Off-season improvements
Last weekend I visited the observatory after a four month hiatus with Erik. We added some thick styrofoam to shield the telescopes from...
Ville Puoskari
- Nov 23, 2021
A multi-purpose travel rig
Because everything runs very smoothly at my observatory I've had time to start building a portable setup that I can take easily with me...
Ville Puoskari
- Sep 21, 2021
Automated observatory health check
When I visit my observatory I often check all sorts of bits and pieces to see if they are working - for example heaters that keep the...
Ville Puoskari
- Aug 16, 2021
Automate my weekend, please!
This weekend I brought my scope back to the observatory for installation. We had big plans so I was really excited about it! I started...
Ville Puoskari
- Aug 12, 2021
DIY gear reduction for 100mm Esprit focuser
I've had some problems with belt slipping with my focuser, so I decided to redo the parts that attach the focuser shaft to the motor. To...
Ville Puoskari
- Aug 7, 2021
Preparing for the coming season
In the summer there isn't much to do here in Finland if you are an astronomer. The sun almost never sets so astronomical darkness is gone...
Ville Puoskari
- Mar 23, 2021
Telescope park sensor
I've been tinkering with Arduino boards for few months now and I've found them quite useful for astronomy because they are so versatile....
Ville Puoskari
- Mar 8, 2021
Pit stop
Few weeks ago I tried to close the observatory roof and to my shock it was stuck open. So I was forced to drive on-site very early in the...
Ville Puoskari
- Jan 7, 2021
New all sky camera!
Ive wanted to build a good quality all sky camera for about a year now but I just havent had the time to do it. Now that its finally...