Automation Equipment Prices
Click on a product below to read about automation.
For information on domes or motors, click on one of the yellow boxes above.
 
 
Product Price US$
DomeWorks, complete 890
725
150
215
Digital Dome Works 1,750
Options See Below
ROBO-FOCUS
450
Options
See Below
A note about Dome Wizard automation system.  In summer, 1999, we completed an extensive upgrade to Digital Dome Works which placed most Dome Wizard features in DDW or DDW Options.  Thus, we have discontinued production of Dome Wizard.  DDW is less costly to you without sacrificing quality.

DOME-WORKS, Complete (DWORKS)
$890
Three component electronic system to control and automate dome rotation motors (note purchase motors separately). Not computer based, works with any motorized rotating observatory. Components may be used separately or together. 25 ft. cables provided. Select from the following:

DIGITAL DOME WORKS (DDW)
$1750
When your observatory and control room are located close together (up to 400 feet), use the basic DDW for computer remote control of your observatory.  You may operate DDW using direct wiring (RS232) or via a computer in the observatory.  If you want to operate very long distance (eg., via phone lines or the Internet), you will probably need at least some of the DDW options listed below to assure safe operation.

System components: Control module with power relays, hand control, LX200 Adapter Box, azimuth and shutter sensors, software for observatory operations (Windows '95 and ACP), all cables and hardware.

Note that DDW is designed to operate all Technical Innovations observatories.  Observatory must be motorized (puchase motors separately if not included in dome purchase price.)  Optional hardware is available for control of domes not manufactured by Technical Innovations, Inc.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT - DIGITAL DOME WORKS

Weather Monitor      (Recommended for long distance operation)
Direct Link       $495
Wireless Link    $695

For long distance remote control, or for multiple-user access, additional information and protection are available with the Weather Monitor system.  Measures wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity, wetness (rain), and snow.  The system can prevent the dome from opening, or close it if the weather exceeds interlock settings.

The Weather Monitor is available in two forms:


Remote Power Module (Recommended for long distance operation)
RMP  $135

This module, which connects to one of the user control lines on the DDW in the observatory, has two 120VAC power outlets, one wired normally on, the second wired normally off.   Using the DDW control program, the  user may switch the outlets off/on.  This is useful in controlling remote heaters and dew zappers, remote interior video monitors, or the scope and CCD itself.

Video Monitor Camera (Recommended for long distance operation)

Available from multiple vendors. In remote operations, it is often desirable to be able to see the interior of the observatory.  This allows you to verify observatory operation, scope movements, and whether cables are properly managed.  The Video Monitor Camera (VMC),normally is a small color wide angle camera, a light source, and a stand.  If the user is close to the observatory, you can use the video camera with any small TV to monitor the image.  If you are at long distance, install a video capture card in your in-dome computer.   Although VMC can operate continuously from 120VAC, we suggest adding a Remote Power Module to allow turning the camera/light on and off, as needed.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (Recommended for long distance operation)

Available from your computer vendor. We recommend the APC line of products.  A standard computer UPS provides 400 watts of power.  Connect the UPS to the power line, and to your DDW, observatory power supply, and In-Dome computer (if present).  If power fails in the observatory, you will have sufficient power to close down the observatory safely.

PCAnywhere®

Available from your computer vendor. This off-the-shelf program allows you to sit at your computer and operate a distant computer as though you were present at the distanct keyboard.  Thus, with your own preferred mix of programs in the In-Dome computer, you can operate your DDW, scope, and CCD over a phone or Internet link, as well as download files, manipulate data, etc.  PCAnywhere includes log-on capabilities, internal password protections plus other features.  There are several other software programs available - see our Remote Control Astronomy Handbook for suggestions and description.

ROBO-FOCUS (RF-3)
$450

Focus driver that can be used in a remote observatory or manually.  A stepping motor is installed on your existing focus mechanism so that you can make very small changes in focus, thus taking full advantage of your optical setup.  A temperature sensor in the control unit allows you to collect data on various temperature/focus settings.  During a long exposure, ROBO-FOCUS will automatically control the focus as temperature changes.  An optional external sensor will soon be available.  Hardware and software control program are included.  Hardware components are controller, stepping motor, brackets, power supply and cables.  Specify whether the ROBO-FOCUS will be used with Rack and Pinion or Schmidt-Cassegrain or JMI focusing equipment.  For further description, click here.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT - ROBO-FOCUS

Remote Power Module
RMP4 $135
Four outlets (120VAC) that can be controlled on/off from the RF software or via the buttons on RF Controller

Separate Hand Control
RFHC $30
For more convenient manual focussing in the observatory

Additional Stepping Motor, Coupler & Bracket
$120
For installation on a second telescope

Adapters, for use if using the Pass-through option of ROBO-FOCUS
For LX200 scope       $20
For AP GTO scope    $20

For Gemini mount       $20

Note: Pass-through adapters allow the "sharing" of a single serial port. That means one program must be closed before the other is opened.  
 
 
 

Home Page | Email Us
Home/Pro Domes | Prices | FAQ | Customer Comments
Photographs | About Us | Contact Us | "At Home In A Dome"