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Hi Dave,
Rather than continue our recent correspondence on email, I feel inclined to make the following comments via the forum for the purpose of a broader (involvement in the) discussion:
The functionality of sharpsky would be enhanced by including a data (usb) and power distribution hub. It would be a fair guess that the majority of end users will have at least 1 item at the focal plane that would otherwise need to be routed away from the mount ie) CCD camera, focal plane rotator, guiding CCD... etc) all of which require cabling that is best avoided if at all possible.
Having USB ports available at the position of the OTA would also enable the end user to connect such things as humidity/temperature (dew point) sensors. From there it would be relatively straightforward to use a software based PID controller to drive PWM outputs for the optimum and efficient operation of fans & heater tapes.
Another idea that may be worth considering is a wireless dongle or cat5 connection for those that have their telescope located some distance away from their computer.
regards,
~c
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