Quote:

---

It has been overcast for a while in the northeast, but last night the sky was clear. So I decided it was time to run some tests on my system using CCDAutoPilot (I'll post a mini review on that later).

When I started up the dome it was about 29 degrees. I watched some of the CCDAP runs while I was watching the football game last night (Go Giants!). The wind was gusting as high as 25 mph, but the dome kept the telescope stable, no shaking. So off to bed I went.

By morning the outside temp had dropped and the temp inside the obs was 13 degrees! The first thing I noticed was the dome's shutters were still open! I figured the software never executed the shutdown procedure. Not the case, between the cold and the lack of sunlight on the dome's small solar panel over the past few days the battery voltage had dropped below 10 volts, so there wasn't enough voltage to close the shutter. (Shame on me for not checking the voltage before I opened the shutters).

I decided I would just just go out to the obs and connect up the jumper cable from one of the power supplies to the battery that powers the shutters. I had even put in a 12 volt outlet just in case of such an issue.

The only problem was I haven't counted on the lock on the obs door being frozen shut! The original plan was to get a hairdryer to warm up the lock, but since it was 14 degrees I really didn't feel like messing around out there. I also didn't want to break the key off in the lock either. My solution to the issue was to go back inside the house and power up the dome's rotation motor. The solar panel that recharges the battery shutter battery is mounted on the backside of the dome. I slewed the dome so the solar panel is facing the morning sun in an attempt the charge up the battery a bit quicker. To make sure the panel has the best angle to the sun I configured the software so the backside of the dome will follow the sun.

We'll see how long it takes to build up enough power to close the dome. Luckily it is not raining so there is no hurry.

I hate the cold!

---

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

I've got a low-cost trick for keeping door locks functioning smoothly even in very cold temperatures.

I usually spray (not too much) graphite lubricant in the lock cylinder, followed by (again, not too much) white lithium grease. If possible, buy each in the aerosol can format and use the thin nozzle extension, as it's easier to apply. The white lithium grease keeps the graphite from seeping out.

I also put a thin coating of the white lithium grease around the deadbolt assembly.

In cases where I expect an ice storm / freezing rain, I've even wrapped a plastic bag around the doorhandle, securing it with an elastic band.

Cheers,
Adam

---

Post Extras:

Quote:

---

I have often wondered how automated observatories fare in colder weather.

And I have considered that your observatory is one of the best amateur automated ones that I am aware of.

And considering that currently many northern observers are seeing temperatures in the -0 regions, the effect of cold on automation is a timely one.

How cold as it gotten in the past while you can still run your observatory?

---

Post Extras: