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Looking Through Telescope

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT TYPE OF HOSTING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

We offer a variety of remote telescope hosting services including;

  • private dome

  • private roll-on/roll-off

  • shared roll-on/roll/off (pier)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

As each setup is unique, please contact us for pricing options.

WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

We aim to provide the best on-site service possible, which requires us to limit the range of brands of equipment to ones that we know from experience will provide the best experience for our guests.

Mounts

  • Paramount by Software Bisque

  • Planewave L & H series

  • 10Micron

  • Astro-Physics

  • iOptron 

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Other mounts will be considered upon application, however mounts without homing sensors and/or limits switches are not recommended.

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CAN I STAY ONSITE?

SROF offers shared on-site accomodation by appointment to members and guests only. Please contact us prior to making your travel arrangements as space is limited.

IS SPRINGBROOK OPEN TO VISITORS?

CAN I HAVE MY OWN OBSERVATORY?

Yes! One of the primary differences between SROF and other remote observatory facilities in Australia is that we offer both shared and private observatory facilities. Domes are by far the most popular for private users, however larger government, academic and scientific institutions have built roll-on/roll-off observatories to host multiple piers.

WHAT ELSE IS REQUIRED?

If this is your first time running a remote robotic telescope and/or observatory you will also need to consider;

  • remote switchable 240V power (such as an intelligent PDU)

  • remote, switchable DC (13.8V) power (such as a Pegasus UPB)

  • switchable USB and/or serial ports (Pegasus UPB)

  • your computer - we've seen everything from regular server grade computers to Raspberry Pis, Intel NUC(s) and Primaluce Eagles

  • network switch (if you have multiple Ethernet based devices)

  • remote control software (eg: TeamViewer, VNC, Chrome Remote Desktop)

  • your own Surge Suppressor and/or UPS (for extra peace of mind)

Users also hosting their own observatories may also want to consider;​

  • environmental monitoring (Davis, Boltwood and/or AAG Cloudwatcher)

  • low light cameras (avoid cameras without switchable IR emitters)

  • tamper sensors (for doors)

  • observatory control (eg: Dragonfly)

As a secure, private facility Springbrook is open only to authorised members and approved guests.

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