Installing a remote Observatory
Its been quite a while seen my last posting, although I have not been active here, I been very active installing and setting up a new remote system inside my observatory.
I will explain below the reasons why building this remote setup and how I achieve it.
But first, why building a remote /automation observatory, my current observatory is semi-automatic, not fully and not remote, meaning I need to get up in the middle of the night or early in the morning when the sequence is complete to switch off all the equipment.
Reason
Simply a automate telescope is a telescope system that can operate autonomously. It is principally a system used for imaging whether this is for capture of data for images of objects or scientific use. This could be as simple as something at the backyard or a system on the other side of the world. Robotic systems are useful because they allow you to capture data automatically. You can be doing something else during unsociable hours like sleeping! Systems such as this also allow you to capture data in more favorable locations for seeing, darkness and objects.
 
Necessity
The basic components for an automate system are just a telescope system that can be controlled by computer. automated does not necessarily mean ‘Remote System’. It is just a system that can operate manually initially, programed to run on its own on-side. For more advanced systems that are left on its own, then you also need secondary equipment that can control power, monitor the weather and react when conditions deemed as unsuitable or unsafe are met. Typically, this also includes an observatory whose roof is motorized, or a dome that will closed and open motorized, For remotely accessed systems a good internet connection is also needed.
Choosing the components
Choosing components for a automate system is not that simple, and you would need to inform youself. What will work depends on what you want to achieve. If you are going to remain close to your system and will turn it on / off etc manually less thought is needed. There are products that suggest a simple route to full unattended operation using the wifi to communicate at a short distance like the Primaluce Eagle. However, these do not offer the full connectivity or power management needed for true remote operation but do allocate attended operation. They simply replace your PC.
The Automated Observatory
For true remote operation you need an observatory with a motorised roof (a simple Roll Off Roof type or Dome) but this needs to be controllable. Motorising a roof is simple and no different to any other system that uses a motor to open and close something like a garage doors a common examples. Ideally the roof system should be computer controlled as this will allow integration with other Astronomy software. If using a dome this is totally different, the dome rotates, so for example while a roof top moves horizontal from wall ‘A’ to wall ‘B’ (open and close the roof), the Dome is a Shutter window open and close from ‘A’ to ‘B’, but the dome top rotates,  second level of control is needed as not only must you open & close the shutter of the dome, this must track with the telescope. This also requires your telescope to be installed correctly, and the slave data must be calculated.
 

​The Automated Observatory – Dome Slave
Domes Telescopes on a fork mount with an equatorial wedge or a normal EQ Mount like I have, will need to be offset because the center of the telescope axis needs to be in the middle of the dome, not the pier. Get this wrong and the opening of the dome will not remain synchronized with the mount when both are moving. An Alt-Azimuth mount can be placed centrally as its rotational center is the same as the center of the dome. Dome automation requires accurate placement of the telescope and then configuration of the dome drive system to keep the dome slit in line with the telescope axis. Dome control software then synchronizes telescope and dome rotation.
Below showing the Rotation Driver that control and synchronize with the telescope movement.

​The Automated Observatory – Roof
With a computer-controlled observatory, other functionality becomes possible. - If, when in use, your telescope protrudes above the roof line as it is imaging, once finish it must be parked before the roof can be closed. This is possible with a computerized roof and it also does not necessarily rely on a PC, you can park manually the telescope and close the roof manually.
Domes do not have this problem as the telescope is always within the ‘roof’. - With a system such as a Talon Roof controller or Dragonfly / AAG Cloudwatcher from Lunatico(this is what I have) , this will close the roof after the mount is parked when an unsafe condition is met. It can do this autonomously as it is only reliant on seeing a contact closure relay activate. It knows the mount is parked because of small magnetic sensors that are placed on the mount axis or at the roof on each end of the roof/ walls. As this system is computerized and has an ASCOM driver, it can also be told to close by the capture software.

Full System Control
 
First you will need to plan the type of relays system you need.
The next level of control is to have full remote control of power and automate responses to events. Control of power and the ability to turn things on and off remotely is important.

• 1.       You could leave everything turned on. However that won’t do a dew heater much good or a camera.                                                                                                                                                 
• 2.       A PC might eventually crash as operating systems are not designed for 24/7 365 operation.            
• 3.       Also, in the event of a power cut, things usually default to an off state so if you don’t have a way to turn components on and off, your sunk!

