Question about GM1000

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Jerry Gerber avatar
Yesterday there was a huge power outage in San Francisco where I live. It's still happening.

My GM1000 mount is at a remote observatory in New Mexico and I am unable to access it as my Wi-Fi & power is down.  All the equipment is turned off so my concern is that the roof was open last night and the temperature got down to 28F, humidity around 55-60%. 

Should I expect there to be some damage to the mount or other gear given that nothing was powered on and the dew heaters were also not functioning?

Jerry
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andrea tasselli avatar
That should be rather mild temperatures for a mount or anything else in the rig in fact.
Arun H avatar
This of us without access to remote observatories routinely leave our mounts in far worse conditions. If the conditions you describe damaged the GM1000, it wouldn’t classify as a mount worth its reputation and price.
Tony Gondola avatar

Not a worry Jerry…

Willem Jan Drijfhout avatar
These sound like mild conditions for regular astro-equipment. Should not be a problem.

Can you connect via cellular?
Jerry Gerber avatar
Willem Jan Drijfhout:
These sound like mild conditions for regular astro-equipment. Should not be a problem.

Can you connect via cellular?

No, but the power is back on after 22 hours so I can connect now.   I never realized what an electricity-addict I am...
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Frédéric Ruciak avatar

Hi Jerry,

I am preparing a remote setup to be installed in Spain remote hosting facility and their very first recommandation is to use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) between the main AC power and the setup to be sure that in case of power outage, there will be enough time with UPS to park and keep everything safe, the roll off roof is powered with their own UPS too. They give advice too to setup a special trigger in NINA in case of unsafe conditions (as weather station sending one or AC power outage) to stop the capture sequence and park the mount / close the roof while there is still power in the batteries. UPS is another investment to keep your rig safe and to sleep well ;-)

CS Frédéric

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TiffsAndAstro avatar
Ups for your router might be necessary in under developed places such as SF ;)

I once had a power outage in Sheffield. It's ok, I'll just watch TV. Oh. Oh well I'll read a book. Oh well…

Thankfully my neighbour had stockpiled candles smile
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