independently parameterized;
- Sky temperature correction model to account for excessive atmospheric longwave radiation during summer;
- All alerts can be defined as sound alerts, with a specific sound file to be played when the alert condition occurs;
- Switch control can be disabled and be performed by an external program (suitable to control other equipment);
- Allows the electrical constants to be changed by the user;
- A complete set of properties/methods for inter-program communications;
- Compatible with existing firmware versions 1.xx, 2.xx and future version 3.xx;
- ACP, Sequence Generator+, CCDCommander, CCDAutopilot, Prism, CCDAutoPilot, and Maxpilote compatible; plus any ASCOM-compliant software.
- With the program, AAG WeatherCentre (***) can combine information from any standard weather station supported by Virtual Weather Station, Weather Display, or Cumulus software.
- Several free programs for mobile devices, for example, the one developed by Francisco Jesús Cortés to allow you to receive an alarm on your mobile phone.
Optional Cables and Mounting Bracket:
A Range of specially designed Cables and Extension Cables are available for connection to a computer or observatory control system.
CloudWatcher Cables are available in 3m, 5m, 7m, and 10m lengths. (One required)
CloudWatcher Extension Cables are also available in 3m, 5m, 7m, and 10m lengths.
CloudWatcher and Anemometer mounting bracket is also available.
Andrew Yen –
We have used the cloudwatcher on our autonomous college observatory for 5 years. Initial problems with the serial to USB connection (provided by others) were eventually resolved with a AAG Solo but otherwise this has been a good product. It detects cloud before the rain starts and automatically closes our roof. It needs a bit of tuning – which isn’t too hard – and the tuning should be updated every few months, because winter clouds differ to summer clouds apparently. A good product and Sidereal have supported us well.