Astro-Smart SMP-PRO-R2 User manual

User’s Manual Computerized Sky Master Pro
System (Model SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2)
Copyright Oct 17th 2020
SMP-R2-PRO(OLED)
SMP-R2
SMP-R2-PRO(LCD)
R2-Enclosure
SMP-R2-RF

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 2
User’s Manual
Astro-Smart
Computerized Sky Master Pro (Model SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2)
Contents
A. Overview ..........................................................................................................................................3
B. SMP Family Purchase Configurations.................................................................................................5
C. Features ............................................................................................................................................9
D. Contents of Box...............................................................................................................................10
E. Hardware Installation and Operation Warnings ..................................................................................11
F. Installation of the Sky Master Pro Windows Software ....................................................................... 12
G. Quick Tour Of Your PC Control Remote User Interface Summary..................................................... 19
H. GUI Interface Description Summary Using the Sky Master Pro Software. ..........................................24
I. Configuration/Calibration of your Sky Master Pro Sensor Thresholds. ...............................................29
J. Astro-Smart ASCOM Software Interface With (Sequence Generator Pro)...........................................36
K. Other 3rd Party ASCOM And Boltwood File Software Interfaces( Sky Roof). .....................................39
L. Blue Tooth Interface. .......................................................................................................................42
M. RF Interface. ...................................................................................................................................45
N. Specifications..................................................................................................................................45
O. SMP Family Controllers Front Panel And Connector Diagram...........................................................46
P. R2 Full Sensor Enclosure Front Panel And Connector Diagram ......................................................... 51
Q. Accessories .....................................................................................................................................53
R. Astro-Smart’s Product Goals: ...........................................................................................................57
S. Warranty, Policies, Copyright Notice:...............................................................................................58

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 3
A. Overview
The Astro-Smart Sky Master Pro weather stations are a cost-effective solution for astronomers to:
Monitor and control based on the weather and sky conditions.
Incorporate weather and environmental information and imaging data
Trigger adjustments on sensors.
Rain Sensor heating option to aid in false alarms from dew of to warm up to remove snow.
3rd party interfaces to ASCOM and SW GUI software vendors. Sequence Generator Pro, Sky
Roof, Boltwood File Output and more.
Automate observatory activity such as closing a roof or shutter when raining
oAll models have two relay options, an integrated +5V output, or a separate 12V relay unit.
Either relay may be triggered to control an observatory dome, custom dome closure relay
or power utility. All units support an optional GPS sensor available from Astro-Smart.
All models have a Windows application to view, monitor and graph Sky Master Pro data, and an
ASCOM driver to integrate with ASCOM compliant astronomy applications.
All units come turn key with sky quality, clouds, brightness, rain/snow and barometer with
temperature, humidity and pressure. Other options include wind speed and direction anemometer,
wireless communication and GPS.
There are two available models: SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2.
The SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2 has a complete turnkey astronomical observatory weather station system
which includes sensors such as Cloud and Sky Quality Meter Sensor, Lux Sky Brightness Sensor, Rain
Sensor, Wind Speed and Direction Sensor, Barometric(Pressure, Temperature and Humidity) Sensor
that are housed in the R2 enclosure with one data/control cable from the R2 housing to the SMP-PRO-
R2, SMP-R2 . Additional options for the SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2 include GPS Sensor, Rain sensor
heating along with Relay output control to operate an Observatory Dome, Custom Dome Closure Relay
or Power Utility. Custom data/control lengths between SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2 and R2 enclosure
sensor cluster are available upon request. The SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2 can be setup with your home
observatory or telescope mount for trouble-free operation controlled by the user supplied computer
interface.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 4
The main difference between PRO and R family is the PRO family comes with a 8 line OLED or 4 line
LCD for standalone display of sensor and relay information along with remote control capabilities
where the R family has the same capabilities as the PRO family minus the display.
The new SMP-R2-RF product is a combined all in one controller and R2 sensor enclosure unit which
has no need for a control cable as it uses a RF link for control cable of distances upto 650 ft from a PC
or notebook controlled by Software GUI, ASCOM or 3rd party software package supporting boltwood
file output.
The imaging sensors such as the Sky Brightness Sensor is measured and displayed in LUX, while the
SQM Sky Quality meter sensor is used to determine if imaging, visual or technical work is appropriate.
The SQM features of the include a graphical reporting system on the software GUI which graphically
maps NELM(Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude) and MPSAS (Magnitude Per Square Arc Sec) over
a programmable measurement scale as low as 1 sample every 3 seconds. The Cloud Sensor is IR based
and informs the user whether cloud formations or clear conditions are present necessary for imaging or
visual work. The other sensors are self-explanatory and add to the overall SKY Master Product
Capability.
The relay option out has two options for the SMP-PRO, SMP-R family based on the needs of the user.
If the user already has a relay output for Dome control, option 1 includes a +5V output when relay
activated due to sensor readings using a 3.5mm audio jack output along with a LED output. If a relay is
required, option 2 provides a +12V relay 10Amp output using a +/- AR binding posts along with LED
output when activated. The basic configuration is to mount your sensor configuration to the location
desired on your observatory or telescope mount. Then, connect to your PC with the USB cable and
power supply provided and launch the GUI interface provided to read sensor readings and the user can
let the system control when the dome should close based on user rules or sensors equipped or can be
done manually by the user using the GUI interface.
Typical Configurations for the SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2 are shown below used with a generic
observatory with a role off roof or Dome control from remote computer with various sensors.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 5
B. SMP Family Purchase Configurations.
SMP-PRO-R2 (OLED)

