WOW!! That is terrific!!

If I can offer one suggestion (and only this one, 'cause the picture is
perfect!!)  When you post links - especially ones that long - run them through
tinyurl.com to shorten them up.  It will make things a lot easier for folks to
open them if they are shortened.

Thanks for sharing!
Paul in San Diego


--- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, "deepskyja" <deepskyja@...> wrote:
>
> Hi group,
>
> I would like to share with you my latest CCD picture. It's Rosette Nebula took
with my Orion ED80 piggyback on my LX200 GPS 14" with a SBIG STL11K. 80mn in
HaRGB.
>
http://www.deepskyjam.com/Files_GB/astroworks/images/MiddleRes/NGC2237_141209ED8\
0_01_HaRGB.jpg
> Your comments are welcome
>
> Clear skies
>
> http://www.deepskyjam.com
>

The CSPG Fall Star Party Staff just wanted to send out an email announcing
that the website FallStarParty.com has been updated for the 2010 CSPG Fall
Star Party -- and registration is now open!

Additionally, we are proud to announce that Adam Block, from the University
of Arizona Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter will be offering a two day intense
astro-imaging workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 2-3, 2010.
Normally these workshops are held exclusively in Arizona at a cost of $875
per person (plus travel and hotel expenses to Arizona).  CSPG and Adam Block
are happy to offer this seminar for a cost of $400 per person.  Registration
is limited to 20 people - first come, first served.  This workshop will sell
out quickly!  Do not delay your registration.

The basic information and registration instructions for the seminar and the
CSPG Fall Star Party are up on the FallStarParty.com website.  More
information on the seminar as well as more details on the CSPG Fall Star
Party will be updated as the information comes available.



MarkK



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi group,
A little different topic but wondering what experiences people are having with
their dome dedicated equipment in bad weather areas. I'm in the northeast US :(.
I have had a PC in the dome full time. For about 2 1/2 years no problems at all,
then everything went south. First the hard drive, then the wireless card, then
the motherboard etc etc. I haven't been able to image for about 8 months now
because of it. Now perhaps this is just the way it is with weather exposure,
moisture, cold etc and not much you can do, but I'm thinking if my dome is just
in my backyard I might be better off bringing a laptop in and out for imaging
sessions?
Thanks
Dave

Dave: My system has been in my home made dome for almost 9 years and I have a
couple of leaks, but never have had a PC problem. It is, however, a desk top PC,
not a laptop. But then, I'm in San Diego, and don't have the cold weather that
you experience. I recently installed a small light bulb in side the PC that's on
all the time as my hard drive was starting to sound a little sluggish when it
was cold.
rn
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: glibbins2003
   To: ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 2:16 PM
   Subject: [ccd-newastro] Outdoor dome PC vs laptop durability



   Hi group,
   A little different topic but wondering what experiences people are having with
their dome dedicated equipment in bad weather areas. I'm in the northeast US :(.
I have had a PC in the dome full time. For about 2 1/2 years no problems at all,
then everything went south. First the hard drive, then the wireless card, then
the motherboard etc etc. I haven't been able to image for about 8 months now
because of it. Now perhaps this is just the way it is with weather exposure,
moisture, cold etc and not much you can do, but I'm thinking if my dome is just
in my backyard I might be better off bringing a laptop in and out for imaging
sessions?
   Thanks
   Dave





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

We have nine or ten computers in our observatories. We lose 1-2 a year. Seems to
be the way it is. However, I think with aggressive maintenance you can prevent
some things, like dust ruining fan bearings. But the hot/cold cycles do take
their toll on the electronics.

Ron W

On Feb 3, 2010, at 2:16 PM, glibbins2003 wrote:

> Hi group,
> A little different topic but wondering what experiences people are having with
their dome dedicated equipment in bad weather areas. I'm in the northeast US :(.
I have had a PC in the dome full time. For about 2 1/2 years no problems at all,
then everything went south. First the hard drive, then the wireless card, then
the motherboard etc etc. I haven't been able to image for about 8 months now
because of it. Now perhaps this is just the way it is with weather exposure,
moisture, cold etc and not much you can do, but I'm thinking if my dome is just
in my backyard I might be better off bringing a laptop in and out for imaging
sessions?
> Thanks
> Dave
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>

Dave, do this. In the observatory put the laptop in a sealed case with some
dessicant, and do not open it in the house for at least 1/2 a day. As you have
realised it is condensation that is causing the problem. Moving from warm to
cold is OK, from cold to warm is a NONO. Mine stays in the observatory in the
summer but moves in the winter, and that is in the UK.



