Automated backyard observatory

On 24 May 2005 20:59:11 -0700, "Too_Many_Tools"
wrote:

"...dozens of such observatories..."

Not from what I have seen.

I have spent many hours searching on the web and I have yet to find
dozens of observatories that have been well documented so others can
learn and build on their work.

Well, I just said "dozens", not dozens with published plans.

If anyone has GOOD links to observatories that are well documented, I
would love to see them.

I don't have plans for the roll-off roof itself, but virtually
everything else about my observatory is documented at
http://www.cloudbait.com/observatory.html , including an overview of the
construction (which is the simplest part of any remote observatory), all
of the hardware and software, and the networking setup that ties it all
together for remote operation.

_________________________________________________

Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com

Too_Many_Tools wrote:
"...dozens of such observatories..."

Not from what I have seen.


Then a more accurate statement would have been that you are not aware of
many such setups. As easy as it is to do, there must be a great many of
them out there. When I set mine up a couple of years ago I didn't think
I was doing anything sufficiently unique or unusual to justify a
"how-to" book. I still don't.

John C

I would agree but after spending hours looking for them, I have to
consider that it would be a positive influence on the hobby if there
were more documented and made visible to those wishing to do it.

I think the article noted in S&T is a good start.

I would also say that it is not as easy as it would appear. As the
saying goes :the devil is in the details". When one starts considering
the elements of observatory, telescope, mounting, camera, computer,
etc. you soon realize that this adds up in both complexity and money.
Without knowing what works and what doesn't, one can end up spending
alot of money trying to get it right. I think a "how-to" book would be
well received. Consider what books are out there already that cover the
subject....not alot. In particular, the subject of of having an
automated observing building that works well with the scope of choice
could easily be a book...one that I would definitely buy.

I also have a strong interest in building a mobile automated
observatory. I can tell you from endless looking that there is almost
nothing on mobile observatories other than a couple of photos that tell
the reader almost nothing.

TMT

Chris,

My comments about sites needing documentaton was not meant to include
your site.

Your site is well documented and serves as a positive example for
others to follow.

The effort that you have taken to "do it right" shows and I for one
thank you for doing it.

TMT

Chris,

My comments about sites needing documentaton was not meant to include
your site.

Your site is well documented and serves as a positive example for
others to follow.

The effort that you have taken to "do it right" shows and I for one
thank you for doing it.

TMT

Although my site is not intended to be a "how to", I have documented most
of my failures and success'. My logbook goes all the way back the start of
the project. I have documented a fair amount of the observatory with
pictures, under the "Equipment" and "Construction" section. The
observatory is capable of full remote and automated control.

What I found when I was building my observatory was a spattering of info.
Don't expect to find a lot of info in one spot. Parts of your project are
somewhat unique, other parts are not. The info you may be looking for may
not be under the subject of an observatory. For example, a few months ago I
started looking into being able to control the shutters on my dome from
inside the house. While a vendor had an upgrade kit to allow remote shutter
operation, I was not willing to pay the price they wanted. So I begin
thinking carefully about what I wanted to do and what I needed to do it. I
realized a wireless solution was the way to go. I found a company that
sells 434 MHz wireless receivers and transmitters that would do what I
needed. I found them by looking for robot control kits and not anything to
do with observatories. The vendor was surprised when he found out what I
was going to use the kits for (he was also very helpful).

The fact that your project is somewhat unique, you are going to have to be
a trail blazer in some cases. But its not that big a deal. The fact that
you are even thinking about doing this tells me you must have enough DIY in
you to figure out a good portion of it on your own.

Take you time and define exactly what you hope to achieve. Then turn that
definition into a plan. Then start looking for those components anywhere
you can find them to help you complete your plan. It's funny I still have
the popsicle stick model of the platform my observatory sits on that I
constructed in the early planning stage.

There are places out there with info and people to help. I know you have
read it but there is a is a ton of info you can get from Chris' site. He
has done a remarkable job conveying info about his setup.

Good luck..keep us informed.. and document what you do.

-JATO
http://jatobservatory.org



On 25 May 2005 07:46:41 -0700, "Too_Many_Tools"
wrote:

I would agree but after spending hours looking for them, I have to
consider that it would be a positive influence on the hobby if there
were more documented and made visible to those wishing to do it.

I think the article noted in S&T is a good start.

I would also say that it is not as easy as it would appear. As the
saying goes :the devil is in the details". When one starts considering
the elements of observatory, telescope, mounting, camera, computer,
etc. you soon realize that this adds up in both complexity and money.
Without knowing what works and what doesn't, one can end up spending
alot of money trying to get it right. I think a "how-to" book would be
well received. Consider what books are out there already that cover the
subject....not alot. In particular, the subject of of having an
automated observing building that works well with the scope of choice
could easily be a book...one that I would definitely buy.

I also have a strong interest in building a mobile automated
observatory. I can tell you from endless looking that there is almost
nothing on mobile observatories other than a couple of photos that tell
the reader almost nothing.

TMT

You guys bring up a very good point regarding documentation. I have
completed my 10 x 12 Skyshed Observatory a few months ago and designed
the structure to be completely automated and have ease of use via a
remote computer. This includes the ability to open and close the roof
via X10 remote switches and power outlets connected to a Genie
commercial garage door opener, raise and lower my telescope via Pier
Tech 2 adjustable pier and operation of the scope via ACP, MaxIM and
X10 Software.

I can observe all this happening via X10 and Orbit webcameras and I
have had a great time putting all this together and using it.

Unfortunately, I have not really documented the setup, however; I'm
going to make some changes to my website to record pictures and
procedures on what I have done. Hopefully, this will help everyone
else out there.

Regards,
Russ

http://angelsobservatory.com/pier_construction.htm

On Tue, 24 May 2005 13:06:38 +0000, nytecam wrote:

Nice article in current [July 2005] S&T on an automated backyard
observatory via off-the-shelf parts that operates from indoors.


I am quite fond of standing outside beside my scope with the grass below my
feet, the breeze at my side, and the stars over my head.

Many years ago, I had a small observatory. It was not automated but did
serve to eliminate the elements that I now look forward to when positioned
at the scope.

The TOTAL immersion in nature is one of the big perks available in this
hobby/obsession.


--
Martin R. Howell
"Photographs From the Universe of Amateur Astronomy"
http://members.isp.com/universeofama...nomy%40isp.com

Not on rainy nights!
Olga



wrote:

nytecam wrote:
Nice article in current [July 2005] S&T on an automated backyard
observatory via off-the-shelf parts that operates from indoors.

Any takers on this forum?

Nytecam


--
nytecam

To me, it would take all of the fun out of the hobby to be sitting
inside in front of a computer while my scope is outside. There isn't
that connection or intimacy with the sky.

Jim Johnson

Nor on bitter cold night. If I am imaging why would I need to be outside
with my scope if I didn't have to. Also during the summer I am no fan of
the winged blood suckers that prey upon humans around these parts.

-JATO
http://jatobservatory.org


On Thu, 26 May 2005 00:52:02 -0500, Olga Kulodnai
wrote:

Not on rainy nights!
Olga



wrote:

nytecam wrote:
Nice article in current [July 2005] S&T on an automated backyard
observatory via off-the-shelf parts that operates from indoors.

Any takers on this forum?

Nytecam


--
nytecam

To me, it would take all of the fun out of the hobby to be sitting
inside in front of a computer while my scope is outside. There isn't
that connection or intimacy with the sky.

Jim Johnson