Detecting cloud temperature is one of the best indicators of deteriorating conditions. To gain useful data, you need a thermopile, not an IR sensor. These devices are quite expensive and require considerable software expertise to interface. To design a reliable product requires about 1000 hours of software R&D and 300 hours of hardware design. By the time all the parts are identified and located, boards are manufactured, populated and assembled, it gets to be expensive.

Our product is at the lowest price that will work. It integrates well with ACP, ACP web and other software, but DIY is always alluring. It depends on what satisfies your interest in astronomy.

You can see our version at FosterSystems.com
Regards,

Stan Ralph