Abstract
This work shows the engineering process carried out for the design of a low cost control system for an astronomical observatory. The work describes the implementation to adapt the equipment of the observatory to a Master Control System (MCS) and be able to use it remotely. The instruments and software required for the integration of the equipment as part of a robotic observatory are also described.
Highlights
Robotic observatories (RO) have facilitated access to the night sky during the last 50 years since they can be operated from anywhere in the world [1], whenever there is access to the internet [2]
We have shown the design of an Master Control System (MCS) with some limitations in terms of space, budget, and technical aspects
Motion tests of the telescope were performed around the two axes of rotation, right ascension and declination, as well as pointing tests to objects in the sky
Summary
Robotic observatories (RO) have facilitated access to the night sky during the last 50 years since they can be operated from anywhere in the world [1], whenever there is access to the internet [2]. The robotic telescopes can be remotely controlled so that operators do not have to move to the place where the telescope is located [3] The fact that they are autonomous means that the instrument can be programmed to make the desired observations and undertake data gathering, which can be retrieved later [4]. The University of Antioquia, through the program of Astronomy and the Master’s program in Engineering, has committed to the first robotization of a telescope in our country In our case, it is a 14-inch MEADE telescope that was acquired by the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences prior 2013 (see Figure 2), and is used as an instrument for observational activities by Astronomy students.
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