CLOUDWATCHER
Measuring sky conditions since 2008!
Now with sky-quality grade light sensor at no extra cost.
CloudWatcher, the high precision, low-cost system for monitoring the weather conditions and measuring the sky-quality.
High-quality and unique features.
Latest CloudWatcher news!
—March 2024: new CloudWatcher and pocketCW data display software released.
—April 2023: the CloudWatcher can now measure sky quality.
—August 2021: new PCB for the CloudWatcher.
—June 2021: new CloudWatcher software—AP and RH—improved display.
—April 2021: new improved relative humidity and atmospheric pressure sensor.
Curious about news relating to other products? Check out our latest product news page. You can also join our product news newsletter from there!
CloudWatcher advantages:
- Full information of sky conditions
- Sky darkness measuring in “mpsas”
- Very affordable price
- Reliable readings
- Easy interpretation of all information
- Connectable to The SOLO CloudWatcher for low power, 24×7 availability
- Software available for:
- Windows (free)
- INDILib (free),
- INDIGO (free)
- MAC OSX (developed by Richard Francis, GerSpatial, available from the AppStore at a very reasonable cost).
- And autonomously with The SOLO CloudWatcher
- ASCOM safety monitor and observing conditions drivers available
- Compatible with the Hydreon RG-9 Rain sensor (CW Hydreon version)
- Very low maintenance
- Extremely reasonable cost of eventual servicing / repairs
- Product in constant review and improvement
- With the experience and service of Lunático Astronomía
In addition, the AAG CloudWatcher software incorporates advanced features such as:
- Compatible with most image capture / automation programs: Voyager, PRiSM, MaximDL, ACP, CCDCommander, CCDAutopilot, Maxpilote…
- 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 long wave 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);
- Automatic shutdown routine built in the firmware (user programmable)
- Firmware may be updated by the user
- A complete set of properties / methods for inter-program communications;
- ASCOM & SGPro compatible using our ASCOM safety monitor driver
- Can combine information from any standard weather station supported by Virtual Weather Station, Weather Display or Cumulus software (by using the free software AAG_WeatherCenter)
- Several free programs for mobile devices, as the one developed by Francisco Jesús Cortés, to allow you to receive an alarm in, for example, your mobile phone
If you are looking for a portable solution to detect clouds, measure temperature, brightness, relative humidity, and dew point, choose our PocketCW2 with free app!
PocketCW2 new model!
*Includes 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi
*Includes GPS
*ASCOM – Alpaca
*Indi – Indigo
*Configurable alarms for each of the readings (1), for the battery level and the data updates (“watchdog” function)
*With PC connection through USB-C connector
*Works with an internal rechargeable LIPO battery (*optional)
Some CloudWatcher screenshot samples
The AAG CloudWatcher comprises:
▬▬ A box with a special exterior finish that includes 4 sensors (and 2 optional ones) that are shown in the program through their corresponding graphs. They allow a thorough and easily understandable measurement of atmospheric conditions:
► Clouds sensor
► Rain sensor (capacitive or Hydreon version) (*)
► Extremely high sensitivity light sensor capable of measuring the sky darkness quality – New from 2022 – 23
► Temperature sensor
► Atmospheric pressure and an improved relative humidity sensor – (optional)
► Anemometer (optional)
▬▬ 3, 5, 7 or 10m. (1) long detachable wheather-proof cable with IP68 connector (2), used to connect the cloudwatcher instrument to a PC. Extensors cable in the same measures also available.
▬▬ Relay (3) for observatory opening/closing.
(*) Rain sensor: Capacitive or Hydreon version, what to choose?
CloudWatcher
Technical specifications
• Power 12 or 15v, current < 1 A
• IP68 conectors
• RS232 Serial port
• Size: 110*85*37 mm.
(1) Choose your best option, between 3, 5, 7 or 10m. You can also use extensions for a total length of up to 30m (cable+extension/s). If you need another length contact us.
(3) The Relay cable can withstand a voltage of 220 vol. But not being a security cable it is advised to connect it to low voltage devices (12 or 24v).
