Observatory & Equipment

Also take a look at past years for interesting images and projects.I like to call my Images "Now & Laters". Observe Now and Share Later.
Check back often as I work on projects in the observatory

Mind's Eye Observatory in the Press Click Here

MEO listed in Astronomical Observatories of The World

MEO listed in International Astronomical Union Observatory Sites

Mind's Eye Observatory "Cool" Room 2023

Ready to Grab a Photon or Two!

Selfie Stick Instrument Mast

GPS, Allsky camera, Selfie camera, Spot lighting

New ObservatoryDedication Sign

Trolley in position and ground lighting is on

Selfie Stick Instrument Mast

GPS, Allsky camera, Selfie camera, Spot lighting

Multiple scope's can be employed depending on the targets. Here a 12" SCT is on the mount

Weather Station and data logging system. Connections to the internet for the National Weather Service (CWOP) (MADIS) programs. Weather Underground and Ambient Weather reporting as well

Weather Mast and future location of weather camera Via Weather Ambient Weather

MEO Looking NorthThe "Cosmic Shed"!ore maybe the "Shed of Science"!

Time lapse video of Opening and rollout of the Instruments Trolley in preparation for a night of observations 2019

My Path to theStar's

Trolley Roll Out 2021

Observatory Site Technical Information:

Mind's Eye Observatory:(IAU) (MPC) (SAO) Observatory Code "W42"
Sited adjacent to the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park in Florida.

Observatory Location (PGC Standards):
Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS)Latitude 27°45'52.5" NLongitude 80°32'03.46 W-Decimal Degrees (DD) Latitude 27.7645833333° Longitude -80.5333429444° -Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM)Latitude 27°45.875' N Longitude 80°32.0005766667 W - 6m Above Mean Sea level (AMSL)Optical Train 6m + 2m = 8m

Bortle Class 4 .5 Artificial / Natural Sky Brightness = 1.00 to 1.73Darkness (MPSAS) 21 Darkness (NELM) 6.1

At Zenith: SQM 20.68 mag./arc sec2 Brightness 0.577 mcd/m2 Artif. bright. 406 μcd/m2 Ratio 2.37

Median Seeing Conditions (2.0) arc sec

Open Location Code (OLC) or Plus Code Extended 76VXQF78+R7G2V32

Click here for a Google map of this location

Click here for a Bing map of this location

"Primary" Time Synchronization: GPS Antenna VK-162 G-Mouse & solution using NEMAtime software.EL97RS53 Grid1 σ variation or one standard deviation of <10.000 ms .01 sec RMS in locked status
"Secondary" Time Synchronization: Stratum 1 server Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL NTP V3 software (True Time GPS-VME) US FL ntp-s1.cise.ufl.edu (128.227.205.3) (CNAME NTP- ufl.usno.navy.mil)1 σ variation or one standard deviation of <1000 ms 1 sec RMS
EST Time = -5 UTC ST EDT Time = -4 UTC ST
Observatory Operation Standards:Observatory Declination Limit = (-42) SouthObservatory Declination Limit = (+82) NorthHour Angle Limit = -4 Hrs to +4 HrsTracking West Past The Central Meridian = 4 DegreesTracking East Past The Central Meridian = 1 DegreesMinimum Altitude Limit 15 DegreesMaximum Altitude limit 90 DegreesGuiding Accuracy = .1 RMSNo Field Rotation is AvailablePosition Angle = 89.7Limiting Magnitude = (17.0)Synthetic Limiting Magnitude = (19.5)
Needs correction:

Mike Alexandersen commented:MPC

Hello;

We have updated your observatory coordinates in our system. The changes should become public after tomorrow’s DOU MPEC.

Cheers,

Mike

I have been wanting to do a checkup on my original station coordinates since Its been awhile since I first received my station code and I understand you are working on that project at this time. I originally used Google Earth which seems to be the prefered way without an actual survey which I have contemplated but the MPC would not really be able to verify. So, I have checked again with Google Earth and I believe they are off. I also believe my altitude is off as well. Since I now do work in astrometry for Artificial Satellites as well as Minor planets I need the additional accuracy if possible. I will be also doing a time verification campaign as well soon.

