MaxDome II Observatory Dome Control System

The MaxDome II dome controller provides flexible, fully integrated observatory dome control. Features include:

• ASCOM-Standard dome and telescope interfaces
• Support for Automadome
• Slave dome rotation to your telescope
• Rotation-only and full shutter-and-rotation systems available
• Single or dual shutter operation, with sequencing
• Wireless shutter control – no unreliable sliding contacts
• Direct confirmation of shutter open/closed state
• Safety interlocks automatically close dome upon loss of data from PC
• Park-before-close option to avoid mechanical interferences
• Manual override controls for shutter and rotation control
• Auxiliary auto-close inputs for Boltwood Cloud Sensor or other observatory protection hardware
• Easily adapted to custom or commercial observatory domes
• Directly compatible with Sirius Observatories
• Directly drives 12VDC motors up to 5A. Can operate other motor types through external relays.
• Field-upgradable firmware

A full MaxDome installation includes two identical controller boards. The main board, which controls dome rotation, connects to the controlling PC. A second identical board, riding on the rotating dome and powered by a solar-charged battery (not included), operates the shutters.

A wireless inductive link provides constant communications between the two boards, allowing for full control and status monitoring. This eliminates the need for clumsy and trouble-prone electrical contacts.