Cheers

John H



> To: ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com
> From: glibbins@...
> Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 22:16:57 +0000
> Subject: [ccd-newastro] Outdoor dome PC vs laptop durability
>
> Hi group,
> A little different topic but wondering what experiences people are having with
their dome dedicated equipment in bad weather areas. I'm in the northeast US :(.
I have had a PC in the dome full time. For about 2 1/2 years no problems at all,
then everything went south. First the hard drive, then the wireless card, then
the motherboard etc etc. I haven't been able to image for about 8 months now
because of it. Now perhaps this is just the way it is with weather exposure,
moisture, cold etc and not much you can do, but I'm thinking if my dome is just
in my backyard I might be better off bringing a laptop in and out for imaging
sessions?
> Thanks
> Dave
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A slight subject change.

Do folks leave their desktops/laptops running all the time or do you shut down
between sessions?

I leave mine on...feeling it moderates the cold/humidity cycles. But that's just
my guess.

Thanks, Cal


--- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, Wodaski - Yahoo <yahoo@...> wrote:
>
> We have nine or ten computers in our observatories. We lose 1-2 a year. Seems
to be the way it is. However, I think with aggressive maintenance you can
prevent some things, like dust ruining fan bearings. But the hot/cold cycles do
take their toll on the electronics.
>
> Ron W
>

We leave ours on as well. It gets cold enough up in the mountains that the
temperature difference might even make reading the hard drive at boot
problematic - stuff shrinks in the cold. <g>

I just would not want to try to boot a computer at -5F.

not to mention:heat keeps things dry.

Ron W

On Feb 3, 2010, at 4:31 PM, csand_83709 wrote:

> A slight subject change.
>
> Do folks leave their desktops/laptops running all the time or do you shut down
between sessions?
>
> I leave mine on...feeling it moderates the cold/humidity cycles. But that's
just my guess.
>
> Thanks, Cal
>
>
> --- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, Wodaski - Yahoo <yahoo@...> wrote:
>>
>> We have nine or ten computers in our observatories. We lose 1-2 a year. Seems
to be the way it is. However, I think with aggressive maintenance you can
prevent some things, like dust ruining fan bearings. But the hot/cold cycles do
take their toll on the electronics.
>>
>> Ron W
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>

Absolutely leave it on.   Here in Wisconsin, I get 4+ years out of my
observatory PC and typically want to upgrade before it fails.

On 2/3/10 6:45 PM, Wodaski - Yahoo wrote:
>
> We leave ours on as well. It gets cold enough up in the mountains that
> the temperature difference might even make reading the hard drive at
> boot problematic - stuff shrinks in the cold. <g>
>
> I just would not want to try to boot a computer at -5F.
>
> not to mention:heat keeps things dry.
>
> Ron W
>
>
> Going Green: Your Yahoo! Groups resource for green living
>
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ups/S=1705082829:MKP1/Y=YAHOO/EXP=1265251527/L=/B=XGWTAUSO5_Q-/J=126524432797027\
8/K=PnM07EN4RH6FJvObMIjeMw/A=5922843/R=0/SIG=11ckn2mo6/*http://advision.webevent\
s.yahoo.com/green/>
>
> Yahoo! Groups
>
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zQEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MDgyODI5BHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA2dmcARzdGltZQMxMjY1MjQ0MzI3>
>
> Switch to: Text-Only
>
<mailto:ccd-newastro-traditional@yahoogroups.com?subject=Change%20Delivery%20For\
mat:%20Traditional>,
> Daily Digest
>
<mailto:ccd-newastro-digest@yahoogroups.com?subject=Email%20Delivery:%20Digest>
> . Unsubscribe
> <mailto:ccd-newastro-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
> . Terms of Use <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>
> .
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I second leaving the computer on.  Althougth I use a desktop and not a
laptop, the computer generates a considerable amount of heat.  Leaving a
moderately bright light bulb burning near the computer will also generate
considerable heat and hopefully help to keep the computer above the dew
point.  Of course if you remotely operate your observatory, you will need to
be able to turn the light off for imaging.

