CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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I'm thinking about putting an alarm system into my observatory. For now the obs is powered by a couple of extension cords that I disconnect when I leave the site, so any type of alarm system would have to be battery operated. I want an alarm that is loud enough to alert the neighbors on either side and would only sound for 5-10 minutes or so. I don't want something that would keep sounding until the battery ran down, as that in itself might attract unwanted attention. Do you all have any ideas of what might work for me? I'd appreciate any suggestions, except those involving violence of any kind.
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 812
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Carol,
I have been looking around for some time online for a decent system that runs on 12v. If memory serves me, you have two windows, the door and the shutters to deal with. Correct?
A for instance that I found some time ago is this:
http://tinyurl.com/p7fue5
That company Safemart has some great deals so take a look around at your options. The key is the AMP hr battery you install to run the system. A battery maintainer could be installed and used when you are present to keep the battery life up.
Keep us posted.
Clear skies,
--------------------
Explora Dome information can be found here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3824
Loc: Wisconsin
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Well, what I use in my observatory is a Dewalt(sp?) motion detector that is battery powered. It has a remote for arming and disarming, (as well as a keypad code). The battery lasts about two weeks and I swap it out with a fresh one, (they're rechargable). The unit cost about $40 bucks and I got it at Home Depot. If triggered it makes a fairly loud alarm sound. If not turned off via the remote or keypad, the alarm sounds for 2 or 3 minutes. The unit size is about like a handheld flashlight. I mount it under the door so anybody stepping inside will trigger it. When it's armed you have 30 seconds to clear out. To set it off it needs something like 8 seconds of movement before it goes off, so if something like a mouse scampers through, it won't set it off. I have a sheet over my scope and was worried that a heavy breeze might leak in around the dome ring, wiggle the sheet and set off the alarm, but it's never happened. The dome is located on our deck next to the house and we can hear the alarm in the house. It's a self contained unit so it doesn't summon the police or anything, but I doubt somebody would want to wait around while it's going off, (in the dome it's louder than you can imagine). So it's not as good as some 'real' alarm system, but the chances are low that we'd have a problem, and for $40 bucks it's better than nothing.
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 148
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Carol,
Something else you should consider adding is a trail cam. These are fairly small, battery powered, digital cameras that have IR motion sensors that trigger a picture when soemthing or someone walks by. You can mount it on the observatory or on a nearby tree or post. They are readily available at any sporting goods store in your neighborhood or online.
There is even one trailcam that has a cellular uplink add on that will shoot the pic to a server. You can then access the server from any computer in the world.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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The camera probably wouldn't deter a breakin, especially if they don't notice it. Would be good evidence after the fact, but not stopping the breakin.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 148
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A well placed sign that states "This place protected by security and video survaillance" along with a couple very obvious, fake video cameras will help in the deterent category. A solar powered, motion sensing flood light would also be useful.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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Quote:
A well placed sign that states "This place protected by security and video survaillance" along with a couple very obvious, fake video cameras will help in the deterent category. A solar powered, motion sensing flood light would also be useful.
I like those ideas! 
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Thanks for all the very good ideas!! I've thought about security cameras (fake and real), and they would be good for after the fact. In fact, we have a neighbor at our ranch that uses a trail cam to catch poachers. What I really would like though is something that might just stop someone in the act and alert our neighbors, who are very good at keeping an eye on things. If they heard something, I don't think they would hesitate to investigate, call the police, and us. That's why I would like something loud for a brief time. I was thinking about car alarms. They work on 12 volt, are loud, and only sound for a short time. I found this on a Google search, but don't know anything about these type of alarms or this company in particular. This particular package does include a security decal, so posting warnings must work sometimes. I also was looking at this one . What do you all think?
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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Kaizu
sage
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 348
Loc: Finland
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I have clearly visible surveillance camera watching the gate . If that is not enough, the anti burglar system with four legs receive the visitor. He is kind but big and stiff and plug up the observatory door.
