My New Roll off Roof Observatory part 2
I've been quite busy over the last 6 weeks since I first posted this blog. I've managed to get hold of a second had PC with a 2.8 GHz processor, and a Gig of RAM from a mate of mine for a good price, what I really wanted it for was it has Windows XP, which is great for most Astronomical software as far as comparability is concerned, as well i managed to get my hands on a small metal Computer desk which was destined for the tip, and fits perfectly in my new observatory.
The first job was to get it on my wireless network, the problem i had was with the observatory being all metal, it was drowning out most of the signal from my wireless router in the house, so I went to Maplin and got an antennae style wireless adapter drilled a hole in the side of wooden rail and pushed the antennae though, whipped a bit of silicon around it to water proof it and it works a treat.
Once I'd loaded all my Astronomy software/files/picture's etc. I decided to set-up a VNC link between my laptop in the house and PC so I can tap into the observatory PC and control everything including the telescope, I'm using VNC viewer which is free to download off the Net. Next was file sharing over the network so i could move files to and from the laptop and PC over my home network. Once that was done i installed a webcam in the corner of the observatory so i could keep an eye on the telescope from in the house on my laptop.
The next purchase was 4 storage box's just to keep everything neat and tidy and out of the way, i have also installed a red low wattage light so not to disrupt my night vision.
What i have done just before we had them bad winds a few weeks ago was to fit some G clamps on all 4 corners of the observatory, mainly to secure the roof, but also to keep the local scallies from lifting the roof off and getting in.
With the mains to run everything i have used an old plastic drill case to keep the plugs and plug banks dry when the roof is rolled back and the computer supply under the desk but off the ground, and also out of the way so there not a trip hazard at night. The only job now is to run mains underground from the house with a permanent supply, once that's done I can fit an alarm system and use the web cam as a security camera, and that's everything done
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