Remote Observation System Link to heading

Project Description Link to heading

The goal of this project was to capture Transient Luminous Events (TLE) using a remote-controlled camera, with the ability to adjust the direction and angle of the recording device via internet commands.

Project Details Link to heading

The system centers on a desktop PC, which sends commands (azimuth and elevation angles) to a microcontroller. This microcontroller controls the pan-tilt unit to aim the camera, while also receiving data from the CCD camera and GPS antenna for time-stamping.

System Schematic Link to heading

This diagram shows the Arduino microcontroller controlling Solid State Relays (SSRs) to manage the pan-tilt axis of the camera, with terminal blocks organizing the wiring.

Pan-Tilt Unit: Enables precise camera positioning based on command inputs. Microcontroller: Manages the pan-tilt axis and supplies power to the CCD camera. Solid State Relays (SSR): Used to control the pan-tilt movement. Unlike mechanical relays, SSRs are highly durable due to their lack of moving parts. The Arduino microcontroller serves as the central control unit, chosen for its ease of use, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Microcontroller Casing Link to heading

A view of the Arduino microcontroller and Solid State Relays (SSRs) housed within a protective casing, organized for reliable control of the pan-tilt camera system.

Installation Link to heading

The remote observation system was installed at the SIMEPAR (Meteorological System of Paraná) site for real-time TLE observation.

The main objective of this project was to capture TLE (Transient Luminous Events)with a remote camera and also to control the direction and angle of any mounted record device through the internet.

Desktop PC, the core of the system, responsible for sending commands (azimut and elevation degrees) to the Microcontroller, receives all the CCD Camera output and GPS Antena time stamp.

The Pan-tilt unity only points the camera into the desired direction.

Microcontroller scheme to manage pan-tilt axis and camera power

Solid Stare Relays (SSR) was used to control the pan-tilt axis. SSR is an electronic switching device that switches on or off when a small external voltage is applied across its control terminals. SSR stands better than common relays because they have no mechanical parts and they are extreme durable.

To sum up, the microcontroller sends the command to the SSR, therefore controlling which axis of the pan-tilt will be moved. Also it is the power feed to the CCD Camera and pan-tilt itself.

Microcontroler inside casing.

Arduino microcontroller works as a central control unit, it is very simple to use, well documented, reliable hardware and presents the best cost-benefit against other brands.

Remote system installed in SIMEPAR (Meteorological System of Parana) site.

Contribution Link to heading

Solo Developer, Basic Electronic Technician, PCB designer and tester Institution: INPE - Institute for Space Research Date: July 2010 - Feb 2012