Re: tired of freezing to death outdoors!!- help!
From: Carsten A. Arnholm (arnholm_at_offline.no)
Date: 12/05/04
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Date: Sun, 5 Dec 2004 13:55:48 +0100
Canopus wrote:
> rmollise@aol.com (Rod Mollise) wrote in message
> news:<20041204145038.06175.00000980@mb-m27.aol.com>...
>> I'm not sure...I assume you can keep adding boosters for at least
>> this long.
>> How about it, computer gurus?
>
> Wireless technology has come down is price so much that is may be a
> more cost effective solution. For example, the Wireless DSL/Cable
> Gateway Router, 802.11g, F5D7230-4 ($30), is probably good up to 200ft
> although the advert literature says they'll broadcast out to 500ft:
>
> http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=300875&pfp=SEARCH
>
> Network adaptor or USB cards are available within a reasonable price:
>
> Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter, 802.11g, F5D7050, can be
> plugged into the end of a 2ft USB cable($20):
>
> http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=313104&pfp=srch1
>
> A PC and notebook card versions are available:
>
> http://catalog.belkin.com/IWPS_JumpToSection.process?RestartFlow=t&IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=&Catalog_Id=1&Section_Id=201522;
>
> The advert literature does not state the broadcast range of the remote
> units, but PC card wireless adaptor has an optional extension antenna,
> to increase the broadcast range of the the remote laptop, back to the
> network station, out to 800 feet:
>
> http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201522&pcount=&Product_Id=126498
>
> One could visualize an insulated storage case, like the types used in
> the beds of pickup trucks, containing two portable car starter
> batteries with cigarette lighter ports. One power supply runs a small
> laptop with the wireless network card, possibly with an extension
> antenna. The second power supply drives the telescope and dew heaters.
> Only one small perforation needs to be in the storage box to pass
> cables.
>
> The remote laptop could then been run over the wireless network from a
> second computer within the comfort of your home, using Windows Remote
> Desktop Manager or the superior Linux or X-windows remote desktop
> managers.
>
> Just an idea. I'm no computer guru.
It is more than an idea, it works, also with non-permanent setups.
Where I live (Norway), it can get cold at times. I can control my scope over
a standard wireless network. Setup is as follows
Outside
C8 OTA on Vixen GPDX mount
MTS-3SDI controller with serial PC connection
Fujitsu/Siemens P4 Laptop, XP Pro + own controller software
Belkin PCMCIA wireless network adapter (802.11b only)
Inside
Belkin Wireless router (802.11b only)
Dell P4 desktop, XP pro (cable to router)
I simply use XP's "Remote Desktop Connection" and get access to everything
on the laptop from inside. That basically means K3CCDTools for imaging and
my own software for telescope control. The fact that I use my own goto
software is not an important issue here, as any software running on the
laptop is accessible. An actual inside view from an imaging session
http://arnholm.org/tmp/remote_observatory.jpg
The big window is the laptop via "Remote Desktop Connection", the red
windows inside are programs running on the laptop.
I should add that I don't have PC controlled focusing. In practice, I would
not use this setup for planetary imaging, as that requires frequent
refocusing and close attention to colour balance etc., something that really
requires you to be at the scope. Even if I had remote focus capability, my
network speed isn't fast enough to update frames at 10fps or faster which I
think is needed when focusing. But for lengthy deep sky imaging it is quite
useful!
A CG5 can be upgraded to goto just like a GPDX, as the CG5 is a clone. There
are several options available.
Clear skies
Carsten A. Arnholm
http://arnholm.org/
N59.776 E10.457
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