Tiny Telescope Observatory & Aperture Stretching

TINY TELESCOPE OBSERVATORY & APERTURE STRETCHING

The tiny telescope observatory is a dream for 16 years. The goal is to take a tiny telescope of precision optical quality, about 2 to 6 inches in diameter, and magically stretch it into a 20 to 60-inch telescope using high technology.

This is a fantastic story that's just beginning because a tiny telescope can now make big discoveries, after having aperture stretching. Studying the planets and moons, or deep sky, can lead to profound observational data and breathtaking imagery.

Fake big ETX Source

The core of the stretching technique dates back many years to a time when Humanoido was in Junior High School and needed a method to increase the performance of a high quality 4.25-inch diameter reflector telescope.

Several techniques were invented, some which are additive, to make a small telescope into a large telescope.

Meade ETX-60AT & ETX-70AT Telecopes

The first technique converted the 4.25 inch telescope into a 42.5-inch telescope using non digital means. As an example of this performance, when photographing Jupiter, the moon Ganymede came into view so it was captured too. To unbelievable surprise, Ganymede had surface structure visible in the photos and the stretching technique was etched in stone. 

The second technique uses an electronic invention to double the size of the telescope. This digital technique completely replaces the first non-digital technique which has its roots in chemical film based processing.

The third technique depends on the telescope design. A refractor is generally known to perform like a reflector telescope twice its size, because it has no central obstruction. The reflector telescope will be the base criteria.

The telescope is also found on Amazon.com

In conclusion, a Meade 60AT with a 60mm aperture will perform like a 120mm aperture, or 4.7-inches. Then applying Humanoido's electronic technique, this telescope will become a 47-incher. This is really fantastic.

MX-1 iPhone adapter

If you wanted to buy a 47 inch telescope, it might cost 1.1 million dollars and take up space bigger than a house. You can see the cost effectiveness of this project. The Meade ETX-60AT telescope is currently as low as $65 on Ebay.

Why the Meade ETX-60AT When Larger Scopes Are Available?
The telescope was chosen because it's a high resolution refractor without a central obstruction that can make it perform like a reflector telescope with twice the aperture. It was chosen for its diminutive size, perfect for a tiny observatory, or a tiny car observatory. It was also chosen for its computerized GOTO functions and simplistic ALT-AZ mounting and drive.

SpaceOne Aerospace Observatory

SPACEONE AEROSPACE OBSERVATORY AO

AEROSPACE OBSERVATORY
The concept of SpaceOne's Aerospace Observatory is proposed and studied. A design is in the works that will contain special instruments and equipment for conducting and supporting space flight. The AO will utilize small high resolution telescopes and powerful CCD imaging, plus techniques that support space launches and develop rocket technology.

Observatory Update

OBSERVATORY UPDATE
The Observatory now includes 12 very advanced cutting edge technology telescopes and has recently added the new powerful M3T. This is the most sophisticated Humanoido Labs observatory ever created in history and has supercomputer control over various incoming data from the spacecraft telescopes. The telescopes are controlled by the Big Brain, a semi cognizant living machine that reached supercomputing status and continues to expand its machine domain to explore the universe and beyond.

In addition to the new era of molecular mining, the lab continues to work a reinstatement of a full fledged remote robotic cyber space telescope that can be utilized from anywhere in the world through web access. This will allow free access to two telescopes placed at opposites on the Earth and accessible 24/7 day and night for observations. Initially observations will include all Messier plus selected objects, a star map computer, digital data base, choice of CCD cameras and at least one helper droid robot.

The observatory has completed an online astronomy magazine of a technical nature for advanced amateurs wishing to explore the universe and space with cutting edge programs and DIY science equipment. The journal is still being tested and is not yet posted online.

The observatory is looking at ways to observe through light pollution in larger cities, has developed a skyscraper rooftop project, and is investigating different Earth-Based machines to facilitate this endeavor.

The arsenal of creative observatory telescopes will continue to increase in power and inventiveness showing more and more clarity, unique detail and new discoveries.

A supercomputer will remain at the focus of these powerful telescopes to help accomplish the controlling and massive function duties.

The observatory will continue to have management under the M3T Telescope Control Center, the large Propeller Powered and controlling Big Brain Supercomputer Control Center, the busy DSC Deep Space Center, the overall global administering Ultra Space Administration, NASA with its loan of space equipment and parts, and Humanoido who brought everything together.