Kaizu
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Some thoughts are so wise that they don't make me laugh
http://www.kaiforssen.fi
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pstarr
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/17/04
Posts: 1280
Loc: NE Ohio
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I use a 12V horn from a car alarm. It sounds like a loud English type police siren. I can arm it from outside the building after the door is locked. It has a magnetic switch on each side of the door so prying the door open from either side will sound the alarm. No timer though, I have 120v power so mine will keep sounding until I turn it off. The car alarm did have a control box that would turn the alarm off after a few minutes but I didn't use it. One day my wife was driving the car that alarm was installed on and it went off and wouldn't stop. She said cars were pulling over on the freeway as she went by. It was quite embarrassing. She made me take it off the car.
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Paul
10" Home built F-6 Eq Newt. w/Zambuto mirror, built for lunar and planetary viewing.
12'x12' roll-off roof observatory
6" Home built f-6 Newt. w/Dick Wessling mirror on CG-5 Eq. mount, built for high resolution work.
4.5" Orion Starblast on Eq. mount
TV Radians 4,5,6,8,10,12,
Pentax XL 10.5mm
Pentax XW 14mm
Baader Hyperion 17mm
4&5mm UO Abbe Orthos.
3.2mm TMB planetary
TV 2.5x barlow, TV 1.8x barlow
My equipment philosophy... If it ain't broke, fix it anyway.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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 Paul, at least she wasn't held up by traffic!
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Chris Erickson
member
Reged: 05/08/06
Posts: 47
Loc: Waikoloa Village, Hawaii
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The opinion that I have developed over time is that 99% of bad guys are looking for the lowest hanging fruit with the lowest odds of getting busted. That means the obvious presence of real-looking cameras is more than enough deterrent. I used to be comfortable with fake cameras but real cameras are so cheap these days, there isn't any really good excuse not to go with the real thing with night vision, motion sensing and full recording capabilities.
What this does not protect you from is the thief who has specifically targeted you and your treasures. This guy might be a casual friend, relative or in-law, friend of one of your kids, neighbor, friend of neighbor, etc. So if you decide to install fake cameras, make sure that NOBODY but you knows that they are fake. Not even your own family members.
I built my most recent observatory with a solid wood door, solid door jams, tiny windows and a combination deadbolt. And although it was a white fiberglassed geodesic domed observatory, I believe that keeping as low of a profile as possible in the neighborhood is never a bad thing and that might mean choosing a roll-off design versus a dome.
I hope this helps.
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"My Advice is always free and worth every penny!"
-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
N19°57' W155°47'
Meade 16" LX200 SCT
www.data-plumber.com
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Paul, how embarrassing for your wife. I wouldn't want to drive around thinking that might happen again!
Carol, your reply is !
Chris, do you have any links or recommendations for security cameras? They would need to be battery operated, though. I'll check out the trail cam too.
I looked at the Home Depot web site. They have lots of systems, but they mostly need AC power. Kaizu, the dog is a good idea, but since we don't live at the site, I can't leave a dog there. As far as security animals, if I lived there and it was possible, I'd have a peacock or two. They are the best alarm system I have ever had. Nothing worse that the sound of a screaming woman!!
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3824
Loc: Wisconsin
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Again, here's the thing I have for $40 bucks. It has a loud two minute alarm and resets.
You could even include a couple, one on each side of the observatory if necessry.
Alarm
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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quantumac
sage
Reged: 12/17/07
Posts: 389
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If you have internet available, you might consider the "Panasonic BL-C131A Network Camera Wireless 802.11", or it's wired cousin, the "Panasonic BL-C111A Network Camera Wired."
I have the wireless version, and I've configured it to send images to an ftp server. I wrote some custom scripts to check this ftp server periodically, and when motion is detected, email me.
