153 replies to this topic

[Alien Observatory]

If Anyone wishes to Discuss or Debate the Goodness / Badness of Automated - Robotic Telescopes, Ask Questions or Speculate on any Past or Future Endeavors as it relates to EAA... this is the PLACE.  

 

Pat Utah

Edited by Alien Observatory, 24 October 2021 - 11:08 PM.

[steveincolo]

I wonder if any robotic scope will have an optical zoom, to accommodate widefield and smaller objects both. Maybe the mosaic approach makes more sense. 

[Oyaji]

I suggest you start with a definition of "automated-robotic telescope" and provide a couple of examples.  

 

Thanks.

[Tfer]

I suggest you start with a definition of "automated-robotic telescope" and provide a couple of examples.  

 

Thanks.

Agree completely.

 

My CPC1100 is permanently mounted in an observatory, and I control everything on it remotely over wifi.

 

It’s permanently aligned, moves, tracks and images without me ever being physically involved with it.  That’s a robotic scope IMO.

Edited by Tfer, 25 October 2021 - 12:05 AM.

[GaryShaw]

Hi Pat

Also, are you talking about the Stellinas types of automated scopes or remote automated scopes similar to those at iTelescope and other remote imaging services?

Gary 

[Jon_Doh]

Check out this funny video on a robotic telescope (Stellina) taking on a traditional EAA rig by Astrobiscuit.  

[Alien Observatory]

I suggest you start with a definition of "automated-robotic telescope" and provide a couple of examples.  

 

Thanks.

Stellina, eV Scope, Home Made, SW and Hardware...  Pat Utah

[Alien Observatory]

I wonder if any robotic scope will have an optical zoom, to accommodate widefield and smaller objects both. Maybe the mosaic approach makes more sense. 

I would think a Mosaic would be the easiest approach and is under development for the Stellina...  Pat Utah

[Alien Observatory]

Agree completely.

 

My CPC1100 is permanently mounted in an observatory, and I control everything on it remotely over wifi.

 

It’s permanently aligned, moves, tracks and images without me ever being physically involved with it.  That’s a robotic scope IMO.

Yes I think so, What SW do you use to control your Telescope / Mount ?  Pat Utah

[Alien Observatory]

Hi Pat

Also, are you talking about the Stellinas types of automated scopes or remote automated scopes similar to those at iTelescope and other remote imaging services?

Gary 

Any and All as they relate to EAA not AP.   I am not aware of how Remote Services work.  Pat Utah

Edited by Alien Observatory, 25 October 2021 - 09:36 AM.

[Tfer]

Yes I think so, What SW do you use to control your Telescope / Mount ?  Pat Utah

I use CPWI to control the mount, with SharpCap controlling the focuser and plate solving.

 

Aside from the laptop at the scope, we are an Apple house, so I use an app called Screens to connect remotely to the observatory.  It works across platforms.

[steveincolo]

It might be worthwhile to place a limit on how much user assembly and input is needed to produce an image.  In some sense, any telescope on any goto/tracking mount is a robotic scope.  

[Alien Observatory]

I use CPWI to control the mount, with SharpCap controlling the focuser and plate solving.

 

Aside from the laptop at the scope, we are an Apple house, so I use an app called Screens to connect remotely to the observatory.  It works across platforms.

You are in the Far Far North, do you need to use Dew Heater ?  

[Tfer]

You are in the Far Far North, do you need to use Dew Heater ?  

When the temps are really low, there is next to no moisture in the air.  A few seconds with a blow dryer on low every half an hour or so, keeps the frost at bay.

 

The worst time of year for that is now.  Daytime heating brings the humidity up, and as the temps start to drop a few degrees below freezing after dark, the ambient moisture begins to freeze on exposed glass and metal.

[Alien Observatory]

When the temps are really low, there is next to no moisture in the air.  A few seconds with a blow dryer on low every half an hour or so, keeps the frost at bay.

 

The worst time of year for that is now.  Daytime heating brings the humidity up, and as the temps start to drop a few degrees below freezing after dark, the ambient moisture begins to freeze on exposed glass and metal.

Are you North of Edmonton ?

[Tfer]

Are you North of Edmonton ?

90 minutes NW. 

[Alien Observatory]

90 minutes NW. 

Been to Jasper, but no further North from there.  Pat Utah

[nwcs]

I expect there will be more and more automation in astronomy. It has been the trend for some time and increases. The current standards are generally archaic and cobbled together out of necessity. Solutions that hide the complexity from the users who do not want the complexity will be on the rise.

