Create Your Own AllSky Camera (UPDATED!)

I wanted to put my somewhat unused planetary camera to work on its days off so I built an All Sky Camera using open source software and a Raspberry Pi 4B. In this video I will show you how to make your own!
This is a fun extension to our hobby, but also a great way to monitor the night skies both real-time and after imaging. I'll go into detail on the All Sky solution, Raspberry Pi Hardware, Installation of the PI OS, Installation of AllSky, etc.

Hope this helps to get you started!

My AllSky Cameras are here (...when running. There is a json error if they haven't updated in a few days BUT you can still get to some saved time-lapses and keograms.):

AllSky software on GitHub:
Note: Please visit the bottom of this GitHub page and consider donating/tipping for all of his hard work. All step-by-step instructions and configuration file details are laid out here quite nicely.

BTW - Interested in making this somewhat portable?

Here are links to some of the components showcased in the video:

If you find my videos helpful and would like to help support my content making efforts at no additional cost to you, you can use the below links when making regular purchases and I receive a small commission (Please don't feel any obligation at all to do this):

Like, Subscribe, and Turn on Notifications to be alerted when more videos in the series are available.

For more of my Astrophotography related content, go to:

--------CHAPTERS--------
0:00 - Introduction
0:46 - How I Use It
1:35 - Understand Time-lapse and Keograms
3:09 - Hardware Requirements
6:30 - Get the PI Bullseye OS
8:50 - Explaining the Raspberry PI
10:50 - Assembly of the PI
12:44 - Attaching the Cameras
14:22 - Ready for Powering Up
15:06 - It's Alive! Get it Up to Date
16:08 - The AllSky Project Website
17:40 - Install Allsky
20:03 - Install the WebUI
21:22 - Connect to the WebUI
22:14 - Camera Settings First Edits
23:25 - Optional AllSky Website Installation
24:43 - Donate to the Cause
25:05 - Understand the Settings Editor and Nano
27:15 - Troubleshooting with Tail
28:45 - PatriotAstro not always Live Feed
29:33 - Next Steps and Wrapping Up

[bobbymccourt]

We (I mean I lol) would love it if you could do a video on setting up the Allsky software on a remote hosting service. I'm about to do this but am really lost as to where to start. Love your videos! Very concise yet easy to understand!

[roberttbobpatterson]

This is a great tutorial and I have my All Sky up and running

[cleverson_sa_]

Hi. I followed all the video steps and now I have my own night observatory fully working! :) Thanks for such great content!

[-ColorMehJewish-]

Thank you for the very helpful guide. I'm def a better visual/tactile learner than by reading an installation page.

I do have a few more questions tho (if you have time) -- b/c I already have a few Pi-HQ cams around w/ a 220 degree and a 180 degree lens for them. Idk if 12MP Pi-HQ would look better than a 2-5MP ZWO, which can easily range $200+)

- Pi-HQ cam vs ZWO (is one far superior to the other? Even if the ZWO is only 2-5MP)
- Is it worth using a Pi5 if I can? (or would the benefit be negligible)
- Have you tried a passive cooling case? Any better/worse?
- Will leaving it permanently mounted in the sunlight eventually damage the camera's sensor?

- Do you add any outside air pathways for the airflow to circulate (maybe w/ a baffle to avoid water getting in)

[astrosrscat]

very useful video, gonna start all sky project again for the observatory. Thank you very much

[LogansAstro]

Excellent video, I have been wanting to setup an all sky camera so will definitely be following along with this video.

[stargalacticfederation]

Thank You Chad for spending time making the AllSky Video Tutorial, and I also have Subscribed to your YouTube Channel.

[bezain]

Super High quality Tutorial
I'm almost a total newbie with raspberries, and everything worked like a charm following your tutorial.
If you could explain now how to set up the overlay ( constellations, messiers, etc...), that would be awesome, because this part looks a bit tricky!

Congrats for the great work Chad!

[astrodueso]

Hello, I am writing to you from Spain, you cannot imagine what you have taught me in the use of NINA, that is why I wanted to thank you.
Since I can't understand your language, I use the YouTube subtitles and the Spanish translation.
I would like to ask you to please activate the subtitles of the video so that I can configure its translation.
Again, thank you very much for your knowledge and your time for those of us who do not know, we can carry out our sessions satisfactorily. If you ever needed it, here's your every.

[Cevheroglu]

Nice tutorial my friend! Easy to understand and explanations were detailed. you always provided reason why. Thank you for this great resource

[canaldoetore]

Thanks! Think in a person who has to view the video many times!

[bstanga]

You have some outstanding astro pic on your web site. I have just got into astro awhile back still learning, your Hubble pallet work is really good. I'm learning pixinsight now. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing this info.

[GG-hbxo]

Great video! I'm trying an allsky camera with the raspiHQ, but my concern is about lens. I understand should be a 180° angle, but what about focal length ? 6mm, 25mm? Any advices? Thanks

[TommyM-jv]

Great vid but quick question. So, once I complete the setup, if I want to use this, I need to attach a keyboard and screen so I can then log onto the Raspberry Pi SH before I can access through the Web-UI?

[marvinwhisman]

Love your video. Unfortunately All Sky hasn't kept up with camera releases. Some of the new ZWO all sky cameras (676) aren't supported and even though the issue has been reported as long ago as May nothing has been done. An alternative is INDI-Allsky which installs very similarly. In fact only a couple of changes to commands will install that software which handles these newer devices much easier. Again, your video series is great and helped me considerably understanding how to use the Pi and communications with my PC.

[robgodfrey]

Excellent tutorial and straight to the point, thanks

[carlosjaviergomezperea]

Hello, fisrtly thank you so much for information, I have an Issue, Could you help me please. I make all instruction, following the video, but, in the step sudo gui/install.sh the rpi tell me command not found
thank you

[gwzapo]

I realize this post is some time after the vid was released. I have a new pi 5. Is the red led supposed to stay on where there is power? I'm using the ac plugin with USB c. The USB c connection to the pi is lousy. It doesn't take much to come loose. However when I power up, the red light comes on, then goes off. The green light does flash and then stays on steady. I can ping the IP address of the device as shown in my home wifi router app. I cannot ping the hostname, which is default...I cannot successfully run putty or run the ssh command either. Do I have a faulty pi?

[divye.ruhela]

Great video. How about if I want to install it on the SSD connected with a Pi?

[ricklaird]

Great video. Could you post a pic on how you have your all sky cam set up outside? Is it under a dome cover? Is is stand alone or wired? Thanks