MaxDome II is a fully automatic observatory dome control system. Link your dome to a Windows-based personal computer for
complete automation including telescope slaving and shutter control. Works with a wide variety of commercial and custom-built domes.
MaxDome II controller card
The new MaxDome II dome controller provides flexible, fully integrated observatory dome control.
Features include:
- ASCOM-Standard dome and telescope interfaces
- Support for Automadome
- Slave dome rotation to your telescope
- Rotation-only and full shutter-and-rotation systems available
- Single or dual shutter operation, with sequencing
- Wireless shutter control - no unreliable sliding contacts
- Direct confirmation of shutter open/closed state
- Safety interlocks automatically close dome upon loss of data from PC
- Park-before-close option to avoid mechanical interferences
- Manual override controls for shutter and rotation control
- Auxiliary auto-close inputs for Boltwood Cloud Sensor or other observatory protection hardware
- Easily adapted to custom or commercial observatory domes
- Directly compatible with Sirius Observatories
- Directly drives 12VDC motors up to 5A. Can operate other motor types through external relays.
- Field-upgradable firmware
A full MaxDome installation includes two identical controller boards.
The main board, which controls dome rotation, connects to the controlling PC.
A second identical board, riding on the rotating dome and powered by a solar-charged battery
(not included), operates the shutters. A wireless inductive link provides constant
communications between the two boards, allowing for full control and status monitoring. This
eliminates the need for clumsy and trouble-prone electrical contacts.
MaxDome block diagram
Please consult the User Manual for additional details.
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