Has anyone started with a key FOB dome rotation system and then added the additional components to convert to a computer-controlled dome rotation system? Problems? Recommendations? Cost difference?

I have asked Explore-Dome several times via their web site for a quote on the components needed and the price, but have never received any acknowledgement. Thanks!

Hi Darryl,
I did exactly what you are wanting to do.  After looking at the various options, I settled on the LesveDomeNet (LDN) option.  Please note that this is not a turnkey option; it is more a DIY approach.  I am not an electronics engineer, but it still worked out fine. My choice was primarily based upon two factors: 1) the successfulness of others using this option, and 2) cost.  In my opinion, the LDN solution is superior on both counts.

The LDN solution is built upon the Velleman K8055N project board which can be ordered as a kit or preassembled.  It uses through-hole (not SMT) components so is relatively easy to assemble as a kit which is what I did.

There are several other electronic components that you must acquire as well.  These can be ordered from suppliers such as Digikey, Mouser, and the like.

There are other hardware components you will need that can be obtained from your hardware stores like Ace, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

And, you will need a commutator wheel.  I had mine made out of aluminum by a local machinist because I do not have the tools to do that.

The LDN solution is operated by software developed by Pierre de Ponthiere.  The software is available for a nominal cost and is very well supported by Pierre.  The LDN solution can not only control the dome rotation, but also shutter operation, and more, if after you have enjoyed automated dome synchronization to telescope movement you want to do more.

There have been several implementations of the LDN solution approach.  Many have chosen the Charles Harrow design and that is the one I am using.

Information about the LDN solution approach is available at www.dppobservatory.net and there is a discussion group on Groups.io about LDN: lesvedome@groups.io

I recommend going to the above Web site and also joining the LDN forum where you get much more information can ask more questions.

I hope this helps.  I think you will really enjoy the benefits of dome rotation automation.

Manning B

Manning B.:

Thank you so much for the detailed and extensive recommendation that you offered. I will look into the option that you chose and see how complicated or simple it is.

Thanks again for taking time to tell me about your experience. I really appreciate it!

Darryl Hedges

Lesvedome sounds like a good DIY option. If you want something more turn-key, I would implore you *not* to consider the Foster Systems option - it is unreliable and not well supported. I'm hoping by now that Exploradome has stopped using them.

You can see some similar comments from others in this thread:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/656035-foster-control-system-for-dome/

But there are many many other unhappy customers out there. Probably would not get a sense of this from Fosters "help" forum because relevant posts would get deleted!

I switched to MaxDome II (Diffraction Limited) a couple years ago and it has been solid. But there are other reliable turn-key options out there as well.


DaveNL

Hi Darryl .

If you are looking for a slightly less DIY than LesveDomeNet (LDN), you could also have a look at the MaxDome II. I have been using them for about 5-6 years with very few problems. They are still not cheap at around $1500, but much less than the Foster Systems. And a lot fewer issues. My only complaint is that Diffraction Limited still has not released a 64-bit driver so you still have to use the ASCOM hub, rather than connecting directly using the driver to communicate with 64-bit imaging programs like SGP or N.I.N.A. Two other learnings were that I had to run the antenna wire all the way around the dome vs how they describe in the manual and to try to keep the antennas now more than about 6" apart. Second,  use millimeters rather than inches as your unit of measure when dome geometry measurements. I found inches to be too granular as most programs only allow you to enter whole numbers. It does not matter which unit of measurement you pick as long as you use the same one for all your measurements. 

Hope this helps.

Andrew J