SkySwitch PRO

Remote control for 10Micron mounts

Available for V2 and V3 controllers

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.

V3
6-pin AUX connector
For 10Micron mounts
with V3 controller
V2
3.5mm Jack connector
For 10Micron mounts
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 3.5mm Jack connector. Both versions provide the same core functionality, including remote ON/OFF control, environmental sensing, GPS-based ASCOM synchronization, USB communication, logging and configuration.The difference is the connection type and the mount status monitoring method. V3 supports direct online ON/OFF status monitoring through the AUX interface, while V2 monitors mount availability indirectly through ASCOM communication.SkySwitch PRO goes beyond simple remote power switching by combining weather-data support and high-sensitivity GPS synchronization in one compact device for real remote observatory use.
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 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: AUX for V3 or Jack for V2.

For V3 controllers, SkySwitch PRO also monitors the operating state of the mount through the AUX connection, so the user can see in real time whether the mount is currently ON or OFF. This provides clear remote awareness of the system status instead of blind pulse triggering.

For V2 controllers, the switching function is provided through the Jack connection, while mount availability can be monitored indirectly through ASCOM communication. In practice, SkySwitch PRO is not only a remote switching device, but also a practical status and control interface for remote or semi-remote 10Micron mount operation.

Environmental data for atmospheric refraction

SkySwitch PRO is equipped with a high-sensitivity environmental sensor that measures temperature, pressure and humidity, and calculates dew point based on the acquired readings. These environmental parameters are used as technical input for the mount. If enabled by the user, SkySwitch PRO writes the data in Boltwood format to a file that is continuously read by the mount and used for internal atmospheric refraction correction calculations.

In addition to this primary function, SkySwitch PRO also makes the same environmental data available to the user in practical ways. The readings are displayed live in the software interface, and the software includes configurable offsets that allow the user to correct sensor values if calibration adjustments are needed. The data can also be saved to a CSV file for the user’s own analysis, record keeping or observatory monitoring workflow.

GPS-based mount synchronization

SkySwitch PRO features a built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver that provides accurate location, altitude and UTC time data. This information is used by the companion software to synchronize supported 10Micron mounts through the ASCOM interface, without the need for a separate external GPS module connected directly to the mount.

The result is a cleaner remote observatory setup, fewer physical connections, and integrated positioning and time-support functionality in one compact device.

All-in-one advantage

SkySwitch PRO combines remote mount switching, environmental sensing and high-sensitivity GPS for ASCOM-based synchronization in one compact enclosure designed specifically for supported 10Micron V2 and V3 controller systems.

Instead of buying, powering and wiring multiple separate devices, the user gets one integrated solution that reduces cost, simplifies installation, minimizes cable clutter and makes the complete observatory setup cleaner and easier to manage.

Software Interface
The SkySwitch PRO software interface brings mount status, environmental readings, GPS data and device configuration into one compact control panel. The application automatically recognizes whether a V2 or V3 device is connected and applies the correct monitoring method for the selected 10Micron controller system.
STATUS – Provides the main live overview of the SkySwitch PRO system. It shows the current mount power 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 module and mount synchronization.The application automatically identifies whether a V2 or V3 SkySwitch PRO device is connected and applies the appropriate mount monitoring logic. With V3 controllers, the mount operating state is monitored directly through the AUX connection. With V2 controllers, mount availability is monitored indirectly through ASCOM communication.The page also presents environmental readings, GPS data, satellite count and GPS quality. Advanced Auto-sync logic uses the quality of the incoming GPS data to determine when synchronization with the mount should be performed, helping avoid updates based on weak or incomplete GPS fixes.The user can define which parameters are transferred to the mount, such as location, altitude, UTC time and environmental data. Quick settings provide immediate access to Auto-sync and Dark Mode, while the bottom status bar summarizes key operating states such as COM port, GPS battery, dark condition, offsets, refraction and weather 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 blindly through available devices.The page allows weather-data offsets to be applied when a more reliable reference source is available, and enables configuration of atmospheric refraction data output and weather logging.The ASCOM Mount Synchronization section lets the user choose the ASCOM telescope driver, define which parameters are transferred to the mount, including UTC time, latitude/longitude and elevation, and review the timestamp of the last successful synchronization for each parameter.The selected ASCOM driver is required for GPS-based mount synchronization on both V2 and V3 systems. For V2 devices, ASCOM communication is also used to monitor whether the mount is powered and responding.During the first synchronization, it is recommended to enable all available synchronization parameters: UTC time, location and elevation. For later use, if the mount is permanently installed in a fixed observatory location, synchronizing UTC time only is usually 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.
ABOUT – Displays general device and software information, including software version, firmware version and SkySwitch PRO model details.It also provides contact details, access to the firmware update panel and a convenient Open Log Folder button, which allows the user to quickly open the folder containing application log files.This tab serves as a quick reference point for product identification, diagnostics and basic maintenance tasks.

Technical specification

Key hardware and system parameters of SkySwitch PRO.

Mechanical

Dimensions:
95 x 60 x 25
Operating temp.:
-20°C to +60°C
Weight:
120 g
AUX / Jack cable length:
100 cm
Enclosure material:
PETG
Enclosure type:
3D-printed enclosure

Electrical

Power supply:
USB-powered (5V)
Interface:
USB-B
Operating current:
65 mA
Overcurrent protection:
PTC
Electrostatic protection:
ESD diode
Pulse output protecton:
Opto-isolated

Sensors & Sync

Environmental sensor:
BOSCH BME280
Accuracy (T,P,Rh):
±0.1°C ; ±1.0 hPa ; ±3%
GPS/GNSS Receiver:
Quectel L80RE-M37
GNSS Channels:
88-channel
Antena:
Integrated
Tracking sensitivity:
-165dBm

SkySwitch PRO

Remote control, GPS synchronization and weather data integration for 10Micron V2 and V3 mounts.