Question 1

Buying a complete telescope set V.S. Renting a remote telescope?

Accepted Answer

Purchasing a full astrophotography setup allows for hands-on observation and usage, giving a tangible sense of ownership. The trade-off is the substantial initial financial investment and the physical effort required to transport heavy equipment to dark sky locations, which also demands time and energy. However, for those with a private observatory or a suitable backyard, the hassle of travel can be avoided, and efficiency can be high. In such cases, the only limiting factors are likely to be the clear sky rates, seeing, and SQM(how dark the sky background is).
    On the other hand, renting remote telescopes has its advantages. You naturally benefit from the best shooting environments since observatories are often located in areas with minimal light pollution, high clear sky rates, and excellent atmospheric stability. At night, you can simply turn on your computer or even your smartphone to capture images, saving the travel time. Within the same timeframe, you can spend more time imaging, potentially increasing your output of work. The downside is that you don't "own" the telescope—you're renting it.
    Some people prefer the feeling of ownership, considering the economic perspective that if they lose interest in astrophotography, they can resell the equipment and recoup some funds. Others value the acquisition of more data in a dark, stable environment, allowing for higher quality DSO (Deep Sky Object) captures, especially when adding details to previous works to enhance their quality. Purchasing an equivalent full set of equipment can be too costly and inefficient if usage is low.
    Another approach is to have your own equipment hosted at an observatory, which saves the time and effort of traveling to dark sites and improves shooting efficiency with optimal conditions. The economic downside is the initial investment in the equipment plus the annual fees for hosting it at the observatory.

Which approach do you like better?

Question 2

How to use Remote Telescopes?

Accepted Answer

Generally, only two steps:
 • Download the TeamViewer client,(https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/download) fill out the booking form with your TeamViewer ID, that's it. It's a third-party software and required to access the mini PC fixed on the remote telescope, and it's free for you.
 • In the mini PC, we've installed the SGP(Sequence Generator Pro) (https://www.sequencegeneratorpro.com/)for automated imaging, it's optional and you can also use other imaging software that you are familiar with, such as TheSkyX, MDL, etc.

We also prepared the Remote Telescope Manual (https://omiastro.com/ris-manual)to help you use the remote telescope easily before booking any service. If you determine to try FREE, please read it first, doing so will help maximize your valuable imaging time.

Question 3

How will I get my data - images?

Accepted Answer

• Data synchronization to the Google Drive is automatic and transparent to users, but it is essential to ensure that your data is stored in the directory mentioned above. 
 • Generally, data synchronization will be completed within three hours after the end of each service session. 
 • Your data will be only shared to the sign-up email address. 
 • After ensuring that the data is synchronized to the cloud on the next day after the service ends, we will delete the local data unless you're willing to share. Cloud-based data will be deleted 30 days after synchronization to provide ample time for you to download your data.

Question 4

What are the opening hours for the observatory?

Accepted Answer

• The observatory roof typically opens one hour before the daily service, which starts at 21:00 (local time) and 13:00 (UTC), allowing you to familiarize yourself with the system or perform setup tasks. 
 • The observatory roof typically closes one hour after the daily service ends at 06:00(local) 22:00(utc) the next day, allowing time for clients to capture twilight flat fields, process acquired data, or schedule subsequent tasks. Please be aware of the operational time window for the remote telescope service and plan your tasks accordingly to avoid data loss.
 • Occasionally, the observatory site may experience prolonged heavy rainfall, high humidity, thunderstorms, or lightning, which usually occurs during the local summer season. In such cases, to ensure the safety of the observatory equipment and prevent damage due to humidity or lightning, the local staff will temporarily shutdown (cut off power to) the mounts, cameras, mini-PCs and the entire observatory. We will promptly email all clients currently using the remote telescopes to notify them of this mandatory closure.

Question 5

Is there local technical support and how can I get help?

Accepted Answer

• We have on-site technical personnel available to respond to your urgent and temporary on-site hardware and software support needs, including but not limited to:
		- Unexplained hardware connection failures
		- Guiding failures
		- Polar axis re-calibration

• Local staff works during the following time slots:
		- Gemini Observatory: 14:00-00:00 (local time), 06:00-16:00 (UTC).

