ROBO-DOMET from Technical Innovations, Inc.

"Hot new product of 1999" says Sky & Telescope, December '99 issue

                    Think of a dome that is
  • robotic
  • big enough for a telescope but not a person
  • equipped with motors for rotation and shutter control, and with Digital Dome Works automation
  • designed for remote use from your computer control room, network or internet site
  • shipped with software for dome control and telescope control
  • ready for your GOTO mount and telescope
  • ready for CCD or video imaging
  • fully assembled when it arrives at your site
  • surprisingly affordable
    •


        Now, imagine a dome just the right size for your
     

    • Meade LX200 8" to 10" scope
    • Celestron 8" Ultima, or up to 11"
    • small refractors such as AstroPhysics or Televue
    • small Maksutov or Takahashi scopes
    • or any similar scope that can be matched with a GOTO mount and equipped with CCD or video equipment
        And envision a dome that is
     
    • designed for the professional, priced for the amateur
    • a pleasing oval shape
    • easily installed by bolting the base to a space of just 14 square feet
    • motorized for rotation, a full 360º
    • open for viewing from horizon to beyond zenith when the one-piece shutter is up-and-over the dome
    • built of fiberglass - light, strong, low maintenance
    • weatherproof
    • easy to service, install or remove observing equipment
    • the right size for mounting on any small deck or flat roof
    • the right size for a first observatory
    • the right size for a second observatory

      • You've just thought of ROBO-DOME!

              ROBO-DOME with 8" Meade LX200
     ROBO-DOME Price
         $4,750
                Price includes:
      • Dome and shutter
      • Base
      • Motors and all hardware for shutter and rotation
      • Digital Dome Works automation hardware and software
      • Full assembly - dome arrives ready for installation at your site

        •  
                Additional charges:
      • Packing, $190  - heavy cardboard carton on wooden pallet, packed weight approximately 150 lb.
      • Freight - cost depends on destination and type of service (motor freight, air freight or ocean freight).
      • If product is delivered in Maryland, add 6% Maryland sales tax.


    More ROBO-DOME Photos

     

    ROBO-DOME with PD-10


    ROBO-DOME with Thanh (who is 5'5" tall)


    ROBO-DOME on roof of a classroom building


    ROBO-DOME Specifications
       
      Dome Dimensions Height = 25" from equator flange to top of shutter opening
      Shape is oval, with maximum dimensions 40" by 50"
      Click to see Detailed drawing
      Base Dimensions Height = 25"  (NOTE: shorter base available as special order)
      Shape is oval, with footprint dimensions 39" by 48" (approx. 14 sq.ft.) 
      Perimeter = 142"
      Material of construction White gel coat exterior, back gelled for opacity, dark blue interior lamination is fiberglass reinforced isophthalic resin
      Rotation Rotates 360º on six 2" rollers.
      Rotation flange on base matches  bottom flange of dome
      Diameter of rotation circle = 40"
      Weight 105 pounds
      Color White exterior, dark blue interior
      Shutter Opening  24 inches wide, extending 5" beyond zenith
      Motors 12 VDC
      Automation Hardware Digital  Dome Works - includes automated motors for open/close shutter, dome rotation, slaving to telescope, sensors for position of shutter and azimuth. 
      Automation Software Dome control - Digital Dome Works Control Program
      Scope control - Astronomer's Control Panel software included (controls LX200 scopes)
      Warranty One year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship
    ROBO-DOME APPLICATIONS
      Put ROBO-DOME to work doing remote astronomy (CCD or video); watching birds or wild game; coastline surveillance; satellite tracking; sheltering non weatherproof video equipment.
       

      You can bolt a ROBO-DOME to any flat roof that is accessible for installation/service (academic building, office building, home, garage or even a remote out-building).  You will need approximately 14 sq. ft. of space for the dome, plus space for the user to stand when installing or servicing equipment.  You can also install this small dome on a concrete pad, raised deck, or tower.  For mobile use, put it on a travel, cargo or equipment trailer.
       

    ROBO-DOME ON DISPLAY
      You can see ROBO-DOME on display at Technical Innovations.   Contact us for more information and free brochure.
         
      FAQ - Frequently asked questions about ROBO-DOME
    Matching ROBO-DOME to your telescope
    If you want to do robotic observing but need the telescope, the computer controlled mount and the imaging equipment to go with it, we recommend that you contact Mike Fowler at Oceanside Photo and Telescope in Oceanside, CA.  OPT has put together several "packages" of equipment suitable for the ROBO-DOME.
     

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