Hi All,
I'd like to get some input into Fanless computer systems used solely for observatory control (focuser, imaging and guiding cameras, telescope and dome control, etc). The current set is a basic clone pc (no name brand) running XP SP3 in which I remotely control 180km away. For the most part, it works a treat considering its approximately two years old. The fan is starting to make a noise and dust is beginning to short the PCI wireless card, but other than that the OS and associated software has been rock solid.
Of late, I've been have some reliability issues in which has resulted in missing out of a couple of clear nights. I can only assume that the hardware is beginning to fail with lock ups etc. The obsevatory isn't the cleanest of places, insects, dust etc.
I've been looking at some industrial PC's to improve the reliability from a hardware perspective. Below are a few links I've been reviewing to give you an idea
http://www.ieci.com.au/products/nav....1&basecat1=256
http://www.quanmax.com/product/produ...FYIvpAodtQ_zrg
http://www.acrosser.com/products/Emb...lassid_98.html
You can get systems with a bucket load of USB and Serial ports which would be ideal as I'm running thin... especially considering I have a weather station, cloud/rain sensor and web camera to also connect, then all the other gear such as cameras, robofocus etc etc.
Has anyone had any experience with these systems for observatory controls or thoughts that would be of value?
Thanks in advance.