Author Archives: Michael Foegelle

Gallery Software Updated

Ok, I just finally upgraded to the latest version of the Gallery 3 software. So far things look normal on the gallery pages, but please let me know if you see something that doesn’t look like it should. Thanks, Michael

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New Faux Wood Blinds

So a few weeks ago I added one of the last finishing touches to the observatory, adding my new faux wood blinds.  I had to get some replacement parts to install the valance correctly.  Here’s the final result.  

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Custom Focus Motor

So in the process of developing custom automation for all of the components in the observatory, I’ve built the first of several focus motors using a 3-D printer I bought last October (and finally received in February!). The control uses … Continue reading

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New Orion Ranch Observatory Logo

I’m proud to announce the completion of the new Orion Ranch Observatory logo. I think this captures the spirit of the observatory and its history, as well as my memories as a child looking up at one of the most … Continue reading

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The Culprit!

I was always a science nerd growing up, and even though my physics R&D lab in grad school was on the same floor as the astronomy department, I never even had time to take an astronomy class in college! Years … Continue reading

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Construction Video Posted

So I finally took the time to piece together close to a year of time lapse video and create a short construction video of the entire build. I’ve posted the two minute long, 1800X version, and will post a slower … Continue reading

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Observatory Complete!

Well, close enough! There’s still going to be various touch ups, and plenty of work to do to get things automated to the level I want, not to mention pouring some porches sometime this summer and finishing landscaping, but for … Continue reading

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Custom Ceiling Fan

So I’m way behind on keeping up with posts here.  One of the things that I was working on in parallel with the construction of the observatory was a set of custom artwork for adorning my ceiling fan blades to … Continue reading

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Weather Station Online!

I’ve had the weather station for a while, but now that I have a relatively reliable permanent internet connection to the observatory, and a server that seems to be running stable, I’ve added web pages for the weather station to … Continue reading

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Long Delayed (Big) Update!

So I haven’t had time to post anything lately, but I’ve been busy with work on the observatory.  I’ve brought everything up to date so there’s lots to look at over on the gallery pages.  I managed to get the last … Continue reading

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