My new measurements are: 27°45'52.5" N 80°32'03.46 W

6m AMSL with the optical Train +2m = 8m AMSL

Site Elevation = -13.7 (Ellipsoidal Altitude EGM96 geoid datum)Site Elevation = 6 meters or 22.9659' Ort (AMSL) Above Mean Sea Level (Orthometric Height geoid datum)Telescope Optical Train = 8 meters or 29.5276' Ort (AMSL)Above Mean Sea Level (Orthometric Height geoid datum)Telescope Optical Train @ 2 meters or 6.56168' (AGL)Above Ground Level

"Topocentric Coordinates"

W42 !-080.534336364 +27.764549985 -8.795 Mind's Eye Observatory, Vero BeachLongitude -80.534310000 = -80 32 03.51600Longitude 279.465690000 = +279 27 56.48400Latitude 27.764536852 = +27 45 52.33266

Altitude -13.77014 meters Ell (Ellipsoidal Height WGS84 EGM96 ellipsoid Datum)

Note the ellipsoid`s surface is above ground level at my location giving a negative number

Geoid Height:lat lon = 27.76453 -80.53431 (27°45'52"N 080°32'04"W) geoid heights (m) EGM2008 = -29.3430 EGM96 = -29.3360 "WGS84" EGM84 = -28.3398

Parallax Constants:

0.88551100000 ( rho sin (phi) ) In meters: 5647910.47301

"Distance from rotation axis or the Geocentric Distance"

+0.46305600000 ( cos sin (phi) ) In meters: +2953434.60667

"Height above equatorial plane or the Geocentric Latitude"

XYZ in Earth radii +0.1456285 -0.8734541 +0.4630560

XYZ in meters +928838.22248 -5571009.98631 +2953434.60667

Latitude -80.997052167 = -80 59 49.38780

Altitude -13.70000 meters

Parallax constants 0.15699842066 -0.98428544700

In meters: 1001357.43575 -6277907.42808

W42 !-080.534336364 +27.764549985 -8.795 Mind's Eye Observatory, Vero Beach

Longitude -80.534310000 = -80 32 03.51600

Longitude 279.465690000 = +279 27 56.48400

Latitude 27.764536852 = +27 45 52.33266

Altitude -13.77014 meters

Parallax constants 0.88551100000 +0.46305600000

In meters: 5647910.47301 +2953434.60667

xyz in Earth radii +0.1456285 -0.8734541 +0.4630560

xyz in meters +928838.22248 -5571009.98631 +2953434.60667

This point is somewhere in US/Florida

Local Astronomical Seeing and Weather Overview

  The astronomical "seeing" on the East coast of Florida can be excellent very often but there can be weather circumstances that cause the seeing to degrade. Planetary observers and imagers have noted for a long time the good quality of seeing in this region.
  The jet stream does not come down into the east coast of Florida often except during periods of El Nino which has been shown to cause a lower southern jet stream to dominate from the Pacific all the way to Florida and into the Atlantic. When this occurs astronomical seeing can be effected as with a front passage.
  Periods of La Nina also effects conditions and are known to be associated with calmer upper winds with no jet stream. The jet stream is easily tracked these days with many resources. Unfortunately this calming causes there to be very little shear allowing Atlantic storms to gain strength and threaten landfall. Occasionally an "Omega Block" as it has been dubbed due to the shape when the jet stream is forced around the top of a high pressure system that is between two low pressure systems over the CONUS can bring fair high pressure weather to the region or bring the jet stream into the region. The seeing will be affected as well. The presence of upper level thin clouds and pollution from aircraft condensation trails can increase heavily and helps tell the story.
  African dust that traveled the Atlantic onto Florida at times can also effect on the seeing. This is not a new phenomenon but has started to be well tracked the last few years and its arivial can be predicted.
  During the winter season prevailing winds are most often from the northwest and are cooler and less humid. Humidity averages 50 to 70 percent. Temperatures average 40 to 80 degrees. Unusually cold temperatures can occur infrequently dropping into the upper 20's at night usually after the passage of a front. This usually does not last long at all. Also, during this season frontal systems can pass through leaving transparent conditions. Seeing can be below average for a short period after it has moved through. Usually there are conflicting wind patterns after a frontal passage. Before the frontal passage seeing also can be above average.
  During the late spring, summer and early fall, prevailing winds are from the south or southeast. Humidity will be on average 70 to 90 percent. Heavy dew at night is daily. Temperatures average 70 to 98 degrees. Frequently, in late afternoon cool moist air over the Atlantic moves onto the coastline eastward into the interior that has been heating from the day. This local phenomenon is called a "Sea Breeze". As the sea breeze moves in it clears and stabilizes the air usually up to a few miles inland from the coast. Inland the moist sea breeze meets the warmer interior air, water vapor rises often causing rapid developing thunderstorms with frequent lightning that can move in from the west. Often, the storms will stay a few miles inland off the coastline due to the same sea breeze depending on how strong it is. If this occurs the seeing will be good. At times this is a daily pattern and the sea breeze can be seen on radar forming and moving onto the coastline as a wall. Often, during the summer, clear skies with good seeing occur a few hours before dawn.

