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Computer Controlled Computer Controlled Observatory DomeObservatory Dome

AMJOCH ObservatoryAMJOCH ObservatoryProperty of Michigan Technological UniversityProperty of Michigan Technological University

Team Members:Team Members:

Chris BielinskiChris Bielinski Brad HortonBrad Horton

Lisa Bressler Lisa Bressler Bill SwansonBill Swanson

Adam HintgenAdam Hintgen

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Project StatementProject 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

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Getting Off the Getting Off the GroundGround

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Interviews to Interviews to Determine Current Determine Current SituationSituation

• Dr Jeff BurlDr Jeff Burl• Mirza KolakovicMirza Kolakovic• Richard OlsenRichard Olsen• Dr. Bruce RafertDr. Bruce Rafert• Dr. John SoperDr. John Soper

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Inventory of SuppliesInventory of Supplies

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

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

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Project ConsiderationsProject Considerations

RestrictionsRestrictions• Telescope diameter

vs. door width• Dome drift• Cooperation with

other departments• Weather Conditions• Space constraints

ExpectationsExpectations• Dome/Telescope

synchronization• Neatness • Home position• Remote access• Possible

marketability

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Current StatusCurrent Status as of 11/1/99as of 11/1/99

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Alternative SolutionsAlternative Solutions

Two ComputerSystem

One ComputerSystem

“Solid State”System

Continue with previousgroup’s design

Build on previousgroup’s design

Implementation of a ‘nocomputer’ design

Separate user computerand control computer

Combine control anduser computer for fasterresponse time

More reliable

Split signal to protecttelescope

Minimize space, lessequipment

Added marketability

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Project Schedule

Utilizing the Sure Trak 2.0 Project Utilizing the Sure Trak 2.0 Project Manager softwareManager software

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Sure Trak Schedule

Insert sure trak here

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Task AssignmentsTask Assignments

• Chris Bielinski - rapid integration of computersChris Bielinski - rapid integration of computers

• Lisa Bressler - appropriate utilization of sensorsLisa Bressler - appropriate utilization of sensors

• Adam Hintgen - dynamic creation of softwareAdam Hintgen - dynamic creation of software

• Brad Horton - precise implementation of Brad Horton - precise implementation of controlscontrols

• Bill Swanson - investigative signal interceptionBill Swanson - investigative signal interception

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Dome Automation System Dome Automation System OverviewOverview

• Position: 4 Magnetic Sensors, 1 Position: 4 Magnetic Sensors, 1 magnetmagnet

• Infrared Sensor tracks movementInfrared Sensor tracks movement• Solenoid actuates the door latchSolenoid actuates the door latch• Computer intercepts telescope Computer intercepts telescope

communication and controls dome communication and controls dome movementmovement

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Computer Control Flow Diagram

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Slight Set BackSlight Set Back

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Isolator PlanIsolator Plan

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Software Flow Chart

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ApprovalApproval

Our Isolation plan was finally approved, so the door is now open for us to use the telescope.

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Previous GoalsPrevious Goals

Make up connections for the opto-isolator

Get opto-isolator installed Get computer fixed Update Sure Trak

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Current GoalsCurrent Goals

Finish fixing the computer Test existing system and

components Continue updating final report

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Dome PicturesDome Pictures

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Dome and Door Motor Controls

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Magnetic Sensor

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Infrared Sensor

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Door Latch Actuating Solenoid

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PosterPoster