Just my thoughts.

Don Waid

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wodaski - Yahoo" <yahoo@...>
To: <ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 6:45 PM
Subject: Re: [ccd-newastro] Re: Outdoor dome PC vs laptop durability


> We leave ours on as well. It gets cold enough up in the mountains that the
> temperature difference might even make reading the hard drive at boot
> problematic - stuff shrinks in the cold. <g>
>
> I just would not want to try to boot a computer at -5F.
>
> not to mention:heat keeps things dry.
>
> Ron W
>
> On Feb 3, 2010, at 4:31 PM, csand_83709 wrote:
>
>> A slight subject change.
>>
>> Do folks leave their desktops/laptops running all the time or do you shut
>> down between sessions?
>>
>> I leave mine on...feeling it moderates the cold/humidity cycles. But
>> that's just my guess.
>>
>> Thanks, Cal
>>
>>
>> --- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, Wodaski - Yahoo <yahoo@...> wrote:
>>>
>>> We have nine or ten computers in our observatories. We lose 1-2 a year.
>>> Seems to be the way it is. However, I think with aggressive maintenance
>>> you can prevent some things, like dust ruining fan bearings. But the
>>> hot/cold cycles do take their toll on the electronics.
>>>
>>> Ron W
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>

Mike Dodd has an interesting setup that he describes in his website: a 40-60 W
bulb connected to a thermostat, located inside the PC case. I implemented this
in mine and it allows the inside of the PC case to be a a warm enough
temperature to allow remote turn on and spin hard drives(wake-up via wireless
ethernet).
Cheap and reliable.
Olivier

(See <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/observatory.html#Heater> --MMD)

I did a similar setup in my observatory but instead of setting the
bulb inside the computer I placed *TWO* of them on the ceiling of the
enclosure for redundancy. That way one burns out you've got another
to keep things warm. It also helps to keep the AA batteries I use for
flashlights and such operational. Been working just fine for 10 years
now. Computer is a desktop mini tower with an LCD monitor.

At 09:34 PM 2/3/2010, you wrote:
>Mike Dodd has an interesting setup that he describes in his website:
>a 40-60 W bulb connected to a thermostat, located inside the PC
>case. I implemented this in mine and it allows the inside of the PC
>case to be a a warm enough temperature to allow remote turn on and
>spin hard drives(wake-up via wireless ethernet).
>Cheap and reliable.
>Olivier
>
>(See <http://astronomy.mdodd.com/observatory.html#Heater> --MMD)
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>
>
>
Clear skies-
Lenny

Your Murphy's Law of the Week:
"When things just can't get any worse they will"





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks everyone for your input!
Dave

--- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, "glibbins2003" <glibbins@...> wrote:
>
> Hi group,
> A little different topic but wondering what experiences people are having with
their dome dedicated equipment in bad weather areas. I'm in the northeast US :(.
I have had a PC in the dome full time. For about 2 1/2 years no problems at all,
then everything went south. First the hard drive, then the wireless card, then
the motherboard etc etc. I haven't been able to image for about 8 months now
because of it. Now perhaps this is just the way it is with weather exposure,
moisture, cold etc and not much you can do, but I'm thinking if my dome is just
in my backyard I might be better off bringing a laptop in and out for imaging
sessions?
> Thanks
> Dave
>

Hi Cal



I always switch off. Here in the UK it could be running doing nothing for weeks!
Leaving it on though would probably keep it sufficiently warm to ward off the
damp.

Cheers

John H




> To: ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com
> From: csandfort@...
> Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:31:59 +0000
> Subject: [ccd-newastro] Re: Outdoor dome PC vs laptop durability
>
> A slight subject change.
>
> Do folks leave their desktops/laptops running all the time or do you shut down
between sessions?
>
> I leave mine on...feeling it moderates the cold/humidity cycles. But that's
just my guess.
>
> Thanks, Cal
>
>
> --- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, Wodaski - Yahoo <yahoo@...> wrote:
> >
> > We have nine or ten computers in our observatories. We lose 1-2 a year.
Seems to be the way it is. However, I think with aggressive maintenance you can
prevent some things, like dust ruining fan bearings. But the hot/cold cycles do
take their toll on the electronics.
> >
> > Ron W
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

great framing and image size but it could do with a lot less contrast judging by
what I am seeing on my monitor.