MEO Lightning and Storm Mitigation

  Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S.! Mitigation from direct or indirect damage is mandatory when operating an observatory here. I have found many conflicting views and opinions on lightning mitigation as far as passive protection of the observatory and equipment as a whole. I have also observed a damaged composite domed observatory in south florida with a pier mounted telescope. Almost every lightning strike I have observed or heard about to an observatory has resulted in costly drive pcb damage and computer damage.
  To date I have installed a utilities whole house surge protection system that included the observatory. The observatory has its own full cutoff box & breaker power panel with power and data cables trenched to the building. Ethernet cables have an active Gigabit gas discharge tube lightning suppressor installed at the observatory. Additionally, the instrument trolley has a full size backup and surge suppressor downline of the active protection for Ethernet & power and also strip surge protection for all components on the instrument trolley. That being said, when weather predictions include lightning I unplug the Ethernet, USB and 110 cables from the instrument trolley.
  The observatory building itself is metal and grounded from the metal sides to 15 ground anchors and an additional copper ground rod and instruments and computers are isolated from it. I believe this allows a cage of protection not had in composite dome type observatories. This type of protection would not be a great idea if I was using an in-ground pier for the mount and telescope as that allows a path back up to the equipment from the ground. I am not installing lightning rods or a lightning pole nearby to attract leaders away from the observatory into the ground which I believe would make things worse by increasing the odds of a hit and not increasing protection. If a strike nearby occurs it could allow current to come back up the building groundings but should not allow damage as it will also have a path back out and the equipment is isolated. If a direct strike occurs it has a path out and away from the equipment.
  As a sailor I understand the cone of protection afforded a sailboat with keel groundings to the mast and steering pedestal. I also understand that a nearby strike can come up through this type system as well to you so you must isolate yourself from the metal in the boat. This is the same theory I have used in my lightning mitigation for the observatory. I have had first hand experience a few summers ago at my work building. We had a direct strike to our building and cables as we were working. It was witnessed from an employee leaving in her car as it struck the metal roof. We were engulfed in a colorful glow. Inside, it traveled through the phone lines and damaged two computers and a few phones. It also damaged Ethernet routers and damaged a large screen television. One employee was on the phone at the time out of the many phones. She was frozen in a stunned state and I had to knock the phone out of her hand. Luckily no one was injured but I can tell you we are now more aware when weather is moving in after that. At one point we had cordless phones which was great for that problem but the type of business requires security so they are no longer allowed. We do not answer when under lightning. The same type of damage occurred in this instance as I have seen with observatories.
  Florida also has hurricanes and protection from storm damage must also be addressed. The observatory building is rated for 140 MPH winds and I have installed 9 additional ground anchors deeper than code required. I have also installed storm shutters for the windows, roll door and additional door close bolts for the main entrance. Computers and monitors can be removed quickly and the mount and scope can be removed and stored if the storm warrants it. The Observatory has already weatherd a category two storm with no damage or problems.

MEO Observatory Design Pros & Cons

Observatory & Astronomical Imaging System (AIS)

Pros:

- Hurricane approved structure.- Code approved structure without custom engineering approval.- Complete engineering drawings available for code approval.- A very quick setup time roll out / roll in.- AIS can be monitored and temperature matched for the outside temperature estimated for the nights observation run.- Ability for telescope trolley & AIS to reach ambient temperature quickly and have no heat retaining material under the mount.- Climate controlled room for me! (Have you seen the bugs in Florida! Not to mention the heat!) Also allows year around use.- Storage of the telescope and systems in a climate controlled structure for year round use.- Ability to retain an acceptable polar alignment.- Trolley system isolated from vibrations from the structure and the observer.- Trolley system isolates the AIS from local or ground seeing by being removed from any structure while retaining polar alignment.- Lower horizon altitude limit with no structure obstructions.- Observer stays inside year around for bug free climate controlled comfort.

Cons:

- AIS is susceptible to heavy wind.- AIS susceptible to direct local light pollution.- Precise arc second polar alignment must be adjusted at each use if needed.- Sky is not visible from inside the structure. an all sky camera is necessary.- Dew has to be controlled.- Not a classical observatory structure.- When visually observing some scope positions can be awkward.

