The observatory is situated in Kyalami, South Africa. The observatory is Polar configured with an equatorial mount manufactured locally. The observatory is robotically operated from an office on the ground floor.

Telescopes:

2 x Meade LX200GPS (300mm)                                           Field Flattener

Solar Filters:

 Both 100mm and 300mm (off axis) Type II Solar Filters are    available.

CCD Camera:

MX716 Monochromatic, SXV H9C Colour

Field Flattener:

Series 4000 f/3.3 CCD Focal Reducer. A major downfall of this configuration is the fact that the Micro-focuser unit, CCD Flattener and CCD camera when coupled together cannot pass through the forks of the Telescope if imaging close to the celestial pole is required (or similar declinations). A modification of the Flattener is possible wherein it and the camera slide into the light baffle of the optical tube assembly which allows close Polar photography. (See scope Modifications page)

Telescope Mount, pointing accuracy and motorized tracking:

The TAL can be piggy-backed onto the Meade LX200 and counter balanced using home made mounts. Sections of aluminium were bent to the radius of the OTA of the Meade using a 300mm concrete garden lawn roller and attached by screws into the manufacturers holes in the OTA. This configuration once alignment of both scope axes has been set, allows for accurate tracking and pointing to the target.

Software:

Astro-Art is used in the acquisition and tracking of objects. The software allows for remote control of the telescope. Processing of data for light curves is done using AIP4WIN.