SkySwitch PRO NET
Ethernet-connected - V2 & V3 controller
SkySwitch PRO NET App
Windows 10/11 · 64-bit · Release details coming soon
Firmware
Release details coming soon
User Manual
PDF · Release details coming soon
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Find the latest software, firmware and documentation for SkySwitch PRO.
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Software, firmware, drivers, and related files
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Get access to software, firmware, quick start documents, and connection reference files for SkySwitch PRO
Open Downloads Quick start
Quick start guide, connection overview
Compatibility
Supports 10Micron V2 and V3 systems
Compatibility
Supported 10Micron V3 systems, interfaces, and operating requirements
View Compatibility FAQ
Answers to common setup, connection, and operation questions
DOWNLOADS
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ARCHIVE
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Previous SkySwitch PRO releases will be listed here.
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SkySwitch PRO USB — archived downloads
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SOFTWARE
v1.1.0
May 10, 2026
SkySwitchPro_Setup_v1.1.0.exe · link unavailable
QUICK START
SkySwitch PRO NET — Quick Start
Initial setup, network configuration and autonomous operation.
01
Install the SkySwitch PRO NET application on a Windows 11 computer. Connect the device to power and to the observatory’s wired Ethernet network.
02
At first startup, select Configure now. You can also open the setup later from Configure network or Config → Device & Network.
03
A new device has no factory-configured IP address and does not use DHCP. Prepare a unique static address for SkySwitch PRO NET and the current mount address. Example: Mount IP 10.77.77.50, SkySwitch IP 10.77.77.20, Subnet mask 255.255.255.0. The Gateway field may be left empty.
04
Connect the device to the computer using USB SERVICE. Under USB service & network configuration, leave Service port set to Auto detect and select Connect. If necessary, select Refresh and choose the correct COM port manually.
05
When Service status shows Connected, enter the network settings. Use port 3490 for the mount and port 3491 for the SkySwitch application connection. Make sure the SkySwitch address is not already used by another device.
06
Select Save to device and wait for Settings saved and verified. Do not disconnect power or USB during this operation. Then select Disconnect, remove the USB cable and establish the normal Ethernet connection using Connect.
07
For unattended operation, enable Connect automatically at startup and Reconnect automatically. A green Connected status confirms communication with SkySwitch PRO NET; mount connectivity is shown separately.
08
Install the device where its integrated GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky. Before using synchronization, confirm that the mount is reachable and that the Status view shows valid GPS/PPS data.
09
Under Config → Mount & Automation, enable Enable autonomous synchronization. Optionally enable location synchronization to send latitude, longitude and elevation to the mount. For the safest initial configuration, select Do not sync while tracking, set the UTC check interval between 60 and 3600 seconds, and select Apply. Use Synchronize time now and Synchronize location now for a one-time test.
10
Enable Dark Mode from the Status view to switch off the Power and GPS LEDs. This setting is stored in the device and remains active after restart. The Pulse LED and Ethernet connector indicators may still illuminate. During normal operation, only power and Ethernet are required; USB SERVICE is used for configuration, firmware updates and recovery.
COMPATIBILITY
Built for 10Micron V2 & V3
SkySwitch PRO is designed for 10Micron mounts equipped with either a V2 or V3 controller.
✓
For 10Micron mounts with V2 or V3 controllers
✓
Remote ON/OFF control from your observatory PC
✓
Direct online status monitoring with V3 controllers
✓
Weather data for atmospheric refraction correction
✓
GPS-based UTC, location and altitude synchronization via TCP/IP
✓
Windows companion application with direct 10Micron TCP/IP integration
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common setup, synchronization and operation questions.
Connectivity and Network Configuration
Why does the application not connect to a new device over Ethernet?
A new device does not have a factory-configured IP address and does not use DHCP. Perform the initial configuration through USB SERVICE under Config → Device & Network. After saving the settings, disconnect USB SERVICE and establish the normal Ethernet connection.
Which IP addresses should I use?
SkySwitch PRO NET and the mount should have unique addresses within the same subnet. An example configuration is: SkySwitch PRO NET 10.77.77.20, mount 10.77.77.50, subnet mask 255.255.255.0. The standard ports are 3491 for SkySwitch and 3490 for the mount. The Gateway field may remain empty if communication takes place only within the local network.
Does SkySwitch PRO NET support DHCP?
No. The device uses a static IPv4 address. Make sure the selected address is not already being used by the computer, mount or another network device.
Why can’t I save the network settings?
Check that all required fields contain valid IPv4 addresses, the subnet mask is correct, both ports are within the permitted range, and the SkySwitch address differs from the mount address. If a gateway is entered, it must belong to the same subnet as SkySwitch. Settings can be saved only while USB SERVICE is connected.
What does “Settings saved and verified” mean?
The settings have been written to the device and confirmed by reading them back. Wait for this message before disconnecting USB SERVICE and switching to Ethernet.
Why did the application lose its connection after I changed the IP address?
