Dome Automation

Dave,

Generally, most domes don't come with a PC-controlled dome motorisation included.
The Pulsar, at the time I bought mine, had an expensive motorisation option which could not be linked to the PC.
Therefore, I didn't bother paying an extra couple of grand for such a system.

So, I purchased motors from Exploradome in the US and retrofitted them to my dome.
I could have also bought the electronics from Exploradome, but they are expensive.

Therefore, I had to build my own, which I have based on the Lesvedome driver:
www.dppobservatory.net/DomeAutomation/DomeDriver.php

I am now 90% complete.

I simplifed the previous design as it was just getting too complicated for my little head to comprehend and I couldn't get it to work.
www.astroshot.com/Observatory/Dome-Wiring-2012-12-14.pdf

I can now open/close and rotate the dome with either the manual switches or the ACSOM driver on the PC.

Only thing now is that I need to sort out the Azimuth Sensor, which isn't working for me.
I need to re-check the wiring on it.

Michael.

ah right, I assumed you bought a kit that was specifically for this dome, instead of a put together generic kit,
nice one !

I made some good progress over the Christmas holidays. I am 98% complete now. All the electronics are installed. The dome can now be controlled via the hand controller or via the ASCOM driver on the PC. I have two issues (both are small, I *think*) to resolve and it is then ready for remote use. I hope to have both of these issues sorted out in the next 2-3 days <touch wood>. It has taken a long time, but the finish line is finally in sight.

Well done!!. Great to hear it all came together for you. If you had to do it again would you go the route you did or buy a complete kit from Exploradome?

Well done Michael I'm looking forward to seeing the end results. Will it track the scope and fellow the scope when it goes to other objects using acp?

carlobeirnes wrote: Well done Michael I'm looking forward to seeing the end results. Will it track the scope and fellow the scope when it goes to other objects using acp?

Yep, that's the plan.