WiFi-enabled Crestron touchpanel aids in stargazing

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 1st 2008 at 11:25AM

We've seen home automation touchpanels used for some -- shall we say, unorthodox -- activities, but this is taking things to another ~~level~~ galaxy. Franklin, NC-based Dan Quigley has whipped up a way for his WiFi-enabled Crestron TMPC8X to actually control a giant telescope. Rather than manually getting the 'scope into the right position, he simply touches a button and watches it automatically check to see "if and when that object is viewable." While he's at it, he can dim the lights around him and check the local weather, and once a celestial body is in view, he can snap a photograph or have the system channel the image to any computer / TV. Suddenly, astronomy has become entirely more attractive.

[Thanks, Chuck]

Filed under: DIY, Misc, Other hardware

Tags: astronomy, Crestron, home automation, HomeAutomation, stargazing, stars, telescope, TMPC8X, touchpanel

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

tk101 @ Oct 1st 2008 11:34AM

Computer controlled 'scopes are nothing new - they've been around for a long time. They are also not that expensive - around $1000 for a scope with a decent mount and aperture size. And in all of these cases, the computer is built into the control handset, though PC/Mac control is an easy add-on with a cable and software (some is even free).

Not saying that his work isn't cool, as it absolutely is, but it also isn't a great leap. It just uses existing software and equipment in a new way.

And you should visit a local astronomy club "star party" some day. You will see more gear than you ever knew existed :)

TK

Neutral

Big John @ Oct 1st 2008 11:35AM

Nice use of Crestron equipment there. I love their stuff at work (installed in classrooms at a major university) and it's nice to see other uses of it.

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