Digital-SF Dome

Dome At NightThe dome is a vintage (1998) 10' Technical Innovations Pro Dome. It's all fiberglass, 10 feet in diameter, with a two piece shutter that opens to 15 degrees past the zenith (105°).  The azimuth is powered by two belt driven friction wheel assemblies located at opposite sides of the dome.  The shutter is opened and closed with a system of cables attached to a winch. 

The dome is now computer controlled with an ASCOM compatible LesveDome controller and 12V power supply. The 12VDC azimuth motors are powered directly from the LesveDome control board. The shutter is wireless, powered by a solar charged 12V battery and controlled by an rc relay activated by the LesveDome control board.

 
 LesveDome Controller

This is a DIY dome controller available from LesveDome.Net. If you can load and solder a PCB, and wire a few relays, you can make and install this with ease.  The Arduino processor that runs the controller comes pre-programed, and the associated ASCOM drives are available online.  The controller will automatically match the shutter opening to the direction of your OTA, and can automate the operation of the dome's shutter as well.

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Old Drive Unit
Old Drive Assembly		 New Motor Drive
New Drive Assembly
friction encoder
Custom designed and 3D printed encoder assembly.		  
   

 

 
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