First fully remote image

[dmahon]

OK, so this is the first image taken entirely remotely with my new observatory. I noticed I had a couple of hours window between the clouds and thought I'd make the most of it - that was the point of the observatory, after all.

This is the process:

1) Logon to APC masterswitch

2) Turn on power to all observatory equipment

3) Send WOL (wake on LAN) signal to observatory PC

4) Take control of observatory PC from my office using VNC

5) Load up relevant software

6) Open dome

7) Watch dome opening using IP webcam

8) Turn off dehumidifier

9) Sync dome with scope

10) Watch dome start to move with IP webcam

10) Turn off webcam (don't want its IR light interfering with image)

11) Autofocus

12) Run PHD2 guiding

13) Set SGP off imaging

14) Copy images to network attached storage device

15) Process images on office PC

As promised, here is the first fully "remote control" image (1 frame each of Ha, OIII and SII):

[wavydavy]

blumming brilliant mate...........

[daverave83]

Awsome image, love the colours.

Wish I had a portable dob, that would make things easier

[gingergeek]

Very nice indeed, glad all your hard effort has now paid off

[baggywrinkle]

Superb...well done you must be a happy bunny!

[Martin-Devon]

Impressive Dave, looks like all that automation is working seamlessly together - very nice image too.

Martin

[JamesF]

Excellent!  It's been quite a journey

James

[steppenwolf]

It lives, it lives! Excellent you must be pleased that it all works.

[Tinker1947]

Well worth the hassle ect, 

[dmahon]

Yep, I'm delighted.

The only things I'm still considering are a rain sensor, cloud sensor or an all-sky camera. Now if I can make or buy an IP wireless all sky camera I'll mount it on the shed.

[JamesF]

The killer for an automated all-sky camera seems to be preventing the sensor being damaged by the Sun.  There are systems that restrict the aperture to do that, but I don't think they're exactly cheap.  I guess it would be possible for someone with more skill with electronics than me to just rig a shutter in front of the camera that closed when light levels were too high, or between sunrise and sunset.

James

[ollypenrice]

It's a super image.

Well done on getting it all to work, too.

Olly

[sologuitarist61]

Well done - that is a great iimage!

[dmahon]

Managed to get a bit more data the next day (5 subs of each). Not sure if it adds much:

[Sandancer10]

Brilliant image and well done for getting it all sorted remotely - now where's my wish list.    

[Chris Rowland]

Really good effort, well done.

I would see some sort of cloud and rain detector to be essential, especially in the UK.

Could an all sky camera be protected from the sun by fitting a ring at the right angle to occult the sun?  It might need adjusting as the seasons changed.

Chris

[robbie c]

That's a stunning image well done 

[dmahon]

I think all sky cameras can be placed outside permanently. I just want one that is IP accessible rather than USB connected.

To be fair, my remote imaging is done from 100m away so I can use the met office forecast for cloud and look out the window to check for rain. It's only remote to prevent me having to put shoes and a coat on, not because I want some much darker skies.

[Steve 1962]

Congratulations on getting it all to work...and for a lovely image.

Steve

[Sp@ce_d]

Nice one.. I've been thinking of adding the Aurora Cloud Sensor to my setup.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jaspalchadha]

WOW great work

[LeeWilky]

I want your setup   Amazing image too!