What do you do about securing your observatory? I'd like to be able to leave my equipment setup in the obs all the time (note that I am retired so usually at home during the day). Trying to work out how 'extreme' I need to be about locking it up, alarm system, sensor lights, etc? It's in my backyard, cannot be seen from the street or my gate, the gate is usually locked, I have installed a nightlatch type lockset on the door, and I have a sensor light positioned to watch the Obs door; my area is pretty safe and I don't recall any local yard theft (note I do not live in a city or major metro suburb area).
i used an alligator hasp lock with a marine grade lock for the weather, and then there is also camera surveillance - aldi have a 4 camera system for $200 this week I think. I have 3 of these for the whole house - works a treat. so down the paranoid hole you go - its nice and dark in here.
any IR camera (dummy or not) is a great deterent Glen
mount over/near the entry door
any decent crim will look for the tell tale red leds and give it a wide berth at nite
during the day is another matter - so make the camera prominant
and of course the more heavy duty the door and lock is the better
one or more security lights on possible approach paths
Tnanks Geoff and David. I will have a look at the Aldi camera system on Saturday but they always seem to be cleaned out of the interesting gear by the time I get in there.
A couple of dummy cameras might be more cost effective for me as long as they have a led on them.
I have a door alarm now, and a padock on a security hasp, plus the original key latch. I do have a dog but he's old and sleeps inside, and is oblivious once he goes to sleep. I also have a security light with the sensor aimed at the observatory door. The back yard is only accessible through the house or 2m high locked driveway gates. I think that covers it.
