Deep Sky Chile Observing Conditions Driver

Overview

[cite_start]The **Deep Sky Chile Observing Conditions** driver is an ASCOM-compliant driver designed to expose weather and seeing data from the Deep Sky Chile site[cite: 1]. [cite_start]It is intended for use with remote observatory automation systems, such as N.I.N.A., Voyager, or SGP, allowing them to monitor environmental conditions effectively[cite: 3].

Attribute	Detail
Version	[cite_start]1.0.0 [cite: 1]
Author	[cite_start]Cédric Thomas [cite: 1]
Compliance	[cite_start]ASCOM ObservingConditions [cite: 2]

Functionality

[cite_start]The driver retrieves real-time meteorological data from the Deep Sky Chile API and maps it to standard ASCOM ObservingConditions properties[cite: 2].

Supported Sensors

[cite_start]The driver supports the following environmental readings[cite: 3]:

Temperature, Humidity, and Dew Point
Wind Speed and Wind Gust
Seeing (StarFWHM)
Sky Quality (NSB)
Sky Temperature
Cloud Cover and Rain Rate

Operation Logic

[cite_start]The driver operates by periodically querying the API (default endpoint: `http://api.deepskychile.com/weather`)[cite: 4]. [cite_start]The operational workflow is as follows[cite: 5]:

Retrieves JSON data via HTTP (secured with TLS 1.2).
Extracts specific sensor values (Temp, Hum, Seeing, etc.).
Converts cloud and rain status into percentage or rate formats.
Applies stale data protection using a configurable multiplier.
Generates detailed trace logs.

Configuration

Configuration is managed via the driver’s Setup dialog, accessible from any ASCOM application. [cite_start]Users can configure the following settings[cite: 6]:

**API URL Endpoint**
**Polling interval** (in seconds)
**Stale data multiplier**
**Trace logging** (Enable/Disable)

Logging

[cite_start]Trace logs are generated to assist with troubleshooting and are stored in the following directory[cite: 6]:

Documents\ASCOM\Logs

Installation and Removal

Installation

[cite_start]Running the installer performs the following actions[cite: 7]:

Copies the necessary driver files.
Registers the COM driver.
Adds the required ASCOM profile entries.

Uninstallation

To remove the driver, use the Windows Add/Remove Programs feature. [cite_start]The uninstaller will remove all files and registry entries associated with the driver[cite: 8].

Safety and Disclaimer

[cite_start]This driver relies entirely on the Deep Sky Chile API[cite: 9]. [cite_start]It is strongly recommended to always use redundant safety systems in remote observatory operations[cite: 9].

Support

[cite_start]For assistance, please contact Cédric Thomas at `[email protected]`[cite: 8].