Category: Observatory
ATM / Electronics / Observatory
Dome automation – We control the vertical
Well, that is satisfying in a way that’s hard to describe. After thrashing for nearly 2 years over how to install limit switches in the dome’s shutter, I finally started making progress […]
ATM / Electronics / Observatory / Technology
Observatory automation – Dome visual telemetry now online
After much huffing and puffing, I finally came around to a solution for video telemetry form the dome. 3 IP cameras (D-Link DCS-934L if you’re interested), I installed them into the places […]
Electronics / Observatory / Technology
Observatory automation – cameras
I have been wanting more telemetry from the telescope and dome, so I’ve been planning to add “security” cameras in four places: one mounted piggyback on the scope, one mounted on the […]
Dome control updates
Getting the dome controls working at the desk was quite satisfying, and left me in the position of having a couple of quick projects to be worked on, and I’d have controls […]
Electronics / Maintenance / Mount / Observatory / Technology
NJP Power up
My mount, 04026, and I have had a pretty good run together. I had to swap out the motors and brain a couple of years ago, when the main motor controller board […]
Long Exposure Photography / Maintenance / Observatory / Technology
M42 gets the Plate-Solved treatment
Oh, it’s starting to get fun, now. The dome is ludicrous, but it works. I set up SGPro for a series of 20m subframes. All guided and focused and stuff. The next […]
ATM / Electronics / Observatory
Motor Control Box, in progress
Well, I had to let a beautiful, moonless night go by, because the dome has no way to open. Grumble. I have had a very productive Christmas vacation this year, but getting […]
ATM / Electronics / Observatory / Technology
Desk upgrades
I really like the observatory desk. It’s of a postwar-era “built like a tank” style that has always appealed to me, and the buttons and circuit board were 😮 (have I posted […]
Tuning up the mount
Now that the moon’s big again, it’s time for a little maintenance. I had two main things on the to-do list. First, the new drive system has been making a constant high-pitched […]
Observatory / Observing Reports / Technology
Dome automation 1.0 – Second light
Since I overexposed my shot of M13 last time (I hope that I can pull in some dim, edge detail…), I had to wait for a few days to appease the astronomy […]
RECENT UPDATE
Polar Alignment Calculations
Here’s a page that derives Polar Alignment Calculations. (update 5/2020: the original site is gone, so I found the text on Wayback and am inserting it below. This is by the original […]
Gear / Observatory / Telescope
Special Guest Star takes the mount at Hilltop O
The Astro Jedi needed somewhere to store his light sab—- I mean, bucket, and I was only too happy to accommodate him. I have decided that I need to come to a […]
General / Maintenance / Observatory
Dome shutter is motorized again!
I finally decided to bite the bullet and fix the shutter motor. Things went sideways last winter, and I’ve been opening the shutter manually (and tying it shut with rope, so we […]
Trixie 2017 – tube mods
I finally got around to cutting the MTA-UTA tubes to length; the only eyepiece that would come to focus with the focuser spacer in place is the Televue 55mm Plossl. If I […]
MOST COMMENTED
Observatory
Observatory 2.0 – Time has come today!
General / Maintenance
First Light, a deeper look
Mount / Observatory / Telescope
Observatory 2.0 – Result!
Observatory
Observatory 2.0 – The Pier goes in
Gear / General / Maintenance
Martin Farmer Wormblock installation notes
Deep Sky / Long Exposure Photography
NGC2244, The Rosette Nebula
Deep Sky / Long Exposure Photography
Another beautiful night.