The original image was captured using a telescope in Chile, part of the Telescope Live network. I obtained monochrome images taken with SII, Halpha, and OIII filters from Telescope Live and processed them using PixInsight and Photoshop to produce this final image. During the processing phase, I utilized the SHO combination to achieve the desired colors. The original size of this image is 4500×3600 pixels with a 2.06 arcsec/px.
This image won the Telescope Live Astronomy Picture of the Day contest.
📸 Captured with: • FLI ML16200 • Officina Stellare RH200 • Astrodon SII, Halpha, and OIII filters • Telescope Live
🌃 Location & Session Details: • El Sauce Observatory, Chile • Bortle 2 skies • Captured in Dec 2021 • Total Integration: 3h(600’x18)
To transcend the limitations of urban astrophotography, I sought a solution that would allow me to capture the cosmos without the constraints of light pollution and unpredictable weather. This led me to the decision of setting up my telescope remotely, a choice that involved meticulous planning and a deep dive into the technicalities and testing of astrophotography gear. Below is a comprehensive outline of the process, from selecting the remote hosting facility to the detailed specifications of my setup.
My setup at TrevincaSkies
Selection of the Remote Hosting Facility
Global Search: Explored various remote telescope-hosting facilities worldwide, including locations in the Southern Hemisphere. Reach out to me if you need to know more about different hosting services.
Choice: Opted for TrevincaSkies hosting in Spain, favored for its:
Open Discord community.
Lower monthly cost compared to other services.
Optimal viewing conditions, thanks to its geographical location.
Relatively close to my home and a great area for a vacation.
Technical Specifications of the Setup
Telescope and Imaging Gear:
Main Telescope: Askar FRA500, chosen for its aperture and focal length versatility.
Main Camera: ASI553MM, selected for its sensitivity, relatively small FOV, and less worry about sensor tilt.
Mount: AM5, providing robust support and precise tracking with less counterweight.
Filters:
ZWO EFW (7 x 2″) for filter wheel management.
Antlia LRGB VPRO 48mm for true-color imaging.
IDAS SHO 48mm for narrowband astrophotography, for enhanced details.
Guiding and Focusing Systems:
Focuser: ZWO EAF, ensuring consistent focus across temperature changes.
Guider Scope: SVBony SV106, paired with:
Guide Camera: 220MM mini, crucial for accurate long-exposure tracking.
Rotator: Wanderer Rotator Mini M54, facilitating precise field rotation.
Flat panel: WandererCover V3 to protect the primary lens from dust and take flats when needed.
Additional Equipment:
Computer: Mele Fanless Mini PC Quieter2Q, chosen for its reliability and performance.
Power Management:
Pegasus Power Box Mini for centralized power distribution to all the equipment in the telescope setup.
Pegasus 12V-10A power pack, ensuring steady power supply.
PR750ELCDGR UPS together with RMCARD205 ensures the remote controlling and monitoring of the power of the whole setup.
Connectivity: ER605 VPN router and TL-MR100 LTE/WiFi router, enhanced with Tapo wifi switches for robust network management. The ER605 VPN router acts as the central network manager. The LTE/WiFi router is something optional, but anyway, I use it:
In case of a main network failure of the hosting, I will have uninterrupted connectivity to my setup via LTE internet.
And I needed a WiFi connectivity for my WiFi switches.
Connections between non-astro equipments
Piggyback Setup:
Telescope: Samyang 135mm, mounted on a Hyperpod 135 frame.
Camera: ASI 553MC, complemented by a Wanderer Flatfield Generator and ZWO EAF focuser for wide-field imaging.
Filter: Antlia Triband RGB Ultra Filter which I am recently very happy with its performance.
Flat panel: WandererCover V3 to protect the primary lens from dust and take flats when needed.
Allsky Camera:
Comprises an RPi4 paired with an ASI662MC camera, offering a full-sky view for weather monitoring and sky surveillance and Keeping an eye on the rig.
This is fully DIY with all several components 3D printed by myself at home (with the help of this project) and internally running the Allsky open-source system.
My DIY water-resistant Allsky box
Logistical Execution
Packing and Shipping: Equipment was carefully packaged and sent to Spain via DHL in four parcels, weighing between 17kg to 5kg.
Remote Setup: The hosting service facilitated the assembly and operational setup of the equipment on-site (for a fixed price). Even though we can go there in person and set up our rigs by ourselves I opt for the option of asking this from the hosting service due to several reasons (mainly due to not having an EU driving license). Due to the complexity of the product, to ensure its proper functionality I sent a very detailed step-by-step instructions pdf about setting up the rig. In the end, the hosting service did a great job of setting it up.
Remote Operation and Connectivity
I can connect to my set using different methods as described below.
VPN connection to Router: Utilized within the VPN router for secure access to the full remote setup.
Direct Connection to PC: Enabled via software solutions like Tailsale, Anydesk, and Team Viewer, allowing for seamless control over the Mini PC and, by extension, the entire telescope setup.
Conclusion
Transitioning to a remote telescope setup in Spain was a meticulous process, characterized by careful selection of the hosting facility, detailed planning of the technical setup, and strategic execution of logistics. This endeavor not only exemplifies the capabilities and potential of modern astrophotography but also opens up new avenues for enthusiasts to pursue their passion unbounded by geographical limitations. Finally, if you are thinking about building a remote setup or currently building one and have questions, feel free to reach out to me, will try to help you as much as I can.
The original image was captured using a telescope in Australia, part of the Telescope Live network. I obtained monochrome images taken with Halpha, OIII, Luminance, Red, Green and Blue filters from Telescope Live and processed them using PixInsight and Photoshop to produce this final image. During the processing phase, I utilized the HOO combination for Narrowband image and PixInsight NBRGB combination script to combine final RGB and HOO images.
📸 Captured with: • QHY 600M • Takahashi FSQ-106ED • Astrodon SII, Halpha, and OIII and LRGB filters • Telescope Live
🌃 Location & Session Details: • Heaven’s Mirror Observatory, Australia • Bortle 3 skies • Captured in July 2023 • Total Integration: 11h 10min (300’x134)
The original image was captured using a telescope in Australia, part of the Telescope Live network. I obtained monochrome images taken with SII, Halpha, and OIII filters from Telescope Live and processed them using PixInsight and Photoshop to produce this final image. During the processing phase, I utilized the SHO combination to achieve the desired colors. The original size of this image is 9576×6382 pixels with a 1.46 arcsec/px.
📸 Captured with: • QHY 600M • Takahashi FSQ-106ED • Astrodon SII, Halpha, and OIII filters • Telescope Live
🌃 Location & Session Details: • Heaven’s Mirror Observatory, Australia • Bortle 3 skies • Captured in Aug 2023 • Total Integration: 3h 45min(300’x45)
