Introducing The m1 OASYS - Observatory Automation System.

The m1 OASYS system is a Roll-Off-Roof Observatory Automation/Security System. This very flexible and robust system is a must-have tool for anyone wishing to secure, monitor, and remotely control their telescope observatory.

The m1 OASYS is a do-it-yourself (DIY) package that is easy to install and configure. The architecture for this system is based on the ELK m1 Gold Platform, an industry leading home automation system. This core architecture, along with the addition of key hardware and software components makes the m1 OASYS much more then a roof motor relay system, it is a complete automation system capable of doing some amazing tasks (and yes it can actually cook your coffee for you in the morning....). The core functions of the system are to;

1) Secure your Observatory - World-class home security system includes up to 16 separate zones to monitor windows, doors and other areas for intrusion, fire, etc....The system can alert owner of security breaches via Alarms, Phone, Text Message or Email. The system can also be connected to a remote monitoring company for added security. The security features of this system are additionally utilized as an add-on safety step when opening or closing the roof. Opening or Closing a roll-off roof is not a trivial task and the operator needs to take all necessary precautions before starting the roof motor. Damage to equipment can occur when the roof is in motion so all necessary precautions should be taken before executing such a command.

2) Monitor your Observatory - Monitors security status, arming/disarming events, intrusions, temperature limits, AC power failures, and more. System can alert owner of these events or failures via Phone, Text Messaging, or Email. In addition the system can be programmed by the end-user to react to specific events, for example when an AC power failure is detected, and the roof is open, the system can contact you via phone, then park your telescope, power down your camera, secure your observatory and close the roof, all automatically based on this single event. The possibilities are truly amazing.

3) Control your Observatory - The m1 OASYS can be programmed to automate many of the key functions of your observatory. The system can automate the open and close functions of your observatory roof and can be integrated into the security functions to ensure that your telescope is in a secure and parked position before opening or closing the roof. The system can control lighting and turn on/off individual systems such as computers, cameras, or mounts. All these automation tasks can be executed locally, via a system keypad, or remotely via Phone or Java Internet application.

4) Integrate your Observatory. The hub of this system is the m1 OASYS Live Application, an ASCOM compliant PC application.  This extremely robust and functional application allows many of these tasks to be executed remotely by image automation programs such as CCDAutopilot or ACP, thus allowing for completely unattended/remote imaging sessions. The application includes a number of options including alerting the user via Phone, Text Message or Email, whenever your imaging run is complete, giving you the flexibility to automatically close the roof or not.

The m1 OASYS was designed, developed and tested using a Back Yard Observatories Rack and Gear Roll Off Motor System on a 16x24 Observatory, however virtually any motor system, including Garage Door Motor Systems will work with this system.