MCAM Observatory Solutions
Engineering for observatories that need to work reliably.
MCAM Studios helps observatory owners, equipment builders and technical teams assess, integrate, automate and support real observatory systems — from a single troublesome device to a complete remote observatory architecture.
Services
A commercial ladder, not a telescope store.
Automation Assessment
Written first review before you rebuild hardware or replace software.
Open pageFull Engineering Assessment
Architecture, compatibility, power, network, safety and a budgetary roadmap.
Open pageDevice Integration Assessment
Decide whether the supported driver, a bridge, or custom work is actually required.
Open pageRemote Engineering
Scoped troubleshooting after the problem is defined. Not a substitute for assessment.
Open pageIntegration & Commissioning
Scheduled engineering day after scope confirmation. On-site is quote only.
Open pageAutomation, interfaces, OEM
Custom work only when a real gap exists. Starts from assessment or quote.
Open pageExisting-driver integration
If a camera, mount, focuser, filter wheel, rotator, dome or weather station already has a current manufacturer ASCOM, Alpaca or INDI interface, MCAM normally integrates and validates that supported path.
Custom software becomes appropriate when there is an actual gap: unsupported legacy equipment, an abandoned driver, custom hardware, a missing interface, a safety or recovery function that does not exist, or an OEM that needs software around its hardware.
Custom interfaces
Where the work usually sits
Raspberry Pi / Arduino
Controllers, gateways and I/O when the missing layer is local automation, not another desktop driver.
Dome / roof / safety
Close-down, weather interlocks and recovery paths that have to be engineered, not assumed.
Remote operation
Network, power and recovery so a remote site can be understood and brought back safely.
OEM engineering
Manufacturer and hardware-startup interface work. Quote, not a consumer ticket.
Pricing overview
- $299 Automation Assessment
- $795 Full Engineering Assessment
- $495 Device Integration Assessment
- $185 / hour Remote Engineering
- $1,250 / day Integration & Commissioning
- Custom automation starting at $2,500 — quote
- Legacy device integration starting at $1,500 after feasibility — quote
- OEM / custom interface — quote
- Annual maintenance from $750 / year
There is no public device-class price list for cameras, mounts or focusers. Price follows documentation, protocol, access and required test scope.
Project process
MCAM does not begin by selling custom code.
We begin by understanding the observatory, then use the supported driver first.
Tell us what exists and what must change.
MCAM reviews hardware, software and interfaces.
Existing manufacturer interfaces are preferred where appropriate.
Any actual gaps are documented.
Integration or custom software is built only where needed.
Hardware and interface behavior is validated.
The customer verifies the agreed scope.
A versioned package, documentation or report is delivered.
Maintenance and engineering support remain available.
FAQ
Do you replace manufacturer drivers?
No. We use the supported driver first. Custom work is for a real gap, not to replace a working manufacturer interface.
Can you assess a DIY or planned observatory?
Yes. The $299 assessment is the usual starting point before hardware is purchased or rebuilt.
Do you work with ASCOM, Alpaca and INDI?
Yes, as integration and interoperability work. That is not a certification claim and not a promise that every client is interchangeable.
Is on-site included?
No. On-site engineering is quote only. Travel and expenses are not included automatically.
Start with an Assessment — $299
A written engineering review before you buy hardware or replace software.