Technical Innovations Dome Observatories
Technical Innovations manufacturers the Home-Dome, Pro-Dome and Robo-Dome fiberglass observatories. The Home-Dome and Pro-Dome models are available in stand-alone and on-structure versions. Robo-Dome is a complete robotic observatory designed to hold only a telescope up to 11" in aperture. The standard colors are white outside and dark blue inside. Special colors available and Technical Innovations can do a color match from a sample you provide or you may request a color chart. Fire retardant can be added for additional protection in fire danger areas.
Electric motors for shutter operation and rotation are available for all domes. Motors are optional for the 6' and 10' domes, and included with the 15' Pro-Dome and the Robo-Dome. All motors are 12 VDC and can be added at any time to the 6' and 10' domes. If the dome is to be installed on an existing structure, we recommend that motors be installed during the initial assembly.
For robotic operation, Technical Innovations provides Digital Dome Works (DDW), a computer based automation system which allows you to open and close the shutter, and control the dome azimuth so that it matches the telescope position. While the basic DDW is designed primarily for situations where the control room and the observatory are located no more than 400 feet apart, Technical Innovations offers options that allows you to operate an observatory many miles away or across the Internet.
For additional information and pricing of Home-Dome, Pro-Dome and Robo-Dome products, please visit the Durango Skies website.
Give us a call to learn more about the Technical Innovations domes and automation products or to place an order. We provide a complete solution with onsite installation of all Technical Innovations domes, including complete observatory building construction.
The Home-Dome HD6 model is a complete six foot diameter fiberglass observatory for on-structure use. It includes dome halves, rear cover, shutters, dome support ring, 9" high base ring, stainless steel assembly hardware, caulk, and instructions. The optional Rectangular Skirt (RS6) is a four piece fiberglass skirt to make transition between the circular observatory and a flat/sloping roof or building edge. The horizontal flange of the RS-6 fastens under a wall or base ring flange, while a vertical flange attaches to your structure.
The Pro-Dome PD6 model is a complete six foot diameter fiberglass observatory for stand-alone use. It includes dome halves, rear cover, shutters, dome support ring, 45" high wall, molded full height entrance door, stainless steel assembly hardware, caulk, and instructions. Up to three (3) Computer Cubbies (CC6) can be added to increases dome floor area by providing a recess into the dome wall for working with your computer or notes. The cubbie size is 30" wide, 16" deep, and 40" high. Each cubbie replaces a wall section of the PD6.
Additional options for either model include electric motors for shutter operation and rotation, automatic shutter shutoff switches and Digital Dome Works for automation.
The Home-Dome HD10 model is a complete ten foot diameter fiberglass observatory for on-structure installation. It includes four dome quadrants, rear cover, shutters, dome support ring, 12" high base ring, stainless steel assembly hardware, caulk, and instructions. The optional Rectangular Skirt (RS10) is an eight piece fiberglass skirt to make the transition between the circular observatory and a flat/sloping roof or building edge. The horizontal flange of the RS10 fastens under a wall or base ring flange, while a vertical flange attaches to your structure. The optional Circular Skirt (CS10) is the same as RS-10, except the four piece skirt ends in a 10' 8" diameter circle with drip flange.
The Pro-Dome PD10 model is a complete ten foot diameter fiberglass observatory designed primarily for stand-alone installations. It includes four dome quadrants, rear cover, shutters, dome support ring, 12" high base ring (with or without molded semi-door section), locking hardware, special fittings, stainless steel assembly hardware, caulk, and instructions. The optional ten foot diameter, 12" high Wall Ring (WR10) matches the PD10 base ring. One or more wall rings may be stacked to increase wall height of PD10. Includes molded semi-door section and hardware.
Additional options for either model include electric motors for shutter operation and rotation, automatic shutter shutoff switches and Digital Dome Works for automation.
The Pro-Dome PD15 model is a complete fifteen foot diameter fiberglass observatory designed primarily for stand-alone installations in institutional, industrial, or group settings. The Home-Dome HD15 model is like the PD15, but designed for on structure installation. Both models include four dome sections, rear cover, shutters, dome support ring, 12" high base ring (with or without molded semi-door section), locking hardware, special fittings, stainless steel assembly hardware, caulk, and instructions. Both models also include electric shutter and dome rotation drives with power supply.
The optional fifteen foot diameter, 12" high Wall Ring (WR15) matches the PD15 base ring. One or more wall rings may be stacked to increase wall height of PD15. The wall rings include molded semi-door section and hardware. The optional Circular Skirt (CS15) is a five piece skirt that ends in a 15' 8" in diameter circle with drip flange. Another option is Digital Dome Works for automation.
The Robo-Dome RD1M model is a complete robotic observatory designed to hold only your telescope and photographic equipment. It includes the fiberglass dome with base and one shutter and all hardware and motors for rotation and shutter movement. Also includes Digital Dome Works hardware and software for computer control of dome. Robo-Dome is shipped fully assembled.
Robo-Dome is an oval measuring 40" by 50" at the base and 50" in height height. It can accomodate Cassegrain style telescopes up to 11", small refractors, Maksutov telescopes or small (fast focal ration) Newtonian telescopes. Robo-Dome can be bolted to any flat roof that is accessible from below for installation and service.
The optional Robo-Dome foundation (RDF1) is a two-part fiberglass box that can be used instead of a concrete or wood base. Robo-Dome will be bolted to the box foundation which measures 54" x 42" x 3" high. For weight, the box is filled with sand or other heavy material.
