DomePro2-c is not a board level product. Electronics are packaged in a robust industrial metal enclosure which is sealed on all but the bottom panel and is impervious to dust and insects.
All cables are connected through removable connectors. There are no cables/wires that need to be connected inside the sealed modules.
Field installs and replacements are quick and easy. No active electronics are hard-wired to the dome.
Exclusive use of high-quality components
Reliable industrial connectors and cables.
Extended temperature operation.
Versatile PC-based user interface software: Maestro
PC-access to all DomePro2 features, settings and diagnoses.
Standards support: ASCOM and Bisque X2.
Email/text notification for any fault condition (e.g., timeouts, weather unsafe, power fail, over-current, under-voltage, over-temp, failsafe shutter limits, etc.).
Maestro can ping an IP address and provide network-drop/timeout dome closure.
Protected access to all system settings.
Controller features
DomeProU-c can control DC motors, single-phase AC or 3ph AC (with soft-start capability) or stepper/servo motors. Motors are typically provided by the dome manufacturer however Astrometric can also provide complete motor solutions.
Designed for reliable remote and unattended operation.
Backlit displays shows status useful for in-observatory diagnostics without the need to refer to Maestro software running on a PC.
Capability to independently control both clamshell shutters and set each shutter to its own unique angle using optional absolute shutter angle sensors.
Direct (i.e., no PC in the loop) weather “unsafe” dome closure with suitable weather station (e.g., Boltwood).
“Mains” (AC line) power fail detection… provides immediate power-safe dome closure from UPS/battery.
Failsafe shutter closure on PC link timeout.
Motor current monitoring and overload protection. Power supply voltage monitoring. Temperature monitoring.
A rich set of timeouts protecting against motor or other system component failures. All timeouts are individually programmable and enablable.
Local/Remote keylock switch on front panel.
Easy upgrade of controller firmware and PC software.
Isolated USB interface to PC running our Maestro user interface software.
Manual override controls for separately opening or closing each shutter.
DomeProU-c systems include
A control module configured to control motors through relay contact closure, direct-drive of DC motors (18V 15A max) or external motor drivers (e.g., for 3ph AC or stepper/servo motors).
Controller power supply. DC units require 12V DC for motor power (see options below).
Maestro user interface software for Windows. Includes ASCOM Dome driver and Bisque X2 interface.
USB (2m, 5m or longer options available).
Weather-unsafe interface cable to Boltwood (or other) weather station.
“Mains” (AC line) power-good sensing and interface cable.
2 year transferable warranty.
1 year support contract: unlimited email and phone support.
DomeProU-c options
Shutter limit switches and wiring. Note: these are usually pre-installed by the manufacturer.
3ph AC “soft-start” motor drivers.
Single phase AC motor drives for up to 8A.
DC motor power supply options up to 15A.
Dual shutter absolute angle sensor that provides for shutter “goto” a specific angle. Also, present shutter angle is displayed from Maestro.
External/remote shutter open/close switch option. This is sometimes used to provide shutter open/close from outside the dome in lieu of a door.
