Recently an automatic UBVRI photometer has been under construction at the University Observatory, St Andrews, for use on the 1.02-metre telescope at the Royal Observatory, Cape Town. Two problems have been encountered which would seem to be of general relevance. Firstly a Cassegrain focus acquisition head, specific to the photometer, was required, and secondly a large rack of electronics must be shipped to South Africa. Clearly these problems have occurred to other guest observers, and it is suggested that they would be greatly reduced by the adoption of international standards, preferably through the IAU, relating to mechanical and electronic interfaces.