Hi Alistair - Yes I have a very helpful and understanding farmer, I live in a small rural community and being the local luney help heaps. The solar collector system is working and power is trickling in as I speak - I have a total reserve of 600 amp hours at 24 volts - which is not as much as it sounds.
I'm miles away from anyone and there is no usable wireless internet, the only option at present is satellite internet and that is too expensive. But I do have excellent 3G Smartphone reception and I am looking at options to use that to control the operation remotely - time will tell.
There is no light pollution and fantastic skies (when the weather is right)
Realise now that info on the rebuild and methods was a bit light - supplied a bit more to aid those interested
http://www.pbase.com/loc46south/buil...f__observatory
Any questions or comments welcomed
Cheers
Geof Wingham