mhard26339

Mike these are fantastic, love the shot of M42. I can just imagine how satisfying it must be to get that stage.  Look forward to seeing more and maybe some tips as well as you hone your technique.

Jim 

As I said Jim, feeling pleased with myself, all of a sudden it has all (appears) to have come together. The time spent viewing tutorials on Pixinsight, Maxim Pinpoint Etc has all come together and made sense. I have also got to give thanks for the support of some of the guys in the Breckland Astronomical Society; I think that is what made the breakthrough, just being able to talk things through sometimes helped. Must not get cocky, the next problem is only just around the corner !!!!

Regards 

Mike

Hi,

Feeling pleased with myself so I thought that I would share with you a couple of images taken this week M42.

The perenial M42.

 And the central area of the Rosette Nebula

Still some work (there always is) on the focussing as it is very critical with Hyperstar at f2 but getting there.

Regards

Mike

You could just (temporarily) tell a computer to use IP address 192.268.1.151 subnet 255.255.255.0 and use that computer to log onto the Apc to change its settings. No new cables needed.

Hi David, Thank you for that but tried it this morning and could not log on to anything. Set the laptop IP to 192.268.1.151, tried to log into it (by putting the ip into search bar on google) and I got the message DNS Lookup for d2e24t2jgcnor2.webhostoid.com failed. The request name is valid but no data of the requested type was found. Any ideas? As I said it is working as a distribution panel (albeit an expensive one) its just annoying that it cannot (will not) switch!

Regards

Mike

Fantastic to see it at this stage Mike you must be getting so much enjoyment from the setup now.  I'm aiming to be able to ultimately control mine from the warmth and comfort of the conservatory, about 10m away.  I'm a long way to getting to that stage but I have your build history bookmarked for ideas.  Congratulations again - have you managed to use it from Spain at?  That would be an amazing sense of achievement.

Jim

Hi Jim,

I havn't operated it from Spain yet, but I have from London which at least is a different network so I do not anticipate any problems, I have a good Internet connection in Spain and can cheat the IP address to believing that it is in UK if I need to, I should not need to do that, TeamViewer and DynDNS say that I can control from all over the world!

Regards

Mike

If you still can't get the Apc working, I'd be happy to give it a go if you send it here.

Thank you David, your offer is much appreciated. As I said I do intend to give it another go. It is not being recognised because it is on "different network" to the router 192.168.1.150 instead of what I wanted 192.168.0.150. I am awaiting one of the cables to allow me to re-program onto the same subnet as the router. The instruction manual tells me I should be able to access it then. I guess its a bit of lazyness in that the system is up and working with the 9258 but it is my nature not to have things that do not work as advertised. I will let you know how I get on!

Regards

Mike

Great progress update Mike. Glad it is all up and running well. But of a shame with the trellis but below 25 degrees the atmosphere will give you lots of problems anyway so not to bad an issue.

Yes Soupy, I have difficulty imaging in that direction (although it is East) below that level anyway, there is only a small quadrant thiat is not obscured by his house but it hasn't proved too much of a problem at 25 Deg, I think that I have lowered the trellis twice in 3 months, there is always something else to view!

Regards

Mike

Hi All,
 
I thought that it was time to give yu an update on the progress on my intended fully remote operation dome, there has been some changes and some lessons for would be builders since I last posted. 
 
The siting of the dome was largely pre-ordaned within my garden but it happened in March/April, it was not until Mid November that I realised, with the sun being so much lower the solar panel only got light for about 30 minutes a day, the dome being in shadow from my house. Coupled with this the fact that due to my intended remote operation and the new "non IR" system for opening the shutter I had to leave the unit switched on continuously meant no power when I wanted to open the shutter. The fix was to up the solar panels x2 and increase to 10W; to stop anything untoward happening to the batteries (now 2 also) I added a solar controller but all in all about another £100. Lesson learned. More bits and bobs from previous posts!!

There is still a bit of tidying up to do on the wiring (as always)

Another change was that I intended to use the AP 7920 as my switching device but despite Davids advice and how to set it up, sending the device back for a check-up I still cannot get it to function as advertised and so I invested in an IP 9250 as can be nearly seen sitting on the 7920. The IP 9258 worked perfectly straight out of the box relegating the 7920 to a (expensive) junction box. I will get it going but that can come later. The 4 ports of the 9258 control Computer, Scope Utilities, Dome Utilities and the de-humidifier using the timer function.