This is normal. After the new address is saved, the device begins operating with the new network configuration. Disconnect USB SERVICE, verify the address under SkySwitch connection, and select Connect again.
USB SERVICE does not detect the device. What should I do?
Check the device power, USB cable and the presence of a COM port in Windows. Select Refresh in the application and choose the port manually instead of using Auto detect. Also make sure the port is not being used by another application, serial terminal or Firmware Updater.
Does USB SERVICE need to remain connected during normal operation?
No. USB SERVICE is used for network configuration, firmware updates and recovery. Normal communication with the application and mount takes place over Ethernet. Leaving the USB cable connected does not replace the Ethernet connection.
What does the green “Connected” status mean?
It confirms communication between the application and SkySwitch PRO NET. It does not automatically mean that SkySwitch can communicate with the mount. The Mount link status is monitored separately.
Why does the connection not return after a short network interruption or device restart?
Enable Reconnect automatically. The separate Connect automatically at startup option establishes the connection when the application starts.
GPS, Satellites and PPS
What do the “GPS readiness” stars mean?
The stars indicate the overall readiness of the GPS data. They do not represent the number of satellites. In simplified terms:
• One star — the GPS receiver is available.
• Two stars — at least the UTC time or position is valid.
• Three stars — the required minimum number of satellites is available.
• Four stars — the satellite count and HDOP accuracy meet the configured policy.
• Five stars — both time and complete location data meet all requirements.
Why do I see two stars while the UTC field is empty?
Two stars do not mean that UTC is ready. The score may come from a valid position while UTC is invalid, stale or not yet confirmed. Displaying UTC requires a fresh and valid GPS time estimate. Synchronizing the mount also requires a valid PPS lock.
Do the stars show the number of received satellites?
No. Satellite counts are displayed separately as used and visible. The stars indicate the quality and completeness of the data required for synchronization.
What is the difference between “visible” and “used” satellites?
Visible means satellites detected by the receiver. Used means satellites currently contributing to the calculated position. The number of used satellites may be lower than the number visible.
Why does GPS show a position but remain unready for synchronization?
A position alone is not sufficient. The default policy requires at least four satellites, acceptable HDOP accuracy, fresh data, a 3D fix, valid and stable elevation, and continuously valid conditions for a defined period. UTC synchronization also requires a PPS lock.
What do the PPS states mean?
• Locking — the device is receiving pulses and building a stable correlation with GPS time.
• Locked — PPS is correctly correlated and can provide a precise time reference.
• Unmatched — pulses are visible but cannot yet be reliably matched to a UTC epoch.
• Stale — a previously received signal is no longer sufficiently fresh.
• Absent — the device is not detecting a PPS signal.
Why can I see a valid UTC time while PPS is not yet “Locked”?
The receiver may provide UTC through NMEA data before the firmware confirms a stable correlation with the PPS pulses. UTC can therefore be displayed while precise mount synchronization remains paused until PPS is fully locked.
Why does GPS readiness take longer after switching on the device?
Time to first fix depends on sky visibility, the installation location, how long the receiver has been inactive and the information retained by the receiver. Metal roofs, cabinets and other obstructions can significantly delay or prevent a 3D fix.
What does the blinking or continuously illuminated GPS LED mean?
A blinking GPS LED indicates that the receiver is operating but is not fully ready for synchronization. A continuously illuminated GPS LED indicates a 3D fix and valid time, location and PPS conditions. When Dark Mode is active, the LED remains off regardless of GPS status; check the application instead.
Why does UTC in the application differ from my computer clock?
The GPS field shows UTC, while Windows may display local time with a time-zone and daylight-saving offset. This difference is normal.
Should I change the GPS Policy settings?
Usually not. The factory settings provide a safe balance between acquisition time and data quality. Lowering the requirements may provide readiness sooner but increases the risk of using inaccurate position or unstable time data. Restoring the factory defaults only loads them into the form; they are not saved until Set is selected.
Time and Location Synchronization
What conditions are required for UTC synchronization?
The application must be connected to SkySwitch PRO NET, the device must be able to reach the mount, automatic synchronization must be enabled, GPS time must be fresh and valid, PPS must be locked, and the mount must be in a state that permits the required correction.
Why does synchronization show “Waiting”?
The device may be waiting for GPS, a PPS lock, the next check cycle, the mount connection or a safe mount state. The detail shown under the status usually identifies the reason, such as No PPS lock, Mount off, Mount busy or Next check.
Why does synchronization not start while the mount is tracking?
When Do not sync while tracking is selected, synchronization is intentionally deferred until the mount reaches a safe state. Allow fine correction while tracking permits only small corrections. A large time difference still requires a state that allows full synchronization.
Should I enable “Allow fine correction while tracking”?
For the initial configuration, Do not sync while tracking is recommended. Fine corrections during tracking may be enabled later if they suit the observatory’s operating policy. The device will not perform a large coarse time change while the mount is tracking.
Why is “Last UTC verification” newer than “Last UTC correction”?
This is normal. Verification means the mount time was checked and found to be within the accepted tolerance. Correction is updated only when an actual adjustment is made.