 The simplest way to control power is via a relay that can be computer controlled. Many such relays are available like the Dragonfly from Lunatico. Using such a device allows you to control low voltage and also mains voltage, although the latter should be left alone. Relays can also be pulsed, rather than be maintained. This allows you to mimic actions like the pressing of the power button on a PC.
However, you will need to power the PC, as you cannot leave it all day’s weeks on, so if you use remote desktop, remote file access, or other server software, you may leave your computer on at home or work when you leave the house. This uses more power. Instead, you could remotely power on your PC whenever you need to use it. This takes advantage of Wake-on-LAN. In spite of its name, it’s possible to set up Wake-on-LAN so that you can send “magic packets” that will wake a computer up over the Internet.
Full System Control More advanced relay based systems also allow sensing using a contact closure input and conditional logic. This means they can react to external events. Such events might be loss of mains power, temperature, unsafe weather conditions or even a security event. A modern network enabled relay allows you to access it over the internet directly. You don’t need a computer, even a mobile phone can be used. Opposite is an example of an Astronomy optimised relay, called the Dragonfly, but really any network enabled relay can be used.


Plan
Dragonfly Diagram to connect the relays
​

​Safety
With an unattended, remote system, two criteria must be met. The first is that everything must work! That sounds obvious but if your system is not local and you ‘assume’ it is all working you might be in for a nasty surprise. The second is keeping your system safe from possible damage. This is likely to be caused by either weather or loss of power. There is however the question of how to protect the optics as you won’t be around to remove the cap! A solution for this is a motorized cover, for example a Gemini Snap-Cap. This also incorporates a flat field so calibrations files can be made remotely. True that having a Dome will keep the dust always, but if the location of the observatory is nearby a construction, or sandy grounds, then dusts will crip in.  

​Safety Power (Back Up)
Some overseas countries are prone to power cuts. This may because of unreliable supply or working practice. In Spain where I have my observatory for instance, utilities companies will cut power without notice. For reasons such as this, both your system and the observatory roof should be connected to a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply), which is basically an inline battery. These come in different sizes but one that offers about 30 minutes of life after a power cut is normally sufficient to get everything shut down safely before the battery goes flat. A simple relay that closes when mains power is lost can notify your system of the problem and let it begin a controlled shut down. If using a Roof controlled by Talon, this will sense a loss of power (and is also on a UPS) and park the mount / close the roof.

​Safety - Weather



Obviously this is another area where action must be taken to protect the telescope system. High winds and rain can very cause many thousands of pounds worth of damage. In addition to conditions likely to cause physical damage, different weather conditions also make it impractical to use a system. For instance, excessive cloud or light. To react to these different states, a specialised weather monitoring system is needed, like the Solo - AAG Cloudwatcher from Lunatico. This will measure light, rain, temperature, humidity and wind speed, and can be monitor through the internet to your mobile. Parameters can be set and when outside of these the system will go ‘unsafe’, both in software and also be triggering a physical relay. One of the most popular weather solutions as mentioned is the ‘Cloudwatcher’ made by Lunatico.


Weather Station

​Weather Station - Cloud-WatcherInternet Weather update -A

Solo Unit that connects to the Dragonfly

Cloudwatcher Data Recording

Dragonfly Unit

​Software Scheduling
Software to control the entire systems (cameras, filter wheel, mount, guiding exposure , targeting etc) Applications can also capture mosaics and the most sophisticated can also ‘Re-Task’ the whole schedule based on information received. Therefore if in the middle of a session, news about a new Supernova was released, the schedule could be interrupted and the scope would retarget on the new object. Some common examples of Scheduling Software are; SGP (Sequence Generator Pro) like I have currently, but for more sophisticated software go for Voyager.
Access – Remote Control
So you have all the equipment and the software but how do you use it remotely? What is needed is something called a remote desktop. This allows you to create a virtual desktop on a local PC (or tablet), giving you the same control as if you are in front of the remote PC. Tablets are not ideal because touchscreens can’t really replace all the functionality of a mouse. The simplest way to remote access is to use the remote desktop functionality built into Windows. However this is really intended to be used on an internal network and as such its not ideal for internet based control. Specific, internet compatible remote desktop software is now freely available.
A common choice is Teamviewer ( www.teamviewer.com ) and another is AnyDesk ( www.anydesk.com ). These are free for private use and very easy to setup. They work by connecting the two computers through a central server. One advantage of this is that because the software dials in to a known location, it can be used with Internet Services that use DHCP. Another popular remote control application is Radmin (https://www.radmin.com/). This is a direct peer to peer system which allow it to have less latency. However you really need a fixed (static) IP address at the remote system location. Personally I use both so as to provide a means of back up.
Access – PC Monito

