{"title":"Diffraction Limited Observatory \u0026 Weather","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiffraction Limited is an Ottawa company known for observatory automation, and this collection gathers its weather and dome hardware. The Boltwood Cloud Sensor II measures sky temperature, rain and light levels so imaging software can close up when conditions turn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe MaxDome II controls dome rotation and shutter, while replacement cables, the Cloud Sensor Adapter Box and spare rain sensor discs keep an existing installation running.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"diffraction-limited-boltwood-cloud-sensor-ii","title":"Diffraction Limited Boltwood Cloud Sensor II","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe Boltwood Cloud Sensor II is the must-have accessory for your remote or automated observatory. Protect your valuable equipment from weather damage. Aids in automatic scheduling of observations via popular observatory control applications.\u003cp\u003eThe Boltwood Cloud Sensor II measures the amount of cloud cover by comparing the temperature of the sky to the ambient ground level temperature. The sky temperature is determined by measuring the amount of radiation in the 8 to 14 micron infrared band. A large difference indicates clear skies, whereas a small difference indicates dense, low-level clouds. This allows the sensor to continuously monitor the \u003cstrong\u003eclarity\u003c\/strong\u003e of the skies, and to trigger appropriate alerts on your computer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe device also includes a \u003cstrong\u003emoisture sensor\u003c\/strong\u003e which detects rain and snow. To prevent false alarms due to frost or dew, a heater keeps the sensor slightly above ambient temperature. When rain or snow falls, the sensor is automatically heated to 70 degrees Celsius. This clears the sensor quickly when the precipitation ends, and ensures that the sky-measuring thermopile has a clear view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Boltwood Cloud Sensor II measures \u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ewind speed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, using a specially-designed anemometer with no moving parts. The sensor will warn you when winds speeds are too high for safe operation of the observatory. Plus the sensor detects \u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003edaylight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e and can be set to automatically close the roof to prevent any possibility of sunlight entering the telescope. The sensor also measures \u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehumidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, and provides a continuous readout of temperature, humidity, and dew point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included Clarity II Windows software monitors the sensor via a USB interface. It displays and logs all sensor information. Alerts can appear visually, or with sounds from either the PC speaker or sound card. The user can choose to be alerted for clouds, wind, and\/or wetness; all with adjustable thresholds. The computer display can be set for a mini status window or a full information display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sensor unit itself will trigger an electrical contact closure when heavy clouds, high winds, or precipitation is detected. When connected to a dome or roof controller, \u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ethis contact can be used to trigger closure even if the computer is not operating\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e. This provides a ‘last line of defence’ against damage to your observatory equipment. The thresholds for roof closure are set through the Clarity software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloud Sensor Graph II software is included. This provides a continuous graphical plot of the sky conditions, temperature, wind, humidity, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActiveX and file interfaces are provided for integrating the Clarity II software into your observatory control system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe complete control software is available via the download tab (above)Both sensor firmware and Clarity II upgrades may be available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe complete package, shown above, includes sensor with mounting bracket (shown attached to a pole), cable, adapter box, universal AC power supply with international plugs, USB cable, and PC software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Boltwood Cloud Sensor package includes the sensor unit, mounting bracket, a 50-, 100- or 150-foot (15m, 30m or 45m) data cable, 110\/220 VAC 50\/60 Hz power supply adapter, and software USB Stick. Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. \u003ca title=\"Open source Linux drivers\" href=\"https:\/\/cyanogen.com\/cloud_dl.php\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/cyanogen.com\/cloud_dl.php'); return false;\"\u003eOpen source Linux drivers\u003c\/a\u003e are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cform id=\"subscribe\" class=\"store_form\" action=\"cloud_buy.php\" method=\"POST\" name=\"subscribe\"\u003e\u003c\/form\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- classLeftCol --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead an \u003ca title=\"Independent Review of Boltwood Cloud Sensor by Cloudy Nights\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudynights.com\/item.php?item_id=1261\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/www.cloudynights.com\/item.php?item_id=1261'); return false;\"\u003eindependent review\u003c\/a\u003e of the Boltwood Cloud Sensor on CloudyNights.