AMSKY01 – All-in-one Sky Quality and Cloud Sensor

The AMSKY01 is a compact, weatherproof sky sensor designed for astronomical and environmental applications. It combines multiple sensors in one unit:

• Sky brightness sensor (SQM) – measures sky brightness in mag/arcsec².
• Infrared cloud sensor – detects cloud presence by measuring sky temperature.
• Temperature and humidity sensor – monitors ambient air conditions.
• USB-C and RS-485 interfaces – for easy connection to PCs or automation systems.

Key Features

• Real-time sky quality measurements (SQM) to assess light pollution.
• Fast and reliable cloud detection using infrared sky temperature.
• Accurate ambient temperature and humidity monitoring.
• USB-C (CDC Serial) interface for plug-and-play operation with computers.
• RS-485 interface for integration with observatory or building automation.
• Open protocol and API documentation for custom applications.
• Designed for continuous outdoor use in observatory conditions.

Applications

• Light pollution monitoring.
• Automatic observatory control (e.g., dome closure during clouds).
• Weather condition logging for astronomical sites.
• Networked sky sensor systems and citizen science projects.
• Environmental data collection and automation.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Sky brightness (SQM)	Measured in mag/arcsec²
Cloud detection	Infrared sky temperature sensor
Temperature	High-accuracy ambient air temperature
Humidity	Relative humidity sensor
Interfaces	USB-C (CDC serial), RS-485
Power supply	USB bus power or external 8-12V power
Operating temperature	−20 °C to +60 °C (estimated)
Ingress protection	IP-rated outdoor enclosure (TBD)

Interfaces

USB-C (CDC Serial)

• Virtual serial port communication.
• Outputs real-time sensor data in ASCII or structured format.

RS-485

• Industrial interface for robust long-distance communication.
• Suitable for integration into SCADA or observatory control systems.

Communication Protocol

• Open protocol with documented commands and responses.
• Available API and example code for integration.