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The primary objective of the observatory is to deliver astronomical images to its
users, and as such the telescope and CCD camera are important pieces of equipment to this
end. However, to facilitate this the observatory requires a variety of technologies integral
to delivering its objective - these range from the automated roof process to the solar array
to the satellite communications. As this page develops information on the PLC and
weather station integration with the automation process will be forthcoming, but for the
present details on our satellite communications and solar array can be found below.
Satellite Communications
Through the generous support of Telstra,
the NTQO is equipped with a broadband two-way satellite Internet connection. This
provides us with a download speed of 512kbps and an upload speed of 128kbps. For our
observatory, having an upload speed higher than the usual modem speeds is quite
important, as it allows the user to communicate with the telescope and/or ccd camera
without any significant latency. This means that the images taken by the user will
arrive on their computer much faster - allowing for a better experience using the
NTQO system. After all, the less time spent waiting for images to arrive means that
you can be imaging more objects during your session! The broadband satellite connection
is crucial to the future aims of the observatory, including the addition of streaming
video of landscape, lunar and planetary scenes, plus the expansion of the telescope array.
Solar Array
The solar array installed at the NTQO consists of 12 solar panels, capable of delivering
an estimated power production of 5.3kWh per day. This produces around 1900kWh
per year, or roughly the equivalent of the energy consumed by a colour television playing
for 18 hours per day over the course of a year. Our batteries are capable of powering the
observatory for 27 hours of continuous operation, and combined with the solar array, the
observatory is able to operate for over two days without any power from the grid.
The array was made possible courtesy of funding from the Queensland Government's
Department of Innovation and Information Economy. Further information on the
capabilities of the array will shortly be forthcoming, however for those
interested in the system our contact person is
Dr Kame Khouzam
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