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This page provides a list of
projects and status for each project. This continues to develop as HRM
Observatory develops. I have found that I am always finding something to do or
discovering something I wish I could do. This page will track activity of
projects. I hope to finish most things on the lists by the end of 2005.
Current Projects:
Observing and Imaging:
- Work on the Messier List with
the new camera's. -- Current
- Evaluation - MaxIM - October, 2004
What a wonderful program. Has all features that I am looking for in both
CCD control and processing. As well as great features for telescope control
including: focusing, guiding, etc. I am not however going to add this software
to the observatory. This package is overkill for picture acquired with a
webcam. I will continue to use AstroVideo and K3CCDTools along with Photoshop
and IRIS. My next camera will more than likely be a Canon DSLR. This camera
will most likely use the ImagesPlus software for camera control and capture.
However, if I had a SBIG or some other high-end astronomical CCD camera, then
MaxIM would be most likely be added to HRM Observatory.
Equipment:
- Observatory Upgrades:
- July 12th, 2005: Received Meade DSI Pro CCD Camera with filters.
Camera will be used to develop skills with tri-color imaging.
- July 1st, 2005: Mel received new mounting: Synta EQ6 with
Skyscan goto for his Meade 10" F/4 SN
- May 15th, 2005: Installed a local area network in the observatory
connecting the observatory computer to the computer in the trailer. 100Mbit
Ethernet switch will allow Mel to connect his laptop to the network when he
visits.
- May 15th, 2005:Installed RealVNC software to all me to control
the observatory computer from the computer in the trailer.
- May 17th, 2005: Took image from trailer of Jupiter.
- Need to develop a digital finder for telescope so I don't have to visit
to observatory as often during an observing session. Then work on remote
focusing.
- Performing the Steve Chambers
modification to a Phillips ToUCam 740K. This will be the SC1 modification.
- Update: May 12th, 2004: Completed SC1 modification to ToUCam 740K and
update the EEPROM to RAW output. Test indicate that everything is working
correctly. Waiting for first light at the telescope.
- Update: May 15, 2004: First light with the SC1 740k at the 12" LX200GPS.
Results posted on the Astro Gallery page.
- Update: May 22, 2004: After only imaging a two evenings with the SC1
Modified webcam I realize that the Amp Off modification is a must and will
attempt to perform this upgrade during the upcoming week.
- Completed modifying a ToUCam 740K webcam with the SC1 modification. I will
continue the modification a take this camera to a SC3 mod. --
- Continue to improve Telescope and Observatory performance. Including:
- Have added a off-axis counter-weight system to the bottom of the 12" OTA
and also have added a top rail system for a guiding telescope (Meade 90mm
ETX or 4.5" f/17 Cassegrain) or 35mm camera attachment.
Photographs.
Complete October of 2004
- Telescope control from PC - 1st step for moving into a yet to be
constructed warm room. Complete July of 2004
Update: August 15th, 2004: I have added a trailer to the observing
area. This trailer will provide and warm and cold room for the observatory.
The trailer is also large enough for sleeping and storage when taken on the
road for star parties.
- Continue with development of Dew Heaters and a Dew Heater Controller for
the 12" LX200GPS. Current
Update: September, 2004: have completed Dew Heater for telescope and
finder. Currently have heaters daisy-chained and connect directly to a
12volt battery. Work continues on a dew heater controller.
- Continue with development of the HRM Observatory Web Site. Current
Future Projects:
- Install electricity from house. The observatory is located 700 feet from
the house. Currently, electricity is provided by a 4500 watt generator or two
deep-cycle marine batteries in parallel supplying a 750 watt inverter.
(Spring, 2005)
- Start the selection process for a new camera for the telescope. I like the
webcams, they are providing a wealth of knowledge, however, a more
sophisticated imaging system is needed. (4th Qtr,2004)
- Automate the observatory (2005)
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