--------------------
Scope: Meade 10" LX200R
Guide/Planetary Camera: Imaging Source DBK41AF02.AS
DSO Camera: QHY8
Guide Hardware: Celestron OAG, Shoestring Astronomy GPUSB
Software: Mac OS X, Starry Night Pro, Nebulosity, PHD Guiding, PixInsight, Astro IIDC. No Windows anything.
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Thanks, Jim. I'm assuming you mount these on the outside of the observatory? Is the motion detector also the alarm, or do you need to buy a separate alarm siren? If it's loud enough (do you know the Db rating?), it may be just what I'm looking for since it won't break the bank. Do you think it could be heard from someone indoors and about 300-500 feet away?
Quantumac, thanks for the generous offer, but I don't have internet there yet. Sure wish I did!!
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
I'm thinking about putting an alarm system into my observatory. For now the obs is powered by a couple of extension cords that I disconnect when I leave the site, so any type of alarm system would have to be battery operated. I want an alarm that is loud enough to alert the neighbors on either side and would only sound for 5-10 minutes or so. I don't want something that would keep sounding until the battery ran down, as that in itself might attract unwanted attention. Do you all have any ideas of what might work for me?
Well, I...
Quote:
I'd appreciate any suggestions, except those involving violence of any kind.
Er, never mind.
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Hey Rick, thanks for not going there!! My observatory is in the heart of Redneck country! Those kind of solutions are second nature there!! 
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3824
Loc: Wisconsin
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I actually have it mounted inside the observatory under the door. If somebody were to break in, any movement inside will set it off. I suppose it could be mounted to the exterior, but then it would be more easily seen and avoided/disarmed. Then also you'd have the issues like blowing leaves etc that could also set it off. Inside the observatory would be best, but then it would be pretty hard to hear from a long distance. The sound would have to get out of the observatory, then the distance and finally through the wall of the structure where you would be able to hear it.
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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kaverryan
member
Reged: 01/08/07
Posts: 18
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i have been considering this one for a cheap solution. I think this can be made to work on a 12v system.
Harbor Freight Alarm System - $19.99
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Ryan
Hamburg, Michigan
Celestron C6-SGT
C8-S
Meade ETX 80
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3824
Loc: Wisconsin
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Oh, and that unit I have, I believe it is a 4 volt system.
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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Chris Erickson
member
Reged: 05/08/06
Posts: 47
Loc: Waikoloa Village, Hawaii
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Just FYI, a lot of security goodies for RV's are highly power-efficient and run from 12 volts.
Here are some interesting security goodies:
http://www.rvsupplywarehouse.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/281/pid/4013
http://www.guardianwireless.com/products/rv.asp
http://rvprotectionproducts.com/index.php?p=product&id=394&parent=21
http://www.cctvheadquarters.net
http://www.rvburglaralarmsecuritysystem.com
http://www.rvfunproducts.com/mgi-c1000ma-home-security-camera-p-2698.html?zenid=a528926e39de66794ed800032097e0c4
--------------------
"My Advice is always free and worth every penny!"
-Christopher Erickson
Network Design Engineer
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
N19°57' W155°47'
Meade 16" LX200 SCT
www.data-plumber.com
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EJN
sage
Reged: 11/01/05
Posts: 214
Loc: Pluto
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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EJN, I really don't want to go down that road. Even though my astronomy equipment is very important to me, I don't believe in using or threatening violence just to protect things.
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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AlienFirstClass
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/13/09
Posts: 744
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In addition to what has been mentioned, I would recommend installing a VERY LOUD alarm inside the observatory.
When it is triggered, make it so no one would want to stay inside the observatory.
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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You're right! That's why I'm trying to find one with enough decibels to be heard and still be powered by battery.
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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Timber
sage
Reged: 11/08/08
Posts: 394
Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens
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Carol, have you considered insurance?
Richard
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My four beautiful Saluki's; Barron, Sophie, Majnun and Kassandra, and I live on a small, rural, remote farm.
