We want to integrate the observatory into the internet gradually. We are starting with a web home page. Since the observatory operates independently, the current 9600 baud rate is sufficient. Most of the data is stored on a potable hard disk, which is changed once a week. Critical images can be transferred over the link in about 12 minutes.
Moisture is the biggest enemy.
The moisture sensor is a simple grid with a comparitor sensing resistance changes. This works well for rain and usually for snow. It also is very sensitive to dew, so an independent dew point sensor, hasn't been needed. Windspeed and direction are important in our ridgetop location. The sensor are standard, and used to select acceptable azimuths in windy conditions.