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cloud Sensor mounted to a pole using the included mounting bracket. A 10 degree tilt helps rainwater run off the sensor face. The gold post is the wind speed sensor, and the smaller posts help prevent birds from roosting on the sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe software window screen capture, above, indicates a clear sky. Winds are moderate, the temperature is below freezing, and the humidity is moderate; we are not near the dew point and the sensor heater is on low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe screen capture, above, shows the clouds have just rolled in, and the wind is picking up. The roof closure contacts have been activated to protect the observatory. No sign of rain yet, but the moisture detector will see the very first drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv data-custom-tab\u003e\n\u003cp data-custom-tab-title\u003eDownloads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBoltwood Cloud Sensor II Digital Thermopile Firmware \u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNewer Boltwood Cloud Sensor II units (serial numbers 4000 and above) use a digital thermopile requiring special firmware (version 67). This firmware is provided with your unit. We are also providing the last firmware version available to older units with analog thermopiles (version 65) for your convenience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarning: Do not update firmware except under instruction from Diffraction Limited technical support. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncorrectly updating will brick your unit. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/bcs\/bcsii_fw70.zip\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload (v70, SN 4000+)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cp\u003eOlder units S\/N up to 3999:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/bcs\/cs2_65.hex\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload (v65, SN 3999-)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBoltwood Cloud Sensor II Clarity Release 3.008\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eControl and logging software for your Boltwood Cloud Sensor II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/bcs\/SetupClarityII.exe\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eUser’s Manual\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation and operation instructions for your Boltwood Cloud Sensor II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/t\/7\/assets\/description_image_Cloud_SensorII_Users_Manual.pdf?v=1684345492\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eLinux Drivers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen source Boltwood Cloud Sensor II drivers for Linux systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sourceforge.net\/projects\/bwcloudsensorii\/\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/sourceforge.net\/projects\/bwcloudsensorii\/'); return false;\"\u003eLink \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBoltwood Cloud Sensor I Clarity\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eControl and logging software for the original Boltwood Cloud Sensor I.  This is NOT compatible with Cloud Sensor II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/bcs\/SetupClarity.exe\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44967719797021,"sku":null,"price":2829.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/SBIG-Boltwood-Cloud-Sensor-II-1__52660.1600282411.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684345603"},{"product_id":"diffraction-limited-cloud-sensor-adapter-box","title":"Diffraction Limited Cloud Sensor Adapter Box","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eReplacement adapter box for the Boltwood II Cloud Sensor.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44967719829789,"sku":"DL-CS2-ADAPTER","price":449.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/SBIG-Cloud-Sensor-Adapter-Box-1__31199.1600282412.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684345605"},{"product_id":"diffraction-limited-extra-spare-thermopile-rain-sensor-disc","title":"Diffraction Limited Extra-Spare Thermopile \/ Rain Sensor Disc","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e#N\/A","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44967719862557,"sku":"DL-CS2-RAIN-SENSOR-DISK","price":443.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"diffraction-limited-boltwood-cloud-sensor-ii-replacement-cable","title":"Diffraction Limited Boltwood Cloud Sensor II Replacement Cable","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eReplacement cable for your Boltwood Cloud Sensor. Custom-designed cable rated for UV exposure and in-ground installation. Available in 50 foot \/ 15 meter, 100 foot \/ 30 meter, and 150 foot \/ 45 meter lengths.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"50ft\/15m Cable","offer_id":44967719960861,"sku":"DL-CS-II-50","price":380.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100ft\/30m Cable","offer_id":44967719993629,"sku":"DL-CS-II-100","price":555.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"150ft\/45m Cable","offer_id":44967720026397,"sku":"DL-CS-II-150","price":695.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/SBIG-Boltwood-Cloud-Sensor-II-Replacement-Cable-1__63509.1600282412.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684345606"},{"product_id":"diffraction-limited-maxdome-ii","title":"Diffraction Limited MaxDome II","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\u003cdiv\u003enull\u003cp\u003eThe MaxDome II dome controller provides flexible, fully integrated observatory dome control. Features include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ascom-standards.org\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/ascom-standards.org\/'); return false;\"\u003eASCOM-Standard\u003c\/a\u003e dome and telescope interfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport for Automadome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlave dome rotation to your telescope\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotation-only and full shutter-and-rotation systems available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle or dual shutter operation, with sequencing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWireless shutter control – no unreliable sliding