Hi Ric,
It really does depend on what your imaging goals are. Remote imaging isn't for everyone. It will certain expand your horizon (literally
). There are also other telescope networks that are privately owned - these are harder to tap into.
The GRAS guys are good value with great customer service. They'll certainly help you get started. My only issue which I mentioned in another post (
here) is pricing. I think they could revise this to better accommodate the imager. The remote internet controlled telescope market is only going to increase. You'll start to see more private operators providing telescope time resulting in a competitive market. Here is another for example - a RCOS 20" with STL11k -
http://rc20.stonehenge-obs.com/
To clarify - using someone else's telescope does not change the ownership of the data. You still have full rights over the data you acquire. Be careful before you jump into remote imaging however. In some cases, you'll require software to assist in planning your imaging session. Some remote telescopes use Software Bisque's suite, CCDAutoPilot or ACP. You should be reasonably familiar with this software before you sign up. There are a few tricks to know i.e image up to a point you know the mount needs to meridian flip etc.
From my perspective, I enjoy both realms - remote and local imaging. The strange thing is, when I'm out there in my own observatory, I don't actually do anything.
I've got everything automated - telescope pointing, focusing, guiding, acquiring data etc. The telescope does what its told via a script and smart software. So in a lot of ways, it's almost a remote/unattended operation anyway - just the like robotic internet controlled telescopes. I enjoy the efficiencies of automation as it bring improved accuracy and most importantly productivity. It allows me to focus on the more technical side such as image processing.
As you're interested in narrowband work. I'd recommend trying out Fred's (Bassnut) GRAS-15. He's good some nice narrowband filters attached to an RCOS 10" + ST8. Haven't used it yet, but planning on doing so soon - still planning targets.
Hope this helps.
