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
Firmware 1.2.0 update requirement
Before installing Firmware 1.2.0, you must first update the SkySwitch PRO application to version 2.1.0 or newer. The new application version verifies firmware compatibility and package integrity before starting the device update. Please follow the required order: install SkySwitch PRO Software 2.1.0 first, then update the device to Firmware 1.2.0.
All software, firmware and operating manuals available in this download section are published by SkySwitch PRO
and distributed directly from the official SkySwitch PRO website.
Release History
Browse previous software releases and see the key improvements introduced in each version.
Version history
Version
Release date
Download
Notes
Software
v2.1.0.
August 15, 2026
Important: SkySwitch PRO Software 2.1.0 is required before installing Firmware 1.2.0.
SkySwitch PRO Software 2.1.0 introduces a safer and more reliable firmware update process. Before installation begins, the application automatically verifies the firmware version, device model, software compatibility, and package integrity. This release also adds full support for Firmware 1.2.0 and prepares the application for future device updates.
Firmware
v1.2.0.
August 15, 2026
Important: Update the SkySwitch PRO application to version 2.1.0 or newer before installing Firmware 1.2.0.
Firmware 1.2.0 introduces important improvements to GPS and UTC time processing, providing greater timing precision, communication stability, and reliability during long periods of continuous operation. The update also refines internal command handling and prepares the device for continued development with the latest SkySwitch PRO software.
Software
v2.0
August 5, 2026
Major architectural redesign replacing the previous ASCOM-based communication layer with direct TCP/IP communication using the official 10Micron Firmware 3.4 protocol. A new high-precision clock synchronization engine has been implemented, performing coarse UTC synchronization followed by latency-aware millisecond correction. The algorithm measures multiple network round-trip times using the mount's Julian Date reference, estimates communication latency, applies sub-second time correction through the native
:NUtim command, and verifies synchronization accuracy. This release establishes the new communication architecture for future SkySwitch PRO development while significantly improving synchronization precision and reliability.
Operating Manual
v2.0
August 5, 2026
Initial release of the SkySwitch PRO Operating Manual. This edition reflects the major architectural redesign introduced with Software v2.0.0 Beta, including the transition of V2 mount communication and monitoring from ASCOM to the official 10Micron TCP/IP protocol. The manual covers installation, configuration and operation of both V2 and V3 hardware versions and is fully aligned with Software v2.0.0 Beta.
Software
v1.2.0
July 18, 2026
Unified support for both V2 and V3 SkySwitch PRO hardware with automatic controller detection. Mount status monitoring has been redesigned to combine network PING with ASCOM verification, providing faster and more reliable mount availability detection while maintaining full compatibility with all supported 10Micron controllers. This release also includes numerous stability improvements, communication refinements and lays the groundwork for the next-generation native TCP/IP communication architecture.
Software
v1.1.0
May 10, 2026
SkySwitchPro_Setup_v1.1.0.exe
Initial production release of SkySwitch PRO, providing remote ON/OFF control, weather monitoring and GPS synchronization for 10Micron mounts. All communication, mount status monitoring and synchronization functions were based on the ASCOM platform, establishing a stable and reliable foundation for subsequent software development.
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: direct hardware monitoring through the AUX MAIN_ON signal for V3 controllers or indirect TCP/IP monitoring for V2 controllers.
2. Connect 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 a USB cable. Then connect the device to the mount using the cable that matches your SkySwitch PRO version: the AUX cable for V3 controllers or the Jack cable for V2 controllers. Check that all connections are secure before powering on the mount.
3. Start the application and configure the mount TCP/IP connection
When the application is started for the first time and no mount IP address has been configured, a notification prompts you to configure the TCP/IP connection to the 10Micron mount. Confirm the prompt to open the Config tab, then enter the IP address assigned to the mount controller. Port 3490 is used by default and should normally remain unchanged.
4. Select the communication port and connect
Connect the application to SkySwitch PRO using one of the two available methods. You can use Auto-detect, which scans the available serial ports and uses the SkySwitch PRO communication handshake to identify the correct device and connect automatically. Alternatively, select the appropriate COM port manually from the drop-down list and click Connect.
5. Test the mount TCP/IP connection
In the Mount Synchronization and Monitoring section of the Config tab, use Test IP to confirm that the mount is reachable using the entered IP address and port. The TCP/IP connection is required for synchronization of mount data in both V2 and V3 systems. In the V2 version, it is also required for ON/OFF state monitoring. Without a correctly configured mount IP address, SkySwitch PRO is limited mainly to generating the remote switching pulse, while synchronization and V2 mount status confirmation remain unavailable.
6. Configure synchronization and application settings
Select which GPS-derived parameters should be transferred directly to the mount through TCP/IP: UTC time, geographical coordinates and elevation. You can also enable environmental data logging, atmospheric refraction data output and sensor offsets. For a mount installed permanently in an observatory, it is normally sufficient to synchronize all site parameters once and leave only UTC time enabled for subsequent application startups.
7. Begin operation
SkySwitch PRO is now ready to provide remote mount ON/OFF control, mount status monitoring, environmental data support and direct TCP/IP synchronization with the 10Micron mount. During the first startup, GPS data acquisition may take longer, which is normal and depends on signal conditions. Subsequent startups are usually faster because the GPS module uses backup power to retain its internal data.
Compatibility
SkySwitch PRO is designed for all 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
SkySwitch PRO is available in two dedicated hardware versions: one for 10Micron mounts equipped with a V3 controller and a 6-pin AUX connector, and one for mounts equipped with a V2 controller and a 3.5 mm jack connector. Both versions provide the same core functionality, including remote ON/OFF control, environmental data support and direct TCP/IP synchronization of time, location and elevation data with the mount. The companion application automatically identifies the connected SkySwitch PRO hardware version and applies the appropriate mount-status monitoring method for the corresponding 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.