Anyone in AAVSO taking advantage of the remote observatories–not AAVSOnet? You pack up your OTA and mount head, ship it, they install it on an appropriate pier, you pay monthly fee… local maintenance provided at a published rate, you remotely control over internet and collect your images?
Any issues? Is it worth it? Any general info to consider?
Jim (DEY)
I work with a team using a CDK 24 Obstech Chile. Overall great resuslts.
But is is quite an ordeal to get it working per se. Get it working ‘remotely’ in the backyard.
One og our team is starting in the backyard.
I am pointing him to using Tailscale, TightVNC with a dongle to emulate
HDMI, RealVNC viewer (not the server). Reader on the remote machines and TightVNC server on the ‘remote telescope’. Install TailScale on all machines, as that will create a VNC channel. I have a JetKVM on order, that hooks up to the ‘remote machine’ and can recover from those pesky lockups. You can do BIOS level startup/changes – even install an OS image all remotely without help from their staff. We are starting a private group to address these things, let me know it you are interested in that. It is literally like sitting in my office with the machine in my backyard. We have multiple people working the system at the same time – like overlapping keystrokes etc. So the real deal is between you and the remote people. Remember travel can get weird check with remote operators for accomodations. One fellow uses a machine in Spain, the TZ difference with me in Colorado means I can start in my AM, their PM. Good stuff.
–Wayne
Thanks for the info! I like it the site! If only I were a younger man…
The 100mm Esprit OTA I’m considering remoting is not a 24-inch CDK! The southern hemisphere would be interesting for sure!
There are issues I don’t know anything about at this point. For example: remote control and image acquisition would be done using remote-desktop software over high-speed-internet connect. Seems reasonable until an uncommanded or error slew gets in and drives the mount to a limit. I haven’t tested my mount here if it allows recovery without human intervention. I presume the site automatically rolls roof off after sunset for cool down and twilight flats could be taken. Not my normal flat process. I’d have to get an automated dust cover which I don’t have at this point. Lots of minor details that could be large issues with no hands on access perhaps.
I appreciate the info.
Jim (DEY)
Hi Jim, I moved my gear to Utah Remote Observatories in August 2024. It’s the best thing I could have done. I’m getting 250-275 clear nights per year with a top quality and responsive observatory team. My work is mainly on exoplanet and some variable star observing. I occasionally will enjoy a night of EAA observing.
Gary
ps: never had any outage or connectivity problems. In order to use RDP when their security provisions don’t allow port-forwarding, I needed to utilize Tailscale. A friend with IT expertise set it all up in no time. He consults if you need any support.
The observatory name is actually Utah Desert Remote Observatories.
Jim and the group, I have my RedCat71 + ASI183MM Pro at Starfront near Rockwood Texas. It has been there about 18 months. It is my first experience so I have no point of comparison other than my back yard.
Overall my experience is very good. I have faced a few issues with my remote system but the onsite staff has been very professional and have been able to work through the issues. It has taught me patience since I naturally compare the time required to putting my own hands on my equipment and troubleshooting, but overall I would give them high marks.
Since the telescope has been there, I have upgraded my camera and my mount, and added a flat panel. I have shipped the upgrade equipment directly from the vendor to Starfront. I have never been charged anything other than the monthly rental of $149.
I have experienced over 200 clear nights per year, and have confirmed the advertised Bortle 1 skies.
Would I do it again, yes!
You should learn to control your setup 100% hands off before you ship your equipment. That is the main caution I would give you.
Clear skies,
John