ALLSKY CAMERA BUILD

SkyForge Parts List

Everything you need to build the SkyForge AllSky camera—camera, Raspberry Pi, power, seals, and the extras that make it weatherproof. Links point to the exact products used in this build; availability and prices change over time, so verify the specs before you buy.

Design in SkyForge Return to SkyForge Page

The parts every SkyForge AllSky build needs. Two screen-material options are listed—pick the one that matches your enclosure (Tall or Standard). Both O-rings can be bought as stock NBR rings or printed in TPU.

Parts

Acrylic Dome

Fuse Holder

Enclosure Cooling Fan

Raspberry Pi 5

Raspberry Pi 5 Cooling Fan

12V to 5V USB-C Power Supply (for Raspberry Pi)

Power Distribution Block

M12 Cable Gland

Screen Material — Tall Enclosure only

Screen Material — Standard Enclosure only

16 Gauge Wire

Top Cap O-ring — 112mm ID, 4mm cord (or print your own in TPU)

Tall Cradle Bottom O-ring — 125mm OD, 119mm ID, 3mm cord (or print your own in TPU)

12mm Bolt, 1.5mm pitch (M12×1.5)

Local hardware store

Nice-to-haves that add remote power control, dew management, weather sealing, and mounting. None are required to get a working camera.

Add-ons

Quick-Disconnect Polarized Wire

DieseRC 1-Channel WiFi Smart Power Switch

DieseRC 2-Channel WiFi Smart Power Switch

PWM Controller for Dew Heater

Fan Thermostat

Dew Heater (or build your own)

Lexel Sealant

Plastic Glue (super glue works if you have it)

Pole Mount Bracket for Enclosure

Breather Vent (for ventless designs)

You can write your image to an SD card and transfer it to an NVMe drive, or write your image directly to the NVMe drive from your desktop computer. There are plenty of videos covering both methods. If you go the SD-card route, use a Class 10 MicroSDHC card and search Amazon for the size you need.

These have worked well for me

NVMe HAT

NVMe Drive

There are a lot of camera and lens options for an AllSky system. For a budget-friendly build, use a Pi HQ Camera with a wide-angle lens. For better image quality and low-light performance, consider a planetary or astronomy camera paired with a 180-degree fisheye lens.

This video was captured with the combo below

Watch on YouTube

Raspberry Pi HQ Camera

Arecont 185° Fisheye Lens