My Observatory

[julian]

The observatory  dome is being controlled by an arduino controller so I do not have to go out and move the dome every 40 minutes as it switches on a relay every 3.4 minutes for 0.4 of a second and give the dome a little kick. The dome can also go clockwise and anti clock wise by using two push buttons. The buttons  changes the polarity of the DC motors. Just in case someone pushes both buttons together the thing well not go bang as they are wired through relays so when one relay is on it switches the other off and vice versa . There are two motors used to turn the dome one on the east and one on the west and work together. The motors and gear boxes came from my son's old 12v battery operated tractor which he grew out of.





One of two motors and gear box


Control box

[Rocket Pooch]

I must admit, even if its cloudy there's always some wiring to do!

If your not careful some pikey will just the fence and nick the copper there.

[The Thing]

Very nice Julian. Not moving anytime soon then...

[RobertM]

Crikey that's a lot of plumbing ! Have you thought of putting one of these on the OTA ?



I'm sure you could build one for less though.

Robert