Mind's Eye Observatory 2018 to present

Present Observatory Structure and Facts:

The present structure was a gift from my parents when my father passed away. It is a hurricane approved, code approved structure. It is now in the same location as my temporary observatory. At first I contemplated an opening roof modification but ultimately discarded that idea because of the number of problems associated with that type of design and the end result wouldn't really fit my needs.
After much contemplation I designed a trolley system with tracks to allow the telescope mount with all equipment to be rolled out and in for climate controlled storage. Using this design also allows the observatory structure to be separate from the mount and is positioned to the north of the mount, thus minimizing thermal waves that affect local seeing conditions for the telescope. This separation also minimizes vibrations from the people using the observatory and the instruments.
During good weather I can use the system with eyepieces, if desired. During other times of the year I can roll out and use the system from inside the air-conditioned / heated room using integrated video cameras or CMOS cameras. A cooled / heated bug free room was essential if I was going to build a permanent observatory. This has greatly increased my observing time.
Moving the trolley, cables & power in and out is very easy. The roll out is usually performed in less than 10 minutes (maybe a little longer for roll in with a late night stupor!) I use a simple checklist so I don't miss anything important when working with an astronomy hangover!
Electricity to the observatory is supplied from the house mains trenched from the north corner of the residence and lighting is supplied by LED white and red lights installed inside.Regulation of temperature and humidity is supplied by a self resetting air conditioner and a dehumidifier.Security is supplied by motion LED flood lights on all sides. A security motion alarm is also wired into the building that alerts me and also sounds a 120 decibel speaker horn. Testing proved painful to my ears to the point that I hate testing it! Surveillance is provided by a KASA wi-fi cam that allows me to monitor at any time and alerts me if any movement occurs around the observatory and surrounding area. It will also alert me of a power outage. Since the structure doesn't stand out or attract attention like a classic dome tends to, I believe the equipment's safety is increased.
Lightning protection is accomplished by a copper grounding rod at the north side augmented by a tower on the north east corner supplying a cone of protection. The building's natural metal siding also helps protect the equipment from discharge paths unlike fiberglass enclosures. Summer lightning in my area can be frequent and violent. When the trolley is in storage inside the building all cables and power are disconnected, helping to minimize any stray current from a strike and help protect the sensitive electronics and instruments.
Installed inside is a dedicated desk with a multi-monitor display for operation of the observatory. Increasingly I find I use my hard copy reference material and charts less and rely on computer charts and digital copies of favorite books and references when observing and planning.
When operating from inside, visual and audible cues on the mount performance are lost so I employ a camera outside mounted on the trolley with a microphone linked to a LCD Monitor to help replace these important cues. When operating close to the horizon or the meridian I take extra caution monitoring mount performance to avoid problems and take note of any irregularities when slewing. It also allows keeping an eye on cable management.
Camera focusing is controlled via a stepper motor system and is done with a bahtinov mask. One mask fits both telescopes and can be performed quickly via a dedicated mini monitor at the mount or from inside the cool room. Alternately i can implor using the FMHM multi-Star focus routine in Sharpcap to autofocus without a mask.

Trolley Construction:

The trolley is constructed of wood with five heavy duty wheels per side. Handles have been installed on all sides to allow easy roll in and out.
leg Bumpers have been installed on all sides as well.
I believe highly about wood construction over using strictly metal in respect to dynamic vibrations. This has proven true with the trolley vibrations being easily dampened.

Trolley Features:

The 110 volt power is supplied by a mobile cord routed away from other cables to minimize electronic interference.
A converter allows for 12 volt power and is supplied to a buss I built.
Cable management problems are minimized by utilizing triple 30' active USB cables with hub's to operate the cameras, focusers and frame grabbers.
The mount is operated via wireless wi-fi control with la dedicated tower PC that also controls the imaging. A Samsung phone as used as a wireless hand control. I am not a huge fan of wireless systems due to connectivity problems that can come up just when you are deep in observing but the wi-fi mount control has proven to be flawless. If problems ever arise I will revert to an optional cable control.
The Losmandy G11 is mounted to the trolley and retained by a cable and turnbuckle system from the mount center. vibration isolation pads are installed under each leg.
The Losmandy G11 head has a safety bolt installed to hinder turning in the quick locks.
An all sky camera is installed on a mast "The Selfie Stick" at the front of the trolley (north side of mount) and does not interfere with scope positioning. This allows me to monitor sky conditions while the scope is in use.
Polar alignment has proven to be quickly repeatable even with the mobile nature of the design. Polar alignment importance was a trade off. I do not need to adjust it very often.
A simple web camera allows me to see what the trolley is up to during slews when the roll door is closed and is mounted low to avoid IR light interference with the telescope imager. A color selectable LED flood light is installed on the trolley. It is operated via a remote as well as a color selectable LED array under the trolley to aid in working around the mount when needed. Portable red and white flashlights are mounted on the telescope trolley for handy quick access if needed.
The trolley also serves as a convenient storage platform for eyepieces, filters and other equipment. The mount legs have industrial female Velcro applied in bands for quick placement of hand pads and equipment.