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 6
SMP-PRO-R2 (LCD)

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 7
SMP-R2

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 8
SMP-R2-RF
The Astro-Smart SMP family controllers are designed to be user friendly, serviceable, elegant and
reliable and include the following features shown below:

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 9
C. Features
The Astro-Smart SMP family controllers has these innovative and unique features:
1.
Worry Free Warranty Program For Life Of Product Sale.
2.
Full Computerized Sky Master PRO System Solution With Standalone Controllable and or USB
Remote Control Software Solution GUI And ASCOM Environmental Observation Conditions
Driver. Tested with Sequence Generator Pro ASCOM Environmental Observing Conditions plug in.
3.
Data Logging, Historical Data Graphing and Retrieval Capability with Parameter Setting Flash
Storage And Retrieval. Email Alarm Event capability, dynamic sampling and Boltwood output file
support. Tested with Diffraction Limited Clarity II, AAG SkyRoof .
4.
Alarms and Relay Control Rule Sets for Sky and Atmospheric Conditions.
5.
8 Line OLED Display or 4 Line LCD Display On SMP-PRO-R2
6.
SQM Sky Quality Meter Sensor And LUX Sky Brightness Sensor to measure Star Magnitude Per
Arc Sec(MSPAS) and Naked Eye Star Magnitude(NELM). 0.2 mag/square arc sec accuracy. The
LUX sky brightness sensor has a reporting range of 0.0001 to 100K LUX.
7.
IR Cloud Sensor to measure Cloud Sky Conditions.
8.
Optional Wind Speed and Direction Sensor in meters/sec or MPH +/- 5% for speed and 16 division
scale wind direction accuracy for all measurements. 3.5mm jack style interface. 4 wind sensors to
choose from.
9.
BAROMETER Pressure Sensor measurement in mbars or inch of Mercury, Temperature and
Humidity Sensor to measure Atmospheric Conditions. +/- 1% accuracy for all measurements.
10.
Rain Sensor and Rain Sensor Heating Option. User selectable rain Voltage trigger threshold.
11.
Optional GPS Sensor to measure precise location(Lat,Lon,#Satellites,Date,Time and Altitude) to 1
meter displaying Geo Location Data plus NEMA output option for 3rd party programs.
12.
Optional Relay Output Dome Roof Control or power utility with LED indicator. Option 1. +5V to
user relay on activation with 3.5mm jack style interface. Option 2. 120/240 VAC 10Amp or 12/24
VDC 10 Amp relay on activation with +/- AR terminal post style interface. User specified or standard
length of sensor cable available. Can couple relay activation with rain and IR cloud sensor or just

