Computer Controlled Observatory Dome AMJOCH Observatory Property of
Computer Controlled Observatory Dome AMJOCH Observatory Property of Michigan Technological University Team Members: Chris Bielinski Brad Horton Lisa Bressler Bill Swanson Adam Hintgen 1
Project 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 2
Getting Off the Ground 3
Interviews to Determine Current Situation • • • Dr Jeff Burl Mirza Kolakovic Richard Olsen Dr. Bruce Rafert Dr. John Soper 4
Inventory of Supplies Telescope Computer • Windows 95 • A-drive: 3. 5” floppy • C-drive: 511 MB/73. 2 MB • D-drive: 511 MB/334 MB • Z-drive: CD-ROM 6 x • 16 MB RAM • Pentium • 33. 6 k modem Dome Computer • 486, speed not specified • A-drive: 3. 5”floppy • C-drive: • DOS • 8 MB RAM Miscellaneous Supplies Dome Components • Two monitors and keyboards • (1) Infrared sensor • Mouse • (4) Magnetic sensors + (1) magnet • Ethernet hub • Dormeyer™ solenoid • (2) 12 ft Ethernet cords • Leeson Speedmaster™ w/ 9 -pin port • AC-DC power-converter • Solenoid junction box • Various types of wires and cords given by Physics dept. • (4) slip rings • (1) Leeson DC brushless motor • Meade LX 50 telescope 5
Project Considerations • • • Restrictions Telescope diameter vs. door width Dome drift Cooperation with other departments Weather Conditions Space constraints • • • Expectations Dome/Telescope synchronization Neatness Home position Remote access Possible marketability 6
Current Status as of 11/1/99 7
Alternative Solutions 8
Project Schedule Utilizing the Sure Trak 2. 0 Project Manager software 9
Sure Trak Schedule Insert sure trak here 10
Task Assignments • Chris Bielinski - rapid integration of computers • Lisa Bressler - appropriate utilization of sensors • Adam Hintgen - dynamic creation of software • Brad Horton - precise implementation of controls • Bill Swanson - investigative signal interception 11
Dome Automation System Overview • • Position: 4 Magnetic Sensors, 1 magnet Infrared Sensor tracks movement Solenoid actuates the door latch Computer intercepts telescope communication and controls dome movement 12
Computer Control Flow Diagram 13
Slight Set Back 14
Isolator Plan 15
Software Flow Chart 16
Approval Our Isolation plan was finally approved, so the door is now open for us to use the telescope. 17
Previous Goals · · Make up connections for the opto-isolator Get opto-isolator installed Get computer fixed Update Sure Trak 18
Current Goals · · · Finish fixing the computer Test existing system and components Continue updating final report 19
Dome Pictures 20
Dome and Door Motor Controls 21
Magnetic Sensor 22
Infrared Sensor 23
Door Latch Actuating Solenoid 24
Poster 25
- Slides: 25