contacts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect confirmation of shutter open\/closed state\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSafety interlocks automatically close dome upon loss of data from PC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePark-before-close option to avoid mechanical interferences\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManual override controls for shutter and rotation control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuxiliary auto-close inputs for \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/boltwood-cloud-sensor-ii\/\"\u003eBoltwood Cloud Sensor\u003c\/a\u003e or other observatory protection hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasily adapted to custom or commercial observatory domes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirectly compatible with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.siriusobservatories.com\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/www.siriusobservatories.com\/'); return false;\"\u003eSirius Observatories\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirectly drives 12VDC motors up to 5A. Can operate other motor types through external relays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eField-upgradable firmware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA full MaxDome installation includes two identical controller boards. The main board, which controls dome rotation, connects to the controlling PC. A second identical board, riding on the rotating dome and powered by a solar-charged battery (not included), operates the shutters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA wireless inductive link provides constant communications between the two boards, allowing for full control and status monitoring. This eliminates the need for clumsy and trouble-prone electrical contacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMaxDome Block Diagram\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaxDome II Software\/Drivers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaxDome II Software\/Drivers and user manual are distributed on a USB stick included with the product.  They are also available by download via the Downloads tab on this page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv data-custom-tab\u003e\n\u003cp data-custom-tab-title\u003eDownloads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUser’s Manual\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation and operation instructions for the MaxDome II Dome Control System.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/help\/maxdome\/MaxDome.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLink \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMaxDome II Drivers version 2.80\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe latest driver release for the MaxDome II Dome Control System. \u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e requires firmware version 2.60 or later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/maxdome-ii\/MaxDomeII.exe\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMaxDome II Firmware version 2.60\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe latest firmware release for the MaxDome II Dome Control System. \u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please see the user manual for instructions on how to update your firmware!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/downloads\/maxdome-ii\/MaxDomeFW260.zip\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMaxDome II INDI Drivers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLinux drivers for the MaxDome II Dome Control System.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/indilib.org\/devices\/domes\/maxdome-ii.html\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/indilib.org\/devices\/domes\/maxdome-ii.html'); return false;\"\u003eLink \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMaxDome II TheSkyX drivers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWindows, OS X, RPI-3, and Linux Ubuntu drivers for the MaxDome II Dome Control System.  Source code is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rti-zone.org\/macosx_x2dome_plugins.php#maxdome\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"javascript:window.open('https:\/\/rti-zone.org\/macosx_x2dome_plugins.php#maxdome'); return false;\"\u003eLink \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eMaxDome I Drivers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrivers for the original MaxDome I system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/diffractionlimited.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/MaxDome.exe\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAdditional Resources\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuggested circuit for using external relays to control an AC powered motor.  Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/t\/7\/assets\/description_image_ACMotorCircuit.jpg?v=1684345569\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuggested circuit for using external relays to control a DC motor requiring current over 5A, or one that does not work with 12V.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/t\/7\/assets\/description_image_HighCurrentDCCircuit.jpg?v=1684345571\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDownload\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Diffraction Limited","offers":[{"title":"Shutter and Rotation Kit","offer_id":44967728578845,"sku":"DL-MAXDOME-II-KIT-RS","price":1983.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rotation Only Kit","offer_id":44967728611613,"sku":"DL-MAXDOME-II-KIT-R","price":1423.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Shutter Only Kit (ie. for Roll-Off Roof Observatories)","offer_id":44967728644381,"sku":"DL-MAXDOME-II-KIT-S","price":1283.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/SBIG-MaxDome-II-1__27357.1600282413.1280.1280.jpg?v=1684345640"}],"url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/collections\/diffraction-limited-observatory-and-weather.oembed","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}