I agree it needs to be done and we’ll end up with about $5,000 left from the
Downing Family donation
Sent from my iPhone
On 27 Jan 2019, at 10:54 AM, Brian McFarland <brian.mcfarland@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
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).
