[AZ-Observing] Re: Dome Design Question
- From: Gene A Lucas <geneluca@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 01 May 2009 20:54:25 -0700
The 5-meter (18 foot diameter) metal dome installed at GRCO in Gilbert,
AZ is an Observa-dome:
http://evaconline.org/grco/obs.asp
It is also featured on the Observa-dome company web pages:
http://observa-dome.com/
http://observa-dome.com/main-currentprojects.html
CAD drawings of the 5-meter size Observa-dome are shown here:
http://observa-dome.com/50dwg.html
The two complete slit shutter assemblies move to each side. The inside,
manual chain drive mechanism is very robust and smooth, and locks with a
metal tab. I don't feel this offers any disadvantage, although there is
a maximum wind speed stated by the manufacturer for opening and closing
the shutters. The GRCO dome has been in operation for approx. 2.5
years, with no adverse issues so far, except the need to pump up the
rubber rotation driver tires occasionally. We have experienced no
leakage or other issues at GRCO.
The sliding shutters are similar to those in use at many professional
observatories, such as Palomar, and are a proven design with many years use.
Seems to me a dome design with the "clamshell" lower shutter, which
hangs outboard, would offer more wind resistance when opened. It does
offer adjustable light control near the horizon, however.
There are also very nice plastic, heavy gage polyethylene molded
construction domes offered by Explora-dome, in an 8 foot (2.4 meter)
diameter. That design features an up-and-over sliding shutter, with a
"clamshell" lower flap which seals when shut.
http://www.exploradome.us/
I have seen several of these, and the manufacturer displayed units at
RTMC the past several years. These domes are available in several
colors, including off-white. Frank Alvarez at Stellar Visions in Tucson
is the regional dealer, and has several in stock at his store.
There is an active user group on yahoo:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Explora-dome/
E-D Pix from RTMC 2008 can be found here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Explora-dome/photos/album/338969964/pic/list
Gene Lucas
(17250)
stanlep@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Probably a lot of you know there are two manufacturers of metal
> professional type domes: Ash Dome and Observadome.
> Does anyone know of the merits of the two types of designs of the bottom
> shutter? For Ash Domes the bottom shutter swings out and down. For
> Observadome the bottom shutter is composed of two sections that slide to
> the side. Which is the better design? It seems the two sections that slide
> to the side would act as wind sails during observing and cause the dome to
> start to rotate during a strong wind. It also seems the two sections stuck
> out to the side could also cause some air turbulence, depending on the
> direction of the wind. I am not planning on buying either dome, but the
> Observadome I have heard is significantly more expensive.
> Stan
>
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