 

There will always be those who are interested in the art of putting together bespoke solutions that are tailored for their specific need. I think everyone will agree with that. However, I generally suspect there are many more out there who are either intimidated by the time, knowledge, and/or cost involved to get out there and do stuff at night who will appreciate and support more user-friendly automation.

 

Just my 2c on the subject as someone with both a traditional rig and an upcoming Stellina.

[Brainebula]

Wait, this is still in EAA so we can't talk about mosaic acquisitions, etc., right? 

[Brainebula]

I expect there will be more and more automation in astronomy. It has been the trend for some time and increases. The current standards are generally archaic and cobbled together out of necessity. Solutions that hide the complexity from the users who do not want the complexity will be on the rise.

 

There will always be those who are interested in the art of putting together bespoke solutions that are tailored for their specific need. I think everyone will agree with that. However, I generally suspect there are many more out there who are either intimidated by the time, knowledge, and/or cost involved to get out there and do stuff at night who will appreciate and support more user-friendly automation.

 

Just my 2c on the subject as someone with both a traditional rig and an upcoming Stellina.

I view it similarly to computers. When I go to Microcenter, there are plenty of people in the back talking with the geeks about putting together their own computer with a la carte components, while many others are out on the floor buying sealed laptops and tablets, some of which are so sealed, you can't even replace the battery or upgrade the RAM. 

 

The way I see Stellina, when I get tired of it and want something more, I'll treat it the same way as my car and sell it used, chalk up the discount to my "rental" fee while I was using it, and then invest in another model that serves my then-current interests. Especially right now there is a huge backlog in supply and I have no doubt that it's easy to find a buyer with only a slight discount required. It's pretty simple. 

Edited by Brainebula, 25 October 2021 - 02:47 PM.

[nwcs]

The analogy to computer buying was also in the back of my head when I posted. My oldest brother has been building his computers (with my help) for over 20 years now. I’ve been a Mac guy for even longer and generally don’t tinker with the hardware. There is room for both in this world and each side can help the other.

Edited for clarity.

Edited by nwcs, 25 October 2021 - 03:13 PM.

[Larry Hansen]

I expect there will be more and more automation in astronomy. It has been the trend for some time and increases. The current standards are generally archaic and cobbled together out of necessity. Solutions that hide the complexity from the users who do not want the complexity will be on the rise.

 

There will always be those who are interested in the art of putting together bespoke solutions that are tailored for their specific need. I think everyone will agree with that. However, I generally suspect there are many more out there who are either intimidated by the time, knowledge, and/or cost involved to get out there and do stuff at night who will appreciate and support more user-friendly automation.

 

Just my 2c on the subject as someone with both a traditional rig and an upcoming Stellina.

    I also have a traditional rig and a Stelina on the way.  While my CPC may be somewhat automatic I am looking forward to the Stelina and it's pretty much fully automatic operation.  I have heard that I will be able to get a first image in about 10 minutes from the time that I decide to start.  I have had my CPC800 for 12 plus years now and in no way do I consider it to be a robot scope.    Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed my CPC but I am really looking forward to the simplicity of the Stelina.  Or maybe I am just getting lazy in my old age.  lol.

[GSBass]

Still in speculation mode til my Vespera arrives… excited though, should be fun, I have not heard any updates lately but should hear something around nov 1

[Alien Observatory]

Wait, this is still in EAA so we can't talk about mosaic acquisitions, etc., right? 

That would be the Stellina App with the Mosaic Feature in the future, not a post processed Mosaic on your home computer.   Pat Utah

Edited by Alien Observatory, 25 October 2021 - 04:20 PM.

[Tfer]

    I also have a traditional rig and a Stelina on the way.  While my CPC may be somewhat automatic I am looking forward to the Stelina and it's pretty much fully automatic operation.  I have heard that I will be able to get a first image in about 10 minutes from the time that I decide to start.  I have had my CPC800 for 12 plus years now and in no way do I consider it to be a robot scope.    Don't get me wrong I have enjoyed my CPC but I am really looking forward to the simplicity of the Stelina.  Or maybe I am just getting lazy in my old age.  lol.

I believes it depends on implementation.

From the moment I decide to start, I’m well under 10 minutes to imaging.

 

My other advantage is daytime astronomy; Venus is poorly placed this fall, but I can easily capture it at 4:00 in the afternoon.

 

The real advantage that scopes like Stellina has, is its turnkey capabilities.  But, I loved piecing my system together!