Trolley Track Construction:

The trolley tracks are constructed of wood, leveled and supported by post blocks. The design allows the trolley to roll restrained side to side and is not connected to the building to minimize vibrations. The tracks have much less heat sinking structure compared to a deck or concrete pad and are additionally over grass that doesn't hold heat from the day.
I have installed ground anchors with turnbuckles but I don't think they were really necessary. The tracks can easily be picked up and moved into the building if necessary for a hurricane threat or maintenance.
The trolley rails only require a yearly cleaning and paint.

Construction Philosophy

My observing style, goals and constraints have driven my observatory construction and setup to its present shape. It is optimized for live real time video viewing with ease of start up and shutdown. My equipment is not state of the art or top of what is available these days. Its is nice equipment none the less. Getting outside using and optimizing what you have is what it's all about. Learning the sky and equipment operation is a lifetime Journey to be enjoyed now not when you can acquire the perfect equipment.

Observatory Equipment & Specifications

Equatorial Mount Systems

- Losmandy G-11 mount

- Polar finder from Losmandy with Astro Electric illuminator

- Onstep Go-To drive system.

- Digital setting circle Deep Space Explorer system from David Chandler with Losmandy Encoders via RS-232

- Robin Casady custom machined Saddle`s

- Robin Casady custom machined adjustment plate (TGAD)

- Robin Casady custom machined cross arm

- Robin Casady stainless steel counterweights

- Kendrick Anti dew system with straps

Optical Systems
-16" Truss Newtonian @ F 4:

Clear Aperture = 16"/ 406.40mm / .4 m
Focal length = 64" / 1625.60mm
Primary Mirror Diameter = 16.0" / 406.40mm
Mirror cell dimensions: 9 pt support inner radius: 67.06 (mm); outer radius: 146.3 (mm); triangle balance radius: 106.82 (mm) triangle side lengths: 146.39 x 94.3 x 94.3 (mm)
Secondary Mirror Diameter = 3.94" / 100mm
Obstruction 11.1%
Optical tube size = 22.0" mm / Diameter 78" Long mm
Resolution .000 Arc seconds
Visual Limiting Magnitude = 15.
Photographic limiting magnitude 21.5 integrated

OTA Weight 60 lb / 28 k
-12" SCT Meade Classic Schmidt-Cassegrain @ F 10:

Clear Aperture = 12"/ 304.8mm / .3048m
Focal length = 120" / 3,048mm / 3.48m
Primary Mirror Diameter = 12.375" 314.3mm m
Secondary Mirror Diameter = 4" mm m
Obstruction 11.1%
Optical tube size = 13.6" mm /Diameter 25" Long mm
Resolution .375 Arc seconds
Visual Limiting Magnitude = 15
Photographic limiting magnitude 18.0
OTA Weight 50lb

Modifications include:

Quad internal 40mm cooling Fans
External tube insulation
Mirror Lock bolt
Modified stock SCT Focuser with bearings
ZWO EAF Auto focus motor
Peterson Eye Opener
Crayford Focuser (Williams) with EAF focus motor
Custom Paint
Tube flocking

-12" SCT Meade Classic Schmidt-Cassegrain @ F 3.33 with Optec reducer & ASI533mcp:

Clear Aperture = 12" / 304.8 mm /0.3048m
Effective Focal Length = 966.7 mm / 0.966.7 m
Focal Ratio F 3.1715879265091864
Primary Mirror Diameter = 12.375" 314.3 mm or 0.314.3 m
Secondary Mirror Diameter = 4" mm m
Obstruction 11.1%
Optical tube size = 13.6" mm / Diameter 25" Long mm
Resolution .802 Arc seconds 11.3 X 11.3 mm
Photographic limiting magnitude 18.0
Stacking Photographic limiting magnitude 19.9
FOV 40.4 x 40.4 arcmin or 0.67 X 0.67 degrees
Radius 0.476 deg
Current Orientation: Up is -92.03 degrees E of N
OTA Weight 50lb

-12" SCT Meade Classic Schmidt-Cassegrain @ F 3.33 with Optec reducer & ASI533mcp: Subsample Size ROI 80% or 2400 X 2406 pixels

Clear Aperture = 12" / 304.8 mm /0.3048m
Effective Focal Length = 968.5 mm / 0.968.5 m
Focal Ratio F 3.17749343832021
Primary Mirror Diameter = 12.375" 314.3 mm or 0.314.3 m
Secondary Mirror Diameter = 4" mm m
Obstruction 11.1%
Optical tube size = 13.6" mm / Diameter 25" Long mm
Resolution .801 Arc seconds / pixel or 9.0 X 9.0 mm
Photographic limiting magnitude 18.0
Stacking Photographic limiting magnitude 19.9
FOV 32.4 x 32.4 arcmin or 0.534 X 0.535 degrees
Radius 0.476 deg
Current Orientation: Up is -92.03 degrees E of N
OTA Weight 50lb

