Support
Downloads, documentation, compatibility information and answers to common questions
Downloads
Software, firmware, drivers, and related files
Downloads
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
Supported 10Micron V3 systems, interfaces, and usage notes
Compatibility
Supported 10Micron V3 systems, interfaces, and operating requirements
View Compatibility FAQ
Answers to common setup, connection, and operation questions
Downloads
Access software, firmware, manuals and reference files for SkySwitch PRO
All software, firmware and operating manuals available in this download section are published by SkySwitch PRO Rafal Trzebinski
and distributed directly from the official SkySwitch PRO website.
and distributed directly from the official SkySwitch PRO website.
Microsoft Edge SmartScreen notice
SkySwitch PRO is a new Windows application and may not yet have established Microsoft SmartScreen download reputation. If Microsoft Edge shows a warning such as “Make sure you trust this file before you open it”, please verify that the file was downloaded directly from the official SkySwitch PRO website before continuing.
Quick Start Guide
Get started with SkySwitch PRO in a few simple steps
1. Install the application
Download and install the SkySwitch PRO companion application. The same application supports both V2 and V3 devices. It automatically identifies the connected SkySwitch PRO version and applies the appropriate mount status monitoring method depending on the controller type: direct online monitoring for V3 controllers or ASCOM-based communication monitoring for V2 controllers.
2. Connect the SkySwitch PRO
Important: before connecting the AUX or Jack cable to the 10Micron mount controller, make sure the mount is powered off. Connect SkySwitch PRO to the control computer using the USB cable. Then connect the device to your 10Micron mount using the cable that matches your SkySwitch PRO version: the AUX cable for V3 controllers or the Jack cable for V2 controllers. Before starting the application, check that all connections are secure, and only then power on the mount.
3. Start the application and select the ASCOM driver if needed
When the application starts, it checks whether a 10Micron ASCOM driver has already been selected. If not, you may be prompted to configure it before connecting to SkySwitch PRO. Click Yes to open the ASCOM Chooser and select your mount driver, or click No to continue and configure it later in the application settings. Without an ASCOM driver, GPS-based mount synchronization is not available for either V2 or V3 devices. For V2 users, ASCOM driver selection is also required for mount status monitoring.
4. Select port and connect
Connect to SkySwitch PRO using one of two available methods. You can use Auto-detect, which uses a handshake-based protocol to automatically find the correct communication port and connect to SkySwitch PRO immediately after detection. Alternatively, you can select the appropriate port manually from the drop-down list and click Connect to establish communication.
5. Configure GPS sync and interface settings
Configure the minimum settings required for your workflow. You can enable GPS-based ASCOM synchronization, choose which data should be sent to the mount, enable logging of atmospheric-refraction input data and adjust sensor offsets if required.
6. Begin operation
SkySwitch PRO is now ready to provide remote mount ON/OFF control, status monitoring, environmental data support and GPS-based ASCOM synchronization, depending on the configured features and controller type. During the first startup, GPS data acquisition may take longer, which is normal and depends on signal conditions. After the initial acquisition, subsequent startups are usually faster because the GPS module uses backup power to retain its internal memory.
Compatibility
SkySwitch PRO is designed for all 10Micron mounts equipped with 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
✓
Windows companion application with ASCOM integration
SkySwitch PRO is available in two dedicated hardware versions: one for 10Micron V3 controllers using the 6-pin AUX connector, and one for V2 controllers using the 3.5 mm Jack connector. Both versions provide the same core functionality, including remote ON/OFF control, environmental data support, and GPS-based ASCOM synchronization. The companion application automatically detects the connected hardware version and applies the appropriate mount status monitoring method for the selected controller.
FAQ
Answers to common setup, compatibility and operation questions
Software & Driver Questions
1. Does SkySwitch PRO work only on Windows?
Yes. The SkySwitch PRO companion application currently works on Windows only. It is designed for Windows 10 or newer, 64-bit versions only.
2. Is 32-bit Windows supported?
No. SkySwitch PRO supports Windows 10 or newer, 64-bit versions only.
3. Why is SkySwitch PRO not detected after connecting it by USB?
In most cases, this means the CH340 USB driver is missing or not installed correctly. Install the CH340 driver on your Windows system, reconnect the device, and check whether a new COM port becomes available in the application. This procedure is also described in the manual.