In addition to having remote access to your PC you might also want to consider the way your ‘remote’ PC screen is displayed locally. A PC needs to have a monitor plugged into it in order to load a display driver. You can leave the monitor turned off but it must be connected or you will see nothing. The resolution of that monitor is what you will be able to use remotely. An alternative to leaving a monitor connected is to use a display emulator. These simply plug into the PC. Not only do these simplify your install but they can also be hi-resolution.

Autofocus method
Data 
                                                                                                       At
Bin                                          1x1 and 2x2
Telescope FL                         1400
Pixel size                                9
Read Noise RMS                  10e-
Number of steps                 105000
Resolution per steps            0.083Micros/step
travel                                       0.35" 8.89mm

CFZ                                                                                                         Critical Focus Zone
Ha  3nm           656.30                                                                                             95
OIII                    500.17                                                                                             72
SII                      671.69                                                                                             97
Red                    650.94                                                                                            94
Green               510.74                                                                                             74
Blue                  475.69                                                                                             69
Formula
CFZ / Focuser step size    Multiple  by 1.5 and 2                                        Step Size 


                                                                                                Ha       OIII       SII          Red   Green    Blue
(CFZ / Focuser step size) x 1.5 = focuser step size         1,716  1301   1753     1698     1337    1246
(CFZ / Focuser step size) x 2 = focuser step size            2,289  1734    2337     2265     1783    1662

So, if you are using SGP for example, in the step size you insert the corresponding step size. The 1.5 figures are the lowest  step size and the 2 figure is the highest.
You will need to play round say from 1716 (if you are using Ha filter) to a maximum of 2289.  I tried the 1716 and it was good from first time.

​After almost five months I was able to travel to my observatory in Southern Spain, due to travel restrictions we had to stay within our province here in Spain in the Andalucia region. It was a real pleasure to see that no damage to the equipments, especially after having really stormy weather during this time. After  cleaning the inside of the dome, everything worked fine, just  SGP software subscription that needs update.

​I received my new telescope around six months ago, but I have had little time to take pictures of the  telescope inside the dome.
But I do have some images unpacking it when it was delivered. 
The telescope is a RH Veloce 250, design which allow a fast F/Ratios with high definition over a wide and flat focal plane. It offers a pinpoint star all over the FOV..
https://www.officinastellare.com/professional-telescopes-prod/rhveloce/rhveloce250.html
https://www.officinastellare.com/os_uploads/files/RH250_WEB.pdf

