Dome automation?

[Steve14]

I have a Nexdome with a rotation kit installed. It's all run through a laptop running windows 10 and SGP pro. It has power and high speed internet via an ethernet cable. Overall, it works pretty well. BUT. I'm not onsite very often, and when i am, it's often cloudy. SO. I want to image remotely when the sky is clear.

While i can use software like team viewer, I was wondering if anyone could give some recommendations for how i can remotely power on a PC (not wake it), boot it up, and power on and connect on all my equipment? If i can do this, i would also get a shutter kit for the dome which is easy enough to install (if i have the cash). However, i would also need an all sky camera (i have an ASI224MC with a lens so could use that) and some way to shut the dome up automatically if the weather closed in. Also, is it possible to install a mechanism to open and shut the cover on the front of my 10inch CF OTA?
All this sounds expensive, so it's probably not worth it. But i would like to know the best way forward and dream. Hope this makes sense. Thanks all!

[AstroJunk]

http://www.aviosys.com/ippower.html

I use a 4 port IP Power device to control my observatory (model 9258).

The trick to booting up your pc is to set the bios to reboot the machine after power failure - this means that after you shut down the PC as normal you can then power it down in between sessions using the remote switch. As soon as you put the power back on, up it will come!

[Steve14]

Thanks Jonathon. I'll look into that. Sounds promising...

[Merlin66]

Jonathan,
Question...
How do you protect the camera lenses/ telescope objectives in a remote observatory set-up????

[AstroJunk]

I don't.

Fortunately, the dome environment is extremely optics friendly and the only maintenance required is usually a dusting down occasionally.

My remote observatory is not actually very far away - 50m in fact. However I make it a point of principle to never set foot in it for months at an end :rofl:

[Merlin66]

Jonathan,
Thanks.
I’d be interesting to hear from others as to how they protect optics in a remote environment.

[AstroApprentice]

Hi Steve,
If funds permit, you could purchase a Gemini Snapcap for your 10" tube.
http://www.geminitelescope.com/snapcap-motorized-tube-ota-cap/
Unfortunately you'll be looking at almost 500 EUR for the full kit with PC control for an OTA your size!
It seems a relatively simple design for a pro DIYer...

[AstroApprentice]

FYI, Foster Systems also make an automated OTA cap
https://www.fostersystems.com/online-store/ScopeShutter-with-Controller-p77910633

[AstroApprentice]

Optec also make remote dust covers for OTAs:
https://www.optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/alnitak/remote_dust_cover.htm

[AstroApprentice]

Here's another option:
http://shop.tecnosky.it/Articolo.asp?SessionID=92CD1BB9-B8E4-42BF-8178-E341354E71E5&GetInfo=Tecnocap&AddScore=Tecnocap&Score=1

Translation: Motorized cap with variable adjustment flat, indispensable for telescopes in remote observatories!
The Tecnocap is supplied complete and ready for installation; the stepper motor with 1: 120 reduction manages the opening and closing of the cap with extreme precision, you can choose between the totally closed, totally open position and other 2 intermediate positions. In addition, a timer is available to close the cap at a determined time if an Ascom automation software could not be used.
A Tecnosky flat sheet is applied to the cap and is controlled by the same control unit: through the supplied software it is possible to vary the brightness of the flat from 0 to 255.
The whole system is ASCOM compatible and support from the Voyager automation software


Neat that it can function as a light box for flats as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6g2wm-XUCM

[Paul Haese]

As mentioned a IP switch for power is the option for powering equipment. Always on option in Bios for computer. Port forwarding options and setup to your router.

Then for redundancy and protection:


Cloud sensor system.
Roof software to monitor the cloud sensor software.
Command programme to monitor to orchestrate everything for shut down in weather abort situation. There are some good ones out there. CCDAP, ACP and I am sure that SGP does the same.

Good luck with it all. It takes a bit of persistence but you will get it all working with some time.