Automating the Dome
My old Exploradome was automated using the Lesvedome DIY software and hardware setup. I want to do something similar with the new dome, but without the Lesvedome software because it only runs on Windows. At present I'm still looking at what options are available with Linux, so I haven't made a final decision on how to proceed.
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The motors and actuators I have on-hand are DC powered. I can use an old HP ESP115 switching power supply which is rated for 12VDC output @ 30A as the power source. I previously used one of these supplies for the ExploraDome drive, too.
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I've had this set of actuators for nearly ten years and plan to use them for opening/closing the lower aperture door of the dome. They will replace the cable winch that originally came with the dome. The actuators are 38 inches long closed and extend an additional 30 inches so I think I can make them work.
The actuators are rated for 12VDC @ 1.25A (no load) at 150RPM. That sounds like a lot of RPMs, but it's not when you are just spinning a lead screw. |
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This is a picture of one of the motors I plan to use for the dome azimuth drive and opening/closing the aperture shutter.
The motor is rated: - 12VDC @ 3.5A & 12RPM no load - 10 RPM @ 13A & 400 in-lbs of torque - 6 RPM @ 25A & 850 in-lbs of torque There is an electro-mechanical brake on the motor rated at 500 in-lbs. The motor was originally for extending a slide- out on a camper. |
More to come...
Page created 08/08/2024
Last updated 08/20/2024
Last updated 08/20/2024
