My DREAM OBSERVATORY has ELECTRICITY!
Education
Introduction
Hello! I’m excited to share the latest update on my rolloff roof observatory, located in my backyard in New Hampshire. If you’re new to my channel, I've been documenting this entire build process on YouTube. Up until now, there have been four installments in the series, and this is the fifth. After a bit of a hiatus, I’m back to showcase my recent project: the completion of the electrical setup in the observatory.
I am thrilled to announce that I now have five outlets and two lights strategically wired throughout the observatory. In the past, I relied on an extension cord connected to a power strip and used a headlamp for lighting, which was far from convenient. Having fixed lighting and outlets adds significant convenience and functionality to the space.
Recent Updates
Since my last video, I painted the exterior of the observatory to match the main house—red with white trim—and added charming window boxes for flowers, inspired by the plans from Skyshed Observatory.
To begin my electrical project, I needed help getting power from the house to the observatory. I enlisted a local master electrician to extend the electric service from my home. He installed a subpanel in the observatory, equipped with a generous 60 amps—more than I currently need but future-proofing for potential expansions.
Before commencing any electrical work, I made sure to turn off the main power to the subpanel and confirmed it was not live using a Klein Tools voltage tester. I carefully planned out a wiring diagram and used 12/2 Romex (RX) wire for the installation. This wire includes a hot wire (black), neutral wire (white), and ground wire (bare copper) all enclosed in sheathing for easier handling.
I drilled holes through the wall studs to accommodate the wiring and nailed in electrical boxes for light fixtures, switches, and outlets, leaving enough excess wire for adjustments. The outlets were set at a standard height of 16 inches from the floor, except for one box positioned higher on the wall, which I’ll explain later.
The Wiring Process
Wiring the lights was straightforward, and I won’t bore you with the specifics, as your observatory might differ from mine. One of my favorite DIY products is the Wire Nuts for wire connections and the Leviton Decora Edge switches. These switches are user-friendly, allowing for easy installation by simply inserting the stripped wire into the designated hole and securing it with a lever.
Due to the observatory’s unique outdoor environment, I chose expandable in-use outdoor covers for the outlets. For safety, I installed a GFCI outlet, ensuring protection against any ground faults.
After wiring the first circuit, I was ecstatic to flip on the lights, confirming everything worked appropriately. For lighting, I opted for Philips Hue LED RGB bulbs, allowing for remote control via the Philips Hue app on my smartphone—perfect for adjusting light intensity and colors as needed.
With the first circuit up and running, I tackled the second circuit, supplying power to each pier where the telescope equipment will be set up. Initially, I planned to position the outlets flush with the floor but changed my mind after considering moisture issues. Instead, I used waterproof boxes and ran the RX wire above ground.
Setting Up the Cameras
Now that I have permanent electrical power, I've added security cameras to the observatory. I selected the Wyze V4 models, which offer continuous recording to a Micro SD card. These high-end endurance cards are crucial for consistent video recording, especially in the event of a break-in.
The Wyze cameras have an app that allows me to adjust various settings, including turning off all lights when imaging, ensuring no disturbance from unnecessary illumination during operations. When I’m absent, I’ll re-enable the lights as needed for security, allowing for motion detection and alerts sent straight to my phone.
Future Plans
As for future modifications, I plan to consider motorizing the roof and adding weather sensors. For now, I enjoy manually rolling the roof back each night, observing the night sky at my own pace.
Finally, I have some exciting ideas to improve the observatory further, including exploring computing tech options and incorporating an all-sky camera system for continuous monitoring.
Keywords
- Rolloff Roof Observatory
- Electrical Setup
- Subpanel
- Philips Hue
- Security Cameras
- GFCI Outlet
- DIY Wiring
- Weatherproof Boxes
FAQ
Q: Why did you need a professional electrician for the electrical work?
A: I wanted to ensure everything was done correctly and safely, especially when extending the electric service from my house.
Q: What type of light bulbs did you choose, and why?
A: I chose Philips Hue LED RGB bulbs for their flexibility and ease of control via a smartphone app, allowing me to adjust colors and brightness.
Q: How do the security cameras work?
A: The Wyze V4 cameras can record continuously onto Micro SD cards and are controlled through an app, allowing motion detection and privacy settings.
Q: Why did you decide against flush outlets?
A: To prevent moisture issues, I chose to use waterproof boxes for the outlets positioned higher off the ground.
Q: Are you planning to motorize the roof in the future?
A: While I am not in a rush to motorize the roof, it remains a possibility for further automation and convenience.