Guide: Mapping the Roof Status File Network Location

🚨 Important Usage Policy – Read Carefully 🚨

The Roof Status files located in the network share are for automation software use only

Customers must NOT open, preview, edit, or manually access these files using File Explorer, Notepad, Excel, or any other application.

These files are intended to be accessed only by the approved automation drivers currently used by the Starfront Observatories community.

⚠️ Why Manual Access Is Prohibited

Opening the files manually can cause:

• SMB file locking
• Temporary read/write access conflicts
• Incomplete file reads by automation software
• Automation timing delays
• Failed safety state detection
• Roof status misinterpretation
• Other clients’ systems being unable to read the fil
  

Even simply “opening to look” can create a temporary file lock under Windows. Because hundreds of systems rely on near real-time access, even brief locks can interfere with automation reliability.

For safety and reliability across the observatory network:

Only approved automation drivers may access these files.

Do NOT open them manually under any circumstance.

If you would like to view roof or weather status, use the approved dashboard or automation interface instead.

 

🚨 Network Paths & Login Details 🚨
To access the Roof Status File, follow the steps below to map it as a network location on your Windows PC.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Network Path

Use the appropriate path based on your observatory building:

• All Buildings

  • Path: \\172.16.5.21\sfro-customer
  • Username: guest
  • Password: (No password required)

Step 2: Map the Network Drive (Windows)

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E)
2. In the left panel, right-click on ‘This PC’ and select ‘Map Network Drive’
3. In the Drive Letter drop-down, choose an available letter (e.g., Z:)
4. In the Folder field, enter the network path from Step 1
5. Check ‘Reconnect at sign-in’ to keep the connection persistent
6. Click Finish

📌 Windows 24H2 Users: If prompted for login credentials, enter:

• Username: guest
• Password: guest

Step 3: Add a Network Location (Alternative Method)

If you prefer to add a network location instead of mapping a drive:

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E)
2. Right-click ‘This PC’ and select ‘Add a network location’
3. Click Next → Select ‘Choose a custom network location’
4. Enter the correct network path from Step 1
5. Click Next, then Finish

Step 4: Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Windows 24H2 Users – Enable Guest Logins

1. Open Group Policy Editor (Win + R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter)
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Lanman Workstation
3. Open Enable insecure guest logons, set to Enabled, then click OK

Other Common Issues

• Ensure your PC is on the correct network
• Restart your computer after mapping the drive
• Disable any third-party firewall or security software that may block SMB connections

Need Help?

If you experience any issues, submit a support ticket, and our team will assist you.

🔭 Happy Observing!