motor drive setup

[hpcoolahan]

Hi guys ,, just thought Radar and Shevill might like to see some pics of the motordrive , azimuth sensor and control box setup i've neally finnished.
And yes :thumbsupmate: it does work:eartoear:
hope to have it linked to the computer/scope and slaved by the weekend.Works in bench testing.
Hope this inspires both Radar to build his obs and Shevill to automize his:thumbsupmate:
In the pics if you pull the leaver down and atatch the chain it disengages the drive for manual movement of the dome, but the azimuth sensor still remembers where u moved the dome to.

Its great to see the dome rotate from the outside looks like a proper observatory now ,,, sort off!

Clear Skies to all

Patrick Coolahan

[Draig]

Hi PAtrick,

I don't know about Dave or Shevill - but I'm jealous.

But great work. Very professional looking. :welldone:

Cheers Colin

[Radar]

Hi guys ,, just thought Radar and Shevill might like to see some pics of the motordrive

You got that bit right Pat. I love oogling at this stuff. That is a very professional looking setup mate. You must be loving it now.

May I ask what kind of cost automation is?

Cheers

Ray

[hpcoolahan]

Hey Radar , i thought you were one , just like all the rest of us.

Mate ,, the control board is from wavecom instruments in SA.$120... The azmith sensor from Technical Inovations (homedome/prodome) USA.$131...
Motor is a old rolladoor motor,, cost $0:Chessy_Smile: The dome driver software is free. All hooks up through ASCOM on the laptop for slaving and control.
So not much really, when u look at what manufactures of systems charge($1800)+ full setup.
Homemade is best.

I have sent all info to Shevill so he can do his big dome!

Clear skies
Patrick

[hpcoolahan]

Thanks draig , its all comming together now , if only work didn't get in the road!!:pipethinker:

Clear skies
Patrick


Hi PAtrick,

I don't know about Dave or Shevill - but I'm jealous.

But great work. Very professional looking. :welldone:

Cheers Colin

[AstroTasmania]

Hi Patrick,

Wonderful stuff, looks magic and it will make a big difference to automated observing. Thanks very much for sharing, very inspiring.

I have always planned to automate the big dome but then got sidetracked into building the 16", and as an all metal fork mounted job - it's bigger than "Ben Hur", just lifting some of the parts around is not good for a crook back & knees!

The mini "OctaDome" is progressing well and the wall cladding is in position, held on with clamps and big tie-down straps. I will add a pic later. The next part is working on the petals after the cladding is right!!

Happy motorised dome, Pat,

Clear skies...