Robot Explorer Log 8 Wireless Camera

The complete wireless camera system for Robot Explorer produces the first color image in this setup test at the lab. The completed system will contain the battery supply, camera and transmitter on the robot carriage. The TV and receiver will locate at the base tracking station. The tracking station will include channels for picture and telemetry, along with a sound channel. As seen clockwise, the TV, camera, 1.2 GHz transmitter, battery pack and 1.2 GHz receiver.

A WIRELESS CAMERA SYSTEM
FOR ROBOT EXPLORER - Log 8

Robot Explorer is a new space robot designed under the Big Brain Initiative at Humanoido Labs, to explore new worlds at the outer fringes of the solar system.

One of the most important parts of the robotics system is the wireless camera. The camera will transmit live images from the surface of the planet or moon on its own channel and allow humans to watch as the robot explores a new world.

OVERVIEW
It took three months to design and gather all the parts necessary to build the wireless camera system for the Robot Explorer prototype. This system sends a TV color image by a 1.2 GHz frequency signal up to a long range base station, located up to 1,000 meters (.63 mile) in distance. The signal reaches the receiver, is decoded into the A/V NTSC composite 1V pp format and is fed to the TV's A/V input jack.

Specification page for the SONY CCD

WIRELESS CAMERA SYSTEM
The system consists of a miniature camera, camera image transmitter, camera and transmitter battery power pack, receiver and TV monitor. The TV monitor and receiver are located at the tracking station and the other parts remain within the robot. The modules are made in Taiwan. The units are prewired at the store by the store owner. It's apparent, the harness combines the battery plug with both transmitter and camera. The store owner wired the battery pack, which was purchased from another store, and provided the required power barrel end plug. Purchasing the system at the A/V store provided extra service, i.e. the entire system was wired, set up and tested. The other benefit, this is a take home system with no waiting for shipment for an unknown "working or not working" package that would require some assembly.

POSITIONING
The camera, battery pack, and transmitter are located on the robot. The receiver and TV are located at the tracking and telemetry station.

PURCHASING
The system was purchased locally at the A/V parts store. The owner provided service for putting the system together and testing it. He also wired the battery pack (purchased from another store), provided the power barrel jack, and tested it at no additional charge. Information is gathered from the store owner and a variety of sources.

MEASURING THE TRANSMITTER
The camera 1.2 GHz transmitter was measured with a frequency meter and actual respective channel frequencies were 1080, 1120, 1160 and 1200 Mhz.

COST IN NT$
$1,700 for the camera
$1,200 for the camera transmitter
$1,000 for the receiver
$2,500 for the TV monitor
$432.0 for batteries
$30.00 for the battery holder

Showing the battery pack, CCD camera with adjustable lens and the 1.2GHz transmitter. This is a custom made cable to join the camera and transmitter to a 12-volt battery power suppy.

CAMERA
Image Sensor ⅓” Sony Super HAD CCD (Sony SS11)
Horizontal Resolution 420 TV lines
Medium Resolution
S/N Ratio more than 48dB (AGC off)
Auto backlight compensation
3.6mm Adjustable lens
LUX (.5 LUX @ f/1.2) Color
Effective Pixels NTSC 512(H) x 492(V)
Power Supply DC 12V
Power Draw @ 110 mA
Video Out 1Vp-p  75 ohm
Operating Temperature -10 deg. C to +55
Storage Temp -30 C to +60
Dimension 35mm x 35mm (less swivel base)
Weight 240g
Model (IAS-35XT42) Taiwan
http://www.intex.com.tw/detail.php?PID=52

TRANSMITTER
Frequency 1.2 Ghz (1200 Mhz)
Channels 4 (increments of 40)
Output Power 700mW
Range (1000m line of sight)
Battery 12 volt
Weight
Dimensions

The receiver is part of the base station that feeds live video transmitted from the camera. It feeds the 1.2 GHz signal into a converter resulting in A/V NTSC composite video out. It has a choice of 4 channels using one slide switch. The AV signal can be recorded on a VCR or camcorder with AV input record capability.

RECEIVER
Receiver TR-1500
Power 12Vdc
4 channels
CH1 = 910MHz, CH2 = 980MHz, CH3 = 1010MHz, CH4 = 1040MHz
AV Video Out NTSC 1V pp composite
1.2GHz
Video input : RCA*1 composite video 1 Vp-p, 75Ω
Video output : RCA*1 composite video 1 Vp-p, 75Ω
Audio output : RCA*1
Antenna : Dipole
Operation Temperature : -5degree to 45 degree
Operation Humidity 5% TO 85%
Dimensions : 130mm*80mm*23 mm (without antenna)
Weight : 263 g
Consumption : 12VDC 350mA
Connection : White - Audio, Yellow - Video 

CAVEAT
Even if the cable looks good with shrink wrap covering the connection, it's likely the two wires were only twisted together and not soldered. If an intermittent open connection occurs, it will not be surprising. Just strip the tubing and wiring, add new tubing, solder it together and shrink the tubing.

