Permanent Pier

[Han Solo 2000]

Hi Guys

Moved house this year and finally have outside space and a perfect spot for a telescope. Initially will use on tripod but longer term will make a pier. I want to run some cables to the area from my garage. Wondering what I should run in terms of power and connectivity.

My thinking is to run 240Vac so I can have power at the telescope. I have a Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox and ASIAIR Pro to power all the gear at the mount. Will have a weatherproof enclosure setup.

I was thinking of running an ethernet cable to connect to the ASIAIR to use in LAN mode and also a USB cable to connect to the Pegasus to control it.

The location will need cable runs of around 8 metres and I wondering if the lenbgth is an issue for the USB?

Any guidance appreciated

Thanks

[DaveS]

8 metres would be a stretch for unpowered USB, but ethernet will have no problems.

[david_taurus83]

Sounds like you want something similar to what I've done. Mini PC and PSU located in my shed and ethernet cable run out to the pier. I have 240v in the shed and run 13.8v out to the PUPB on the scope.

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/384486-pier-time-today/

[Space Oddities]

USB doesn't have a very long range indeed, but luckily you could use Ethernet to transport your USB signal. You'd need something like this to convert USB to Ethernet and back to USB:

https://www.vtop.shop/products/nt100

[saac]

1 hour ago, Han Solo 2000 said:

Hi Guys

Moved house this year and finally have outside space and a perfect spot for a telescope. Initially will use on tripod but longer term will make a pier. I want to run some cables to the area from my garage. Wondering what I should run in terms of power and connectivity.

My thinking is to run 240Vac so I can have power at the telescope. I have a Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox and ASIAIR Pro to power all the gear at the mount. Will have a weatherproof enclosure setup.

I was thinking of running an ethernet cable to connect to the ASIAIR to use in LAN mode and also a USB cable to connect to the Pegasus to control it.

The location will need cable runs of around 8 metres and I wondering if the lenbgth is an issue for the USB?

Any guidance appreciated

Thanks

I've gone through a few iterations to allow me to image remotely. I first started using an ethernet connection from the house to the observatory (buried cable) . The cable terminated in the observatory attached to a StarTech version of the USB/Ethernet hub mentioned by Pierre above. The run length to the observatory was about 15 m and it worked perfectly. This allowed me to operate the mount using EQMOD, cameras , focuser and dew heater over USB from the comfort of the house.  Since the start of this year I've since swapped over to using the ASiAir;  I'm using an ethernet connection over the power line with a TP Link  setup, to date that has been working well with no issues. The TP link solution just gives me the added flexibility to use different rooms in the house to connect my laptop. 

When using the StarTech ethernet/usb hub I had tried connecting to it via a powerline adapter but it didn't like that for some reason.  So this meant I was restricted to using the conservatory room where the ethernet from the observatory terminated.  Apart from being a cracking wee device (really simplifies everything) the ASiAir now gives me flexibility as it works well over the powerline adapters. 

TP Link Powerline Adapter

Jim 

Edited April 15, 2022 by saac

[Han Solo 2000]

Great input guys and thanks for the suggestions. I've got the chance to run some cables to the area as we are about to do some other work so I wanted to make sure I had what I needed. Sounds like if I run a 12V feed and a couple of ethernet cables, I should be able to connect everything I need.

And @david_taurus83 that guide is perfect! A VERY neat job!

[barbulo]

Though it’s not a pier but a non permanent mount, I use the TP Link solution mentioned by @saac . Then you only need a power cable to connect your rig to the “world”. Less cables lees mess. 

[Han Solo 2000]

Ok, time for an update, finally got the pier installed and now need to sort out the wiring, etc. I have an extra waterproof bag going over the whole unit for extra water protection. I also have an extra plastic plant pot saucer to stick to the top of the base, which, when upside down fits inside the bin perfectly so will provide an extra seal for the bin to sit down on.

Longer term I have a plan to add a shed around the pier (although new houses being built nearby so waiting to see impact from garden lights, etc. Went for the upside down bin method for the moment. Everything has gone well although my polar alignment for the azimuth bolt has shifting during build (though I had it bang on) so wondering how much adjustment I will get with the mount azimuth setting screw to get alignment? Otherwise I will rotate and drill/tap and new screw.

I will have a AZ EQ6-GT mount on the pier. I now have space in the garage nearby to start setting up the equipment, PSU, etc. I have a Redcat to learn how to use for astro and a Celestron 8SE for planetary.

Thanks for help so far.

[900SL]

For data I've recently switched over to a Slate AR750s. 

This is a dual 2.4/5 GHz router with three LAN ports, draws 5W, and has great range ( I'm using at 30' with no drop in signal strength)

I have an ASI Air, Starbook 10 and Mele Q2 PC connected via LAN at the scope, and connect via tablet or remote desktop