Global Rent-a-Scope

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What do I need to go Remote?

Host your own telescope in Australia for as little as
$4.20 USD* per imaging hour!

Robotic Telescope Mount

We require your mount to have absolute encoders which means it doesn't need to re-sync with the night sky after a hard power cycle. You should be able to turn your mount on, home it and begin slewing without the need for a sync.

We suggest one of the following Mounts:

Paramount GT
Paramount ME
Any mount with Software Bisque MKS Control System

Please note we will not accept any mount without absolute encoders as the costs to support the mount remotely are prohibitive.

Brand Name Computer

Based on our experience we have found brand name computers to survive the test over time over home built computers. HP, Compaq, IBM are all good starting points (all system interfaces are required to be native--no serial to USB converters please). We also require all PC supplied to be fitted with a USB external hard disk drive for backup purposes and a Ethernet card.

Quality Telescope

Any quality proven telescope is generally adequate for remote operations which can hold its collimation over time.

Takahashi
RC Optical Systems
Astrophysics
TMB
Celestron OTA
Meade OTA
ASA
Many Others

Quality Focusing System

Please be advised that inconsistent results can be expected from a focusing system that does not use absolute positioning. Other systems may work but are not considered relaible.for remote operations.

Remote Power Switching

Remote power switches are a must in remote operations which allows you to remote your equipment remotely without the need ground support staff. We suggest a product from:

http://dataprobe.com/products/power/powerstrips/ibootbar/index.html
http://www.digital-loggers.com/lpc.html

12 Volt DC Power Switching

We can also provide 12 volt DC remote power switch which enabled you to reboot/power on/power off any 12 volt device.

Uninterruptable Power Supply

We also suggest you ship or we supply you with a UPS with power filtering to protect your equipment.

Remote Control Software

We suggest that you use software from:

http://www.radmin.com
http://www.gotomypc.com

These software products provide remote control of your desktop computer securely over the Internet. GotoMyPC is more responsive in remote operation than Radmin but at a slightly higher cost.

Designed and Consultancy

We offer a design and consultancy service as part of our service where we draw up electrical, computer wiring and optical diagrams to detail the complete specification of what is required to setup your system remotely. This process ensures we do not miss out on any cables that you forget to ship which holds up the installation or send us an incorrect power supply for Australian conditions.

Shipping & Taxes and Duties

Typically it cost around from $700 to $1,800 USD to ship a whole 12" system including the mount from USA to Australia via non-priority air shipment.

Unfortunately all shipments being imported into Australia that are valued more than $1,000 AUD will attract Australian Goods and Services Tax of 10% PLUS any duties applicable to your shipment PLUS any miscellaneous airport charges and handling fees. The good news is that most telescope equipment is duty free, expect for cables.

You would expect to pay for a fully insured shipped system valued at $60,000 of around $3,800 to $4,200 AUD in GST taxes and shipping charges.

Local Insurance

Local insurance can be purchase which starts from $700 USD per year for basic fire and theft.

Installation

Installation of your system will be completed shortly after the equipment has been received at Moorook. We will collimate, polar align, PEC train, build a Tpoint model, and configure you system completely as per the designed and consultancy documentation that we agree on before your system shipped.

Ongoing Maintenance

The ground crew will take a proactive approach to supporting your system and maintaining it for you. The ground crew will alert to you any potential problem and will not make any changes to your system without your prior consent unless it's deemed to a urgent safety issue. You are also more than welcome to setup a regular maintenance schedule with the ground crew.

We provide 3 service calls per month as part of the service any additional support calls will attract and additional fee.

The ground crew will be available to take support request from around 7pm local time to around 1:30 am in the morning, with calls after these hours being performed the following day. Urgent after our call outs attract additional fees.

* Based on the average usable clear night at Moorook.

Take me to the service costs!