AMSKY02

Dual SQM sensors – 10° and 60° field of view

32×24 pixel IR cloud sensor (64×48 available)

Water-pooling resistant sensor design

Precision temperature & humidity sensor

Dual interface USB-C & RS485

ASCII protocol for easy integration

Designed for autonomous observatories

AMSKY02 is a professional sky quality sensor designed specifically for autonomous and remotely operated observatories. It is built around a dual-sensor architecture that combines two independent SQM channels with a pixel-array infrared cloud detector.

Unlike traditional single-point cloud detectors, AMSKY02 features a 32×24 pixel MLX9064x thermopile array that provides detailed sky temperature mapping for precise cloud detection and sky clarity assessment. Combined with two sky brightness sensors (10° narrow-field and 60° wide-field, both outputting lux and mag/arcsec²) and SHT41 environmental sensor, it delivers comprehensive weather monitoring in a single compact unit. A high-resolution 64×48 pixel variant is also available for enhanced spatial analysis. The enclosure is engineered to prevent water pooling on the sensor surface.

With dual connectivity options (USB-C CDC serial and RS485) and an ASCII text-based protocol, AMSKY02 integrates seamlessly into observatory automation systems, SCADA networks, and custom monitoring solutions.

Key Features

Dual-Sensor Technology Two independent sky brightness (SQM) sensors with different fields of view — 10° narrow-angle for precise zenith measurement and 60° wide-angle for broader sky coverage — provide redundant and complementary light pollution data.

Pixel Matrix Thermopile Array (MLX9064x) Advanced 32×24 pixel IR sensor (64×48 variant available) provides detailed sky temperature mapping for superior cloud detection compared to single-point sensors. Enables spatial analysis of cloud coverage and sky conditions.

Optical Sky Brightness Measurement Both SQM channels deliver real-time readings in lux and mag/arcsec² for standardized sky quality assessment and light pollution monitoring.

SHT41 Environmental Sensor Precision-calibrated temperature and humidity measurement for comprehensive meteorological data collection.

Flexible Power & Connectivity USB-C (5V bus-powered) or external 8-13V DC supply. Dual interface: USB CDC serial for plug-and-play operation, or RS485 for industrial-grade long-distance communication.

ASCII Text Protocol Simple, human-readable command structure enables rapid integration into existing automation systems without complex parsing libraries.

Outdoor-Rated Design Weatherproof enclosure engineered for continuous 24/7 operation in permanent observatory installations. The sensor head geometry is specifically designed to prevent water pooling on optical surfaces.

Cloud Detection in Action

The following video shows real-time data from the AMSKY02 sensor as cloud coverage develops overhead. The 32×24 pixel thermopile array captures detailed sky temperature distribution across its 150°×110° field of view, enabling precise detection of cloud movement and coverage patterns. Watch how the sensor responds to changing atmospheric conditions in real-time.

Typical Applications

• Autonomous observatory control – automated dome closure and equipment protection based on real-time cloud detection and weather conditions
• Sky quality monitoring networks – standardized mag/arcsec² measurements for light pollution documentation and research
• Remote telescope operations – reliable weather monitoring for unattended observing sessions
• SCADA/BMS integration – RS485 connectivity for building automation and facility management systems
• Research and development – detailed sky temperature mapping data for atmospheric and meteorological studies