Why is the manual time-synchronization button disabled?
Manual synchronization requires an active Ethernet connection to SkySwitch PRO NET and a reachable mount. It may also be unavailable while another operation or firmware update is in progress.
Why is the location-synchronization button disabled?
In addition to an Ethernet connection and reachable mount, qualified GPS data must be available, including valid latitude, longitude and elevation. These three values are sent to the mount as one complete operation.
Does disabling Auto-sync undo an earlier synchronization?
No. It does not reverse settings already written to the mount. It stops future automatic checks and corrections. The history of the last successful operation may remain visible.
What does “Result unknown” mean?
The command was sent, but the connection was interrupted before a reliable final confirmation was received. Do not immediately repeat the operation. First check the current time, location or physical mount state and refresh the data.
Why is the location synchronized while UTC is not?
Location and time synchronization have partly different requirements. The position may be valid while UTC is stale, PPS is not locked, or the current mount state prevents a time correction.
Mount Connection and Power Control
Why is SkySwitch “Connected” while “Mount link” shows “Disconnected”?
These are two independent connections. Check that the mount is powered on, its IP address and port 3490 are correct, and SkySwitch PRO NET can reach it on the local network.
Why can mount power status behave differently between V2 and V3 devices?
The V3 version receives a dedicated MAIN_ON feedback signal. The V2 version determines the mount state through network communication. If the network connection is unavailable, a V2 mount may be physically powered on without its state being confirmed.
Why is the mount power-control button disabled?
The button is disabled when device data is unavailable or stale, a previous pulse is active, the protective Cooldown period is running, the device is in a state that blocks the operation, or a firmware update is in progress.
What should I do after “Power pulse result is unknown”?
Check the physical mount state and its network availability. Do not automatically send another pulse because the previous pulse may have completed despite the lost response. The application requires separate confirmation before retrying the same operation.
Can I replace the integrated cable or use a V2 device with a V3 controller?
No. V2 and V3 use electrically different control methods. Do not modify the integrated cable, use adapters or connect the device to an incompatible controller version.
Weather, Refraction and Dark Mode
Why are the weather values empty or marked “Stale”?
The application displays weather values only when the sensor sample is valid and fresh. Stale means that an earlier measurement exists but should no longer be treated as current. Check the device connection and the Weather sensor status.
Why do the readings differ from another weather station?
The sensor measures conditions directly at the installation location. Airflow, enclosure heating and the position relative to other sensors may affect the result. SkySwitch allows temperature, pressure and humidity offsets to be stored after comparison with a reliable reference.
Why is “Weather sync” not active?
Weather delivery requires a fresh sensor sample and a reachable mount. If the mount is off, disconnected or busy with another operation, data delivery may remain pending or fail.
What does “Confirmed by mount” mean in the refraction settings?
The application does not treat sending the command as sufficient confirmation. After setting the refraction mode, it reads the value back from the mount. Confirmed by mount shows the setting actually reported by the controller.
What exactly does Dark Mode do?
Dark Mode switches off the device’s Power and GPS LEDs. It does not change the appearance of the application. The setting is stored in the device and remains active after a restart.
Why are some LEDs still illuminated after enabling Dark Mode?
Dark Mode does not disable the Pulse LED during a mount power-control pulse or the indicators built into the Ethernet connector. This is normal.
Do unlit Power and GPS LEDs indicate a fault?
Not when Dark Mode is active. Check the device state in the application. If the application also cannot connect, verify the power supply and Ethernet connection.
Application, Diagnostics and Firmware Updates
What do “Unavailable”, “Stale” and “Invalid” mean?
• Unavailable — the application currently has no data from the source.
• Stale — data was received earlier but is now too old.
• Invalid — data was received but did not pass validation.
These states do not always indicate a hardware fault. They may be caused by a disconnected source, device startup or temporarily unmet data-quality requirements.
Where are the application logs stored?
Select Open log folder under About. Logs are stored in %LOCALAPPDATA%\SkySwitch\ProNet\Logs and use automatic rotation and retention.
What information should I send to technical support?
Under About, copy the system information for support or prepare a diagnostic package. Select the required period, create a preview, review the included files and then save the ZIP archive. Also describe the status shown by the application and the approximate time when the problem occurred.
Does the application update the firmware automatically?
No. A firmware update requires manually selecting an official signed package and the correct USB SERVICE port. The update itself is performed by a separate Firmware Updater process.
Can I disconnect power or USB during a firmware update?
No. Disconnecting the device after erasing or programming begins may leave it in a state that requires recovery.
What should I do if a firmware update is interrupted?
Reconnect power and USB SERVICE, select the same complete signed package, and follow the recovery guidance. USB recovery mode is an advanced feature and cannot verify the device identity beforehand, so carefully confirm the physical COM port before proceeding.
Why are some application controls disabled?
Controls become available only when their requirements are met, such as an active connection, fresh data, a reachable mount, ready GPS/PPS data or the absence of another active operation. A disabled control does not necessarily indicate an application error.