-12" SCT Meade Classic Schmidt-Cassegrain @ F 3.33 with Optec reducer & ASI224mc:

Clear Aperture = 12" /304.8 mm /0.3048m
Effective Focal Length =

"/1004mm / 1.044m

Primary Mirror Diameter =

12.375" 314.3mm m

Secondary Mirror Diameter = 4" mm m
Obstruction 11.1%
Optical tube size = 13.6" mm /Diameter 25" Long mm
Resolution .3-- Arc seconds
FOV 0.00 x 0.00 arcmin
Radius 0.476 deg
Photographic limiting magnitude 18.0
OTA Weight 50lb

-------------------------------------------------
- 8" SCT Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain F10:

Aperture = mm
Focal length = mm

Modifications include:

Tube flocking
Custom paint
Feather Touch focuser
ZWO EAF auto focus motor
Crayford focuser (Williams)

- 8" SCT Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain @ F 1.95 (Fastar):

Aperture = mm
Focal length = mm

Modifications include:

Tube flocking
Custom paint
Feather Touch focuser
ZWO EAF auto focus motor
Crayford focuser (Williams)

/F1.9 fastar with internal flocking, Williams Optics Crayford focuser and Starlight Instruments feather touch focuser. Williams optics 2" dielectric diagonal:

- F1.9FR setup = 203.2 mm 0.2032m Aperture
- @ 386.1 mm 0.3861m Focal length
F3.3FR setup = 203.2 mm Aperture
@ mm Focal length
F6.3FR setup = 203.2 mm Aperture
- @ mm m Focal length
F10FR setup = 203.2 mm Aperture
- @ mm m Focal length

--------------------------------------------------
- Celestron C6-R Achromatic refractor F8 with internal flocking, Williams Optics focuser. Williams optics 2" dielectric diagonal. Baader 2" fringe killer filter:

F3.3FR setup (152.4mm Aperture
@ mm Focal length)
F6.3FR setup (152.4mm Aperture
@ mm Focal length)
F8FR setup (152.4mm Aperture
@ mm Focal length)
1.5" mm barlow setup (152.4mm Aperture
@ mm Focal length)

- Williams optics Zenithstar 80mm fluorite doublet refractor "10Th" anniversary.

Camera`s and Optical Train

-Web-Cam: CMOS Size = 1/3"
ZWO ASI533MC Pro color CMOS camera:

Back Focus Depth = 6.5mm / 17.5mm
CMOS Size = 11.31 x 11.31 mm

1" or 15.968 mm Diagonal

Pixel Size = 3.76um
Full Well = 50000 adu
Sensor IMX533
Resolution = 3008" x 3008"
ADC 14 bit
Read noise = 1.0e
Detector QE 80%
USB 3

- ZWO ASI224MC color CMOS camera:

Back Focus Depth = 12.5
CMOS Size = 4.9 x 3.7mm ⅓ or 6.0mm Diagonal
Pixel Size = 3.75um
Full Well = 19200
Sensor IMX224
Resolution = 1304 x 976
ADC 12 bit
Read noise = 0.8e
Detector QE 80%
USB 3

- Auto Guider 60mm wide field lens:

Aperture = mm
Focal Length = mm

- ZWO T2 / T2 Camera Adapter:

T2 Thread Male x T2 Thread Male =
Back Focus Depth = 2.0mm

- ZWO T2 Tilter:

T2 Thread female x T2 thread female =
Back Focus Depth = 11.00mm

- Peterson Eye Opener Adapter:

SCT Thread =
Back Focus Depth =

- Williams Optics Crayford focuser:

SCT thread =
Back Focus Depth =

- Stella Cam II analog video camera from Adirondack Video Astro. (All sky camera)
- Mallincam EX analog video camera from Rock Mallin.
-5 position filter wheel with 1.5 barlow for planetary observations.
Optical Train
12" SCT Deep Sky and Minor Planet Wide Field Imaging Zwo Asi533mc pro:

Peterson Eye Opener
Bauder UV / IR Cut filter
Optec NG Maxfield 3.33 FR
Optec Adapter spacer Assembly 1.38
ZWO T2 Tilter
ZWO T2 to T2 male adapter
ZWO ASI533mc pro
FOV X = 40.04 FOV Y = 40.04
Plate Scale =
Pixel Scale = 0.806 bin 1x1
Pixel scale = 1.-- bin 2x2

