What is the purpose of the Diffraction Limited Cloud Sensor Adapter Box?
This is the indoor control box for the Boltwood Cloud Sensor II system. It serves as the central connection point, linking the outdoor sensor head to your computer via USB and to its 24 VDC power supply. It also provides the critical 3.5 mm contact closure port for automating observatory roof closures.
Is this Adapter Box compatible with my original Boltwood Cloud Sensor I?
No. This adapter box is designed exclusively for the Boltwood Cloud Sensor II. No components are interchangeable between the original Cloud Sensor and the Cloud Sensor II systems.
How does the 3.5 mm contact closure port on the Adapter Box protect my remote observatory?
The 3.5 mm port acts as a simple switch. When the sensor head sees a very cloudy sky, high wind, rain, wetness or daylight (using the thresholds set in Clarity II), the inner conductor of the jack is shorted to its outer shell. This works independently of the PC, so it still functions if your computer has failed. If you have this port connected to your dome or roof controller's input, it can be used to close the observatory automatically.
Does the Diffraction Limited Adapter Box come with a power supply or cables?
No. This is a replacement adapter box only. It is intended to replace a lost or damaged unit from your existing Boltwood Cloud Sensor II kit. You must use the 24 VDC power supply, sensor head cable, and USB A/B cable that came with your original system.
My observatory PC runs Linux; will the Diffraction Limited Adapter Box work?
The official software for the Adapter Box, Clarity II, is Windows-only. The Cloud Sensor II manual states there is no Linux support; some customers use Linux, but they had to write their own software.
Can I use a standard 12V power supply with the Cloud Sensor Adapter Box?
Use the 24 VDC universal power supply that was included with your Boltwood Cloud Sensor II system. The manual notes that 12V operation needs a specially adapted unit (serial #00782 or later) with a sensor cable of no more than 50 ft (15 m), and that the adaptor box has not been tested at 12V, so contact Diffraction Limited before trying it.