Dennis

> >
> > I would like to share with you my latest CCD picture. It's Rosette Nebula
took with my Orion ED80 piggyback on my LX200 GPS 14" with a SBIG STL11K. 80mn
in HaRGB.
> >
http://www.deepskyjam.com/Files_GB/astroworks/images/MiddleRes/NGC2237_141209ED8\
0_01_HaRGB.jpg
> > Your comments are welcome
> >
> > Clear skies
> >
> > http://www.deepskyjam.com
> >
>

I've had a small Dell desktop PC and LCD screen outside under a tarp and
now in an observatory for 2.5 years here in CT. I once had a problem
with reliability that was resolved by reseating the memory modules.

I assume that system is a 'throw away' and can die at any moment. The
system disk is backed up so I can put in a new HD with the same OS if
needed. It it really dies I build another one from parts I have lying
around the house or I buy a $100 refurbished XP Pro box. You can get
these from $50 for rather anemic to say $200 for early dual core P4
systems with 1G of RAM. There are tons of these systems out there that
are constantly getting replaced and end up in the refurb circuit. I
don't expect this supply to run out for quite a few years to come.

The system outside is only used for scope control, guiding and image
capture. There's nothing vital on there that can't be replaced.

     Sander

I copy some specs from a well know PC provider which I think covers the
question. Most consumer devices are designed to run in our home or office.


Temperature:


Operating

10º to 35ºC (50º to 95ºF)

NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft).


Storage

–40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF)


Relative humidity

20% to 80% (noncondensing)



What to do about it is the problem. In the UK I feel that high humidity and
damp is the enemy in the South it does not usually get cold enough to grind
the hard discs to a stand still. I have has some success with modest
horticultural heater pads which are set to keep a 45degF level.

  I also find that the air con is a bit ineffective with the roof open, but
that might be an English characteristic!

John



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It's very true that typical PCs are not meant to handle the conditions we put
them in. Not at all!

You can buy computers that have the ability to tolerate a much wider range of
environmental conditions, but they are very expensive - on the order of $3,000
to $5,000. They are meant for conditions where very high reliability is
important, where simply replacing a cheap computer is not a good option. For
example, perhaps a computer that is outside at an oil refinery.

But we can simply buy another $400 computer to replace one that goes bad...

Ron W

On Feb 4, 2010, at 10:14 AM, JLUTKIN wrote:

> I copy some specs from a well know PC provider which I think covers the
> question. Most consumer devices are designed to run in our home or office.
>
>
> Temperature:
>
>
> Operating
>
> 10º to 35ºC (50º to 95ºF)
>
> NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft).
>
>
> Storage
>
> –40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF)
>
>
> Relative humidity
>
> 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
>
>
>
> What to do about it is the problem. In the UK I feel that high humidity and
> damp is the enemy in the South it does not usually get cold enough to grind
> the hard discs to a stand still. I have has some success with modest
> horticultural heater pads which are set to keep a 45degF level.
>
> I also find that the air con is a bit ineffective with the roof open, but
> that might be an English characteristic!
>
> John
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>

I use an Advantech ARK-3383 fanless box computer.  It's tiny, low-power, rated
for wide temperature operation, and has 7 (count 'em) built-in USB ports, 4
serial ports, and 2 ethernet ports.

http://buy.advantech.com/Embedded-Computers/ARK/configure-AUS94b2a4.htm

It's small enough that I have it strapped to the side of the pier with cable
ties.  That keeps cabling runs to a minimum, eliminates unreliable external
hubs, and it freed up extra space inside the dome for other things.

It can have a monitor and keyboard attached, but I don't bother with that.
Normally I run it from the house, but I have a little Acer netbook sitting by
the back door that I take out when I want to operate it from inside the dome
(via Remote Desktop).

