Know what your observatory needs before you rebuild it.

A structured first engineering review for observatory owners who need a professional answer before they start buying hardware or replacing software.

Purchase Assessment Complete intake

MCAM technical graphic used to explain architecture. Not a customer installation and not a claim that MCAM manufactures the equipment shown.

What we review

Current-state hardware and software
Existing ASCOM / Alpaca / INDI path
High-level compatibility
Automation gaps
Failure points and risk
Raspberry Pi / Arduino where applicable

What you send

Mount, camera, focuser, enclosure
Weather, power, network
Control software in use
What must change
Photos, logs and manuals by email — not EXE, DLL, MSI or scripts

What happens during consultation

Approximately 60–90 minutes remote. We walk the submitted configuration, test the supported-path question, and agree what belongs in the written report.

What the report contains

The mandatory deliverable is the MCAM Observatory Automation Assessment Report: findings, risks, prioritized roadmap and recommended next step. This is not just a meeting.

Who this is for

Owners of an existing, under-construction or planned observatory who need an engineering first look. Also appropriate before a large custom quote.

What it does not include

Custom programming
On-site travel
Hardware purchase
A guaranteed implementation price

Conversion credit

If you begin a qualifying MCAM Observatory engineering project valued at $1,500 or more within 30 days of assessment completion, the $299 payment is credited toward that project. Credit is recorded against the WooCommerce order, your email, the case reference and the completion date. There is no public coupon.

FAQ

Can I use this before building an observatory?

Yes.

Can MCAM assess a DIY observatory?

Yes.

Can MCAM review Raspberry Pi systems?

Yes.

Arduino?

Yes.

ASCOM?

Yes.

Alpaca?

Yes.

INDI?

Yes where relevant to integration.

Does $299 include custom programming?

No.

Does it include a written report?

Yes.

Does it include on-site travel?

No.

Purchase Assessment — $299

After checkout, complete the intake form and include your order number.

Purchase Assessment Intake form

Final feasibility depends on device documentation, firmware, supported interfaces, SDK availability, hardware access and required test scope. MCAM does not manufacture telescopes, mounts, cameras, domes or weather stations. Third-party names identify interoperability only. MCAM does not claim universal device compatibility, ASCOM certification, manufacturer affiliation, unattended safety without validation, 24/7 support, or that every ASCOM, Alpaca or INDI client is interchangeable.