As we're going to follow a step-by-step procedure to set up our observatory, let's start by deciding exactly what we want to be able to control:
- opening / closing the roof
- powering the mount
- powering the CCD camera(s)
- forcing off the observatory lights
…and monitor:
- the position of the mount (at home or not) if needed to operate the roof
- the position of the roof
- the power (mains availability)
…remotely. The above list can be considered a typical setup. Of course, it is not the same to set up your backyard observatory so it can be controlled from the living room as setting up your truly remote observatory 300 Km away from home.
Note: all the following examples will be aimed at setting up an observatory with these requirements; please use the same relay / sensor positions, as this will greatly simplify the process.