• You can text or email us, send requests to get local support during their working hours, or contact us to schedule local support in advance.

Question 6

Where can I check the realtime meteorology monitoring data?

Accepted Answer

• You can check the realtime monitoring data of Gemini Observatory on this AMM page.(https://www.omiastro.com/amm-monitor)
 • This page automatically refreshes every 10 minutes, displaying the latest status of the observatory (open or closed),  local meteorological conditions - cloud cover, humidity, wind speed, etc., and astronomical observation conditions - seeing, SQM, lunar phase, astronomical twilight, etc.

Question 7

What is the Setup & Tech-Support fee for?

Accepted Answer

The Setup & Tech-Support fee is the nominal fee to cover the costs associated with preparing and maintaining the equipment for use, which includes:
1. Initial Setup: The labor and expertise required to set up the telescope and other hardware, e.g. system balance, polar alignment, cable management etc; preparation for all software needed ensuring it's calibrated and ready for use, which includes installing necessary drivers and imaging software, configuring auto-focus settings, meridian flip settings, and other related tasks. These preparations are crucial as they ensure the software is properly set up and functional, saving substantial time that would otherwise be spent on troubleshooting and testing.
2. Unlimited Technical Support: Ongoing assistance with any technical issues or questions that arise during the use of the equipment, e.g. flat-box preparation, unexpected connection failure etc.
3. Training: Providing the necessary instructions on how to better use the equipment effectively.

This fee ensures that the equipment you use is always in top condition and that help is available when you need it, allowing you to focus on your astrophotography or stargazing experience.

Question 8

Anything else should I know?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the effects of light pollution from distant villages and obstructions from observatory walls, it is recommended to image targets that are at least 25 degrees above the horizon.

Question 9

Remote Telescope Manual

Accepted Answer

Use TeamViewer to access remote telescope

In order to access and control the remote telescope, camera etc., you'll need a remote desktop software called TeamViewer,(https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/content/free-download-with-license-options/) it's free for personal use. There is a mini-PC fixed to the remote telescopes. By using the TeamViewer, you can access the desktop of that mini-PC with your iMac, tablet or even smart phone from anywhere via the internet and control the equipment. As remote desktop access, there may be slight delays, but under normal circumstances, the delay is negligible, and in some cases, you may not even notice it, just like you're using your own PC.
 • Please ensure that the TeamViewer (https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/content/free-download-with-license-options/)ID you provided to us is accurate, as we will only authorize access to the submitted ID. An incorrect ID will prevent you from accessing the telescope.
 • You can find your unique TeamViewer ID on the main screen of the TeamViewer, or on the "About TeamViewer" window:
	
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or at the bottom of the Settings page in the TeamViewer app on your mobile device:

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You can also submit multiple TeamViewer IDs, allowing you to access the telescope from multiple devices.
 • The server-side TeamViewer ID for remote access will be included in the confirmation email you receive after successfully booking. Using the authorized TeamViewer ID and the provided server ID and password from the email, you can access the remote telescope.
 • During remote access, please avoid terminating the TeamViewer process or modifying settings, as this may interrupt the remote control and affect your service usage.

Use SGP for auto-imaging

• We've installed SGP (Sequence Generator Pro) (https://www.sequencegeneratorpro.com/) on each mini-PC, as the default automated imaging software - free for OMI users. For beginners, please read this Beginner's guide (https://downloads.sequencegeneratorpro.com/SGP-The%20First%20Week%20v3.pdf)first, it's pretty easy and you can absolutely read and practice using the remote telescope simultaneously. You generally only need to input the target’s name or coordinates and exposure time, and the system will fully automate the imaging tasks. 
 • While SGP is the default software, you can also use your preferred imaging software such as NINA, MDL (https://diffractionlimited.com/product/maxim-dl/)etc. Please tell us your preference after selecting any telescope plan, we'll prepare it for you. Remember to save your data files in the specific directory which has already been configured, as data will not be synchronized to the cloud otherwise.

