New Obsy Up & Running

[D4N]

I have got my obsy operational now and all set up for wireless operation.

It is a flip top design with a platform built around a steel pier set in concrete.

When open the lid doesn't cause any obstruction as I already have a large hill on that side, whilst this blocks much of my western horizon it does give excellent shelter from the prevailing wind.

The pier adaptor I built myself out of some scrap aluminium. I machined it down to be an exact fit for my mount.

The pier is a bit overkill for this setup but will be good for if I decide to go long focal length in the future.

Inside I have 4 x IP54 220V power outlets with an isolator.

I have my imaging laptop set up in a plastic box along with the power supplies for the the laptop and camera. The laptop is set up to stay on when the lid is closed, I can then VNC onto it with my iPad or Mac to control everything from the comfort of my house.

The laptop is actually on right now building a dark library. It doesn't overheat in the box as it is sub-zero outside.

Now I just need some clear skies to use it. Last night looked promising but the cloud rolled in as soon as I went out.

The whole lot could do with another coat of paint but it is too cold here to paint now so that will have to wait until next year.

/Dan

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[Mak the Night]

It looks very cool. 

[beamer3.6m]

Like that. Similar to my box observatory except mine is a lift off lid.

[Pompey Monkey]

Love it!

With hindsight, I would have gone down the same "keep it simple" route. Instead I now have a monolith in my garden. The neighbours think that I'm nuts!

[laudropb]

Very nice set up. Hope the sky is kind to you and you get to try it out.

[D4N]

Thanks all.

Yeh I considered lift off, fold down, roll off and flip, I went with flip as I think that will be the easiest to operate with it being located on a steep hill. I think roll off would be very tricky here, I would need to fit heaters to the rails to de-ice them if I went that way.

Forecast shows a whole week of cloud now, I hope it is wrong.

/Dan

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[wk4bg8s]

Hey /Dan;

I thought that I was building on a hill, but was I wrong 

Looks great!!!

Kim