Sky Quality Meter

[Doug Welch <welch@physics.mcmaster.ca>]

Folks,

Anthony Tekatch and I have developed a sensitive, handhelp meter for 
measuring the
brightness of the night sky. Please visit the webpage below and read the 
FAQ if you would
like to know specifics. (Of course, I would be happy to answer questions 
off-list, too!)
This seems like the sort of thing TASS folk might be interested in, so I 
hope you'll forgive me for
posting it here. Feel free to pass it along to anyone else that you 
thing might be interested!

Cheers,
Doug

=========================================================================

We wish to announce the availability of a reasonably-priced,
handheld meter for measuring the brightness of the zenith
sky at night. This meter displays the surface brightness
of the sky in visual magnitudes per square arcsec and can
be used at even the darkest sites to obtain precise
measurements. It is ideal for light pollution studies and
site selection.

Use of the "Sky Quality Meter" is simple - point it at the
zenith, push the single button once, and the sky surface
brightness appears on the LED display.

The "Sky Quality Meter" contains a very sensitive, solid-state
light sensor which is interfaced with a microcontroller
and temperature sensor to correct for temperature-induced
changes to the microcontroller oscillator and the sensor
dark current. An infrared blocking filter restricts the
sensitivity of the device to the visual bandpass. The meter
is designed for long battery life and automatically shuts
itself off after making a measurement.

For additional features and ordering information please
visit the webpage:
     http://www.unihedron.com/projects/darksky/
A mailing list has been formed for SQM users.

Individual units sell for US$79.99 plus shipping.
(A 9V battery *is* included!)

We look forward to your potential orders!

Anthony Tekatch, Unihedron
Lawrence Ave.
Grimsby, ON   L3M 2L9
CANADA

Tel: (905) 741-9458
E-mail: sales@unihedron.com