TAG encoder
ATM / Electronics / Observatory / Technology
Dome automation-0.2-alpha – Wiring up the sensors
When we last left the dome automation project, the azimuth encoders were fried. I had a working circuit on the breadboard. I wired the cable rolled from the original, and soldered it […]
ATM / Electronics / Maintenance / Observatory
Encoders tested.
I zapped the encoders in the new assembly immediately. So I tore it apart, ordered new bits from Digikey, and breadboarded it. Once I got the interface cable worked out, I now […]
Gear / General / Maintenance / Mount
NJP – oh, so *that’s* the problem
The NJP can GOTO again! Art and I spent some time diagnosing and then fixing the problem, which turned out to be an unplugged Dec encoder cable. Now that the mount is […]
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.