Post Deposit

What to Expect After Installation

Thank you for choosing StarFront Observatories for your remote telescope hosting. Below is an outline of what to expect after installation.

I. Installation Standards

• Polar Alignment: Your system has been installed and polar-aligned with a total error tolerance of less than 30 arcseconds
• Cable Management: All connections and cable management have been optimized for reliability and performance. Note: For systems equipped with rotators, we recommend setting a limit of 180° rotation to prevent full revolutions that could lead to cable wrap issues.
• Balance: Your system has been optimally balanced for your type of mount.

II. Post-Installation Process

A. Connection & Verification

• Our staff will assist you using the installation ticket created in Discord after your deposit was made.
• We’ll ensure you can successfully connect to your system.

B. Testing Your Equipment

• Test all components and connections to ensure everything is reachable.
• If you encounter connectivity issues, our team will help troubleshoot and get your system online.

C. VPN Access (If Required)

• If your system requires a VPN (e.g., RDC, ASIAIR, Celestron Origin), we will provide credentials if not already configured.

D. System Usage & Initial Testing

• Once connected, you are free to test your system.
• Report any technical difficulties, and we will assist.

E. Advanced Adjustments (Available for a Fee)

• Note: Collimation and advanced optical adjustments are not included in the standard installation. Contact us for pricing and scheduling.

III. Accessing Roof Status Files & Weather Data

• General Information: For safe automation, access the roof status and weather files. This information is also pinned in the Customer General channel on Discord.
• Roof Status File Update: We’ve updated the Roof Status file network. Please read carefully!

A. IP Address Change

To improve network management, the server has moved to a new IP address. This change only affects Buildings 1 and 2.

Buildings 1 and 2.

• Path: \\172.16.5.21\sfro-customer
• User: guest
• Password: (none required)

Buildings 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8:

• Path: \\74.84.11.58\sfro-customer
• User: guest
• Password: (none required)

B. Update (1-22-2025)

If you’ve had trouble connecting recently, please try again. We’ve resolved issues caused by the Windows 24H2 update.

Login Details:

• Username: guest
• Password: guest

C. Accessing the Roof Files

• On Windows, use the “Add a network location” feature with the path provided above.
• The same path applies to all buildings, with more to be added as configured.

D. Windows 24H2 Users

• If you don’t have 24H2 or have adjusted local policy settings, you can connect without a username/password.
• If affected by Microsoft’s new security settings, use guest for both the username and password.

E. Windows 24H2 Users

• Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
• Navigate to: Computer Configuration ? Administrative Templates ? Network ? Lanman Workstation
• Open Enable insecure guest logons, set it to Enabled, then click OK.

IV. Return Label for Equipment and Shipping Materials

• Important: If you have not done so already, please create a return label for any equipment, shipping materials, or boxes that need to be returned, as these items are not stored on-site.
• Please note that smaller items—such as filters, collimators, and similar accessories—will be securely stored in a dedicated pier bag attached to your pier.
• Note: If you do not want the boxes and shipping materials returned, they will be discarded.

V. Additional Information

Flat Field Photography:

• We utilize the sky for taking flats. Detailed instructions and guidance on capturing flats are available from our Discord community.

Observatory Coordinates:

• Longitude: W 99° 22' 54?
• Latitude: N 31° 32' 51?
• Time Zone: Central Time (US -6:00 UTC)

Happy Hunting!

For further help, open a support ticket or ask our community!