ExploradDome 2 Shutter System Issues
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See this video from yesterday. It shows the issue with the shutters not closing consistently. It is as if one or more of the contacts in the relays inside the controller are stuck, and with enough cycling, then the circuit is established, and the shutters start to close. Once moving, the shutters continue to close until the limit switch is tripped.
Today I am going to remove the control box and see if I can get a model number off of the relays inside the control box. There appears to be 4 relays inside the box.
The shutter system originally used the cable and spring technique with two motors and a series of switches to transfer power from the lower shutter motor to the upper shutter motor. When the chain drive system came out, I went to it and the system using one motor has worked consistently for about 5 years. All of a sudden, closing became erratic. If the shutters fail to close, I can apply 12VDC directly to the motor and it will close, so I am thinking there is an issue in the controller box. Yours truly,
Jack Huerkamp |
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Dave Newbury
Hi Jack,
Not sure if you made any progress on this? I can't help you much as I own the Exploradome 8ft, and best I can tell it looks like you have a different controller. But I agree that it seems like a controller issue (or maybe loose wiring somewhere?). Have you tried contacting Exploradome folks? They are generally pretty helpful. Also - hope it is not the Fosters System controller ... Dave |
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Dave,
I spoke to Dustin at ExploraDome and ended up purchasing some new ELK 924 relay controller boards. Over the years, the contacts on the relays must have gotten pitted due to arcing when the contacts close. Carefully swapping out the relay boards restored the shutter system to peration.
Yours truly,
Jack
Jack Huerkamp Jack's Astro Accessories, LLC 38388 Pine Street Pearl River, LA 70452-5192 985-445-5063 30.37N 89.76W
All of us get lost in the darkness. ………………………………….Neil Peart
From: main@Exploradome-Observatories.groups.io <main@Exploradome-Observatories.groups.io> On Behalf Of Dave Newbury via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 7:48 AM To: main@Exploradome-Observatories.groups.io Subject: Re: [Exploradome-Observatories] ExploradDome 2 Shutter System Issues
Hi Jack, |
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I think you have the wrong e-mail
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