Allen Ruckle and I made some measurements of the two 120VAC lines and the
return running from the main entry box at the pumphouse to the observatory
subpanel on observatory row. This is the feed for all the observatories
including the Lipp and (soon) Cruzan. We did an insulation (megger) test to
make sure our idea of step-up/ step-down transformer solution will work for
that long 750' or so run. It won't. The insulation on those lines is failing.
In fact, even with the fuses removed from the observatory subpanel and nothing
connected, we are seeing about a half an amp draw on both hot lines. It's just
leaking to ground. This means that the insulation is breaking down and those
lines can fail at any time; when is totally unpredictable though.
This means we need to run new power to the observatory subpanel. Allen
recommends we run a new metered feed from the power pole on the side road on
the north side of the property (the one with the transformer) to a location in
the observatory area, preferably on the side of one of the buildings. We can
use mine, his, Sina's, whatever. Allen says this will be the cheapest and best
solution. I agree.
I have no idea of the cost, probably a few thousand dollars. Recommend we
proceed with this effort. I also think it would be a good idea to solicit
donations to the cause from the private observatory owners since it will be of
greatest benefit to them (just a suggestion).
