WeatherWatcher Server for ACP

An innovative software program to manage and monitor weather data from almost all makes and models weather stations including the Boltwood Cloud Sensor.

WeatherWatcher gives users the ability to set site specific parameters like maximum humidity, temperature, wind speed, and sky temperature then have WeatherWatcher monitor the local weather conditions and constantly compare them. If any of the preset parameters are reached WeatherWatcher will signal ACP to proceed with user definable actions to end the session, close the dome/roof or any other actions that ACP is capable of doing.

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Updates for Registered Users (send registered user's full name)

Version 4.1.0 (revision history)

Get the users manual here

Minimum System Requirements

Software

ACP
Ambient Virtual Weather Station (Pro or Internet editions), or Weather Display
ASCOM platform v4.1 or higher

Hardware

Weather Station compatible with Ambient VWS or Weather Display software (see a full list here)
Boltwood Cloud Sensor I or II (Clarity v 1.56 or higher required)

Ambient Virtual Weather Station (VWS) Setup Procedure

Select 'Settings' the 'File Settings' from VWS' main menu.

"File Update Timer' should be set for a one minute interval or less to adequately allow WeatherWatcher to update based upon weather condition changes.

You need to set up Virtual Weather Station (VWS) so the 'Settings/File Settings/Create/Modify
File List' menu has the following values checked (only these as shown below):

Wind direction
Wind Speed

Indoor Humidity
Outdoor Humidity
Indoor Temp
Outdoor Temp
Barometer

Channel 1-3 Temp

Channel 1-3 Humidity
Dew point
Rain Rate

Weather Display Setup Procedure

Click Here for PDF Instructions

ACP and WeatherWatcher Setup Procedure

If you put a script called ACP-Weather.xxx (xxx=vbs,js) in the same directory as ACP.exe, it will be automatically run when ACP detects that the weather has become unsafe. You can use this to (at a minimum) park your scope and close your dome or roof. If you have turned on "Automatically home and close dome AFTER scope is parked" (Dome tab of Preferences), then all your weather safety script needs to contain is:

Sub Main()
    Telescope.Park
End Sub

This will call the telescope's park method, and the auto-home/close logic will take care of your dome. The logic in Telescope.Park tries its very best to assure that your scope is parked before closing the shutter or roof.

Under the ACP Preferences/Weather tab rename the file in the 'Weather Server object ID' box to 'WeatherWatcher.Weather'. Then click the setup weather
server button to select where your data files are located. If you are using the trial version, or you have not yet entered your unlock key, DO NOT use the 'Setup Weather Server' button, instead press 'OK' then connect WeatherWatcher via ACP's 'Weather' tab on the main screen. Click the 'Setup' button on Weather Watcher's main screen to access setup.

Wind speed limits offer 2 inputs. The lower limit is set for winds that enter directly in to a dome slot, the upper limit is the wind speed maximum for blowing from opposite the dome slot. WeatherWatcher will then automatically compute excessive wind speeds for different directions in relation to the dome's current slot position.
Roll off roof observatories should enter the same value for both the upper and lower limits.

Hardware Present:

Check the appropriate hardware you have present You should now be able to access the weather data.

Sky Temperature:

Set the upper and lower limits for the sky temperatures that suite your guiding needs.

Weather Parameters:

The 'Limit Parameters' and 'Sky Temperature' fields must be inputted in the same units (Metric, US) as your weather station is set to report its data.