No close neighbors,
No streetlights,
No private security lights,
No power poles,
No traffic,
No TV,
No HOA 
No Mosquitoes
Rather Wonderful
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EJN
sage
Reged: 11/01/05
Posts: 214
Loc: Pluto
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Scott K
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 1413
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
Carol, have you considered insurance?
I agree.
A professional thief may well have an idea of how to disable your security system. (Cutting your phone line - that won't work in this case, but he'll also wait for a time when you and your neighbors probably aren't home.) Noise would probably scare off amateurs, but don't count on subtle stuff like cameras from deterring them - they are just as likely to be too drunk to notice. And even if they do run, they can do plenty of damage first.
I'm not saying that a security system is a bad idea - it's not. But it doesn't give you as much protection as you'd think, either. In terms of that, I think day / night cameras that are recording the activity around the door inside / outside the observatory are a good idea. They won't really protect your stuff any better, but they will help the police prosecute whoever took your stuff.
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Ian Robinson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/29/09
Posts: 1166
Loc: Gateshead.NSW Nth Coast,Austra...
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When I build my observatory (soon ... I hope, well that's the plan) , it will have no windows (no prying eyes can look inside and see what goodies will be in there that way), the door will have a dead lock and I'll ask the technician from the firm who monitors my home security system install another wireless movement sensor and make my observatory a independent zone that I can turn on when I want.
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6566
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Quote:
Quote:
EJN, I really don't want to go down that road. Even though my astronomy equipment is very important to me, I don't believe in using or threatening violence just to protect things.
Hi EJN, while I may share some of the same sentiments as you, we prefer a family friendly atmosphere here at CN, think of it as “G” rated.
Carol, I use to have my Observatory hooked up to my house alarm system, but our severe winters gave off to many false alarms so I had to disconnect it. I to0 am looking for something portable like you. But also like you I use an extension cord for power, except I leave my in place except when I mow the lawn, so I have power there with a UPS.
In the mean time, the mark 1 eyeball in my only security system, but I do have lots of neighbors so there is lots of them.
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
Edited by csa/montana (10/14/09 10:35 AM)
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GeorgeDuke
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/24/03
Posts: 1592
Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida)
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I worried about my equipment in my recently acquired SkyShed POD observatory until I realized strangers think it is a HotTub!
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George
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SkyShed POD XL-3
LX200GPS 203mm f10
StellarVue SV102ED2 Feathertouch Ser#0018
LXD75 GOTO with Orion 16" pier extension
Baader Hyperion 8mm ,13mm, 21mm + FTRs
2" GSO ED barlow, 2" SV Dielectric and Orion Prism Diagonals
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Thanks for all the great ideas!! I plan on getting an insurance quote (my cousin is our insurance agent), but just haven't gotten around to it (scared to see what I've actually spent on my astro gear!). Fortunately, the dome isn't visible from the road in front of the house, and the back of the house is along a golf course, so no main road there. I realize that no security system is 100% effective, but if it would deter just a few, I would be satisfied.
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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I love the window in mine. I can putter around during the day, without opening the roof, or having lights on. I simply put decorative (stained glass look) window film on it. It lets the light in, but you cannot see in from outside.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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I have 2 small windows in mine, and I have no regrets having them. I like having the air flow to prevent excessive heat buildup. I do have some roller type shades in the windows that I simply pull down when I'm not there.
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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Good point that I forgot! I have to open my window, when I'm running my exhaust fan to cool the observatory during the heat of summer!
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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Quote:
I worried about my equipment in my recently acquired SkyShed POD observatory until I realized strangers think it is a HotTub!
Now all the neighborhood kids will be trying to sneak in to make out!
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Rick Woods
Postmaster
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 5684
Loc: Inner Solar System
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How about a big dog with a loud voice?
This gives you the added benefit of a big ol' doggie to pet!
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- Rick
14" LX200GPS
Dyslexics Untie!
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6566
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Quote:
I worried about my equipment in my recently acquired SkyShed POD observatory until I realized strangers think it is a HotTub!