4. Is the same application used for V2 and V3 devices?
Yes. The same SkySwitch PRO companion application supports both V2 and V3 devices. The application identifies the connected device and applies the appropriate mount status monitoring method depending on the controller type.
5. How is mount status monitoring handled in V2 and V3?
With V3 controllers, SkySwitch PRO can monitor the mount ON/OFF status directly online through the dedicated controller interface. With V2 controllers, status monitoring is performed indirectly through ASCOM communication: if the mount is powered and the ASCOM driver communicates correctly, the system reports a valid connection state.
6. Do I need to select an ASCOM driver?
If you want to use GPS-based synchronization, select the ASCOM driver for your 10Micron mount in the application settings. This is also useful for V2 users, where ASCOM communication can be used to confirm that the mount is powered and responding.
7. How can weather data be delivered to the mount?
SkySwitch PRO can save environmental data in a Boltwood-compatible file format that can be used in 10Micron weather-data workflows. After enabling this function in the application, SkySwitch PRO continuously updates the weather file with the current sensor readings. Detailed setup instructions are provided in the manual.
8. How can I check which software and firmware versions are currently installed?
The current software and firmware version numbers are available in the “About” tab of the SkySwitch PRO application.
Product & Ordering Questions
1. Which SkySwitch PRO version should I choose?
Choose SkySwitch PRO V3 if your 10Micron mount uses the V3 controller with the 6-pin AUX connector. Choose SkySwitch PRO V2 if your mount uses the older V2 controller with the 3.5mm Jack connector.
2. Do V2 and V3 provide the same core functionality?
Yes. Both versions provide the same core SkySwitch PRO functionality, including remote ON/OFF control, environmental data support, GPS-based ASCOM synchronization, USB communication, logging and configuration.
3. What is the main difference between V2 and V3?
The main difference is the connector and the mount status monitoring method. V3 uses the 6-pin AUX connector and supports direct online ON/OFF status monitoring. V2 uses the 3.5mm Jack connector and confirms mount availability indirectly through ASCOM communication.
4. What is included in the package?
The package includes the SkySwitch PRO device and the dedicated AUX or Jack cable, depending on the selected version. The correct Windows companion application and quick start materials are available for download.
5. Is the USB cable included?
No. The USB cable is not included due to different observatory installation layouts and user preferences. Use a suitable USB cable for your local setup and cable routing.
6. Is SkySwitch PRO designed only for 10Micron mounts?
Yes. SkySwitch PRO is designed specifically for 10Micron mounts and the 10Micron controller ecosystem. It is not intended as a generic remote power switch for other mount brands.
7. Is VAT included in the displayed price?
Yes. The displayed product price includes VAT where applicable. Shipping costs, if applicable, are calculated separately during checkout.
Installation & Safety Questions
1. Should the mount be powered off before connecting the AUX or Jack cable?
Yes. Always make sure the 10Micron mount is powered off before connecting the AUX or Jack cable to the mount controller. Connect the cable first, check that it is securely seated, and only then power on the mount.
2. How should SkySwitch PRO be connected for the first time?
Connect SkySwitch PRO to the control computer using USB. Then, with the mount powered off, connect the dedicated AUX cable for V3 controllers or the Jack cable for V2 controllers. After all connections are secure, power on the mount and start the application.
3. Why can the first GPS acquisition take longer?
During the first startup, GPS acquisition may take longer depending on signal conditions and sky visibility. This is normal. After the initial acquisition, subsequent startups are usually faster because the GPS module uses backup power to retain its internal memory.
4. Can SkySwitch PRO remain connected permanently in the observatory?
Yes. SkySwitch PRO is designed for permanent installation in a remote observatory setup. Once installed and tested, it can remain connected to the control computer and the 10Micron mount controller as part of the observatory control system.
5. What should I check before starting remote operation?
Before remote operation, check that the USB connection is active, the correct AUX or Jack cable is connected, the application detects SkySwitch PRO correctly, and the selected ASCOM driver communicates with the 10Micron mount if GPS synchronization or V2 status monitoring is used.
SkySwitch PRO
Remote control, GPS synchronization and weather data integration for 10Micron V2 and V3 mounts.