Doug

--

Doug George
dgeorge@...

Diffraction Limited
Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
http://www.cyanogen.com/

100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K2G 5W3

Phone:    (613) 225-2732
Fax:      (613) 225-9688

An interesting find. We worked with an Advantech rep a couple of years ago to
see what it would take to have a computer like these, and the prices were much
higher. This is good news.

Thanks for the link - I'll have to get one of these and give it a try.

I'm curious to know which operating systems it supports; I didn't see that.
Might also be good for things like Linux file servers, which we use in our
setup. I'll contact Advantech to get more info.

Ron W

On Feb 4, 2010, at 11:27 AM, Douglas B. George wrote:

> I use an Advantech ARK-3383 fanless box computer.  It's tiny, low-power, rated
> for wide temperature operation, and has 7 (count 'em) built-in USB ports, 4
> serial ports, and 2 ethernet ports.
>
> http://buy.advantech.com/Embedded-Computers/ARK/configure-AUS94b2a4.htm
>
> It's small enough that I have it strapped to the side of the pier with cable
> ties.  That keeps cabling runs to a minimum, eliminates unreliable external
> hubs, and it freed up extra space inside the dome for other things.
>
> It can have a monitor and keyboard attached, but I don't bother with that.
> Normally I run it from the house, but I have a little Acer netbook sitting by
> the back door that I take out when I want to operate it from inside the dome
> (via Remote Desktop).
>
> Doug
>
> --
>
> Doug George
> dgeorge@...
>
> Diffraction Limited
> Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
> http://www.cyanogen.com/
>
> 100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
> Ottawa, Ontario,
> Canada, K2G 5W3
>
> Phone:    (613) 225-2732
> Fax:      (613) 225-9688
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>

On 2010-02-04 3:03 PM, Wodaski - Yahoo wrote:
> An interesting find. We worked with an Advantech rep a couple of years ago to
> see what it would take to have a computer like these, and the prices were
> much higher. This is good news.
>
> Thanks for the link - I'll have to get one of these and give it a try.
>
> I'm curious to know which operating systems it supports; I didn't see that.
> Might also be good for things like Linux file servers, which we use in our
> setup. I'll contact Advantech to get more info.

They like to push Windows XP Embedded, which you can put on an SD card.  Not a
bad plan, but it's a pain to set up.  I'm using XP Pro on mine.

Doug

--

Doug George
dgeorge@...

Diffraction Limited
Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
http://www.cyanogen.com/

100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K2G 5W3

Phone:    (613) 225-2732
Fax:      (613) 225-9688

Forget mounting it on the pier… how about on the scope or the mount?  This could
greatly reduce cable routing problems.

Bob


--- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, "Douglas B. George" <dg@...> wrote:
>
> I use an Advantech ARK-3383 fanless box computer.  It's tiny, low-power, rated
> for wide temperature operation, and has 7 (count 'em) built-in USB ports, 4
> serial ports, and 2 ethernet ports.
>
> http://buy.advantech.com/Embedded-Computers/ARK/configure-AUS94b2a4.htm
>
> It's small enough that I have it strapped to the side of the pier with cable
> ties.  That keeps cabling runs to a minimum, eliminates unreliable external
> hubs, and it freed up extra space inside the dome for other things.
>
> It can have a monitor and keyboard attached, but I don't bother with that.
> Normally I run it from the house, but I have a little Acer netbook sitting by
> the back door that I take out when I want to operate it from inside the dome
> (via Remote Desktop).
>
> Doug
>
> --
>
> Doug George
> dgeorge@...
>
> Diffraction Limited
> Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
> http://www.cyanogen.com/
>
> 100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
> Ottawa, Ontario,
> Canada, K2G 5W3
>
> Phone:    (613) 225-2732
> Fax:      (613) 225-9688
>

On 2010-02-04 9:37 PM, Bob Franke wrote:
> Forget mounting it on the pier… how about on the scope or the mount?  This
could greatly reduce cable routing problems.

Same difference... it's only a little over a foot below the mount.

Doug

--

Doug George
dgeorge@...