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 10
rain sensor data. Tested with Interactive Astronomy SkyRoof, ASCOM Dome Hub and Boltwood
Saftey Monitor for Dome and Telescope mount control.
13.
Optional Wireless Remote control interface options available for telescope or observatory. The SMP-
PRO, SMP-R interface supports Wireless Bluetooth (<200ft) and ISM (<650ft) backhauls.
14.
Input Requirements: 12VDC –2Amps.
15.
Overvoltage, Overcurrent and Reverse current Protection.
16.
High quality design employs multi-layer PCB form factor and only the best quality components with
conformal coatings for outdoor use.
17.
Price point set below development cost for such a system while providing more features.
18.
Dimensions SMP Family Controller (5.2"Length x 3" Width x 1.9" Height)
19.
Dimensions R2 Full Sensor Fusion Enclosure (6"Length x 4.5" Width x 1.3" Height). This
enclosure houses all the sensors connected via communications cable to your SMP Family
Controller.
D. Contents of Box
1. SMP-PRO-R2, SMP-R2 indoor unit.
2. R2 Enclosure for all R2 variety purchases. Cable length needs to be specified from indoor
controller to R and R2 outdoor unit with turn key sensor package. SMP-R2-RF does not require
a data cable and comes with RF interface.
3. CD with SMP Family Controller GUI Software, ASCOM Drivers, User manual and video
tutorials.
4. One USB-B interface Cable.
5. 12VDC / 2 Amp AC/DC Power Supply.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 11
E. Hardware Installation and Operation Warnings
1. Start by determining an appropriate location to mount the R2 full sensor fusion module outdoor
unit. Choose a location with a clear view of the sky. The outdoor unit can be mounted on the
side of your observatory or on a 4x4 pressure treated post. When mounting the outdoor unit
ensure you allow air flow to the underside of the outdoor unit for proper temperature, humidity
and pressure readings.
2. If the wind option is purchased with pre drilled PVC kit, the PVC mounting package ensures
enough space between the anemometer (wind speed and direction unit) and the outdoor unit. When
using the wind option, mount the outdoor unit and wind unit with enough height and clearance to
get clean air flow.
3. Installation of SMP-PRO-R2 or SMP-R2 with chosen single data/control cable between your
controller and R2 Full Sensor Fusion module. Cable length vary between 6 and 50 feet but can be
custom. The R2 Full Sensor Fusion module has all sensors installed. If the wind option is
purchased, the R2 has a wind plug port that can be used for connection to your wind mount.
These cable lengths are standard 6 feet in length. Use the mounting clips to secure your R2
enclosure and wind sensor to the PVC mounting package or to your desired platform. After all
connections are made to your R2 enclosure, plug in your power connection followed by your
USB cable to your SMP-PRO-R2 or SMP-R2 controller near your computer location. Then turn
on the unit with power on switch. Other options are available for R2 family such as GPS(internal
to unit), rain sensor heating, wind and direction sensors and wireless option. In the R2 family
instance the GPS, rain sensor heating and wireless options are installed in the SMP-R2 family
controller. The rain sensor heating option comes with an additional power supply plugged in to
the R2 enclosure when heating of the rain sensor is desired. You are now ready for communicate
to your system via GUI or ASCOM driver interface.
4. Relay Installation for your SMP-R2-PRO or SMP-R2 unit.
a) Relay Output Option 1 and 2: Mount inside. Connect from SMP-R2-PRO Relay output
with 3.5mm jack 12ft cable to Relay 2 box. The relay 2 box can have any length AC run
to operate an AC source such as an alarm, light, or operation of observatory door triggered
by cloudy or raining conditions settable by the user.
Once, R2 enclosure is installed, then plug in USB cable to computer. Then turn on 12VDC power.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 12
F. Installation of the Sky Master Pro Windows Software
There are 2 versions of the SMP-PRO Windows application software. The standard version comes
free with your SMP-R2 family order, which allows the user to loop read , query and control the
SMP-R2 family controller with data logging capability. The optional super pro SMP-PRO software
adds real time data acquisition, dynamic sampling rate, data retrieval mapping, present and historical
data graphing with .log , .csv , .png data plot outputs and adds Boltwood data file output capability
for third party integration applications.
Your Sky Master Pro family controller can be monitored or controlled from your computer. There
are two options for monitoring your Sky Master Pro –using the Sky Master Pro Windows app, or by
using the ASCOM driver. To install the Sky Master Pro Windows app: (Win XP, Win 7, Win 8, Win
10). The ASCOM driver is the same and available for use with your product no matter what Windows
app you are running.
1. Install the Sky Master Pro GUI software from the provided DVD/CD. Once, installed, all
logging, preset and selected com port data will be stored on your hard drive folder
C:\Sky_Master_Pro_Data.
2. Install the Sky Master Pro software by running the setup .msi on your software DVD or
download. By default, By default, the app is installed in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Astro-
Smart\Sky_Master_Pro_Standard_Setup\Astro-Smart folder.
For compatibility, select run as administrator control after installed before running if required
but should not be necessary.
3. Once your software is installed, power up the controller first with the power toggle switch and
wait a few seconds before connecting the USB cable to your computer. Note on PRO units using
a display, the power button needs to be on before connecting the USB cable in order to initialize
the display. Otherwise, recycle the power switch or press the reset button to see display activity.
Determine the COM (serial) port used by your Sky Master Pro controller. In Windows, you can
use Device Manager to display the available COM ports. Once, selected future sessions will
remember what com port you selected on running the application.
4. During installation, the ASCOM driver is not installed. We’ll see how to install and use this
ASCOM driver in later Section.
5. You can Launch the app several ways. During install you can add a desktop shortcut along with
windows menu driven app shortcut or directly from installed location on your computer at
C:\Program Files (x86)\Astro-Smart\Sky_Master_Pro_Standard_Setup\Astro-
Smart\Sky_Master_Pro_Standard_SW.exe. The app is located under the menu start button
under Sky_Master_Pro_Standard_SW. .
6. In the Control group, select the COM port that your Sky Master Pro connects with.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 13
7. Click the Open Port/Read Sky Master Pro button. If your Sky Master Pro successfully
connects, you’ll see the Data Port Status section change. The Status will update with the current
action, and the Progress Bar will indicate data is being transferred. If you do not see the Data
Port Status change to “Port Read Complete” verify the COM port for SMP controller is correct.
8. Specific to the SMP-R2-RF version of product, one can control DEW heating via PWM control
on rain/snow sensor via the software GUI if the dew heating option is purchased. This can be
seen using the pro version of software in picture below.
9. You can send email alarms based on the sensor readings such as rain, wind speed, relay and IR
cloud conditions. This can be seen using the pro version of software in picture below.
Once connected, you’ll screens similar to the following below:

