The 3m Metal Astrodome is manufactured from laser cut panels of either 1.0 mm stainless steel or 1.0 mm zincalume and held together with stainless steel nuts and bolts. It has the advantage of not needing heavy lifting to erect and is flat packed for cheaper delivery and shipping.

The Astrodome comes with a motorised shutter and azimuth rotation. The shutter motor is a 12DC powered by a deep cycle solar charged 12V battery to eliminate expensive electrical slip-rings.  The Azimuth drive can utilise 12dc, 220-240v or 110v motors depending on customer's requirements. The dome rolls on nylon or urethane wheels for smooth quiet operation and a rack and pinion set up is used is engineered for reliability and free of maintenance.The rack and pinion allows for accurate encoding of position if automation is added. Each motor is controlled with a control box that uses a soft start feature to eliminate the wear from jarring or the customer has the option have the dome automated.

Unobtrusive azimuth motor placement

Shutter motor and chain.   Spring loaded azimuth wheels


Automation

A customer can choose to automate the dome themselves using a system of their choice. Or Astrodomes can install a Maxidome system to control the rotation only or also the shutter which allows full remote viewing. The dome can be slaved to the telescope allowing the dome to follow the telescope without the astronomer having to touch the controls.


Shipping and Installation

It designed to be flat packed to drastically reduce shipping rates and can be easily assembled without the need for special tools.

Being installed


Plans and Dimensions

Astrodomes on Location

Mount Tambourine Australia. Painted white by customer.

Inside of 3m Metal Astrodome

Contact us