On Jun 28, 2022, at 12:31 PM, John Cimo <JohnCimo@...> wrote:



Hi Patrick,

Welcome to the group.

That’s a great plan you have, but not an easy question for anyone to answer with any certainty.

How often are you going to open & close the shutters each day? How often and how long are you going to rotate your dome?

My suggestion to you would be to ask the folks over at ExploraDome for the amperage (and at what voltage) while opening and closing the shutters (could be different for open & close), and while rotating the dome, including start up amps which is likely to be much higher for a brief period.

Now do some careful calculations on how you will actually run the dome during an average day as well as an extreme usage day.

Now take your times and put them together with the ExploraDome specs and you’ll come up with something in the ballpark you’ll need just to operate your dome. Now add all your accessory loads to it for a complete picture of the situation

Don’t forget to take into account reduced battery output on cold days as well as reduced solar output on cloudy or short winter days, then I would times it by two (if possible) just to be safe.

I would also suggest investing in a small booster pack to bring with you during your viewing sessions in case of a low power situation, especially when you least need it to happen like a rain event. No battery equals open shutter - not a good position to be in.

Any way best of luck with your planning.

John

On Sat, Jun 25, 2022 at 8:30 AM Patrick Dugan <Dugan-p@...> wrote:

I’m new to this group but have a 8’ Exploradome on order, probably being delivered late this year. It will be a fully automated, remote installation, powered by batteries off solar panels.
In the meantime I’m trying to size the battery and solar panel system, as well as power supplies.
If anyone has info on the power needs of the dome automation system if would be very much appreciated.
I can figure out the other power needs (camera, mount, PC, etc)

Thanks,