Observatory Build

[TrevorW]

Thanks Glen and Steve, the budget was around $3k but after it hit that mark I stopped adding receipts for extras will do a complete cost up and post spreadsheet when time permits

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Excellent value for money Trevor and your productivity so far has been prolific ..err?..my build..arhem..was a biiiiit more than that

Mike

[TrevorW]

Inside camera to monitor scope from my mobile


https://www.facebook.com/10000429513...2027700260377/

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

Originally Posted by TrevorW

Inside camera to monitor scope from my mobile


https://www.facebook.com/10000429513...2027700260377/

Cool!

What camera is it?

Neville
LSO

[TrevorW]

Tapo C100 got free delivery on Amazon

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

Trevor, does the Tapo 100 need Alexa and a dedicated tablet? It's not clear to me from their ad- but I might just be thick this morning!

I'm still looking for a dome monitor to check things have lined up properly.

Neville
LSO

[TrevorW]

No, just an app from Google play on your phone will monitor it, same app use for Tapo Wi-fi power plugs

[TrevorW]

Well with our first real winter rains I found some leaks, fortunately not over the equipment, a trip to Bunnings for some good old silicone sealant will fix them, really my fault should have done some real testing before I put the foam ceiling insulation in

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

Trevor,
If you don't already have a scope cover, while at Bunnies pick up a BBQ cover.
Keeps drips off and works against dust, too.

Much cheaper than the real thing.

Neville
LSO

[TrevorW]

Current update -the leaks all fixed we've had some heavy rain, hail, wind and cold throughout June with above average rainfall. In fact only in the last week has the sky been clear enough for some imaging but the moon is out, the bane of an astro imager

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by TrevorW

Current update -the leaks all fixed we've had some heavy rain, hail, wind and cold throughout June with above average rainfall. In fact only in the last week has the sky been clear enough for some imaging but the moon is out, the bane of an astro imager

Good news Trevor

So, if you have fixed some leaks, does that mean you are now an ex-spurt..



Mike

[TrevorW]

Problem is that expert means a drip under pressure, and as I'm retired I don't have any real pressure except maybe bouts of wind

[TrevorW]

Can someone suggest a cheap way to motorise the roof, its easy enough opening and closing by hand but if I can make it to close up without me venturing outside the better

[xelasnave]

Maybe a cheap 4wd winch because you get all the wiring and a hand control ... you would need more wire I guess to get the controller to the house...

A cheap garage door opener because you get a remote.

Or a gate motor which comes with remote.

The area of concern is how to set it up

I think if it easy to close keep it manual...the reality at the end of the night you should put on your lens cover and put a cover over your scope....so you need to go there anyways.

alex

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

Two $50 geared wiper motors happily rotate my 100kg dome, but I had to make up all the cogs, etc.

For linear I like the idea of an automatic gate setup.

Neville
LSO

[oska (John)]

An Arduino will make any of these options NINA compatible. Astrobloke on YT has a tutorial.

[TrevorW]

Thanks guys

[LonelySpoon (Neville)]

Originally Posted by oska

An Arduino will make any of these options NINA compatible. Astrobloke on YT has a tutorial.

Also check out:
https://lunaticoastro.com/

They make a software/hardware ROR solution with linking to weather monitor, automation, etc.

Nice mob from my contacts with them (I'm supposed to be checking out their dome solution for them but life, etc).

Neville
LSO