Automated Observatory - Weather Monitoring

Folks - I'm considering buying an automated system that monitors weather and feeds back data to ACP (observatory control software). As long as it is ASCOM compliant, it will work with ACP.

I would prefer an off-the-shelf configuration rather than a DIY job. I can;t solder and my software writing skills are as good as my soldering

I would like the system to be able to monitor wind, moisture (rain, snow etc), temperature/humidity and cloud cover. It will then interact with ACP and then take appropriate action (i.e. close a dome/roof or even prevent it opening etc).

The two systems I've seen on the net and seem to be used to a greater/lesser extent are the Boltwood II sensor and Foster Systems ( www.fostersystems.com/amc101m.html )

Any thoughts, experiences, comments, feedback would be appreciated.

Cheers
Dave

Don't forget this one (and in Europe too)...

tienda.lunatico.es/epages/Store.sf/en_GB...tico/Products/BCW001

Michael.

Dave,

The one I am familiar with and which is popular is the following: www.ambientweather.com/ .... I do not know about ASCOM compatibility.

Another option is to check the websites of some of the more well-known imagers with remote facilities and see what they use.

Anthony.

Thanks for the links folks.

Michael - all the Spanish yoke seems to do is rain/temp/light. Nothing for wind. Though it is ASCOM and it seems reasonably priced.

Anthony - doesn't seem to be ASCOM compatible though I have heard of the Davis equipment being used in astronomical circles.

I like the Foster systems approach - you can always buy more add-ons as you need them. The BoltwoodII seems expensive at just short of US$1700.00.

If anyone else has anything to add...

Hi Dave,

I've been using the original Boltwood weather system for the last 4 years on my 0.4m robotic observatory which uses a dome. It is ASCOM compliant and is an integral part of the ACP programme.

Although it works very well for this robotic observatory, I have found that it is strict about what condiitons it will operate in. For example, if the RH% is high (94), where transparency is not adequate enough for imaging it decides to go ahead anyway and start imaging. If you can tollerate things like that then its OK. It was cheap, about half the price of the later version.

I have been using the DAVIS Vamtage Pro for the last 5 years for the 0.9m robotic observatory. Unfortunately, you will have to programme this one for astronomy because there isn't anything off the shelf at present that I know of.
The DAVIS system is absolutely amazing with its features.

I am aware that there are other systems.

Eamonn A
www.kingslandobservatory.com J62