Couple of months ago I decided to double my imaging efforts via remote equipment, so I bought a dome from Scope Domes. I contacted the local distributor (aka Rally) who is a member on this site and made my order. Last week the dome was delivered to my place and so I thought I would start a thread to show the development of this dome with you all.
My plan is to put the RC12 in the dome and the Tak in the roll off roof observatory.
The first image is of the dome as it is shipped. The second is of the new site. In the second image the pile of rocks is the site where the new dome will go. I will update the thread as things develop.
First thing it to get rid of the rocks. Some of it has to go into a wall up near the house and some of it is going to get picked up by a local contractor.
it is a 3 meter dome. It runs on a base ring. The walls of the dome are very thick and much thicker than a Sirius dome. I have seen a Sirius dome and I could push the walls slightly, these walls cannot be pushed in. The dome is fully automated and runs via an umbilical cord from the pier. It comes with a door which opens outward to allow easy access. Great quality and there should be more of them here in Australia. Their service is great too.
Awesome looking dome Paul! great design too, looks to have essentially about the same clear floor space as the 2.3m Sirius dome but the bulging sides will make it more roomy. I like the nice wide dome opening too although doesn't look to have quite as much wind protection on the dome opening side though as the dome opening goes down pretty close to the ground..?. but I am sure it will do the job very well . The video of it working looks great.
Nice pickup, you will have a veritable observatory cluster when you are finished
You should have seen the Rock pile at the start. Most of the rock has gone into a 15m dry stone wall about 800mm high. Moved all of it with a wheel barrow. Sometimes just one bit at a time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Awesome looking dome Paul! great design too, looks to have essentially about the same clear floor space as the 2.3m Sirius dome but the bulging sides will make it more roomy. I like the nice wide dome opening too although doesn't look to have quite as much wind protection on the dome opening side though as the dome opening goes down pretty close to the ground..?. but I am sure it will do the job very well . The video of it working looks great.
Nice pickup, you will have a veritable observatory cluster when you are finished
Mike
Yeah Mike it is about 2.6 on the ground I think. The open slit is about 700 up I think, so not much wind protection. Although Clayton rarely has wind at night. Most of the time it is so quiet that you can hear the ocean crashing on the beach near the Murray Mouth 6km away. The price was good too. A 3 meter Sirius dome costs quite a few thousand more than this one but the wall thickness is not as thick as this one.
One down side is the drive for the shutter runs via an umbilical. With the umbilical cord though this is not for observing in. I am looking at ways at present to put the umbilical under the floor.
Congrats Paul! Looking forward to seeing the construction pics!
What made you go this way rather than Sirius?
Cheers, Marcus
About 5000 dollar difference primarily. The units come complete with drives, electronics and cabling for just over $10000. A Sirius dome is much more expensive with the automation gear. Not to mention the build quality of these domes. I have seen a 3 meter Sirius up close and was not entirely impressed with the flex in the door or wall panels. Couple of guys I know bought these domes and had sung the praises of them. I bit the bullet a couple of months ago and ordered one.
I am also using their drives and USB2 kits on my roll off roof. Such is the adaptability of their equipment.
One down side is the drive for the shutter runs via an umbilical. With the umbilical cord though this is not for observing in. I am looking at ways at present to put the umbilical under the floor.
That's not cool, Paul. Does the dome controller have the intelligence to support an unwrap function to ensure you don't get the cord wrapped around the pier? I can see a sky survey or high volume tpoint mapping run end in disaster. I certainly hope you can come up with an alternative. I'm actually really surprised someone hasn't already performed a wireless retrofit.
I can't sing high enough praise for a Sirius dome with Maxdome II motorised shutter and rotation. The solution is a rock solid platform for remote observing. I've been running in this state for the last five years without a glitch but as you state, you pay a premium for it. Hey, no one said remote imaging was cheap!
Yeah it has that function Jase. The encoders keep an eye on where everything is and does an unwrap when needed. The Arkaroola boys use these domes and no disasters there.
Great to hear Paul. Looks like the dome slit opening allows for good clearance as targets cross the meridian near zenith too. Sounds like you're all set then! Looking forward to the updates. Hop to it!
Yes, very slick - nice to look at! But ... ummm ... where's the door? Presumably beneath the slit? Having the door rotating with the dome wouldn't work for me. Even though I'm semi automated, I still want to get into the dome to do "stuff" without walking in circles, falling off the deck or entering while the dome does a tracking move.
Nice! Glad to hear that the Scope Domes appear to be good value for money. I hope that big tree in the background of your first photo doesn't obstruct your views too much?
Yes, very slick - nice to look at! But ... ummm ... where's the door? Presumably beneath the slit? Having the door rotating with the dome wouldn't work for me. Even though I'm semi automated, I still want to get into the dome to do "stuff" without walking in circles, falling off the deck or entering while the dome does a tracking move.
Actually it is at the back and therefor covered when the shutter is open. I have attached two images here to show you what is looks like.
It probably would not suit you then Marcus. I am using this specifically to do remote imaging. I don't need to go in unless it is an emergency. although you could build this on a round wall with a door in it and not use the door model.
Nice! Glad to hear that the Scope Domes appear to be good value for money. I hope that big tree in the background of your first photo doesn't obstruct your views too much?
Hehehe, none of the trees here make it past 4 meters.
. The video of it working looks great.
Presumably beneath the slit? Having the door rotating with the dome wouldn't work for me. Even though I'm semi automated, I still want to get into the dome to do "stuff" without walking in circles, falling off the deck or entering while the dome does a tracking move.