Step by step, the following content is only for beginners:
After connecting to the remote desktop via TeamViewer, you will notice many shortcuts on the desktop. If the resolution seems low, you can adjust it for better clarity. Just click on 'Resolution' under the 'View' menu in the TeamViewer window and select a suitable resolution, typically 1920x1080 is a good choice:

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For first-time users, please click on the 'SGP' shortcut  on the desktop to launch SGP. You will be greeted with the following interface:

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Click on the 'File' menu, select 'New Sequence with Profile,' and choose the profile for this telescope:

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You will then see the newly created imaging sequence window. Please ensure the user profile is set to 'Gemini-User-Profile'; if not, select it manually. For the File Name, you can replace the initial 'OMI' with your First Name or any preferred name. The image files will be saved in the Directory\YourName folder:
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Next, you can create your imaging sequence according to your plan. Please refer to the Beginner's Guide (https://downloads.sequencegeneratorpro.com/SGP-The%20First%20Week%20v3.pdf)for detailed instructions, as we will not elaborate further here.

Once your imaging sequence is set up, ensure that the start time for the first imaging task is scheduled for no earlier than 8 PM, in accordance with the local time zone of the observatory's location.

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If you have multiple imaging targets, you may set different capture times for each as needed. However, please make sure that the end time for all imaging is set for no later than 6 AM:

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After completing your settings, click 'Save Sequence As' under the 'File' menu to save your imaging plan to a local .sgf file. You can place it on the desktop or in a folder for easy access the next time you log in.

Now, you're ready to connect to the equipment and begin imaging.

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SGP will wait until the start time of the first imaging task before executing the sequence. Please do not immediately click the 'Cooler' switch under 'Camera Control.' Often, there are several hours remaining until 9 PM, and starting the cooling process too early can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the CCD with no benefit. The cooling will automatically commence at the designated imaging time by SGP.

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Below are some tips you may need when using SGP for imaging:
		- Local data storage directory: D:\OMI\BaiduSyncdisk\Gemini-C7
		- Please refrain from modifying the data storage directory to ensure proper and complete synchronization of your data to the cloud.
		- FITS file naming convention: YourFirstName\%tn\%tn_%yy%mm%dd_%fe_%el_%fz_%ct
		- CCD angle, approximate autofocusing position, and filter set: Provided on the service information page under the system configuration section.

Enjoy your remote imaging at OMI!

Question 10

Privacy Policy for Remote Telescope Rental and Astronomical Image Data Sales

Accepted Answer

Effective Date: 05/04/2023

Welcome to the remote telescope rental and astronomical image data sales services provided by OMI OPTICS USA LLC (referred to as "we", "us", or "the Service Provider"). We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and safeguard the personal information you provide to us when using our services. It applies to all users of our services.

1. Information We Collect 
1.1 Personal Identification Information: We may collect your first name, last name, email address, telephone number, and credit card information when you register for an account, use our services, purchase products, or interact with customer service. 
1.2 Transaction Information: We record your purchase and transaction history but do not retain credit card details, as this information is processed and stored by the third-party payment platform Wix. 
1.3 Observation Data and Log Information: We collect and temporarily store details of your observation requests, observation data, and technical support records, along with log information generated during the use of our services. Observation data is deleted from local storage after syncing to the cloud, where it is retained for 30 days, providing you with ample time to download the data and benefit from our short-term cloud backup service.

2. How We Use Your Information 
2.1 To Provide Services: We use your information to process your orders, provide rental services and sell image data, and offer customer support. 
2.2 To Improve Services: We utilize the collected information to understand how our services are used and make improvements. 
2.3 Communication: We may use your personal information to communicate with you, including service updates, marketing information, and notifications related to service offerings.

3. Sharing and Disclosure of Information 
3.1 Third-Party Service Providers: We share necessary information with credit card processing companies, customer service providers, and other third parties who assist us in providing services. 
3.2 Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or to comply with legal processes, resolve disputes, or enforce our Terms of Use and other agreements.

4. Security of Your Information 
4.1 We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. 
4.2 Despite these measures, the security of information transmitted over the internet cannot be guaranteed to be 100% secure, so we cannot warrant the absolute security of information transmitted to us online.

5. Changes to This Privacy Policy 
5.1 We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes, we will notify you by posting a notice on our website and updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy.

6. Contacting Us 
6.1 If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
 • Address: 3400 Cottage Way Ste G2#16711, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
 • Phone: +1 (669) 388-1965
 • Email: info@omiastro.com

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

OMI Astro

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