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Timothy Sloan John Edgar Charlie Carbiener Rene Sanchez

Project 13: Automated Telescope Mirror Cover Sponsor : Dr. Guenter Maresch Faculty Adviser: Dr. Kamal Amin. Timothy Sloan John Edgar Charlie Carbiener Rene Sanchez

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Timothy Sloan John Edgar Charlie Carbiener Rene Sanchez

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  1. Project 13: Automated Telescope Mirror CoverSponsor: Dr. GuenterMareschFaculty Adviser: Dr. Kamal Amin Timothy Sloan John Edgar Charlie Carbiener Rene Sanchez Team Leader Webmaster Communication Liaison Financial Advisor Tjs10k@my.fsu.eduJde08@my.fsu.eduCpc10c@my.fsu.edu rrs07@my.fsu.edu

  2. Problem Statement • Telescopes are more efficient when geographically located in isolated areas. • Due to the remote location of the observatory, usage and maintenance is impractical. • Design and implement a protective cover for the two mirrors with a integrated user control system.

  3. Objectives • Design a mechanical cover for the primary lens. • Design a mechanical cover for the main aperture. • Design an enclosure for the shaft of the telescope. • Integrate the controls of the major component of the telescope to an online user interface.

  4. Dynamic function • The sheets of plastic will need to rotate 90 around the attachment axis. The sheets will preferably be flush against the outer casing of the telescope to avoid obstruction of operation. • The system will rely on a set of stepper motors to provide the rotation of the flaps. • The motors will be mounted on the telescope casing and will be controlled via a computer interfaced motor driver.

  5. Sealing • The system will be sealed when the covers are closed. This will be accomplished via rubber or plastic sealant placed around the lips of the flaps. • This will ensure that the environment is hermetically sealed to eliminate harmful environmental factors. • The outer surface of the telescope is currently open, providing no protection. Fine netting will be installed around this surface to provide complete protection in junction with the two covers.

  6. Environmental Factors • On site, the telescope is subjected to many undesirable and potentially damaging environmental conditions for which protection must be provided. • Several of the main environmental factors considered: • Dust • Insects • Humidity • Frogs • Foliage debris

  7. Remote Operation • The telescope facility and all of its functions should be accessible and controllable remotely through an online graphic user interface. • This interface must integrate with existing controllers for the following functions • Position and focus of the telescope • Angle and opening of the dome • The dew heaters • The data acquisition board • Readings from the weather sensors on site

  8. Design 1 • Design 1 uses a system of 6 flaps that work to protect the mirrors. • The primary mirror has a total of four flaps while the aperture mirror uses two flaps. • The controller available to us has four ports that are used to control four stepper motors. • Using a duplicator, we will combine two flaps to be used with one port. • Port 1 actuates flaps 1 • Port 2 actuates flaps 2 • Port 3 actuates flap 3 • Port 4 actuates flap 4 Primary 2 1 1 2 Aperture 3 4

  9. Design 1 Pros and Cons • Pros • Simple design and easy to implement • Integrates into the existing controller • Allows for independent control of the primary mirror cover and the aperture cover • Cons • More expensive due to the two additional stepper motors • Paired motors must not come out of phase or manual maintenance will be required

  10. Design 2 • Use flexible shafts to transmit torque from the primary mirror cover to the aperture mirror cover • The shafts can be maneuvered in such a way to provide a connection without interfering with the telescopes motion or vision • This design was proposed by our sponsor

  11. Design 2 Pros and Cons • Pros • Only requires four stepper motors • Mechanical coupling reduces the likelihood of paired flaps going out of phase • Cons • The shaft could deform leading to less rotation at the end than at the source • Material and design for such a shaft is currently undecided • Potential interference with telescope motion and positioning

  12. Future Work • Decision matrices will be used to decide among our designs • Initial modeling will then begin • Parts and materials will be ordered so that a prototype can be constructed 22

  13. Summary • Covers must be designed to protect the telescope mirrors and ensure the ability for continued remote usage • User interface must allow all the functions of the telescope facility to be controlled remotely • Several designs in consideration to accomplish these objectives • Cost and longevity are critical components used to select the proper design

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