Quote:
Originally Posted by AlexN
If you are worried about the cost of an extra ups with regards to a remote observatory you are playing the wrong game my friend.
At least factor in a a bisque mount, sky camera, reasonable internet connection, foolproof camera and guiding solution, instrument rotator, solid scope with no flexure issues, automated temp compensation focuser, solar array, large batteries, ups for computers/mount/cameras. Backup generator (automated) weather station, dew control gear. Automated roof, method for taking flat fields.. I'm sure someone who has one has more idea than me but that's the list I'd start with.
The old saying, buy right, buy once.
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the observatory is not completely isolated, it is on a property i own about 1:45 mins away. it has internet access, proper power and some very nice neighbours who i can bribe with a beer if it comes to the worst. i think i have most things covered off...
- mount ... the topic of this thread
- good internet, check, i can revert to wifi if there is an issue with the cabling
- sky camera, i am looking to pick up something soon, just looking at my options
- camera and guiding solution. i am currently (upgrade to come in a while) using a QHY9 and QHY 5l ii and i have never had to touch the camera during an imaging session, fairly sure i can troubleshoot any issues.
- instrument rotator, not necessary but may come down the track
- scope, looking to pick up a planewave 12.5 which has the hedrick focuser and dew control
- automated roof is already installed and working great, and will close when rain is sensed.
- flats can be taken at dusk or using algorithms on multiple lights in different locations
the only other thing is all the power related requirements. i don't see the need for solar given this is not off the grid. also my main concern is to close the roof during a power outage. this can be done with the UPS i intended to buy but it might be stretching it if i were to power the mount as well, i am not hugely concerned if i have to head down there to set the mount up after a power outage, i go there fairly regularly anyway. but i do want to make sure the mount can be turned off and on (from a park position) and then execute an imaging session completely from a computer. otherwise i will have to leave the mount powered up and i don't want to do that.
i have been successfully testing this with an EQ6 for a couple of months now so unless there is something specific to the Losmandy that is going to cause me issues it should be okay.