Sirius Observatories – Available Options

Wall Panel Storage Lockers
Storage lockers provide added space for equipment and storage.
Available for 7.5-foot (2.3m) and 11.5-foot (3.5m) observatories.

 

Motorized Dome Rotation
Standard on 16.5-foot (5.0m) and 22-foot (6.7m) observatories.
Hand controller allows operation from anywhere in the observatory.
Operates in either direction.
Can be retrofitted to non-motorized Sirius domes.
Includes 5 watt solar panel to keep battery charged.

For computerized dome rotation, we recommend MaxDome II from Diffraction Limited
The MaxDome software and controller card enables remote control of the observatory dome rotation and shutter operation. The control cards are installed inside the motor boxes. MaxDome software enables the shutter aperture to be “slaved” to the telescope position – hence the dome rotates to the telescope’s position following a slew, and then tracks along with the telescope.

 

Motorized Shutters
Standard on 16.5-foot (5.0m) and 22-foot (6.7m) observatories.
Includes 5 watt solar panel to keep battery charged.
Shutter motorization is complex and is best performed in the factory prior to shipping.

For computerized shutter rotation, we recommend MaxDome II from Diffraction Limited The MaxDome software and controller card enables remote control of the observatory dome rotation and shutter operation. The control cards are installed inside the motor boxes. MaxDome software enables the shutter aperture to be “slaved” to the telescope position – hence the dome rotates to the telescope’s position following a slew, and then tracks along with the telescope.

 

Solar Panels
Solar panels are supplied with both motorized dome rotation and motorized shutters. For dome rotation a solar panel is placed outside on one of the walls. For the shutter system a solar panel is positioned on the outside of the dome.

Silicone Solar PV Module 

Pmax              5W

Vmp                16.8V

Imp                 0.29A

Voc                  21V

Ics                   0.32A

Max system voltage   600V

Size                 395x161x18mm

 

 

Mains Battery Charger
If you have mains power available, this is an alternate way to keep your batteries charged and ready for a night of observing.

The motors for dome rotation and shutter operation are each powered by a 12v battery. The motor units are attached to the internal walls – dome rotation box on the wall panel and shutter operation box on the dome itself. The 12v battery in each of these motor boxes is charged by a solar panel, one on the outside of the wall corresponding to the position of the inside battery box, and the other on the dome corresponding to the shutter battery.

An alternative source of charging batteries is via a 110-220v mains battery charger, which can be installed within the existing dome rotation motor box and connected to 110-220v mains power. This unit can also be connected to the shutter battery box (on the dome) via a self-disconnected plug and is used to charge the shutter battery when the dome is not in use and therefore not rotating. If the dome is rotated while the shutter battery charging lead is connected, the plug is designed to simply pull apart without causing any damage.

It must be remembered that neither of the charging units i.e. the solar panels or the 110-220v charger, are designed to charge a dead battery. They are designed to keep a battery topped off.

Mains battery charger 110-220v, Single – used for motorized dome rotation only.
Mains battery charger 110-220v, Double – used for motorized dome rotation and shutter operation.

Specifications:
110-220 VAC
50m – 60Hz
Max 0.25A
Output:
13.2 VDC
750mA

 

Solar Vents
Allows hot air to exit dome in warm environments.

The solar vent is installed near the top of the dome and functions to circulate up to 700 cubic feet of fresh air per hour. The solar panel cells recharge the Ni Cadmium battery for 24 hour operation. A high capacity battery operates the fan for 48 hours without sunlight. No wiring is required.

 

High Wind Kit
Our observatories are rated for up to 90 mph winds. If you have a high wind environment, the high wind kit increases that rating up to 140 mph winds.

Additional hardware included with the High Wind Kit:
– 2 dome tie down plates
– 2 wall tie down plates
– 2 stainless steel turnbuckles

 

 

Colored Gelcoat
All observatories are manufactured in white unless you pick another color.
Click the charts below to enlarge them.