12" SCT Deep Sky and Minor Planet Wide Field Imaging Zwo Asi224mc:

Peterson Eye Opener
Bauder UV / IR Cut filter
Optec NG Maxfield 3.33 FR
Optec Adapter spacer Assembly 1.38
ZWO T2 Tilter
ZWO T2 to T2 male adapter
ZWO ASI224mc
FOV X = 16.60 FOV Y = 12.50
Plate Scale =
Pixel Scale = 0.77 bin 1x1
Pixel scale = 1.-- bin 2x2

12" SCT Planetary and lunar Imaging:

Peterson Eye Opener
Bauder UV / IR Cut filter
Optec NG Maxfield 3.33 FR
Optec Adapter spacer Assembly 1.38
ZWO T2 Tilter
ZWO T2 to T2 male adapter
ZWO ASI224mc / ASI 385mc Camera
FOV X = 00.00 FOV Y = 00.00
Plate Scale =
Pixel Scale 0.00 bin 1x1
Pixel scale 1.-- bin 2x2

12" SCT Deep Sky and Minor Planet Imaging:

Peterson Eye Opener
Bauder UV / IR Cut filter
Optec NG Maxfield 3.33 FR
Optec Adapter spacer Assembly 1.38
ZWO T2 Tilter
ZWO T2 to T2 male adapter
ZWO ASI224mc
FOV X = 16.60 FOV Y = 12.50
Plate Scale =
Pixel Scale 0.77 bin 1x1
Pixel scale 1.-- bin 2x2

--------------------------------------------------
8" SCT Deep Sky Wide field Imaging:

Fastar Adapter assembly
Bauder IR / UV Cut Filter
ASI224mc Camera
FOV X = 00.00 FOV Y = 00.00
Pixel Scale 0.00 bin 1x1
Pixel scale 1.-- bin 2x2

8" SCT planatary and Lunar Imaging:

Fastar Adapter assembly
Bauder IR / UV Cut Filter
ASI224mc Camera
FOV X = 00.00 FOV Y = 00.00
Pixel Scale 0.00 bin 1x1
Pixel scale 1.-- bin 2x2

8" SCT Imaging:

Fastar Adapter assembly
ASI224mc Camera
FOV X = 00.00 FOV Y = 00.00
Pixel Scale 0.00 bin 1x1
Pixel scale 1.-- bin 2x2

Weather Station

Ambient Weather WS-1965

COMPLETE WEATHER STATION: (1) All-in-one Sensor array and (1) Color LCD Display
ALL-IN-ONE SENSOR ARRAY: Reliably measures temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall with 16-second real-time updates on the console
SMART HOME READY: Set up alerts, access your data remotely, and program your home based on weather conditions using IFTT, Google Home, Alexa, and more
ENHANCED WIFI: Enables your station to transmit its data wirelessly to the world's largest personal weather station network (optional setting)

Ambient Weather MEO Outdoor Instrument array WS-1965
Ambient Weather MEO Cool Room Indoor Temperature & Humidity Sensor WS-1965 Display Console Internal Sensor
Ambient Weather MEO Trolley Outdoor/Indoor Temperature & Humidity Sensor WH31E
Ambient Weather MEO Trolley Dew Sensor WH51LW
Ambient Weather

Computer Equipment

- PC#1. Trolley PC new self designed and assembled tower PC running Windows 11 (6 core)- PC#2. Warm room PC (Tower to remote into the trolley PC)- PC#3. (reference) HP 2000 laptop running Windows 10.- PC#4. (satellite tracking) Hp 2000 laptop running Windows 10.- PC#5. (imaging) ACEPC T11 running Windows 10.- Six 20" & One 24" LED monitors in a landscape-portrait-landscape arrangement.- "Saitek" Red LED keyboard.- Logitech rollerball mouse.- Four computer usb switches for keyboard/mouse.- Three "Taurus" USB hubs.- Three 30' "Cables To Go" active USB cables.- Two Frame grabbers.- "Radio Shack" 12 volt PWR supply.- Current software link

