External Sensors

APT can use different types of external sensors. They are divided in three types - Temperature, Temperature / Humidity and Sky Quality.

 

See the sections Temperature / Humidity Sensors and Sky Quality Meters for links about the hardware. Switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit is possible from Temperature& Sky settings tab.

 

Here is description how you can use the different types.

 

 

These are dedicated temperature sensors (different Temper models) or these built-in in the most focusers. In order to use dedicated sensor you have to select the Temper option in Temperature& Sky settings tab, then restart APT. The focuser sensor is detected automatically on connection time. If there is available sensor in the top of main screen you will see the temperature reading ("T") between the APT name and the date, like in the flowing screen shot.

 

 

Here are the features that can use the temperature sensor:

 

 

 

These are dedicated devices - different TemperHum models, USB_DewPoint or special focuser models. To use TemperHum or USB_DewPoint, select the corresponding brand option in Temperature& Sky settings tab, then restart APT. The focuser sensors are detected automatically on connection time. If there are available sensors in the top of main screen you will see reading for temperature ("T"), humidity ("Hum") and dew point ("DewP") between the APT name and the date, like in the flowing screen shot.

 

 

Here are the features that can use the temperature & humidity sensors:

 

 

These are Unihedron and compatible devices, as well as the front/rear EYE sensors of PrimaLuceLab EAGLE computer. In order to use such sensor you have to enable sky tracking and to select the model in Temperature& Sky settings tab, then restart APT. In the Status panel located in Main screen you will see the current value.

 

Double click on the label opens the Sky Quality Calculator. There you can enter manual values or convert between Mpsas and Nelm.

 

Here are the features that can use the sky quality sensors:

 

 

APT can be configured to remind you that there is need to refocus the telescope/lens because of temperature change. First set the limit in from "Refocus on every" option in Temperature& Sky settings tab. After that every time when your telescope or lens is focused, click on the button Set Focus Mark in Tools Tab to set focus mark on the temperature that focus was achieved. When the temperature is changed by half of the defined limit the "T" reading visible in the main screen will star flashing. When the temperature change is bigger than the limit, the reading will be printed on bright background and message will be printed in the Log panel.

 

 

Once you refocus use the button Set Focus Mark in Tools Tab in order to start the monitoring for the new focus position. Shift+Click on  Set Focus Mark in Tools Tab will print the last set mark in the Log panel.

 

 

APT can be also configured to remind you ahead that dew point is closing and you have to turn on your heating solution. Set the limit in from "Dew point within " option in Temperature& Sky settings tab. When the dew point closes to half of the defined limit the "DewP" reading visible in the main screen will star flashing. If the dew point is passed the printed on bright background and message will be printed in the Log panel.