Make an Appointment
Unlike some other observatories, we welcome you to deliver your gear in person and do your own setup. When completing your install ticket, select the option to deliver it in person and choose a date and time. We'll normally ask you to show up 2-3 hours before sunset to do the installation, then hang around and do polar alignment once the sun is down and the roof is open. If you need to come back the next night for polar alignment and collimation, that's fine.
Packaging for Delivery
You might be able to be less rigorous about packing since you know your equipment is going to be handled more carefully that it would be by UPS or FedEx. But we encourage you to label your cables to make setup go easier. And don't entirely ignore padding and boxing your equipment to keep it safe on the way to the observatory.
Finding the Observatory
The location of the observatory is somewhat remote. Apple devices tend to not be able to find it at all, and Google will route you onto some very poorly maintained (or unmaintained) roads if you don't know what you're doing. Old-fashioned turn-by-turn directions might be your best bet. We’ll provide directions if you choose to drive to the observatory. In the meantime, set your destination as Beryl Junction, UT and you’ll be close.
Installing your Equipment
When you arrive, you'll find power at the base of your pier and enough Ethernet cable to reach your PC, Mac, ASIAIR, or Ethernet switch regardless of where they're mounted. We'll install your mount on the pier plate, and mount the pier plate on the pier. You can take it from there. We'll have some tie wraps if you need to attach things to the pier. We'll likely have any tools you might need, but bring your own if you can.
Facilities
We're working on getting a portable toilet installed, but as of this writing there is none. There's no water, no food, and no place to sleep. Plan accordingly.
Lodging / Food
Nearest hotels are in Cedar City and St. George, about 45-50 minutes east and south, respectively.
There are a few AirBNB and Vrbo houses, apartments, and rooms that are closer, but they are few in number. Read the listings carefully to make sure you know what you're getting.
There is a sit-down burger place in Enterprise — about 20 minutes south. You'll also find gas, groceries, and a hardware store there.