Wiznet makers

1️⃣ Project Purpose — Why W5500?

🎯 Ultimate Goal

Build an automated ROR (Roll-Off Roof) observatory for remote astrophotography — capturing celestial objects from anywhere without being on-site, powered by an Arduino + W5500 combo that delivers reliable Ethernet control at a fraction of the cost of commercial observatory systems.

💡 Requirements for This Goal

To achieve true remote operation, the system needs:

• Stable Communication
  • Observatory roof open/close control
  • Battery power/charging management
  • Temperature & humidity monitoring
  • Ventilation & dehumidification control
  • Remote PC boot trigger (WOL) → All must be controlled in real-time
• Long-term Operational Stability
  • Outdoor environment exposure
  • 24/7 operation capability
  • Reliability even during reboots or failures

🔌 Why WIZnet W5500 Was Chosen

• Stable Hardware TCP/IP Stack
  • Excellent stability even in unstable network traffic conditions
• High Compatibility with Arduino Nano
  • Perfect for real-time control with fast response times
• Proven Performance
  • Successfully tested in WOL triggers, web servers, and device control scenarios

👉 Conclusion

W5500 serves as the "nervous system" of this remote observatory. All core control operations rely on the stable wired Ethernet network provided by W5500.

2️⃣ Overall System Flow

Here's the complete workflow of the remote observatory control system:

User → Web Dashboard (TCP) → W5500 + Arduino Controller → Observatory Hardware Control
                          ↓
                      Discord Webhook Notifications

2-1. User Interface

• Access web UI from smartphone/PC
• Monitor observatory status
• Control roof opening/closing, power on/off, dehumidification, and ventilation

2-2. Network Control Layer

• W5500 connected to Arduino Nano
• Acts as TCP-based web server
• Receives commands and executes hardware control

2-3. Hardware Control Layer

• ROR roof opening/closing
• Battery charging/discharging monitoring
• Temperature & humidity-based equipment control
• Fan, ventilation, dehumidifier operation
• LED lighting control
• Remote PC boot (WOL)

2-4. Notification System

• Real-time event detection via Discord Webhook
  • Roof closed/opened
  • Battery power cutoff
  • Charging started/completed
  • Login success/failure logs

3️⃣ Modules Used and Their Roles

Note: Only confirmed modules are listed below. No speculation included.

🔧 (1) Control System

✔ Arduino Nano

• Main MCU for overall device control
• Handles sensor control and motor/relay operations

✔ WIZnet W5500 (Wired Ethernet)

• TCP-based control server
• Processes remote commands (roof control, power, fans, dehumidifier, etc.)
• Triggers Discord webhook notifications
• Sends WOL (Wake On LAN) packets
• Core communication module connecting web UI and hardware equipment

🔋 (2) Power System

✔ Solar Panel + Lead-Acid Battery Charging

• Automatic charging during daytime
• Battery operation at night/during imaging sessions

✔ LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) Battery

• Powers entire observatory equipment
• Status monitored by Arduino

🌡 (3) Environmental/Utility Control

✔ Fans / Ventilation / Dehumidifier

• Speed control and On/Off via W5500 TCP communication
• Manual/automatic mode switching

✔ Temperature & Humidity Sensor

• Displays current status on UI
• Used for control condition determination

✔ Heater Fan, Peltier Heater

• Controls dew and moisture
• Maintains conditions around OAG and main camera

📷 (4) Astrophotography Equipment

Imaging Setup:

• Telescope: Redcat51
• Mount: AM5
• Imaging Camera: 26000KMA
• Guide Camera: 174mm mini (Touptek OAG)
• Filter: Antlia 36mm 3nm
• Accessories: DIY CAA, Gemini EAF, DIY AutoFlat

Imaging Session:

• Ha: 18 frames × 300s
• O3: 18 frames × 300s
• Total exposure: 3 hours
• Post-processing: PixInsight

4️⃣ Results and Achievements

📸 1) ROR Observatory Exterior

• SActual sliding roof structure implemented
• Direct waterproofing and insulation construction
• Continuous improvements made based on field issues
• Now operating stably

📸 2) Interior Equipment Configuration

• Camera/mount/filter wheel/guide system
• Cable management and controller placement
• W5500-based controller installed inside

📸 3) TCP Remote Control Web UI

Available functions:

• Roof open/close
• Power On/Off
• Battery charging status
• Temperature/humidity, fan, ventilation control
• LED brightness adjustment
• Status log display

The UI updates in real-time, operating seamlessly from remote locations thanks to W5500's stable communication.

📸 4) Discord Webhook Notification System

• Roof close command executed
• Battery power OFF
• Charging started/completed
• Login timestamp recorded

This system significantly enhances observatory operational reliability.

📸 5) First Light Results (NGC6888, etc.)

• Captured: 2025.04.26
• Successful remote imaging
• Redcat51 + 26000KMA + AM5 combination
• NINA-based remote imaging workflow verified

⭐ Conclusion

This ROR observatory project is not just a DIY build — it's an excellent example of creating a fully automated remote observation system using W5500-based network control.

Key Achievements:

• ✅ Remote observation control
• ✅ Power/environmental automation
• ✅ Discord webhook integration
• ✅ Stability-focused design
• ✅ Successful first light imaging

At the heart of all these achievements lies W5500's stable wired network communication.

From WIZnet's perspective, this case demonstrates "How W5500 can serve as the core of IoT control equipment in real outdoor environments" — making it an outstanding reference implementation.