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct2020
Page 14

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct2020
Page 15

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct2020
Page 16

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct2020
Page 17

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 18
Other features of the GUI and examples can be seen by demonstration on our website to browse
support pages, video tutorials of this product and others.
http://www.astro-smart.com/index.php?p=1_49_Video-Overviews
Enhancements to the software will be made based on user input on a continual basis and can
be uploaded from our site for your convenience.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 19
G. Quick Tour Of Your PC Control Remote User Interface Summary
Your SMP family controllers can be monitored or controlled from your computer. Just connect the
USB cable and in the device manager of your operating system, you must know what port is used
when connected. The settings will be automatic and the host PC install program provided will list all
available serial ports to connect. You just pick the correct one. A video tutorial is listed in the
support page of our website to go thru the basic operations of this feature. Some basic features are
listed below.
In the following pictures you can see the SMP family controller software GUI interface
snapshots. The first snapshot below shows the standard GUI interface which captures all
SMP family controllers sensor data along with formulating results of sky condition information to
user and the state of open/close dome relay based on GUI set rules and sensor input. The second
snapshot shows cloud sensor configuration preset saves and set points along with the ability to save
a user log as per third snapshot.

Providing the Astronomical Community with Premier
Products and Services
Astro-smart.com Copyright © 2010-2049, All rights reserved Oct 2020
Page 20