The telescope at the National Observatory has been serving astronomers from locally and overseas for more than 215 nights every year since 2013. Some electronic components in the telescope-control system, such as motor control board and controller area network (CAN bus) have become outdated, resulting in concerns that replacement parts will be obsolete in the future. In response, the Centre of Observatory Operation and Engineering at NARIT is developing a telescope–control system for the 2.4-m telescope at the National Observatory to extend the life of the telescope for as much as over 30 years like other telescopes worldwide. Moreover, the updated version of the software and hardware system developed by the centre will help the telescope support current usage efficiently.
The process starts with the studying and reverse engineering of the telescope system. Each part in the structural components and the plan of the telescope- control system is thoroughly studied. Consequently, a 14-inch telescope replica of the 2.4 meter diameter one is created to establish a system model. All of the main parts, such as the motor and the sensor positions, are the same as the ones in the telescope at the National Observatory. However, the electronic components in the control system are updated which allow for a new control system with a newer design, more modern functionality, and greater accuracy than the former analogue one. Additionally, a more accurate, complete and responsive warning system is also in development.
Furthermore, software engineers at NARIT are also designing and developing an interface which is more user-friendly. Details such as placement, font size, controls and keyboard, sound, and light, are designed to facilitate information input, command, and data display. Other related systems, such as camera system, dome, lightning and computer are also being facelifted.
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