Technical Info & Manuals
Sirius Observatories Technical Specifications
2.3m Sirius Observatory Home model
Total Height. 2.83m/9'3"Wall Height. 1.5m/4'11"Diameter. 2.3m/7'6"Door size. 1.15m H x 1.0m W/ 45" H x 39" WAperture Width. 0.6m / 24"Open Past Zenith. 250mm / 10"
Options available:2.3m School Model, complete with walls, hand operatedDome only including mounting ringStorage locker (wall panel)Motorised dome rotationMotorised shuttersMaxDome II (computerised dome rotation only)MaxDome II (dome rotation and shutter operation)Mains battery charger (240v to 12v)Solar ventHigh wind kitPackaging and palleting for transportation
Options available:2.3m School Model, complete with walls, hand operatedDome only including mounting ringStorage locker (wall panel)Motorised dome rotationMotorised shuttersMaxDome II (computerised dome rotation only)MaxDome II (dome rotation and shutter operation)Mains battery charger (240v to 12v)Solar ventHigh wind kitPackaging and palleting for transportation
3.5m Sirius Observatory School model
Total Height. 3.25m / 10'7"Wall Height. 1.5m / 4'11"Diameter. 3.5m / 11'6"Door Size. 1.15m H x 1.0m W / 45" H x 39" WAperture Width. 1.0m / 39"Open Past Zenith. 400mm / 16"
Options available:3.5m Home Model, complete with walls, hand operatedDome only including mounting ringStorage locker (wall panel)Motorised dome rotationMotorised shuttersMaxDome II (computerised dome rotation only)MaxDome II (dome rotation and shutter operation)Mains battery charger (240v to 12v)Solar ventHigh wind kitPackaging and palleting for transportation
Options available:3.5m Home Model, complete with walls, hand operatedDome only including mounting ringStorage locker (wall panel)Motorised dome rotationMotorised shuttersMaxDome II (computerised dome rotation only)MaxDome II (dome rotation and shutter operation)Mains battery charger (240v to 12v)Solar ventHigh wind kitPackaging and palleting for transportation
5.0m Sirius College model
Total Height. 4.45m / 14'7"Wall Height. 1.8m / 5'11"Diameter. 5.0m / 16'4"Door Size. 1.37m H x 1.02m W / 54" H x 40" WAperture Width. 1.5m / 4'11"Open Past Zenith. 500mm / 20"
Options available:5.0m College Model comes complete with walls and motorised dome rotation and shutter operation as standard.Dome only including mounting ringStorage locker (wall panel)Motorised dome rotationMotorised shuttersMaxDome II (computerised dome rotation only)MaxDome II (dome rotation and shutter operation)Mains battery charger (240v to 12v)Solar ventHigh wind kitPackaging and palleting for transportation
Options available:5.0m College Model comes complete with walls and motorised dome rotation and shutter operation as standard.Dome only including mounting ringStorage locker (wall panel)Motorised dome rotationMotorised shuttersMaxDome II (computerised dome rotation only)MaxDome II (dome rotation and shutter operation)Mains battery charger (240v to 12v)Solar ventHigh wind kitPackaging and palleting for transportation
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Us Or Your Local Authorised Agent to Discuss which options are Best For You.
Sirius Observatories Options
Dome and Shutter Operation
OPTIONS:
- Easy to use, hand-operated dome rotation and shutter operation (Home and School Models).
- Motorised dome rotation and/or shutter operation (standard on 5.0m and 6.7m models).
- Computer-driven dome rotation and/or shutter operation (must have motorised option). The MaxDome II circuit boards and software program are supported by the manufacturer, Diffraction Ltd (Cyanogen).
Features:
- The pendant hand controller supplied with the motorised option can be operated anywhere inside the observatory.
- The motorised dome rotation can be run in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
- Motorised dome rotation can be retrofitted at any time, but the shutter motorisation is more complex and best performed in the factory before shipping.
- Upper Shutter: The Home Model uses a rope and pulley shutter opening system, and the School Model utilises a hand winding mechanism.
Lower Shutter: The Home Model has a hinged, metal framework raised and lowered by pulling on a metal bar, while the School Model uses a rope and chain system.
