Roll-Off Roof Observatory

STRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS

  • Sliding roof using rack and pinion (commercial gate opener)
  • Roof will sit just above telescope when telescope is fully sideways, allowing for viewing of the horizon when the roof is rolled off
  • Roof will roll on a V-track with rollers
  • Roof will roll back onto scaffolding with additional V-track
  • Roof locking options for storms:
    • Solenoids on the roof that push locking pins into the walls to hold the roof down during severe weather
    • OR a manual locking system used when a storm is anticipated
  • Dimensions:
    • Observatory footprint: 8 ft × 10 ft
    • Additional space on either side for sliding roof scaffolding
  • Framing:
    • Constructed from 2×4 lumber
  • Foundation:
    • Raised foundation using plastic grid system filled with gravel
    • MOT Type 2 sub-base, leveled
    • Weed guard beneath plastic grids and gravel

TELESCOPE PIER CONSIDERATIONS

  • Concrete pier poured before the observatory foundation
  • Pier depth:
    • 3 feet into the ground
  • Reinforcement:
    • Rebar embedded in the concrete
    • Rebar extends upward and connects into tube scaffolding
  • Mounting plate:
    • Submerged into wet concrete and leveled while curing
    • Plate has 4 mounting studs
    • Plate sides aligned with cardinal directions
  • Telescope mount adapter:
    • Custom-machined adapter
    • Adjustable using the 4 studs for fine alignment

REMOTE TELESCOPE SETUP

Roof Control

  • Roll-off roof controlled using Wi-Fi-controlled relays
    • One relay for opening
    • One relay for closing
  • Safeguards in place to prevent roof movement unless the telescope is parked safely out of the roof path

Telescope & Hardware Upgrades

  • Planned upgrades for full remote operation:
    • Dedicated CCD/CMOS astrophotography camera (replaces DSLR)
    • More robust focuser with autofocuser
    • Improved mounting of OTA to mount
    • General maintenance:
      • Cleaning primary mirror
      • Collimation
  • Aside from these upgrades, the setup is ready for remote operation

Control Computer & Software

  • Permanent PC or mini-PC connected to the internet
  • Software stack:
    • NINA – open-source all-in-one astrophotography software
    • EQMOD – direct telescope control (required by NINA)
      • Used to park the telescope safely before roof movement

Remote Access & Automation

  • Short term:
    • Remote desktop access to control the system
  • Long term:
    • Build an API to control NINA functions through a web server

Data & Monitoring

  • File transfer system to send images captured by NINA
  • Wi-Fi cameras:
    • Interior camera to monitor telescope position
      • Potential future use of computer vision for telescope recovery or movement
    • Exterior camera to monitor cloud cover
  • Weather station:
    • Includes rain detector
    • Automatically triggers roof closure
Subsystem Design Summary
Observatory Type Roll-off roof observatory with motorized sliding roof
Roof Mechanism Rack-and-pinion drive (commercial gate opener) on V-track with rollers; roof rolls onto external scaffolding extension
Storm Restraint Solenoid-driven locking pins into wall structure or manual locking system for severe weather
Clearance & Visibility Roof height allows telescope to remain inside enclosure when horizontal, enabling low-altitude and horizon observations
Structure Dimensions 8 ft × 10 ft footprint, plus additional length for roof travel on scaffolding
Framing 2×4 lumber construction
Foundation Raised foundation using plastic grid system with gravel fill; MOT Type 2 sub-base with weed barrier
Telescope Pier Reinforced concrete pier, 3 ft deep, poured before foundation; rebar integrated into tube scaffolding
Mount Interface Embedded mounting plate with four studs aligned to cardinal directions; custom adjustable mount adapter
Roof Control Wi-Fi–controlled relays for open/close operations with software safety interlocks
Control Software NINA for imaging automation and EQMOD for direct telescope control and parking
Remote Operation Permanent on-site PC or mini-PC with remote desktop access; future API-based web control
Monitoring & Safety Interior and exterior Wi-Fi cameras, weather station with rain detector, automatic roof closure on unsafe conditions
Planned Upgrades Dedicated CCD/CMOS camera, autofocuser, improved OTA mounting, mirror cleaning and collimation