Gina

The camera temperature is going down again - maybe the ambient temperature has dropped. Camera temperature now -9°C. Don't think I can see any hot pixels so I think I can say the new design has worked ? Still some sky glow from the sun I think.

More and more stars showing.

30s exposure and gain increased to 96. PNG full size file from FITS.

Now some stars are showing.

Now taking 30s exposures and camera has warmed up to -5°C.

Not long until sunset now... well, Nautical Dark. Actual sunset was 21:30 according to Clear Outside. There is no Astro Dark tonight!

10s exposures and the camera sensor is warming up and approaching -5°C.

Gradually getting darker... Exposure 3s and camera temperature -8.7°C. Venus now showing in the south. The small dot - the bigger splodge is the moon now overloading the image sensor.

Now why did I choose the longest day (shortest night) to test the ASC??? Well, I didn't choose it - it was just how it worked out ? At least it's a clear night with few clouds.

ASC is now fully operational installed in it's permanent position on the roll-off-roof of my observatory so I expect to get back to looking at the weather station any time now.

Camera temperature is gradually decreasing and now down past -12°. Another FITS saved file converted to PNG in PI. 30ms exposure.

Here is a 10ms exposure converted from FITS to PNG in PixInsight so this is the full resolution and data depth.

Light gradually going and exposure increased to 1ms. Moon showing nicely just west of south. Also showing redness in the haze.

ASC is working in it's permanent location on the roll-off-roof of my observatory. Installation complete though I shall want to either rearrange the Ethernet feed or get WiFi working before using the observatory for imaging. RPi and buck converter box screwed to the inside of the ROR and all connections made. Powered from my main observatory supply with battery backup. Here's a screenshot of the KStars FITS Viewer showing an image. Exposure 32µs, Gain 0, Gamma 50. With these minimal exposures the internal heating is negligible and the camera is running at -10°C. The proof of the pudding will be when it's dark and I increase the exposure to 10s or more. There is currently a 60% moon roughly due south and not due to set until 2am so no chance of seeing many stars unless I have a very late night though I could leave it running all night unattended.

Bench testing complete and unit screwed to observatory ROR.

Oh yes, I know, I've used one and I am still complete with all fingers toes etc. I'm always very careful. Musn't let protective clothing make you less careful!!

Dew heater done and everything connected and powered up for bench testing before going outdoors.

Making gradual progress - wiring from RPi to ASC for the camera cooler and dew heater with a connector. Cooling connected but not dew heater yet. I'm not even sure a dew heater will be needed but I guess I could put one in just in case. Better to do things now rather than have to bring the ASC in later to add a dew heater.

Cover printed perfectly and it's a perfect fit. Been out and looked at the mounting position. The plate should fit well onto the roof and there's even a gap where the cables can go through. The only "fly in the ointment" is where the power cable will run when the roof is opened over the top of the warm room roof. This is assuming I get WiFi working, otherwise there would be the Ethernet cable as well. The alternative of the original mast (aluminium pipe) might be possible but I would need to make a waterproof box for the RPi or make a new main casing to accommodate it. Think I'll press on with the ROR mounting.

WOW that was a massive job Peter!!

Definitely!! Any sort of chain saw is decidedly dangerous!!

Box for RPi and buck converter printed and now printing its top cover.

My roof rolls with a push from one finger but I only have four wheels on mine so they always line up.

Been looking at rearranging everything to put the anemometer and wind vane the other way up but ATM I'm concentrating on my All Sky Camera as that is nearly ready and I want to get it in operation again. I expect to get back to working on the weather station in a day or two but it could be sooner if the weather turns wet.

Getting close now to installing the ASC on the observatory and testing. USB cable for camera and flat cable for focus motor fed out of main casing so that just leaves the installation of a 3 core flat cable for the Peltier TEC and dew heater and a case for the RPi and buck converter. With fine weather forecast I should be up and running in a day or two.