Storage Recesses - 2.3 and 3.5m models ONLY
Wall panels can be substituted with a panel containing a locker recess which can be used for storing books or placing a computer.
There is no limit to the number of wall panels that can be exchanged for locker panels.
2.3m Home Model - 1 door panel plus 5 panels (wall or locker)
3.5m School Model - 1 door panel plus 7 panels (wall or locker)
There is no limit to the number of wall panels that can be exchanged for locker panels.
2.3m Home Model - 1 door panel plus 5 panels (wall or locker)
3.5m School Model - 1 door panel plus 7 panels (wall or locker)
Max Dome II Computerised Dome Rotation and Shutter Operation
The MaxDome software and controller card enable remote control of the observatory dome rotation and shutter operation. The control cards are installed inside the motor boxes. MaxDome software enables the shutter aperture to be "slaved" to the telescope position. Hence, the dome rotates to the telescope's position following a slew and then tracks along with the telescope.
High wind kit
Additional hardware included with the High Wind Kit:
- 2 x dome tie-down plates
- 2 x wall tie-down plates
- 2 x stainless steel rigging screws (turnbuckles)
Solar Panel - 5 watt
A solar panel is supplied with the motorised dome rotation option and the motorised shutter option. The solar panel can be placed on any wall panel, depending on the observatory's orientation (consider the position of the door and the sun). The shutter motor solar panel is positioned on the dome.
- Silicone Solar PV Module
- Pmax - 5W Vmp - 16.8V
- Imp - 0.29A
- Voc - 21V
- Ics - 0.32A
- Max system voltage - 600V
- Size - 395x161x18mm
Day and Night Solar Vent
The solar vent is installed near the top of the dome and functions to circulate up to 700 cubic feet of fresh air per hour. The solar panel cells recharge the Ni Cadmium battery for 24-hour operation. A high-capacity battery operates the fan for 48 hours without sunlight. No wiring is required.
Packaging and Palletting
All observatories are assembled and tested in the factory before shipping. Depending on the destination and the shipping option, the observatories are packed either on an open pallet or crated and boxed, eg: for export in a container.
Mains Battery Charger
A 12v battery powers the dome rotation and shutter operation motors. The motor units are attached to the internal walls - the dome rotation box on the wall panel and the shutter operation box on the dome itself. The 12v battery in each of these motor boxes is charged by a solar panel, one on the outside of the wall corresponding to the position of the inside battery box and the other on the dome corresponding to the shutter battery.
An alternative source of charging the batteries is via a 110-220v mains battery charger, which can be installed within the existing dome rotation motor box and connected to 110-220v mains power. This unit can also be connected to the shutter battery box (on the dome) via a self-disconnected plug and is used to charge the shutter battery when the dome is not in use and, therefore, not rotating. If the dome is rotated whilst the shutter battery charging lead is connected, the plug is designed to pull part without causing any damage.
It must be remembered that neither of the charging units, i.e. solar panel or 110-220v charger, are designed to charge a flat battery. They are designed to keep a battery topped up.
Mains battery charger 110-220v, Single - used for motorised dome rotation onlyMains battery charger 110-220v, Double - used for motorised dome rotation and shutter operation
An alternative source of charging the batteries is via a 110-220v mains battery charger, which can be installed within the existing dome rotation motor box and connected to 110-220v mains power. This unit can also be connected to the shutter battery box (on the dome) via a self-disconnected plug and is used to charge the shutter battery when the dome is not in use and, therefore, not rotating. If the dome is rotated whilst the shutter battery charging lead is connected, the plug is designed to pull part without causing any damage.
It must be remembered that neither of the charging units, i.e. solar panel or 110-220v charger, are designed to charge a flat battery. They are designed to keep a battery topped up.
Mains battery charger 110-220v, Single - used for motorised dome rotation onlyMains battery charger 110-220v, Double - used for motorised dome rotation and shutter operation
- Specifications:
- 110 - 240 VAC
- 50 m - 60 Hz
- Max 0.25A
- Output:
- 13.2 VDC
- 750 mA