 I was asked the same thing from one of my neighbors when we got mine put together, got me to think though  
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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If we lived there, I might consider a big dog, but then that reminds me of the time when the insurance agent visited us to evaluate our property, and our loud Australian Shepherd greeted him. His first question was "Does he bite? We might have to increase your premium for owning a dog like that." The dog never bit anyone, but her barks sounded like she would eat you up. Still, I remember what the insurance agent said and keep that in mind. Now we have a miniature Dachshund that barks as she's running away!
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Well, I'm still looking into 12V security systems. I'm still looking for an alarm system, but for now I'm going to get a solar powered motion light. Do you all have any recommendations for ones that put out a decent amount of light? I see there are LED ones and halogen ones. Is one type better than the other?
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 148
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You want the brightest one available. Perhaps you might consider 2 or 3, pointed in different directions. LED's tend to use less juice from the battery. You would also want one with a built in timer, so it goes off shortly after you get into the observatory.
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Well foremost here you've first got to consider what is PC.  Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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Timber
sage
Reged: 11/08/08
Posts: 394
Loc: SW foothills of Mt. St. Helens
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More light pollution from those that object the most ??? 
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My four beautiful Saluki's; Barron, Sophie, Majnun and Kassandra, and I live on a small, rural, remote farm.
No close neighbors,
No streetlights,
No private security lights,
No power poles,
No traffic,
No TV,
No HOA
No Mosquitoes
Rather Wonderful
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macular hole
super member
Reged: 08/12/09
Posts: 148
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Remember guys, they shouldn't turn on unless someone is up to no good, or Carol is going to and from.
In order to have a passive remote security deterent, you have to have noise pollution, light pollution or a combo thereof.
I don't like bringing this up, but let's not forget that there are far worse things than theft and vandalism.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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Yep; I have a motion detector with twin lights that are angled to cover the entire front yard, on my front porch. Gives good security at night when I let my dog out after dark, as I can see anything that's in the yard. If they "kick on", I know something/someone has triggered it. They only stay on for a short time, but well worth it.
And yes, I value my extremely dark skies; however, being in the boonies, this is a necessity, to me.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Unfortunately in these days and times there is the reality of the situation. I hate light pollution, but I also realize that it can be a friend at times. I decided on a motion light because I think a light suddenly coming on can attract attention. I also think a bright light that is constantly illuminating a site can provide good lighting for thieves and will attract less attention than one suddenly coming on. Having said this, I also realize that no security system is 100% effective, but something, anything, is better than nothing at all.
Last night while rummaging around one of our closets, I ran across an old motion sensing alarm we bought at Radio Shack many years ago. It's ac powered, but doesn't use much power in the standby mode, so I plugged it into one of my 22 ah batteries with a built in inverter, and it works like a charm. It has an ear piercing scream, so it should startle someone and perhaps attract attention. I'll try it for a week or so and see how much power it consumes. It also has a place to attach an external horn if I ever decide to do that.
I'm still looking for a solar motion light. The ones I've looked at online don't have very good reviews-not bright enough or won't work if cloudy for a few days. Anybody have any recommendations?
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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sailor70623
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/12/08
Posts: 944
Loc: Ok.
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Carol, at least the dog would be hungry. Unless there are enough burglers to keep him well fed. My site is right in my back yard, so Great Dane seems to keep everything safe. She doesn't bite, but loves to play tackel.
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Corornado PST
LB 16" & 12"
Z 10"
LX50 8"
8" CPC
ETX127
102&90mm MAKs
80mm Richfield APO
70mm refractor
ETX60
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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Quote:
She doesn't bite, but loves to play tackel.
That is a very good security system!
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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CarolG
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 10/16/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Oklahoma
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Getting tackled by a Great Dane would do it, that's for sure!!
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Carol
Cor Caroli Observatory
NS11 XLT w/ HyperStar
TV85 w/FeatherTouch/DM4/SC on a Scopebuggy
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