SkySwitch PRO
Remote control for 10Micron mounts
SkySwitch PRO lets you remotely switch your 10Micron mount on and off from anywhere. It also extends your setup with observatory-grade environmental and GPS data, monitoring weather conditions for atmospheric refraction calculations and synchronizing the mount with accurate UTC time and geolocation.
Choose your version by connector type
Both versions provide the same core functionality.
Select V3 for the 6-pin AUX connector or V2 for the 3.5mm Jack connector.
with V3 controller
with V2 controller
Same powerful features. Different connector.
Choose the version that matches your controller and enjoy full SkySwitch PRO functionality.
Remote control solution for 10Micron mounts
SkySwitch PRO was created to support remote operation of 10Micron mounts with V2 and V3 controllers. It is available in two dedicated hardware versions: V3 with the 6-pin AUX connector and V2 with the 3.5 mm Jack connector. Both versions provide the same core functionality, including remote ON/OFF control, environmental sensing, GPS-based synchronization, native TCP/IP communication, USB connectivity, data logging and configuration.
The difference lies in the hardware interface and mount status monitoring method. V3 provides direct real-time ON/OFF status monitoring through the AUX interface, while V2 monitors mount availability using the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol.
SkySwitch PRO goes beyond simple remote power switching by combining weather data integration, high-sensitivity GPS synchronization and native TCP/IP communication in one compact device designed specifically for unattended remote observatories.
Remote switching for 10Micron V3 / V2 Controller
A 10Micron mount can normally be switched on or off manually by pressing and holding the physical power button for approximately two seconds. SkySwitch PRO extends this functionality by allowing the mount to be switched ON or OFF remotely from the control computer using the dedicated interface for the selected hardware version: the AUX connector for V3 or the 3.5 mm Jack connector for V2.
For V3 controllers, SkySwitch PRO continuously monitors the mount’s operating state through the AUX interface, allowing the user to see in real time whether the mount is currently ON or OFF.
For V2 controllers, remote switching is performed through the Jack connection, while mount availability is monitored using the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol. This provides reliable remote status information without requiring the ASCOM driver.
In practice, SkySwitch PRO is not just a remote power switch, but a complete remote control and monitoring solution designed specifically for unattended or semi-remote operation of 10Micron mounts.
Environmental data for atmospheric refraction
SkySwitch PRO is equipped with a high-sensitivity environmental sensor that measures temperature, pressure and humidity, while also calculating the dew point from the acquired data. These environmental parameters are transmitted directly to the mount using the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol and are used for atmospheric refraction compensation, helping maintain accurate pointing and tracking under changing observing conditions.
In addition to this primary function, SkySwitch PRO makes the same environmental data available to the user in several practical ways. The readings are displayed live in the software interface, and configurable sensor offsets allow easy calibration when required. For compatibility with third-party observatory software, SkySwitch PRO can also generate weather data in Boltwood format. Furthermore, all environmental data can be logged to CSV files for long-term analysis, record keeping or observatory monitoring.
GPS-based mount synchronization
SkySwitch PRO features a built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver that provides accurate UTC time, geographic coordinates and altitude. The companion software synchronizes this information directly with supported 10Micron mounts using the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol and an advanced latency-aware synchronization algorithm, eliminating the need for both the ASCOM driver and a dedicated external GPS receiver connected to the mount.
The result is a cleaner observatory architecture, fewer physical connections and highly accurate positioning and time synchronization in one compact device.
All-in-one advantage
SkySwitch PRO combines remote mount switching, environmental sensing and a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with native TCP/IP communication in one compact enclosure designed specifically for supported 10Micron V2 and V3 controller systems.
Instead of purchasing, powering and wiring multiple separate devices, users benefit from one integrated solution that reduces cost, simplifies installation, minimizes cable clutter and provides reliable remote control, environmental data synchronization and high-precision GPS-based mount synchronization.
STATUS – Provides the main live overview of the SkySwitch PRO system. It displays the current mount operating state, the primary PULSE control for remote ON/OFF switching through the selected hardware interface, and the connection status of the USB device, weather sensor, GPS receiver and mount communication. The application automatically identifies whether a V2 or V3 SkySwitch PRO device is connected and applies the appropriate monitoring method. With V3 controllers, the mount operating state is monitored directly through the AUX interface. With V2 controllers, mount availability is monitored using the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol. The page also displays live environmental readings, GPS information, satellite count and GPS quality. Advanced Auto Sync logic continuously evaluates GPS fix quality before synchronizing the mount, helping prevent updates based on incomplete or unreliable positioning or time data.Users can select which parameters are synchronized with the mount, including UTC time, geographic coordinates, altitude and environmental data. Quick Settings provide immediate access to Auto Sync and Dark Mode, while the status bar summarizes key operating information such as the connected COM port, GPS backup battery status, dark condition, sensor offsets, atmospheric refraction support and weather data logging.
CONFIG – Provides access to the main configuration functions of SkySwitch PRO. The user can select the communication port manually or use Auto-detect to automatically identify the correct SkySwitch PRO COM port without searching through available devices. The page also allows configuration of the mount TCP/IP connection by entering the mount’s IP address and communication port. A built-in Test IP function verifies connectivity before communication is established. Once configured, SkySwitch PRO uses the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol for mount communication and synchronization. Users can apply weather sensor offsets when calibration against a trusted reference is required, and configure atmospheric refraction support, weather data output and environmental data logging. The Mount Synchronization section allows the user to choose which parameters are synchronized with the mount, including UTC time, geographic coordinates and altitude. The application also displays the timestamp of the last successful synchronization for each parameter. During the initial synchronization, it is recommended to synchronize all available parameters, including UTC time, geographic coordinates and altitude. For permanently installed observatories, where the mount location does not change, synchronizing UTC time only is generally sufficient.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS – Displays a live chart of temperature and humidity trends throughout the current session.
The graph is updated every 60 seconds and provides a real-time visual preview of changing atmospheric conditions. It is intended for live monitoring only and does not use data loaded from saved log files.
Technical specification
Key hardware and system parameters of SkySwitch PRO.
Mechanical
Electrical
Sensors & Sync
SkySwitch PRO
Remote control, GPS synchronization and weather data integration for 10Micron V2 and V3 mounts.