LINKS
http://www.dronesvision.net/en/wireless-av/44-racewood-900mhz-wireless-av-receiver-vrx-for-fpv-wireless-cctv-cameras-green-label.html

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/cctv-900tr-1500-0-9ghz-a-v-mini-receiver-box-manual-4ch.html

http://www.rc-cam.com/forum/index.php?/topic/3672-comtech-tuner-module-upgrade/

Venus Jupiter Conjunction Ends

VENUS JUPITER CONJUNCTION COMES TO A CLOSE

 The Jupiter Venus Aldebaran conjunction comes to a close because its southern path puts it behind the skyscraper's south wall at Observatory Lab 50 and the project must be concluded. Lab 50 is used for celestial events rising in the East, northerly objects and star fields, and testing various Big Brain eyes.

In the small photo, at top is Jupiter, to the right of Jupiter is Aldebaran in Taurus, with Jupiter below.

At least three other stars are visible, some of which can be corroborated with the black and white photo.

The color photo was taken July 29th, 2012 at 04:01:46 am at f/2 with a CCD imager and a one second exposure (IE at 1.7). The ISO was pushed to 1,600.

The photo converted to black and white was taken at 04:04:31 am with the same imaging settings. The image is processed to see more stars through the heavy light pollution of downtown Taipei. Shown to the left of 101 is Auriga and Capella with the Pleiades at top right.

One might wonder why not continue to take shots like the small color photo...this was dangerously obtained by hanging out over the safety guard railing at a height of hundreds of feet in the air. Another reason the photo is small is because the CCD is hand held for this view and motion occurred during the exposure. To minimize the appearance of trailing, the image was reduced.

New CCD Eye

Screen within a screen

BIG BRAIN GETS A POWERFUL NEW CCD EYE

The Big Brain can now look farther and deeper in the Universe depths with this new big color camera eye. On June 13th, 2012, the Big Brain gained a powerful new CCD eye, purposed for imaging great gains to ISO 27,000.

Features The electronic lensing eye employs a CCD element sensor which saves data to a 16 GB High Speed SD Ultra Card by Sandisk at a high speed data transfer rate of 30MBPS. The sensing element is a 10.0 Megapixel 1.1.7-inch Charge Coupled Device with a fast pre image forming F/2.0 to F/4.9 wide angle (28mm to 105mm) lens capable of zoom at 3.8 optical x 4 digital (15.2 combined). It contains a full size 3-inch bright LCD monitor with 461,000 pixels. The eye can time expose a quarter of a minute (15 seconds) for astronomical and dark area imaging and reaches a fast high end exposure of 1/1600s. Vision is as close as 2-inches or out to infinity and includes a timer. One great feature is the programmable function ring which can be assigned various modes.

Battery pack and recording media

The eye handles continuous imaging at 1.9 views a second and will also record video and stereo audio. The digital zoom is silent on the recording audio. The eye features the advanced Optical Image Stabilizer System. Capacity is 164,734 views per card fill. Resolution goes to 3648 x 2736 pixels. Data is saved in compressed or full JPG or high resolution RAW and is fully compatible with Apple OSX Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and iPhoto. The eye interfaces with High Speed USB 2.0, NTSC, PAL, and records in Stereo. The Vid can handle 5-hour stints and has an active optical zoom. (Capture 720p HD 24 FPS video in stereo sound; playback on an HDTV via the HDMI output.) Weight is only 6 ounces (170g) and approximate housing dimensions are 3.93 x 2.3 x 1.16 inches (99.8 x 58.4 x 29.5mm), ideal for both Brain and telescope mounting. Framing is selected from 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, and 4:5. The battery used is NB-6L. The image camera can serve as an advanced robot eye, a Big Brain image center, the imaging device for the Ultra Space Program, a satellite imaging unit for launches into space, etc. The interior Canon S95 electronics is similar to the Canon G12 at half the price. (the G12 is larger, heavier, slower, with a smaller LCD display but has more external controls, a flip out LCD and a closer focus macro.) For more information refer to Canon PowerShot S95 information at http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_s95#Specifications

Monetary Investment What does this system cost when exported to overseas markets like Taiwan? The camera lists for US$399.99. A package with camera, one extra original manufacture's battery, LCD protect screen covering, a SanDisk 16GB 30MB/s Ultra Media SDHC1 Card (note: this is currently the fastest, class 10, data transfer card of this type offered by SanDisk), a Digital Cleaning Kit and the dealer service plan was $380.00. Separately added by Humanoido Labs is a specialized sides-reinforced black zippered bag that holds: the camera, one extra battery and the download USB cable plus notes. Note, the hard leather camera case recommended by the seller was not purchased as it had a bolt which did not line up with the camera and could not hold any accessories. www.amazon.com currently sells the camera for US$392.00 without any accessories.

