💾 Installation

Installation in three steps: set up the operating system, install an all-sky interface, and then install the AllSkyKamera library.

1) Install OS 2) Interface 3) AllSkyKamera library
This page is intentionally compact — we’ll expand it step by step.
Quick overview
  • OS: Raspberry Pi OS (Bookworm/Trixie)
  • Interface: INDI-AllSky or TJ-Allsky
  • Next: Install AllSkyKamera library

🧭 How it all fits together

First you set up the operating system and the capture interface. Then the AllSkyKamera library collects the generated images/videos as well as sensor data and uploads everything to the network server for the website.
Overview
Diagram: Raspberry Pi OS + interface -> AllSkyKamera library -> network server
Open image in full size
In short
  • Raspberry Pi OS is the foundation.
  • The interface creates images & videos.
  • The library uploads media + sensor values to the server.
Once you understand the concept, the rest is mainly a clean installation and wiring.
1) ⚙️ Install OS
Jump

Base system on SD card, first updates, basic setup.

2) 🖥️ All-sky interface
Jump

Choose between INDI-AllSky and TJ-Allsky.

3) 🚀 AllSkyKamera library
Jump

Uploads, sensors, cronjobs and your network setup.

⚙️ 1) Install Raspberry Pi OS

Install a lightweight Raspberry Pi OS (Bookworm or Trixie). Then we update the system and enable the required interfaces.
Base
💾 Image & first boot

Write Raspberry Pi OS to the SD card and enable SSH right away. Then boot the Pi and verify the basics.

  • Open Raspberry Pi Imager
  • Select Raspberry Pi OS (Bookworm or Trixie)
  • Select SD card & write (enable SSH in the settings)
Raspberry Pi Imager Raspberry Pi OS images
🔄 Updates

First: update the system. 

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
🔌 Enable interfaces (required)

Several interfaces must be enabled on the Raspberry Pi in order to use sensors and extensions.

Option 1: Enable via raspi-config (recommended) 
sudo raspi-config
  • Interface Options → SSH → Enable
  • Interface Options → I2C → Enable
  • Interface Options → 1-Wire → Enable
Option 2: Enable via command line 
sudo raspi-config nonint do_i2c 0
  sudo raspi-config nonint do_onewire 0
  sudo systemctl enable ssh
  sudo systemctl start ssh
sudo reboot
Tip: After rebooting, use “i2cdetect -y 1” to verify that I²C devices are detected correctly.

🖥️ 2) Installation of an Allsky interface

The interface controls image capture, timelapses, keograms, and star trails. You can choose between TJ-Allsky and INDI-Allsky.
Choice
⭐ TJ-Allsky (AllskyTeam)
Recommended
Lightweight and simple – includes all essential AllSky features.
Widely used, well documented, and strongly supported by the community. Supports Raspberry Pi HQ and ZWO ASI cameras.
  
git clone https://github.com/AllskyTeam/allsky.git
cd allsky
./install.sh
GitHub Installation guide (EN)
🛰️ INDI-Allsky
Optional
A lot of settings – powerful, but can feel “over-engineered”.
Provides extra features and supports many camera types. Great if you are already using the INDI ecosystem.
GitHub Getting Started
Note: The INDI-AllSky path will be used later by the AllSkyKamera library installer logic.
Next
Once your interface is running, you can install the AllSkyKamera library and test first uploads/sensors.
🐍

3) AllSkyCamera Library (Python) – the core of the network

Central component

The AllSkyCamera library is the central component of the AllSkyCamera network. It connects camera, sensors, and server – and ensures that images, videos, and measurements reliably arrive in the network and are visible on the website.

What the library does
  • Sensor features & measurement logging (e.g., temperature, humidity, sky brightness)
  • Uploads files such as timelapse videos, star trails, and keograms to the network server
  • Sends sensor data to InfluxDB for analysis & visualization
Security, ASK ID & participation
  • Uploads work only with a secret key (issued by me)
  • Each camera gets a unique ASK ID (ASK = AllSkyCamera) to identify it in the network
  • Request your key via “Join / Mach mit” – then complete setup and assignment
The library runs automatically via cron jobs: it regularly transfers data to the server and to InfluxDB so your camera stays up to date on the website.
Request secret key (Join) GitHub repository README (install & setup) GitHub wiki (sensors & functions)
In the GitHub wiki you will find scripts, function documentation, and sensor guides. For some sensors, mathematical calculations (e.g., calibration, dew point) are explained openly and transparently.
🧪

Test installation & prototyping

For a test installation (prototype), the AllSkyCamera library can be installed locally. This allows you to test sensors and hardware without sending any data to the network server.

  • No secret key or test key required
  • Sensors can be tested individually in the “tests” subdirectory
  • Ideal for setup, wiring, and initial functionality checks
cd
git clone https://github.com/gottie29/AllSkyKamera.git
cd AllSkyKamera/tests
Once the hardware runs reliably and the sensors work correctly, you can request a secret key and officially connect the camera to the network.
← Overview Sensors →