Beta Projects and Upgrades

New system for"Cloud Control". ( Yeah Right, good luck with that one! )
Trolley Backup Portable Hard drive ( Complete Fall 2024 )
Dew sensor and backup rain warning sensor. ( Completed 2025 )
Trolley temp ground level sensor. ( Completed 2025 )
Second Instrument trolley for Allsky Cam, SQM monitor, GPS time sync, Meteor camera aray ( Design in Progress )
Upgraded Trolley rails. ( Design in Progress)
Imaging and slewing Automation and Scripting. ( Completed Fall 2024 )
Replacement Weather Station CWOP due to age related failure. (Complete Summer 2024)
New dedicated imaging computer with multiple graphics cards for fast data reduction and synthetic tracking. ( Design In Progress)
Temperature system to watch the delta T for focus shift. ( Design in progress )
Ethernet surge protection system. ( Design in progress )
Wind breaks for the trolley. (So far even in windy conditions this hasn't been an issue)
New wider field camera ZWO asi533mc Pro cooled camera for using the NG max Focal reducer ( Completed Fall 2023 )
Dark current reduction via a cooling add on for the ASI224mc ( Completed Summer 2023 )
Trolley instrument mount (Selfie stick) that will retract for the all sky camera and lighting ( Completed Summer 2023 )
New improved Instrument trolley mark II. Smaller platform footprint with instrument rails. ( Completed Summer 2023 )
New U track system for the trolley with U wheels to aid in retaining polar alignment and effortless roll out. ( Completed Summer 2023 )
Cameras for live weather and current weather station information. ( Design in Progress )
New Astrometry software (Tycho Tracker) ( Completed fall 2023 )
Crayford focuser with an EAF ASCOM compliant focus motor installed on the 12"SCT ( Completed Summer 2022 )
Focal Reducer Optec F3.3 Custom fitted to the 12" SCT ( Completed Summer 2022)
CCD Tip \ Tilt Plate installation ( Completed Spring 2022 )
Auto Focus Motor ASCOM compliant 12" SCT ( Completed Spring 2022 )
Auto focus Motor EAF ASCOM compliant installed on the 8" SCT ( Completed Spring 2022 )
Remote Bahtinov mask operation. ( I decided this is not a necessary feature due to the FWHM multi-star focus feature in sharpcap )
Restoration of 12" SCT with upgraded Quad cooling fans ( Completed Spring 2022 )
Wide field camera for satellite tracking 5 to 3 degree FOV. ( In progress with testing )
Active cone of protection lightning protection system tower. ( Design in Progress )
New second Trolley to carry two Mounts and more instruments. ( Design in Progress )
over using multiple computers. ( Completed summer 2021 )
GPS receiver and timing software for Time synchronization of PC clock for more accurate timing over NTP.
1 σ low latency milliseconds accuracy. ( Completed summer 2021)
Remote ASCOM focusing for all telescopes. ( Completed 2021 )
Auto Guiding Scope, Camera and Software ( Completed 2021 )
Additional adjustment bolts for adjusting cone error for the C8 fastar scope dovetail plate ( Completed Spring 2022 )
All sky camera. (Completed 2020)
Weather station and integration with web to control temp of scope before roll out. ( Completed winter 2020)
Automated voice operational checklist. ( In progress 2020)
Automated observatory power up and shutdown of all systems including lighting and security. ( Completed summer 2020)
More advanced alarm sound horn. (completed summer 2020) I still can't hear after that!
Multi-monitor system for computers. (Completed Winter 2019)
Upgraded desk and chair. (Completed summer 2019)
Backup power for the mount & observatory systems to allow for a temporary power loss that would result in having to realign the mount and reset the system. (Completed winter 2020)
Light color floor paint in the observatory cool room to aid movement in dark conditions. (Completed winter 2020)
Walkway from the house to the observatory. (Completed fall 2019)
Walkway solar lighting 1800 K with additional solar panels. (Completed winter 2020)
Upgraded wide field CMOS imaging camera. (Completed spring 2020)
Upgraded planetary imaging camera and filter wheel. (completed summer 2020)
Dedicated imaging PC for high frame rate imaging. (Completed winter 2020)
Dedicated camera for scope and trolley operation. ( In work winter 2020)
Humidity removal system and inside Temperature monitor. (Completed winter 2021)

History of Mind's Eye Observatory 2009 to 2011

I first started using a three wheeled scope dolly system rolled out and in from my garage to observe. Although it worked better than hand carrying the equipment outside it had issues. The concrete retained the day's heat and affected the local seeing. Also, there was a lot of jugging cables and equipment in the roll out / roll in process. At that time I was also transporting the system to dark sites for observing. Moving the equipment, assembly and disassembly, was back breaking. Since the dark skies camping opportunities were becoming less frequent, I decided to construct a temporary geodesic structure in the backyard. The observatory was designed and constructed to be taken down in case of a hurricane. Since it was considered a temporary structure it was not an issue with local code. It was a success as designed but I still had to take the system down for the summer. I used it for a few years to increase my observing time throughout the year. It was just too hot for the equipment. I was also unable to use it in the summer because I was sharing space with the telescope in the open structure and the bugs and heat made it unbearable.See my page on the geodesic shelter design here.