❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

General

and how much would it cost?

The AllSkyKamera Network is a network of various all-sky cameras located at different sites.

For each participating camera, you’ll find a live image, an archive (Keograms/StarTrails/Videos), and live sensor data. In addition, there are aurora forecasts and (soon) ISS flyover information.

Participation in the network is free for private individuals. The server costs and maintenance of the software and website are covered by the network operator.

Participation in the Network

Yes. The requirement is a Raspberry Pi–based camera (e.g., with the allskyteam interface). Sensors (BME280/DS18B20) are optional. Private participation is free – just get in touch with us.

Yes. You can always access and use the data, e.g., for school workshops. You can also help directly: if you have skills in programming, web development, or marketing, we’d love your support. Just contact us.

Data & Privacy

location

We store image/video files (e.g., image.jpg, Keograms, StarTrails) on the network’s server, and sensor data (e.g., temperature, humidity, sky brightness) in an InfluxDB database, organized by camera ID (e.g., ASK001).

For camera owners: Absolutely. The data still belongs to you. For easy embedding, you can use the so-called last-links. The server automatically creates daily files such as last.mp4 or last.jpg. Example for ASK001:
SQM: https://allskykamera.space/imageProxy.php?cam=ASK001&type=sqm&file=last.jpg
KEOGRAM: https://allskykamera.space/imageProxy.php?cam=ASK001&type=keogram&file=last.jpg
STARTRAIL: https://allskykamera.space/imageProxy.php?cam=ASK001&type=startrails&file=last.jpg
VIDEO: https://allskykamera.space/imageProxy.php?cam=ASK001&type=video&file=last.mp4
*Replace ASK001 in the links with your own camera ID.

For everyone else: You can also embed the data on your site, but please credit the AllSkyKamera Network and include a link to it.
Example: Source: AllSkyKamera Network

Technology

We’ve developed a Python library for the network. This library automatically uploads data such as videos, images, and sensor values to the network server, where they’re displayed on the website.

Yes and no. To use the library and send data, you need a secret key, which you’ll receive after registering with the network. Without this key, it’s not possible to upload data to the server – this prevents unauthorized uploads. Once you have an API key, the data transfer is secure and happens automatically.

No. Once the installation is complete and the cron jobs have been added, the library automatically starts sending camera data to the website.

No. The library simply reads data from the interface. It doesn’t interfere with it, so you can keep it running.

No. The library only copies data from the interface to the server and makes no configuration changes at all.

Sensors

Yes, if you use sensors like the BME280 (I²C) or the DS18B20 (1-Wire), you should enable both interfaces in the Raspberry Pi configuration (sudo raspi-config)

Nutzung der Medien

Sofern nicht anders angegeben: Nutzung **mit Quellenangabe** (AllskyKamera Netzwerk + Kamera-ID/Standort). Für kommerzielle Nutzung bitte vorher anfragen.

Support & Kontakt

Bitte gib uns die Kamera-ID (z. B. ASK005), Datum/Uhrzeit und eine kurze Beschreibung. Wir prüfen die Pipeline (Upload, Influx, Web).