ASCOM ObservingConditions

Description

[cite_start]The **Deep Sky Chile Observing Conditions** driver is an ASCOM-compliant driver that exposes weather and seeing data from the Deep Sky Chile site[cite: 1]. [cite_start]It retrieves real-time meteorological data from the Deep Sky Chile API and maps it to standard ASCOM ObservingConditions properties[cite: 2].

[cite_start]This driver is intended for remote observatory automation systems (like N.I.N.A., Voyager, SGP) to monitor environmental conditions[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: 1] |

Supported Sensors

[cite_start]The driver supports the following sensors[cite: 3]:

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

How it works

[cite_start]The driver periodically queries the API (default: http://api.deepskychile.com/weather)[cite: 4].

[cite_start]It then performs the following steps[cite: 5]:

 - Retrieves the JSON data via HTTP (TLS 1.2 secured)
 - Extracts sensor values (Temp, Hum, Seeing, etc.)
 - Converts cloud/rain status into percentage/rate
 - Supports stale data protection (configurable multiplier)
 - Provides detailed trace logging

Configuration

[cite_start]Open the driver’s Setup dialog from any ASCOM application[cite: 5].

[cite_start]You may configure the following[cite: 6]:

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

Trace logs are stored in: [cite_start]Documents\ASCOM\Logs [cite: 6]

Installation

Run the installer. [cite_start]It will[cite: 7]:

 * Copy driver files
 * Register the COM driver
 * Add ASCOM profile entries

Uninstallation

Use Windows Add/Remove Programs. [cite_start]The uninstaller removes all files and registry entries[cite: 8].

Support

For help, contact: Cédric Thomas [cite_start][email protected] [cite: 8]

Disclaimer

This driver relies entirely on the Deep Sky Chile API. [cite_start]**Always use redundant safety systems in remote observatory operations.** [cite: 9]