What is the Gibraltar Amateur Astronomers Society, and who was it founded by?
After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Astronomy, I decided to create the GAAS back in 2013 with the help of a small group of fellow astronomers. The aims were and are to provide a forum for discussion of astronomy matters and share knowledge, as well as to meet other fellow stargazers, whether just getting started in astronomy or as a seasoned observer and/or astrophotographer. It’s also a great way to learn about telescopes, eyepieces, cameras, and the Universe.
How many members are there? When/where do you meet? What do you do?
Since its founding in 2013, membership in the society has been limited to members interested in astrophotography, and currently, we meet in Spain at least once a month. We have a Facebook page of nearly 700 followers, and Facebook groups of over 2000 members. I would like to establish a club locally to develop and create awareness of the sky above us, bring together local people from our community to share our passion for astronomy and the wonders of the Universe. I receive many requests from local parents asking how their children can join the society, but without premises, it’s difficult.
I REMEMBER THE EXCITEMENT I FELT SEEING IT.
When did your interest in astronomy begin?
When I was in school from a very young age, I was interested in all kinds of science things. There weren’t many books on astronomy at the time, but I read all the ones in John Mackintosh Hall library. TV series like Star Trek and Lost in Space when I was growing up did influence me quite a bit. I do remember the first trips that were made into space, like the Gemini and Apollo missions. It wasn’t until later in life when I could afford a telescope, that I saw for the very first time a close-up of the Moon; I remember the excitement I felt seeing it.
What do you love most about it?
I had to think about this for a long time. But I think the best thing is being able to share what I have learned about the Universe with others and enjoy their enthusiasm and amazement.
What has been the most significant/exciting discovery, in your opinion?
There have been many significant discoveries, mostly in the past fifty years. Still, I will stick with last year’s breakthrough and one in particular, which proves a theory going back decades. I am talking about the first image of a black hole, taken using Event Horizon Telescope observations of the center of the galaxy M87, published in April. This shows the supermassive black hole at the center of the Messier 87 galaxy, which is about 54 million light-years away from Earth. The black hole’s mass is equivalent to 6.5 billion suns.
Scientists struggled for decades to capture a black hole on camera to prove it exists, since black holes distort space-time, ensuring that nothing can break free of their gravitational pull — even light. That’s why the image shows a shadow in the form of a perfect circle at the center.
How do you see our knowledge of the skies advancing over the next decade?
In the next decades, we will see a global competition between nations and the private sector to reach the Moon and Mars to establish colonies within the next twenty years. India will send astronauts into space in the next few years. Late this year ESA with Roscosmos aims to discover life in Mars. SpaceX by 2024 plan to send a crewed spacecraft to Mars. China expects a spacecraft landing on the far side of the Moon. We mustn’t forget the USA and Russia, whose sole interest is in the Moon’s minerals.
Would you take part in the Mars mission, given the opportunity?
Sure, wouldn’t you? I can picture a special tour: First a stop on the Moon, wearing spacesuits and exploring all its splendor. Second stop, Mars. There are lots of places to visit there — the Grand Canyon of Mars, the ice caps, strolling along in the morning in the ice fog. Our imagination has no limits. Even if there are no tour ships yet, it will come, but we will need to wait for some years before this is a reality. I would also like to mention that space is a dangerous place, from cosmos radiations to super-speedy dust grains that can damage spacecrafts and astronauts, to gravitation forces that affect our bodies.
WE WILL SEE A GLOBAL COMPETITION BETWEEN NATIONS TO REACH THE MOON AND MARS.
How much of the observable Universe do we know about? What is it comprised of? What do you think lies beyond?
Ahh, the million-dollar question. Of the many ideas that have been discussed over time, the one theory that I feel is most likely is that outside this Universe, there are a bunch of others all expanding just like ours, or contracting.
The Universe is expanding. Space itself is expanding. That much we know from the cosmic redshift of distant galaxies in every direction and which is measurable. The fact it is expanding means it was once smaller, and carrying that to its finality is to recognise that it must have at some point been unified in some form or way. Although I have read a lot about this subject, there is no concrete answer yet.
Now, to make everybody aware of how little we know about the Universe. All the stars, planets, and galaxies that can be seen today make up just 4% of the Universe. The other 96% is made of stuff astronomers cannot see, detect, or even comprehend.
What planets/constellations are best seen from Gibraltar/Spain, and in what spots?
Gibraltar’s uniqueness makes it difficult for seeing. We have a big rock and quite a lot of light pollution, and there are only a few places you can appreciate the cosmos with your naked eye; one spot is on the top of the rock, but only if you’re lucky. Remember the night sky changes throughout the year and constellation position changes as well. If you look towards the North (North Star-Polaris) you will see Constellations like Perseus, Cepheus, and a few others rotating around Polaris. Spain is a vast country, and there are quite a lot of pitch-dark sites nearby. My observatory, for example, is in Istan (Malaga) mountainside with a night sky reading of 21 SQM.
What equipment would one need? Or where can we borrow it/use someone else’s?
The simple answer is minimal to get started.  A clear night and a star chart are enough.  Star charts can be bought from most of the larger book shops online, such as WH Smith. As you gather sky knowledge, buy a reasonably low budget telescope with a GOTO mount. This will be your starting point, and remember, do not run before walking, or it will cost you eventually.
Do you have a favourite constellation?
Not sure, I suppose Orion given its spectacular colorful nebule images once processed. I have been observing and imaging the night sky for years. For me, the Universe is my favorite space.
Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in getting into the field of astronomy?
Amateur astronomy should be calming and fun. If you find yourself getting wound up over your eyepiece’s aberrations or a planet’s invisibility, take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this because you enjoy it. Take it only as fast or as slow, as intense or as easy, as is right for you.