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It is always sad to see an industry close its doors. There have been many interesting points raised in this thread. Comparing two domes is like comparing apples to oranges. Both are different sizes. I know that 0.7 of a meter doesn’t sound like a lot, but it is a significant difference. So, add in a size offset into your calculations. You are also comparing a turnkey solution with full automation to a solution where several have stated that they wish they had an automation kit or had this extra bit. So I believe that this is really not a far comparison. You could compare the Sirius 3.5 meter to the ScopeDome 3.0 meter. There is only a 0.5 meter size difference compared to the 0.7 of the 2.3 meter Sirius. Again, both very different.
I have seen the offerings from most vendors. The two mentioned in this thread, and others from overseas. I currently have two domes from different vendors. The first has changed hands several times, and is still kicking. In one of its previous lives, the dome worked continually in the deserts (it is fully automated) for a decade. As the third owner, I have had only a few issues over the years, but only with parts that would be considered consumables. Contacts/pullies/cables etc. The second, is one of the domes mentioned in this thread, the ScopeDome 3 meter. Gee, all I can say is that it really is a nice bit of engineering. It has three phase motor to control the rotation, and shutters. The ramp up and down very smoothly. It has sensors that can provide several weather metrics as well, and act on them. All the fittings are stainless steel. The fiberglass dome is marine grade, well they construct ships. I know they have been wind tested and don’t require an additional wind kit, it’s built correct. The shutter system can be open or closed in high wind, it doesn’t flap outwards exposed to the wind. The slit is very generous in width as well. That allows for faster cool down, and reducing turbulents.
As it if a fully robotic solution, I really have no need to have anything in the dome other than my observatory control gear, pc, and scope. The last thing to have would be any extraneous items or clutter in the dome. To be honest, extra stuff only provides for potential accidents or snags. A clean observatory is a happy observatory.
I’m just a happy customer, and have no regrets with my last dome purchase over a year ago.
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