SQM Reader Pro

The only software like it anywhere!

SQM Reader Pro 3 for Windows gives you the tools you need to get the most from your Sky Quality Meter model LE, LU, LU-DL or LR. From initial setup of the meter, to nightly data collection, to enabling sophisticated statistical analysis, SQM Reader Pro 3 makes understanding the light pollution in your evening dark sky easy, accurate and convenient.

Experienced users: click here to see new features in version 3.

SQM Reader Pro 3 uses your computer's Ethernet connection to read dark sky data from the model LE, a USB port from models LU and LU-DL, and a 9-pin serial port from the model LR. You can read dark sky data from the model LE over a network or use an Ethernet crossover cable to read it directly. You can read dark sky data from models LU, LU-DL and LR directly via the appropriate cable. SQM Reader Pro 3 does not calibrate the Sky Quality Meter or alter its accuracy.

If you are an imager, a serious deep-sky observer, or you are conducting a dark sky study, SQM Reader Pro 3 is for you. Click to see who is using SQM Reader Pro.

Key Features

on-demand or continuous automatic dark sky reading modes (screenshot)
supports time set, reading and erasing logged readings in SQM-LU-DL
Find SQM-LU(s), Find SQM-LE(s) and Test Meter Connection functions help with setup (screenshot)
suspends automatic dark sky reading during twilight and/or sun up at the meter
suspends automatic dark sky reading during moon up at the meter
aligns automatic reading to the hour and even multiples of the reading interval
time-averages readings - for example, read dark sky data every minute, then store and graph the average of every 5 readings
displays dark sky readings in magnitude per square arcsecond (MPSAS) and theoretical Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude (NELM)
calculates and displays minimum, maximum, mean and standard deviation for MPSAS and NELM per sampling period
graphs MPSAS and NELM in real-time (screenshot)
stores dark sky readings data in comma separated value (CSV) text file (screenshot)
stores dark sky readings data in Skyglow Standard format (see Skyglow Standard below)
opens and processes stored readings files (CSV, Skyglow Standard and Unihedron Device Manager formats)
stores latest graphed data as a JPEG file
stores latest readings values as a JPEG file
sends selected file(s) to a program, script, batch file or remote FTP server (screenshot)
sends data to Knightware's SQM Readings Map page
sends data to the Globe at Night Monitoring Network
permits adjustment for light loss at a meter enclosure

For more information, please consult the feature comparison matrix below, or consult the SQM Reader Pro 3 User's Manual (2.6 MB, PDF format )

Skyglow Standard

The Skyglow Standard file format was defined in 2012 by an international group of light pollution researchers, including Knightware. The standard file format allows researchers to exchange darkness measurements regardless of their research interests. The format is supported in SQM Reader Pro 3. You can read the international standard definition here or you can read some background information at the Skyglow Standard web page at International Dark-Sky Association.

available by digital delivery

Purchase Now

Click the Order Now button below to order SQM Reader Pro securely using express checkout. You may also purchase any of our products securely using the full checkout by visiting the Knightware Store.

Both checkout procedures allow you to pay with major credit cards, debit cards, Paypal and more.

SQM Reader Pro software has a 30 day money back guarantee.
(See policies.)

Feature Comparison Matrix

Feature	SQM Reader 3	SQM Reader Pro 3
Reads SQM-LE, LU, LU-DL and LR on-demand or automatically
Displays reading in mag/sq arcsec (MPSAS) & naked-eye limiting magnitude (NELM)
Displays date & time of reading
Ships with multiple skins and displays properly on high resolution monitors
Stores reading to CSV file (SQM Reader native format)
Stores readings in Skyglow Standard format (see Skyglow Standard)
Opens and processes stored readings files (CSV, Skyglow and Unihedron Device Manager formats)
Supports time set, reading and erasing logged readings in SQM-LU-DL
Aligns automatic reading to the hour and multiples of the reading interval
Suspends automatic reading during twilight and/or sun up
Suspends automatic reading during moon up
Displays moon phase and altitude at time of reading
Displays MPSAS and NELM graphs of readings in real-time
Time-averages readings
Shows min, max, mean and standard deviation of readings
Stores graphs as JPEG
Stores reading as JPEG
Sends data or JPEG files to a remote FTP server
Sends data or JPEG files to a program, script or batch file
Sends data to Knightware's SQM Readings Map page.
Sends data to the Globe at Night Monitoring Network
Includes online Help and examples

Hardware and software requirements:

You need the following hardware and operating system software to run the product:

PC with Intel Pentium CPU or later (or a fully compatible and equivalent CPU) . 1GHz or faster on Windows 7 or 8.
32 or 64 bit edition of Windows 10, 8, or 7 including the latest Windows Updates from Microsoft
Internet Explorer 6 or later
1 GB Windows 7, 8 or 10 (32-bit), 2 GB Windows 7, 8 or 10 (64-bit)
installation requires about 20.6 MB of hard disk space
XGA (1024 x 768) or better with DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver.
CD drive (if installing from CD)
a pointing device (mouse) is recommended but not required
Internet connection is recommended but not required
9-pin serial port and cable are required to communicate with SQM-LR
Ethernet port and cable, or wireless NIC, is required for communication with SQM-LE
USB port and cable are required to communicate with the SQM-LU

Sky Quality Meters are available from Unihedron or any of its dealers worldwide.

SQM Reader Pro is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaties. All copyrights are owned by Knightware, LLC and/or Phyllis K. Lang, and are registered with the United States Copyright Office.

SQM Reader Pro is a trademark of Knightware, LLC.