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Professional
Institutions
NASA
European Space Agency
Boeing
United States Air Force
Oceanit Labs
Sci-Tec
Sensing Strategies
Mitre Corporation
Lockheed Martin
Universities
and Colleges
University Of North Dakota
University of Wisconsin Lacrosse
Texas A&M University
Houston Community College
Keystone College
University of Washington
Stroudsburg University
Sheppard University
Appalachian University
Widener University
University of San Mateo
Public
Institutions
Franklin Science Museum
New Mexico State Parks
Virginia living Museum
New York Hall of Science |
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This new software and hardware package boasts many features
not found in other observatory automation packages. Our
controller hosts stored configuration settings and a
microprocessor that can automatically open or close the
observatory at a specific time or signal (e.g.: cloud sensor
and/or SBIG seeing monitor) enabling unattended-automated
control of your roll off roof observatory without the need
of a pc. The cloud sensor can execute an automated routine
consisting of park telescope, close roof or open roof, all
with feedback from the roof position limit switches and
mount parked switch. If used with our height adjustable
piers, you will be able to raise or lower the pier as part
of your observing session automation routine. In this
scenario, the cloud sensor and/or seeing monitor can execute
an automated routine consisting of pier down, park
telescope, close roof or open roof, pier up, all with
feedback from the position limit switches on the roof, pier
and mount. These routines can also be activated from popular
observatory control packages such as CCDAutoPilot and ACP,
since it is ASCOM compatible. Optional plug in modules that
are available with our controller are Wi-Fi and cell tower
control modules. |
Features of the
advanced observatory control Software and Hardware
Microprocessor-based control board.
Stored configuration and logic
control for unattended operation of the observatory.
Positional feedback switches for
confirmation of pier and roof locations.
Telescope/Mount parked position
input included
ActiveX control for easy
integration into other software packages.
Manual push-button controls. Pier
Up / Down, Roof Open / Close
USB connectivity.
Real-time indicators of feedback
devices. Pier lowered, roof open.
Observatory scheduler, program a
time when to open and when to close the observatory roof.
Redeveloped using Microsoft .NET
Frameworkฎ.
Provides the latest and greatest in
software technology.
Boltwood Cloud sensor
configuration. Parameters available for reaction to the cloud sensor
input.
Ethernet connectivity.
ASCOM compatibility.
Optional Wi-Fi controller
connectivity.
Optional cellular tower
connectivity
Can be incorporated into any roll
off roof observatory
Product Gallery
click for a larger Picture
Observatory Automation
Touch Screen Controller Screen 1 |
Observatory Automation
Touch Screen Controller Screen 2 |
Observatory Automation
Touch Screen Controller Screen 3 |
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Observatory Automation
Touch Screen Controller Screen 4 |
Tri-Pier 2 in fully
raised position with Paramount ME at its "home" position. The
raising of the pier allows me to clear the roofline |
The Pier-Tech AOCS
which remotely opens/closes the Rollamatic skylight, raises/lowers
the pier and responds to the Boltwood Cloud Sensor. The additional
circuitry in the top left and top right is to interface the AOCS to
the Rollamatic system |
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Limit switches from
AOCS. The one in the middle of the opening indicates when the roof
is closed and the one at the end, when it is open. |
Tri-Pier 2 in fully raised position with Paramount ME in its parked
position. |
Pier-Tech Advanced Observatory Control
Mounted in Tele-Station3 Control room below the Observatory |
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Tri-Pier 2 mounted on a wooden pedestal atop a reinforced wood
floor. The legs have been re-used in my setup to add stability and
distribute the weight -- this seems to be helpful when the pier is
fully raised. The pier is supporting a Paramount ME plus two imaging
trains. The first train is C11 + Optec TCF-S focuser + OAG with SBIG
Remote Guide Head + SBIG ST-2000XM with CFW-10 filter wheel. The
second train is a Takahashi FSQ-106EDX + FLI PDF focuser + STL-CFW8
+ STL-11000M. The total weight including the mount is around 280
lbs. |
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SPRINT - Cellular Package
Digi Connect WAN CDMA with Antenna
Sprint DIN Rail Bracket for
Mtg Product on Industrial 12VDC Wall Mount Power Supply
Requires: Sprint Cellular Network Contract /
Service Activation |
$1000.00 |
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VERIZON - Cellular Package
Digi Connect WAN CDMA with Antenna
Sprint DIN Rail Bracket for
Mtg Product on Industrial 12VDC Wall Mount Power Supply
Requires: Verizon Cellular Network Contract /
Service Activation |
$1000.00 |
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802.11 - WiFi Package
Digi Connect Wi-SP (single-unit pack w/power supply
and dipole antenna) |
$1500.00 |
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Ethernet - 10/100T Package
DIN rail and wall mount kit included
12VDC Wall Mount Power Supply |
Contact Us |
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USB Package
Digi Edgeport/1 USB to 1 DB9 Serial Connector
No Power Supply Needed |
Contact Us |
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Telescope/Mount parked
position switch with adhesive back |
$75.00 |
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Observatory Control
Software and Hardware Pricing |
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OCS |
Observatory Control Software & Hardware |
$2500 |
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