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Computer Controlled Observatory Dome. AMJOCH Observatory Property of Michigan Technological University Team Members: Chris Bielinski Brad Horton Lisa Bressler Bill Swanson Adam Hintgen. Project Statement.
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Computer Controlled Observatory Dome AMJOCH Observatory Property of Michigan Technological University Team Members: Chris Bielinski Brad Horton Lisa Bressler Bill Swanson Adam Hintgen
Project Statement To fully automate the MTU Observatory Dome by designing a control interface between the telescope and control computer using software design and hardware implementation. With time permitting, remote operation and automatic weather sensing may be possible. Project Customer: Michigan Technological University - Dr. Jeffery Burl, Dr. Bruce Rafert Project Advisor: Dr. Martha Sloan
Interviews to Determine Current Situation • Dr Jeff Burl • Mirza Kolakovic • Richard Olsen • Dr. Bruce Rafert • Dr. John Soper
Telescope Computer Windows 95 A-drive: 3.5” floppy C-drive: 511MB/73.2MB D-drive: 511MB/334MB Z-drive: CD-ROM 6x 16MB RAM Pentium 33.6k modem Dome Computer 486, speed not specified A-drive: 3.5”floppy C-drive: DOS 8MB RAM Inventory of Supplies • Miscellaneous Supplies • Two monitors and keyboards • Mouse • Ethernet hub • (2) 12 ft Ethernet cords • AC-DC power-converter • Various types of wires and cords given by Physics dept. • Dome Components • (1) Infrared sensor • (4) Magnetic sensors + (1) magnet • Dormeyer™ solenoid • Leeson Speedmaster™ w/ 9-pin port • Solenoid junction box • (4) slip rings • (1) Leeson DC brushless motor • Meade LX50 telescope
Restrictions Telescope diameter vs. door width Dome drift Cooperation with other departments Weather Conditions Space constraints Expectations Dome/Telescope synchronization Neatness Home position Remote access Possible marketability Project Considerations
Project Schedule Utilizing the Sure Trak 2.0 Project Manager software
Sure Trak Schedule Insert sure trak here
Task Assignments • Chris Bielinski - rapid integration of computers • Lisa Bressler - appropriate utilization of sensors • Adam Hintgen - dynamic creation of software • Brad Horton - precise implementation of controls • Bill Swanson - investigative signal interception
Dome Automation System Overview • Position: 4 Magnetic Sensors, 1 magnet • Infrared Sensor tracks movement • Solenoid actuates the door latch • Computer intercepts telescope communication and controls dome movement
Approval • Our Isolation plan was finally approved, so the door is now open for us to use the telescope.
Previous Goals • Make up connections for the opto-isolator • Get opto-isolator installed • Get computer fixed • Update Sure Trak
Current Goals • Finish fixing the computer • Test existing system and components • Continue updating final report