The VLRT-Project

In our VLRT-project, we intend to use a small short focus telescope in a remote operation mode. The operator will be able to control the scope directly over a VPN or with a client. So the Operator can use the best nights for the observation without beeing on site. A rewarding goal seems to observe relatively bright variable stars for they are much neglected. This is due to the small field of view of the usual long focus telescopes used in conjunction with a relatively small CCD-chip leading to a dearth of comparison stars. A short focus instrument yields a relatively wide field, so that suitable comparison and check stars could be found more easily. For highest possible precision, we use the internal guiding chip of the main camera.

The Hardware

A Meade ETX70 (focal length 350mm, f/5) on a Celestron Nexstar SE 1 mount could be remotely initialized. In theory, every telescope could be managed, as long it is supported by the INDI-Lib. Thanks to many cameras and a stable setup, the initialisation of the telescope is very quick and easy. The main camera is a SBIG ST7XME with internal guiding chip. For developing and testing, we used a Canon EOS 350D.

The Software

On site we use Debian Linux on Raspberry PI Hardware. The tested operating system is 100% pure from the distribution with no proprietary add ons. The PI has an openVPN to the VLRT-Network. Over this network a client can control the hardware at any time using the INDI-Lib. The surveillance cameras and site relevant data is available for any browser within the VLRT-Network.

Client connections should be on Linux over VPN too, but if the user has only Windows or Mac, the user may use such clients like RDP or X2Go to connect to a Linux based Terminalserver, wich is able to control anything.

Why do we build a VLRT?

So, the biggest question of all is why are we building another remote telescope? Anrent there enough? Simply: no! There aren't enough telescopes. Also, we are sure that our way for building cheap and good sites is a good way to help astronomers around the world!