[roughy (Mark)]

Looking at automation for the backyard observatory as a summer project. First step will be an electric motor to open and close a roof. Seen a few options with a bit of research such as eBike motors (promising) and garage door motors (overpriced).

There are also some companies that make these items specifically for observatories but they too, are way overpriced.

The roof itself, including rolling resistance, would be less than 30kg.

Apart from the obvious functionality, it would also need to be capable of being controlled down the track by software such as Voyager or SGP.

Also, the observatory has 240v mains running to it.

Any advice most welcome.