Diffraction Limited
Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
http://www.cyanogen.com/

100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, K2G 5W3

Phone:    (613) 225-2732
Fax:      (613) 225-9688

Not really Doug,

There's big difference in having the computer on, moving with the scope and
being stationary.  It changes everything with cable routing.  My main concern
with these computers is the limited memory.  Is one Gig enough to run a fully
automated observatory?   Maybe Ron will get one and experiment.

-bob


--- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, "Douglas B. George" <dg@...> wrote:
>
> On 2010-02-04 9:37 PM, Bob Franke wrote:
> > Forget mounting it on the pier… how about on the scope or the mount?  This
could greatly reduce cable routing problems.
>
> Same difference... it's only a little over a foot below the mount.
>
> Doug
>
> --
>
> Doug George
> dgeorge@...
>
> Diffraction Limited
> Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
> http://www.cyanogen.com/
>
> 100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
> Ottawa, Ontario,
> Canada, K2G 5W3
>
> Phone:    (613) 225-2732
> Fax:      (613) 225-9688
>

Although I like to have 2GB, I've run setups with 1GB without any obvious
problems. If you are not going to process images, for example, or run any other
memory intensive programs, you should be fine.

Ron W

On Feb 4, 2010, at 9:17 PM, Bob Franke wrote:

> Not really Doug,
>
> There's big difference in having the computer on, moving with the scope and
being stationary.  It changes everything with cable routing.  My main concern
with these computers is the limited memory.  Is one Gig enough to run a fully
automated observatory?   Maybe Ron will get one and experiment.
>
> -bob
>
>
> --- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, "Douglas B. George" <dg@...> wrote:
>>
>> On 2010-02-04 9:37 PM, Bob Franke wrote:
>>> Forget mounting it on the pier… how about on the scope or the mount?  This
could greatly reduce cable routing problems.
>>
>> Same difference... it's only a little over a foot below the mount.
>>
>> Doug
>>
>> --
>>
>> Doug George
>> dgeorge@...
>>
>> Diffraction Limited
>> Makers of Cyanogen Imaging Products
>> http://www.cyanogen.com/
>>
>> 100 Craig Henry Dr., Suite 202
>> Ottawa, Ontario,
>> Canada, K2G 5W3
>>
>> Phone:    (613) 225-2732
>> Fax:      (613) 225-9688
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>

Good Morning,

I recently had the opportunity to spend a night with a Celestron CPC-1100 SCT. 
It was a lot of fun - the combination of good optics, large aperture and
accurate go-to makes this a wonderful telescope.

I am considering purchasing a CPC-1100 to use it with a HyperStar lens from
Starizona and my QSI 583 CCD camera.  To do so, I will need to purchase a wedge.
I have gotten feedback that the Celestron heavy duty wedge is overmatched by the
sheer weight of the SCT/fork arm arrangement (65 pounds).

I am wondering if any group members have experience with aftermarket wedges.  I
have identified the Milburn wedge as a possibility.  Are there others that you
can recommend?

Thanks very much.

Clear skies,
Kevin Dixon

They don't make 'em like they used to...I still have a very old 486 IBM Thinkpad
that runs Mel Bartels Scope drive and it has never let me down in damp and cold
down to -9'C. The 5 year old desktop fails to start up when it gets cold but a
few minutes with a heater does the trick. I don't ever leave them running - I'm
in the UK too!

Rob.

--- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, "csand_83709" <csandfort@...> wrote:
>
> A slight subject change.
>
> Do folks leave their desktops/laptops running all the time or do you shut down
between sessions?
>
> I leave mine on...feeling it moderates the cold/humidity cycles. But that's
just my guess.
>
> Thanks, Cal
>
>
> --- In ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com, Wodaski - Yahoo <yahoo@> wrote:
> >
> > We have nine or ten computers in our observatories. We lose 1-2 a year.
Seems to be the way it is. However, I think with aggressive maintenance you can
prevent some things, like dust ruining fan bearings. But the hot/cold cycles do
take their toll on the electronics.
> >
> > Ron W
> >
>

I don't think they're still in business but the APT is a good one as
well. Might pick up one on Astromart.

