PocketCW2: what is it, and how was it launched?

1. Progressive launching

We named the way we launched this product "progressive launching". What this means is that the first units included all the functions the previous pocketCW included (aside from Bluetooth connection, which has been replaced by Wi-Fi connection), plus all the components necessary to incorporate the new features. However, these ones are being released progressively, in the form of software updates. It goes without saying that all of these updates are free, and that full PC connectivity is already available (ASCOM driver, Windows software, etc).

Should you wait to buy the PocketCW2 until all the features are implemented?

Not at all! In fact, purchasing a PocketCW2 now will only have benefits compared to purchasing it later. These benefits are:

• Saving money, as pre-purchased units come at a reduced price.
• The possibility to participate in a vote to choose the order in which the improvements will come out.
• Being able to enjoy the new features as soon as they come out.

2. Features

In a nutshell, the PocketCW2 has the same function as its predecessor and as the CloudWatcher itself, which is monitoring the sky and ambient conditions so you can rest knowing you will be warned if anything goes wrong. But let's take a look at the PocketCW2's features more specifically. As mentioned before, it includes both the features from the old pocketCW and its own new ones. In the following list, features that hadn't yet been implemented at launch are in italics.

From the original pocketCW

• Configurable alarms for any of the readings—safe, unsafe, battery level and data age ("watchdog" function), however you want to set them—with snooze, ignore period.
• PC compatible and smartphone app.
• Full ASCOM compatibility.
• Power supply now through USB-C, or with a rechargeable LIPO battery (optional, purchased separately).
• Cloud detection.
• Relative humidity measurements.
• Ambient temperature readings.
• Brightness readings (the units have changed!).

New features

• Ability to measure sky quality—sky brightness measurements in mpsas (magnitudes per square arcsecond).
• Wi-Fi.
• PC connection through USB-C, with an improved smartphone app.
• GPS (so far displayed on the Android app as well as on the CloudWatcher Data Display program, not yet published for other apps to use).
• Wind detection (crude).
• Atmospheric pressure readings (available for the PC software but not yet for the smartphone).
• Ability to publish data online (no need for the SOLO with this one!).

3. Some other details

The PocketCW2 is as tiny as 71×71×27 mm, and weighs less than 85 g! It's no wonder we named it a "pocket" CW2—this is certainly one of the most manageable items among your doubtlessly bulky equipment.

Note, however, that it's not designed to be permanently installed outside (that's what its older brother, the CloudWatcher, is for). It is not rain-resistant either, so it's probably a good thing that it'll warn you if it gets cloudy so you can save it from the first droplets, along with the rest of your precious equipment.

4. Still unsure if you should get it?

The PocketCW2 will monitor just about everything so you can rest—actually rest, not the kind of rest astronomers are used to getting 😉—while your equipment is doing its thing. Not only that, but its sky quality measurements will enable you to pick the best spot for astroimaging. And, to top it all off, it's small and easy to handle.