Motorising the
Sirius Observatory
The motorising of the
Sirius Observatory dome can either be done at the time of purchase,
or can be retrofitted afterwards.
Dome Rotation
Dome rotation is carried
out by the use of a 12volt DC battery powered supply. The motor,
gearing and battery are housed within a strong fibreglass case.
The case is mounted permanently to the top of the wall panel on
the inside of the observatory.
Rotation is available
both left and right using a pendant which can be moved to any
position within the observatory. Battery charging is via a solar
panel located on the sealed platform outside the observatory,
and adjacent to the motor case.
Hatch & Lid
Additional motorising
to raise and lower the hatches can also be added. The lower aperture
is opened, and closed using a 12volt mechanical actuator with
limit switches. The vertical sliding aperture is controlled by
a spring tensioned arm mechanism, again using a 12volt supply.
Sirius ATS Autodome
System
The ATS Autodome system
is a computer interface specially designed for the Sirius Observatory
range. Autodome uses a RS232 interface, and is designed to work
with Software
Bisque's Automadome Software
and The
SKY software.
Users with telescopes
that can be controlled remotely by The SKY software can slew their
telescopes to an object, and the autodome interface will command
the domes observing slit to automatically rotate to the same azimuth
position as the telescope. A 'Home' position sensor also allows
the dome to be parked at a known fixed position.
Dome Intro - General
features - Observatory Specifications
UK
Installations - Dome
Assembly
Home page - RCOS Intro - DayStar
Filters - Lille
Coronagraphs