At 08:31 AM 2/5/2010, you wrote:
>Good Morning,
>
>I recently had the opportunity to spend a night with a Celestron
>CPC-1100 SCT.  It was a lot of fun - the combination of good optics,
>large aperture and accurate go-to makes this a wonderful telescope.
>
>I am considering purchasing a CPC-1100 to use it with a HyperStar
>lens from Starizona and my QSI 583 CCD camera.  To do so, I will
>need to purchase a wedge.  I have gotten feedback that the Celestron
>heavy duty wedge is overmatched by the sheer weight of the SCT/fork
>arm arrangement (65 pounds).
>
>I am wondering if any group members have experience with aftermarket
>wedges.  I have identified the Milburn wedge as a possibility.  Are
>there others that you can recommend?
>
>Thanks very much.
>
>Clear skies,
>Kevin Dixon
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>
>
>
Clear skies-
Lenny

Your Murphy's Law of the Week:
"When things just can't get any worse they will"





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks Lenny,

I have confirmed that APT is out of business.  I have heard good things about
their wedge but would prefer to work with a company that is still in business.

Clear skies,
Kevin

   From: Lenny Shaffer


   I don't think they're still in business but the APT is a good one as
   well. Might pick up one on Astromart.

   At 08:31 AM 2/5/2010, you wrote:
   >Good Morning,
   >
   >I recently had the opportunity to spend a night with a Celestron
   >CPC-1100 SCT. It was a lot of fun - the combination of good optics,
   >large aperture and accurate go-to makes this a wonderful telescope.
   >
   >I am considering purchasing a CPC-1100 to use it with a HyperStar
   >lens from Starizona and my QSI 583 CCD camera. To do so, I will
   >need to purchase a wedge. I have gotten feedback that the Celestron
   >heavy duty wedge is overmatched by the sheer weight of the SCT/fork
   >arm arrangement (65 pounds).
   >
   >I am wondering if any group members have experience with aftermarket
   >wedges. I have identified the Milburn wedge as a possibility. Are
   >there others that you can recommend?
   >
   >Thanks very much.
   >
   >Clear skies,
   >Kevin Dixon
   >
   >



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

"Stealth.com Inc. (Stealth Computer) is an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer
that specializes in high performance industrial grade computer systems &
peripherals that include Rackmount PSs, Flat Panel Monitors, Rugged Portable
PCs and Industrial Grade Keyboards. Stealth's products are in demand by
Scientific, Telecommunications, Industrial/Commercial, and Control markets.
Stealth enjoys an impressive customer list of Fortune 500's, Governments and
Militaries worldwide."   http://www.stealthcomputers.com/


"May You Go Among The Imperishable Stars"
Joe Mize  www.cav-sfo.com
Chiefland Astronomy Village, Fla.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Wodaski - Yahoo" <yahoo@...>
To: <ccd-newastro@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 1:47 PM
Subject: Re: [ccd-newastro] Re: Outdoor dome PC vs laptop durability


It's very true that typical PCs are not meant to handle the conditions we
put them in. Not at all!

You can buy computers that have the ability to tolerate a much wider range
of environmental conditions, but they are very expensive - on the order of
$3,000 to $5,000. They are meant for conditions where very high reliability
is important, where simply replacing a cheap computer is not a good option.
For example, perhaps a computer that is outside at an oil refinery.

But we can simply buy another $400 computer to replace one that goes bad...

Ron W

On Feb 4, 2010, at 10:14 AM, JLUTKIN wrote:

> I copy some specs from a well know PC provider which I think covers the
> question. Most consumer devices are designed to run in our home or office.
>
>
> Temperature:
>
>
> Operating
>
> 10º to 35ºC (50º to 95ºF)
>
> NOTE: At 35°C (95°F), the maximum operating altitude is 914 m (3000 ft).
>
>
> Storage
>
> –40º to 65ºC (–40º to 149ºF)
>
>
> Relative humidity
>
> 20% to 80% (noncondensing)
>
>
>
> What to do about it is the problem. In the UK I feel that high humidity
> and
> damp is the enemy in the South it does not usually get cold enough to
> grind
> the hard discs to a stand still. I have has some success with modest
> horticultural heater pads which are set to keep a 45degF level.
>
> I also find that the air con is a bit ineffective with the roof open, but
> that might be an English characteristic!
>
> John
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
>



------------------------------------