Clayton Dome - Page 7

Paul Haese · #**121** 18-12-2013, 03:42 PM

Probably the final update on this project. I have done most of the primary commissioning now with only V curves to run for focusmax. Then I will be imaging full on each clear night.

Last night I took a photo of the scope in place in the dome. As you can see there is lots of wiring. The computer is sitting on the UPS and there is a IP power switch on the computer. Nothing can be on the floor because of the umbilical cord which can be seen on the left coming of the dome wall. The umbilical roams around the floor of the observatory. Dome rotation motor can be seen to the right. Testing has shown the idea of putting a self on the pier was a good one. No vibration can be felt at all or seen in the images so far. Time will tell though, though I think the mass of the pier and the concrete plug in the ground will more than dampen any other minor vibrations coming from the computer or UPS.

I am currently waiting on a truss setup for this set of mirrors, so that will no doubt require a new Tpoint model and V curves.

I have included a link to an animation I took last night whilst doing a 400 point tpoint modelling run. Happy to report that went well and with no cables becoming snagged.

Click here for video of Tpoint modelling run. Watching the dome and the sky moving (fun).

RickS (Rick) · #**122** 18-12-2013, 03:48 PM

Very neat, Paul! Now you can take it easy while the megadata rolls in.

Paul Haese · #**123** 18-12-2013, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickS

Very neat, Paul! Now you can take it easy while the megadata rolls in.

Thanks Rick, not as neat as I would like, but that will happen over the Christmas holidays.

With any luck the megadata will start rolling in soon enough.

Paul Haese · #**124** 21-01-2014, 03:27 PM

Now nearing final commissioning of the dome. Tpoint modelling complete with pointing to 23 arc seconds. Focusmax fully commissioned and doing focus runs with acquire star enabled. Guiding commenced, but not to my satisfaction yet. Tests last night showed Dec axis right on the line but RA was moving up and down past the centre line like a sine wave. That means PEC is next. Once that is done I can then commence working on integration with CCDAP. In the next week or so I hope to have it all ready to image.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #**125** 21-01-2014, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Haese

Now nearing final commissioning of the dome. Tpoint modelling complete with pointing to 23 arc seconds. Focusmax fully commissioned and doing focus runs with acquire star enabled. Guiding commenced, but not to my satisfaction yet. Tests last night showed Dec axis right on the line but RA was moving up and down past the centre line like a sine wave. That means PEC is next. Once that is done I can then commence working on integration with CCDAP. In the next week or so I hope to have it all ready to image.

Have to say Paul, a big project you took on there and looks like it is all coming together to a final success, well done and I wish you well in the collection of your mega data

Mike

Paul Haese · #**126** 21-01-2014, 11:40 PM

Thanks Mike, despite the size of the project I have enjoyed this more than the roll off roof project. The dome was so much easier to sort in a lot of ways. At least I sort of knew what I was looking at this time.

Rigel003 (Graeme) · #**127** 22-01-2014, 05:11 PM

It's been a massive job for you. I take my hat off to your patience and perseverance. The inside of the dome looks very cool.

Hans Tucker (Hans) · #**128** 27-01-2014, 10:53 PM

I got say I love the look of the Scopedome and I am surprised that the cost is below what is locally available. Could you give some feedback on how the dome handles the heat this week since you are up for another 40 degree heatwave.

Paul Haese · #**129** 27-01-2014, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hans Tucker

I got say I love the look of the Scopedome and I am surprised that the cost is below what is locally available. Could you give some feedback on how the dome handles the heat this week since you are up for another 40 degree heatwave.

No problems whatsoever Hans. The guys up at Arkaroola have hotter temps and never had any real issues.

Paul Haese · #**130** 13-02-2014, 05:58 PM

New Truss in the dome, using the old mirrors from the RC12.

strongmanmike (Michael) · #**131** 13-02-2014, 06:12 PM

Sexy...rawrrr

Bassnut (Fred) · #**132** 13-02-2014, 06:18 PM

Lookin mighty fine

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #**133** 13-02-2014, 06:54 PM

did you just get the body only or did they send you mirrors also? btw that looks hot as Paul, sexy looking setup.

Paul Haese · #**134** 13-02-2014, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astroman

did you just get the body only or did they send you mirrors also? btw that looks hot as Paul, sexy looking setup.

I had the RC12 scope which had a tube. I knew 3 years ago they were going to change that design with either a truss or a carbon tube, but it would be ages before it would be available. So I bought the tubed scope and always had the long term view of getting the truss or a carbon tube for it. So I just bought the truss and pulled out the mirrors from the ali tubed scope and installed them into the new truss.