Also an IP camera has been added and can be seen and an ethernet hub. 

I was intending to control the dome from a computer inside my house using a USB link but although I did not appear to have any problems with a 25M powered USB connection, many blogs suggested unreliabilty and otherwise. Decision therefore made, new stand alone bought and set up in the dome linked by Cat 6e ethernet cable from the hub to the router in the house; this makes the now underground USB cable redundant but It allows for options!!

The scope has bee finalised with the Starlight Xpress H9 sittng on a Hyprestar, Celestron 180mm guided as required by a Loadstar. At the other end Baader quicklocks have been installed and a desicant holder to keep the inside of the scope "dry" if the de-humidifier is not quite on the job.

Finally, 

Notice that the next door neighbour put up some trellis fencing just after the dome was installed, very helpful!!, but in honesty after a friendly (honest) chat he made it so that It can be lowered should I need to view that low, below 25 Deg, he even offered to lower it for me when I am in Spain so no problems!

There we have it, I now sit in my study, switch all systems on using the IP 9258, watch the startup routine via the IP Camera on my IPad then connect to the computer in the dome (seamlessly??) via TeamViewer. TeamViewer hs proved excellent and easy to set-up and use; I did use Real VNC but occasionally it changed IP address for no reason which caused mild palpertations?? The system has now been running for about a month and excepting minor glitches mainly with the USB Hub (I reverted to my original industrial one) and Maxim compatibility (the latter being the odd box not checked when setting up dome, scope focusser, cameras, POTH Hub and Focusmax) reliability has been good, that is until the next clear night!

Hope that this has been of interest, I can understand that it is not everybody's idea of astronomy, but it is mine and it now works whether I am in UK or Spain. All I have to do now is learn how to use Pixinsight.

Regards

Mike

If you get 0-0-0-0 it hasn't got an IP address.

To log on to it with website, first you need an IP address. Then just put that address in a web browser. Username and password are both apc.

Out of the factory, it is set up to take an address from a dhcp or bootp server.

(I'd disable the requirement of vendor specific cookie at the first opportunity)

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=ap7921&tab=documentation

See manual, page 10

Best bet is use the wizard, page 9, download here;

http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=ap7921&tab=software

Otherwise, use the telnet options (ping seems easiest way).

As long as the password is the default.

Otherwise, you will need the special serial cable (on ebay)

Thanks again David, I spoke to the guys from where I bought it and I have returned it to them for set-up, should get it back today so should be able to move ahead but thanks again.

Regards

Mike

Power switch doesn't need a driver - it's driven from a web interface.

Default username and password is apc. Manual is online.

Press and hold button to find it's IP address. Hopefully set up already with a static address or DHCP without the magic cookie. Otherwise you need a cable.

Hi David,

One more request, well 2 or 3 actually, when I hold down the button down all I get re the IP address is 0 - 0 - 0 - 0; I have tried resetting but no change; what is the magic cookie or how do you interface with the cable, also log-in to what website? Sorry to be a pain but this is my last problem to solve, 250 problems sorted and one?? to go but it is again causing all sorts of frustration, very little information available and manual very confusing.

Regards

Mike

Hi All,

Well, it was all worth it last night, clear, but cold night, switch on imaging within 10 minutes with me seated in the warm study, very civilised watching the graphics on Maxim. At the end, home the dome, close the shutter, switch off and bed  (after a malt)  without getting cold, wonderful!! All I have to do now is learn to process the images properly.

Regards

Mike

What a wonderful dome, and done while you were going through such a difficult time. All the best :-)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi, I used it as my driver to keep up my spirits during the dark days!! thanks for your kind comment

regards

Mike

Very nicely done Mike, let me know when your about after this weekend i will pop over.......

Hi Ray, You are welcome anytime, we are in most of the time certainly pm; I am starting to play golf again normally mornings so anytime pm is good, you had better ring first just to check, our daughter is about to make us grandparents for the first time!!!!

Regards

Mike

Glad you're up and running. Beware the ACP power switch has an unusual way of using DHCP if you set that option.

What's the second solar panel for?

Hi Dave, The one thing that is outstanding is setting up the power switch, I have not sorted the driver out yet, next job on the list!!. The second panel is to charge the battery to keep power to the Red Shield alarm system, 12v reduced to 4.5v, I found that it was eating batteries. Some of this success was down to your advice David, thanks.

