The Sierra Skies Observatory is operated remotely, even if I am home (and the observatory is in our own backyard). Following are elements enabling the remote access capability, including links to detailed information on my EQUIPMENT pages: |
PARAMOUNT ME ROBOTIC MOUNT (enables homing upon startup for precise unattended positioning) - LINK FOCUS MAX (enables automated focusing with either the TCF-S focuser or the RoboFocus) - LINK CCDAUTOPILOT (enables unattended imaging sessions to be run, once set-up) - LINK WIFI CONNECTION TO LOCAL AREA NETWORK (with port mapping to allow external access to devices on the network) - LINK DIGITAL LOGGERS INTERNET POWER CONTROLLER (enables remote power on/off of 8 AC devices via any internet browser) - LINK ROBOFOCUS POWER MODULE (allows another 4 120VAC devices to be turned on or off) - LINK APC 1300W UPS BATTERY BACKUP (including remote management; can run entire obsevatory while imaging off AC power for approx. 40 min) DOME BATTERIES CHARGED IN PARK POSITION (does not require AC power to close and park dome) DELL OBSERVATORY COMPUTER USING REMOTE ACCESS TIED TO WIRELESS NETWORK (runs everything in the observatory) - LINK MICROSEVEN IP CAMERA TIED TO WIRELESS NETWORK (to monitor exterior of observatory - dome rotation, shutter closing, etc.) LOGITECH WEBCAM HOOKED TO DELL COMPUTER (to monitor interior of observatory - telescope slewing, Pyxis rotation, etc.) iCAM SOFTWARE (to enable viewing of live video from webcams on iPhone) - LINK REMOTE DESKTOP CONNECTION (to enable Macintosh to access observatory computer) - LINK JAADU RDP (to enable iPhone to access observatory Dell computer) - LINK JAADU iTELEPORT (to enable iPhone to access Mac laptop with 30" display) DAVIS VANTAGE PRO WEATHER STATION (posts current weather to this site every 5 minutes; potential for scripting dome shut-down) - LINK |
I have since added the reminaing two items required for remote operation: 1) Desktop computer, rather than Dell laptop, to allow remote re-starting of the computer (I can remotely re-boot now, but not re-start after power cycling) AS OF DECEMBER 2014, I UPGRADED THE LAPTOP TO A DESKTOP, SO NOW CAN RE-START REMOTELY! 2) AAG cloud monitor for immediate and direct closing of the observatory slit if there is impending or actual rain |
I have recently operated the observatory (i.e., set-up and taken images) both directly and via CCDAutoPilot from: - Amsterdam and Tokyo |
I have also demonstrated remote turning of the dome and viewing of the live video from: - London, Dublin, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Haifa, New York, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Los Angeles |
Techniques, methods, equipment and software for astronomical observatory remote access and control using computer, iPhone and iPad