BAADER AUTOMATIC SLIT-DOME 2.1m

 

Baader Planetarium Automatic Slit-Domes are traditional observatory domes with broad up- and over-shutters that can be remotely controlled. Available in sizes from 2.1 to 6.15 metres in diameter and made of hardened and lightweight glass-fibre polyester which serves as wind-, light- and weather-protection.

Classic Slit Domes are typically used by private individuals and they can be operated manually or with a motorized sub-system controlled via a hand controller or remotely. The 2.1m domes are designed to house smaller telescope setups that have up to a 320mm aperture.

Baader Automatic Slit-Domes are available in sizes: 2.1m, 2.6m, 3.2m, 5.3m or 6.15m.

 

 

Baader Planetarium has been manufacturing professional observatory domes for more than 50 years for customers such as NASA, ESA, Zeiss, ESO and many more, with over 600 installations worldwide. These include harsh environments such as Antarctica (Dome C at -84°C) and deserts with hermetic seals against dust.

All Baader Slit Dome models include:

• Installation Performed by Baader personnel at the customer site.

• 2 years warranty for all electronic and electric components. 10 years warranty for outer dome skin and dome mechanics.

• Baader warrants for 200km/h wind speed to achieve undeteriorated performance and protection of the dome interior, with the dome being closed and in parking position.

• Fail-safe Features - Hand crank system to close dome in case of power failure.

• Ready for Emergency Weather Station.

 

 

Note: All Baader Slit Domes require either a short cylinder (1) or long cylindrical base (2). The short cylinder is the interface between the dome and the structure is it to be installed on. The cylindrical base is another option that can be incorporated to maximize the interior of an observatory. The 6.15m is only available with the short cylinder base.

Features:

 

 

STRUCTURE

Built as a self-contained structure made of Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester (FRP) with dual slit arches that is mounted on a precision laser cut steel ring, an up and over shutter, and a horizontal flap.

 

 

ENDLESS DOME ROTATION

Supplied with a Continuous Power Bar (CPB) enabling endless dome rotation and permanent remote control of the shutter and horizontal flap.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL & VARMINT PROTECTION

Protecting your system is critical for the functionality and longevity of the housed equipment, hence, silicone seals are used to mitigate the entry of unwanted particles and varmint.

 

 

INNER SURFACE

The inner surface of the dome is coated with a non-reflective paint to mitigate stray light from affecting data collection and avoid hotspots to form during daytime operation.

Optional upgrades:

 

 

AUTOMATED DOME CONTROL

An electronical controller with an interface that enables the end-user to control the dome locally with a hand control unit and remotely via direct drivers, API, ASCOM or INDIGO.

 

 

EMERGENCY WEATHER STATION

Required for remote operation, this component that is hardwired to the control sub-system which commands the dome to close in case of precipitation or high wind speeds.

The following optional upgrades are also available:

• Custom modifications: For customers that desire mechanical through-holes with flanges and holders for electronic equipment.

• LED interior lighting: Downward-radiating wall lights can be provided in red and white light which can be separately controllable and dimmable.

• Input/Output module: Special module for the dome electronics, allowing commination in a secure way with certain I/O ports of the controller.

• Local situational awareness: An indoor and outdoor camera can be supplied to provide awareness of the status of your observatory.

• Air drying system: Depending on your site’s age and location, an air dehumidifier is recommended to control moisture levels and create overpressure inside the dome.

• Professional weather station: If additional environmental situational awareness is desired for the observatory, a weather station that includes multiple sensors for weather data monitoring and logging.

• Provisions for lifting equipment: Mechanical attachment points and/or integrated beams inside the dome for client supplied cranes or instrument lifting equipment.

• Desert upgrades: Enhanced dust-proof seals throughout, as well as sealed running gear, dual insulation, maximum IR-reflection of the outer shell and temperature-hardened electronics are available for harsh environments demanding improved protection.

• Uninterrupted power supply: Another fail-safe feature that is incorporated and only utilized for the dome to ensure self-closure in case there is a power failure.

• Dome slit seal with wind-deflector: Enhanced seals for dome shutter and azimuth, adapted to either desert sites and/or high wind loads.

• Additional friction drive unit in azimuth: For increased standard dome rotational max. speed up to 12°/s, enhanced power reserve to offset high snow loads.

Specifications

 

Dome size	2.1 m
Rotation rates	2°/s up to 8°/s
Flap and shutter speed	30 s
Recommended telescope aperture	up to 320 mm
Slit width	900 mm
Total weight - short cylinder	~ 490 kg (including either base options)
Total weight - long cylinder	~ 570 kg (including either base options)
Power requirements	230 V (50/60 Hz)
Power max. peak	2.5 kW (3 kW including air dryer)
Wind speeds (survival)	up to 200 km/h
Wind speeds (operational)	up to 60 km/h (7 bft max. gusts)
Survival temperature	-40 °C to +60 °C
Operating temperature	-20 °C to +40 °C
Dome air volume - short cylinder	4 m3
Dome air volume - long cylinder	8 m3
Mandatory base options	Short Cylinder (Wall Adapter) or Long Cylinder with Entrance Door
Azimuthal drive concept	Two friction drive units
Encoder	Azimuth encoder with homing sensor
Material	Glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP), double layer with intermediate insulation
Required RCD	All current sensitive residual circuit breaker (Type B, 300mA)
Command & Control	IR-Hand Controller, RS232 and TCP/IP (Web interface and native API)
Emergency closure (power fail)	Manually / Optionally: UPS
Emergency closure (weather)	Weather Station included for emergency closure only, no readout
Uninterrupted power supply	Optionally available
Communications protocol	Proprietary API (TCP/IP, RS232), ASCOM-Alpaca (TCP/IP), ASCOM (RS232), INDIGO (RS232)

Downloads

 

Baader Domes Catalogue