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Robotic Telescope Mount
We require your mount to have absolute encoders which means it doesn't
need to re-sync with the night sky after a hard power cycle. You should
be able to turn your mount on, home it and begin slewing without the need
for a sync.
We suggest one of the following Mounts:
Paramount GT
Paramount ME
Any mount with Software Bisque MKS Control System
Please note we will not accept any mount without absolute encoders as
the costs to support the mount remotely are prohibitive.
Brand Name Computer
Based on our experience we have found brand name computers to survive
the test over time over home built computers. HP, Compaq, IBM are all
good starting points (all system interfaces are required to be native--no
serial to USB converters please). We also require all PC supplied to be
fitted with a USB external hard disk drive for backup purposes and a Ethernet
card.
Quality Telescope
Any quality proven telescope is generally adequate for remote operations
which can hold its collimation over time.
Takahashi
RC Optical Systems
Astrophysics
TMB
Celestron OTA
Meade OTA
ASA
Many Others
Quality Focusing System
Please be advised that inconsistent results can be expected from a focusing
system that does not use absolute positioning. Other systems may work
but are not considered relaible for remote operations.
Remote Power Switching
Remote power switches are a must in remote operations which allows you
to remote your equipment remotely without the need ground support staff.
We suggest a product from:
http://dataprobe.com/products/power/powerstrips/ibootbar/index.html
http://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html
12 Volt DC Power Switching
We can also provide 12 volt DC remote power switch which enabled you to
reboot/power on/power off any 12 volt device.
Uninterruptable Power Supply
We also suggest you ship or we supply you with a UPS with power filtering
to protect your equipment.
Remote Control Software
We suggest that you use software from:
http://www.radmin.com/
http://www.gotomypc.com/
These software products provide remote control of your desktop computer
securely over the Internet. GotoMyPC is more responsive in remote operation
than Radmin but at a slightly higher cost.
Designed and Consultancy
We offer a design and consultancy service as part of our service where
we draw up electrical, computer wiring and optical diagrams to detail
the complete specification of what is required to setup your system remotely.
This process ensures we do not miss out on any cables that you forget
to ship which holds up the installation or send us an incorrect power
supply for Australian conditions.
Shipping & Taxes and Duties
Typically it cost around from $700 to $1,800 USD to ship a whole 12"
system including the mount from USA to Australia via non-priority air
shipment.
Unfortunately all shipments being imported into Australia that are valued
more than $1,000 AUD will attract Australian Goods and Services Tax of
10% PLUS any duties applicable to your shipment PLUS any miscellaneous
airport charges and handling fees. The good news is that most telescope
equipment is duty free, expect for cables.
You would expect to pay for a fully insured shipped system valued at
$60,000 of around $3,800 to $4,200 AUD in GST taxes and shipping charges.
Local Insurance
Local insurance can be purchase which starts from $700 USD per year for
basic fire and theft.
Installation
Installation of your system will be completed shortly after the equipment
has been received at Moorook. We will collimate, polar align, PEC train,
build a Tpoint model, and configure you system completely as per the designed
and consultancy documentation that we agree on before your system shipped.
Ongoing Maintenance
The ground crew will take a proactive approach to supporting your system
and maintaining it for you. The ground crew will alert to you any potential
problem and will not make any changes to your system without your prior
consent unless it's deemed to a urgent safety issue. You are also more
than welcome to setup a regular maintenance schedule with the ground crew.
We provide 3 service calls per month as part of the service any additional
support calls will attract and additional fee.
The ground crew will be available to take support request from around
7pm local time to around 1:30 am in the morning, with calls after these
hours being performed the following day. Urgent after our call outs attract
additional fees.
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