Sirius Observatories - Maxdome II kit - dome not rotating?

[g__day]

I haven't done any astrophotography for a while - so I thought I would check my astro lab in the back yard and just clean things up.

The last check I did was to turn my Sirius Observator controller on and using the hand controller to turn the 2.3 metre dome 20 degrees left and right - to make sure nothing sticks.


There was some clicks from the motor - but nothing moved. I opened it up can could see 2 red light a gap red light off) then one more red light on the far right - so XX_X where X = red light on.

Is this likely to be just a almost 12V dead battery or something more serious? The battery does have two small solar cells facing NE and SW to power it up - but is likely to be at least 2 years old.

I couldn't find much on troubleshooting a standalone units light - wonder if anyone could confirm (or deny my suspicions before I just go out an buy a new battery)!

Many thanks,


Matt

[dikman]

Put a voltmeter across the battery and watch as you try to operate the motor, if the voltage drops noticeably under load it's either flat or on it's way out (the door). Put it on a charger and if it still happens then it's time for a new battery.

[h0ughy]

Battery is most likely the cause. It's happened to me twice. This weather and endless cloud killed the battery.

[g__day]

New battery - all sorted - phew! Also bought a new more capable multi-meter! Many thanks for all the help guys. Have recorded the lights now so I know what it should look like :)

Cheers, Matt

[dikman]

:thumbsup: Glad it was an easy fix.

[Peter Ward]

I have a mains step down 12VDc. 10 amp supply for rotation, and a 60w solar panel to charge the shutter battery. Touch wood, but it hasn't failed in well over seven years.

In time however the nylon guide block for the rotation spur gear will wear and you might hear the gear clicking due its disengagement with a subsequent lack of rotation...not good for the gear and well worth keeping an eye on.

[g__day]

I do recall reading you can power these from mains Peter - and I have plenty of 12V 10 AMP Lab power supplies on hand.

Do you just hook yours up to the battery inputs and run it through the normal 10 Amp fuse on the positive - I would love to see a picture of how you have wired the power into your unit!