Improvements Over the Previous Eye The new Canon S95 eye represents a great improvement and major upgrade over the previous Big Brain SONY T10 eye. T10 ratings: CCD, Sliding Lens Cover, F3.5 to F4.3, 38mm Lens, 7.2 Megapixel, 2.5” LCD 230,000 Pixels, 3X Optical 6X Digital Zoom (18 combined), 90x55x21mm size, 165 Grams weight, JPG Format, 30FPS Video, Shutter ¼ Sec. to 1/1000 Sec., Movie can zoom, ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, Macro 1cm, 7.4 Million Photodetectors, Tripod Mount, Lithium Battery, 2Gb Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo, SONY Cyber-shot InfoLithium battery NP-FT1.
http://asia.cnet.com/product/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-t10-39268480.htm
http://asia.cnet.com/product/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-t10_specs-39268480.htm

SONY T Series Announcement

NOTE: According to internet sources, all known SONY T series cameras, such as T10, T20 etc. have a manufacturing defect. Apparently, new or old cameras can develop a lens vibration anomaly rendering the camera useless. A stabilizing lens gyro internally with glue mounts fails. SONY offered a free recall fix in 2011 that has now ended. Camera owners are now left with a very expensive fix, in which in some cases has failed again, or the route to purchase another brand camera.

Summary In summary, the new S95 eye has a faster lens, a more sensitive ISO rating, can take longer time exposures and faster exposures, is about the same small weight, size and has a similar timer, has a 2" macro instead of .75", has a larger brighter display, a larger megapixel CCD imager, adds stereo sound, and has a card with eight times the storage capacity.

SanDisk Data Card
Information and quotes from the SanDisk Web Site
SDHC (16 & 32GB), SDXC (64GB) form factor, Class 10 performance for Full HD† video (1080p), Read speeds up to 30MB/s* Capacities up to 64GB** Writeable label for easy identification and organization. Lifetime limited warranty*** Water-proof, temperature proof, X-ray proof, shock proof‡ Form factor: SDHC (16GB and 32GB), SDXC (64 GB) Available capacities: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB Performance/speed: Up to 30MB/s* read speed; write speed lower. SDHC card dimension: 0.94" x 1.25" x 0.08" (24 mm x 32 mm x 2.1 mm) Operating temperature: -13ºF to 185ºF (-25ºC to 85 ºC). Storage temperature: -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC) Compatibility: Compatible with all SDHC or SDXC supporting host devices. Security: Built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss. Support: Lifetime limited warranty*** Jewel case included . Not all devices support SDHC and/or SDXC memory card formats. Check with your device manufacturer for more details. * Up to 30MB/sec read speed; write speed lower. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes. ** 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes. Some capacity not available for data storage. *** 10 year warranty in Germany, Canada, and regions not recognizing "lifetime" warranty. † Full HD video(1920x1080x30fps) and HD (1280x720x30fps) video support may vary based upon host device, file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content and other factors. See www.sandisk.com/HD ‡ SD, SDHC and SDXC card formats up to 64 GB only. See www.sandisk.com/proof for additional information. SanDisk Ultra® Class 10 SDHC™/ SDXC™ UHS-I Card 30MB/s. Get the highest video recording performance with Class 10 rating for Full HD† video (1080p), plus more speed to catch the shot with your point and shoot camera. With SanDisk Ultra UHS-I cards you'll benefit from faster downloads, higher capacity, and better performance to capture and store more Full HD video. Take advantage of ultra-fast read speeds of up to 30 MB/s* to save time when moving images from the card to your computer. SanDisk Ultra UHS-I cards are water-proof, temperature proof, X-ray proof, shock proof‡, compatible with all SD/SDHC digital devices, and come with world-class customer support. 16 GB Item# SDSDU-016G-A11 SanDisk Ultra SDHC UHS-I cards are for point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders to capture Full HD† Video (1080p) and pictures. Featuring speed class 10 for the highest video recording performance available and more speed to take better pictures instantly.