Regards

Mike

Well I promised some pictures of the dome now that it is effectively all finished with all working from within the dome, the next step is to move out to the study (which after the other night will be welcome (in August as well))  After that on to fully automated internet control.

This shows the setting of the dome, the fields on the LHS are North, the second smaller solar panel is to keep the battery charged for the intruder alarm.

The electrical contol panel showing the APC AC7923 Power Control Panel controlling one bank of sockets for when fully automated, the other is direct to the master on/off, a red and white lights and a master on/off, Power adaptors for the Dome Driver and Shelyak Controller and the Internet hub ready to receive the lead when I sort out the driver

Another view showing the Dome Drive Unit, the wires will be tidied up a bit (sometime soon!!) when the power switcher is finally connected to the Internet.

The set-up for use from within the dome, the storage area is a bit scruffy underneath but shows my ironing stool and dehumidifier also.

The Celestron 9.25 with Celestron Guide Scope, Lodestar and Telrad attached.

The finished pier with NEQ6 and everything else attached. When I do the wires on the electrical panel I will tidy this up a bit but the velcro keeps falling off the pier!!

Showing the Starlight Xpress H9 camera and Hyperstar, again the wires need sorting when the dewshield is fitted.

The installation for the Aurora Eurotech Cloud Sensor mounted on top of the Accessory Bay.

Hope you like the picis, a bit of tidying up to do but it all works, just got to fully exploit those plentiful clear nights now and move on to the next frustration, imaging!

Rgards

Mike

Oh, I forgot, and the dome is all up and working a advertised, nearly!! Photos when I have tidied up,

Regards

Mike

Hi All.

Just an update on my status to all of you who have wished me well with my fight against Hodgkins Lymphoma; I was recently given a partial remission as most of the tumors have gone, just a couple that are still there, now very small and not feeding off me but enough to preclude a complete remission tag. I now go on to maintenance every 2 months, scans every 4 months, for the next 2 years to monitor if anything is misbehaiving but no more chemo or pills just getting stronger every day. Thanks all of you guys and gals for your words of encouragement over the pst 6 months, much apppreciated.

Regards

Mike

Hi Dave, 

I guess I am lucky only living 20 miles down the road, Dave came to fit it, it cost me £100 including fitting which was OK, prhaps a bit miffed because the initial design did not work properly but anyway all sorted now. Dave, I have just statred a thread re setting up the synchronisation of the scope to dome, I do not know whether you have had any experience of my problem, perhaps you could have a look at it and comment if you have any ideas, as I said it is all working but not quite as advertised still nearly there. If ever we get a clear night here it will be sorted 

Regards

Mike

Hi All

Just a bit of updated information for you all out there thinking of automating a Pulsar Dome. I have just about completed mine, photos' to follow, all working, just about, but I did have problems with the shutter closing which Gary at Pulsar put down to the positional IR sensors, it wouldn't close on the computer or switch only by waving your hand in front of the sensor even when correctly  aligned in the Home position. To cut a long story short Pulsar have now binned?? the IR Sensors and have a radio link to the dome which means that the shutter can open and close anywhere on the rotational 360 degree arc, no need to motor to the home position before it will close the shutter. I had my upgrade (possibly the first) fitted last week and it works like a dream, absolutely perfect operation; a good improvement to the automation installation; just got to get the Cloud Sensor connected to the Shelyak and APC Power Swich connected to the Internet and automation complete.

Clear skys please!!

Regards

Mike

Hi David,

Just a bit of information for you David, indeed all out there thinking of automating a Pulsar Dome. I have just about completed mine, all working, just about, but I did have problems with the shutter closing which Gary at Pulsar put down to the positional IR sensors, it wouldn't close on the computer or switch only by waving your hand in front of the sensor even when correctly  aligned in the Home position. To cut a long Pulsar have now binned the IR Sensors and have a radio link to the dome which means that the shutter can open and close anywhere in the 360 arc, no need to motor to the home position. I had my upgrade (possibly the first) fitted last week and it works like a dream, absolutely perfect operation; a good improvement to the automation installation.

regards

Mike

Hi Jim,

Just a hint, the Start Tech hub that I set up was for when I was imaging in the garden, more rugged. I notice that it has gone up in price quite a but, for no other reason than I didn't want to undo the tripod set-up i.e. Terry Clips riveted to mount onto the tripod legs, in the dome I am currently using one of these from Amazon.

It does not look as if the link has copied but is a less robust/industrial but works very well even with the 25M USB cable from dome to study. Any problems though and the Star tech hum will be back!

