One Year On
So far so good
It has been about a year since I completed the observatory. Overall it has met and probably exceeded my expectations: I've been able to get up and running in about 10 minutes and this has allowed me to make use of breaks in the weather which previously would have been impractical.
I've made a few small alterations over the last year which are listed below.
I've made a few small alterations over the last year which are listed below.
Weather Station
Weather Station Sensors
I've installed a Watson W8681 weather station. In addition to providing data on the external weather, it has been useful for keeping an eye on the internal temperature and humidity levels inside the observatory.
I've been using the excellent Cumulus software for logging the data onto the PC.
I've been using the excellent Cumulus software for logging the data onto the PC.
Powered USB Hub
USB Hub
I did have some problems with the cheap USB hub and the 12V to 5V power connecter that I'd cobbled together from a car USB adapter, so I invested in a StarTech 7 port Industrial USB hub. It was a bit pricey but it solved all the problems and was worth the investment.
Rainwater Problem
Rainwater Deflecter
I did get some ingress of water in the recent winds and rain at the bottom of the fold down flap on the south east wall so I've added a rainwater deflecter on the outside.
Ventilation Improvements
Solar Vent Fan
A solar powered vent fan has been fitted to the rolling roof. I noticed that the scope room gets particularly warm in the summer so this should help with ventilation.
External Work
The Observatory, Spring 2014
I had a path installed up to the observatory. This has stopped me walking mud into the house and also helps to tie the observatory into the rest of the garden.
I've also added another coat of woodstain to the exterior and I'm planning to do this every spring to keep the wood protection topped up.
I've also added another coat of woodstain to the exterior and I'm planning to do this every spring to keep the wood protection topped up.