“My journey to HCRO for astrophotography started a few years ago when I decided to get a larger refractor and mount. I ended up purchasing a TEC 180FL APO and Paramount ME II (with absolute encoders). With this great equipment upgrade I had high hopes of getting great subs. I ended up being frustrated by the light pollution and generally poor sky conditions in coastal San Diego California where I live. My expensive set-up spent too much time not being used.
I was expressing my frustration to Tolga (Tolga Astro) and he suggested I take a look HCRO. The idea of a remote observatory was not new to me. Quite a few AP friends use them in NM, Texas, northern CA and Chile. However, the cost, equipment transport, and set-up seemed too daunting to me. Since I have being doing business for 8 years now with Tolga and value his input, I decided to give Greg at HCRO a call and see if it might work for me.
I was initially impressed by the fact that Greg answered my call right away in person. He then explained the process of getting equipment there, set up, and most importantly how to control my equipment remotely. He also presented several options for leasing the pier so I could do it monthly or yearly and lock in a rate. He also welcomed me to stay there while my equipment was being set up.
I am thoroughly enjoying using my AP equipment at HCRO and still trying to get used to much high-quality data I can get from there in a week as compared to when I had my equipment at home. I know if there is an issue Greg is just a phone call away.”
– Eugene Helsel