Just a thought to possibly save some sheckles

Regards

Mike

Hi All, An update on my dilemma re the cables. To find out exactly what the problem was I ordered a cheap camera from Amazon                XCSOURCE 7mm Magnify Inspection Camera USB Microscope Borescope Waterproof LED (7M)   , works perfectly and showed a big blob of concrete that must have fallen down the pipe when we were installing the pier. I was at the bottom of the U bend so after some thought processes I poured in some industrial brick cleaner, left it a couple of hours and hey presto flushed the concrete away. Obviously the moral of the story is cover all pipes when concreting (its cheaper than the alternative) but if you do have a problem here is a solution (albeit be careful with the Hydrochloric acid although diluted).

The dome is nearly completed and I will send more pictures soon but currently on my last?? cycle of Chemo this week so a bit tired!!; but thank you for all your good wishes, my last set of scan results show that I appear to be beating the beast and prognosis is very good; thanks again.

Regards

Mike

Tried that Ray, no go, have yet to try a single cable with no plug but still in London undergoing treatment, will try when back in Norfolk and feeling stronger.

Regards

Mike

Looks as if I have a problem, the 32mm water pipe in which I intend to run my USB and LAN cable underground appears to either have a bit o concrete set in it or a kink about a Metre into the pier block, the string pulls through OK but will not take the cables with the plugs on however streamlined; looks like a pair of snips, a soldering iron and heat shrink, [removed word]! it was all going so well!!. Anybody else joined USB cable like this, the method looks OK on You tube but???. The LAN will just have another end fitted if it pulls through.

Regards

Mike 

OOPS!!

Hi Jim,

When I operated from the middle of the garden with a tripod I needed 15M to get to my study; I bought 3x5M "specialist" USB cables from an astral supplier (at inflated rates), all went well excepting that they would keep coming unplugged. I then bought a 20M lead from Amazon which worked OK. However with the dome I have gone to a 25M powered lead and burying it in 32mm water pipe and into the study. I connect all of my usb controlled items into a Start Tech Mountable Rugged Industrial 7 Port USB Hub, from Amazon, not cheap but it is powered and has worked flawlessly (I tried another hub from the same supplier as the leads but that was so flimsy the lead pulled out, also pricy) and my telescope operates flawlessly (providing I have the correct COM Ports selected and the right boxex ticked) at 25M including mount, camera, focusser, dome control, cloud sensor, all through one USB lead to the computer. Simples?????????

I believe, based on expensive experience, that if you expect to leave kit outside and work perfectly when you want it to you have to buy the right kit in the first place, not necessarily "Astro" designated but often industrial grade which interms of price is just about equal.

Regards

Mike,

I'm following intently to see how you progress your automation; my conservatory (study) is about 10m from my planned obsy site so I'm hoping to follow a similar automation route.  Your absolutely right about stopping when your body tells you but I guess you well understand that.  The progress you have made already and the pace is amazing - you've inspired me to get my act together.  I now have permission from the boss to spend some money on a suitable shed/summerhouse for conversion. My wee car is being sold but like you found, once the decision has been made, you just have to commit.  I'm looking to start work in the summer holidays (school) and while I'm happy with the physical side of the build  the automation side is well outside my comfort zone.  I'll be following your footsteps if that's ok.  I bet you can't wait to get using your obsy in earnest.  

Jim 

Hi Jim,

When I operated from the middle of the garden with a tripod I needed between 10 to 15M to get to my study; I bought 3x5M "specialist" USB cables from an astral supplier (at inflated rates), all went well excepting that they would keep coming unplugged. I then bought a 20M one piece lead from Amazon which worked well. However with the dome I have gone to a 25M powered lead and burying it in 32mm water pipe and into the study. I connect all of my usb controlled items into a Start Tech Mountable Rugged Industrial 7 Port USB Hub, from Amazon, not cheap but it is powered and has worked flawlessly (I tried another hub from the same supplier as the leads but that was so flimsy the lead pulled out, also pricy). My telescope operates flawlessly (providing I have the correct COM Ports selected and the right boxes ticked) at 25M including mount, camera, focusser, dome control, cloud sensor, all through one USB lead to the computer. Simples?????????

I believe, based on expensive experience, that if you expect to leave kit outside and work perfectly when you want it to you have to buy the right kit in the first place, not necessarily "Astro" designated but often industrial grade which interms of price is just about equal.

Regards

Mike