Post on 21-Dec-2015
Overview
• Directs sunlight to a fixed target
• Three mirrors: two stationary, one moveable.
• Guided using computer controlled stepper motors.
• 60 foot vertical shaft
Uses
• Lecture demonstrations• Solar astronomy• Spectroscopic analysis• Sunspot tracking• Digital imaging• Eclipse viewing• Atmospheric studies
The Dome
• Made by Technical Innovations, Inc.
• Located on the roof of Ross Hall of Science
• Installed during renovation of 2003
• 6 foot diameter
Collector Mirror
• Alt-azimuth configuration
• Two rotation stages
• Two stepper motors
• Located inside dome
Stationary Mirrors
• Director Mirror• Located inside dome
directly above shaft• Projects beam vertically• Welded angle iron support
• Lab Mirror• Projects beam horizontally
into Optics Lab• Bottom of shaft filled with
sand
Computer Interface
• Dedicated computer has Advantech PCI bus interface card
• Has 16 digital output channels, counter/ timer and D/A , A/D conversion capabilities
• Connects to breakout board through 68 pin SCSI cable
Heliostat Control
• Windows based GUI• Original software
designed through a collaboration of students and faculty
• Allows bi-directional control of each motor
• Variable slewing rates
Current Events
• Allows for remote operation of the dome via computer
• Mounted inside dome• Requires connection
to dome motors and power supply
Dome Control
• Software included with dome
• Controls opening, closing, rotation
• Display of current position
• Links to popular telescopes
Current Events
• Ensure appropriate input signal to motor controller cards
• Enclosure containing: motor controller cards, power supply, relays, temperature sensor, fan
• Placement and alignment of mirrors
Budget Summary
• Dome - $20,000• Mirrors - $1960• Motors - $40• Motor Controller cards - $110• Rotation stages - $987• M1 and M2 mounts - $900• Computer - $1100• Internal pc card - $650• H-Alpha Filter - $4200• Cables, Miscellaneous - $200
Total - $30,147
Future Plans
• Tracking Algorithm• Dome control integration• Full system automation• CCD Imaging• Hydrogen-Alpha filter• Spectroscopic analysis• Weather Alerts (auto-shutdown)• Live image monitor• Upgrade to materials with low thermal expansion• Vibration suppression
Acknowledgments
• Sponsored by NASA funds distributed by Colorado Space Grant Consortium
• Dr. Kendall Mallory – Dept. of Physics• Dr. Robert Walch – Dept. of Physics• Dr. Dick Dietz – Dept. of Physics• Ken Cochran – Instrumentation & Fabrication• Chad Lane and Jake Miller – Earth Sciences