Foster Systems

 

Roof Control

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The AstroMC Roof controller is the most complete solution for your observatory automation. Use our installation guide as part of your planning and design:
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Roll off Roof Controller First Steps



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Among the many capabilities are:

·Telescope unsafe interlock (a must for Roll off Roof installations)
·ASCOM Roll-off-Roof and Dome Control.
·ASCOM Safety interface
·Local and scriptable Power Control
·Automatic Fogging Control
·Prime Power Safety Monitor that can trigger orderly shutdown script
·Scope AtPark Monitor interface that prevents a Roll-off-Roof from closing
·Text Messaging and Email Alerts
·Local and scriptable ScopeShutter Aperture Dust/Pollen Cover
·Weather monitor interface with additional safety processing
·AstroGraph weather trend graphing and logging software
·ASCOM Compliant with Open Scriptable Integration
·Compatible with ACP Expert, ACP, CCD Commander, CCD Autopilot, Sky X

Features include:

· Four different styles of Roll off Roof are supported
- Pushbutton style with Push Open, Push Stop, Push Close operation such as commercial or residential garage door openers and gate openers
- Dual openers for roofs that pull apart from the peak or move in opposition
- Large roofs with commercial motor controllers (AC or DC), designed for purpose roof movement kits such as Backyard Observatory
- Astoator controlled Larger roofs.


· Additional support for a linear actuator controller add-on for a door, South facing flap or lightbox arrangement. Integrated with roof operation:
- Door/flap opens, then roof opens on an interlock.
- Roof closes. Once closed, door/roof closes.

- Hardware interlock to prevent roof movement when your telescope is not AtPark position.

· Remotely turning on/off Low Voltage equipment power. Optional tie to Master Power function (All On/Off)

· Remotely turning on/off RoboFocus Power Accessory outlets. Optional tie to Master Power function.

· Remotely turning on/off up to three CPS high voltage switches. Optional tie to Master Power function.

· User configurable tie of Master Power function to ACP "Weather Connect" command for true remote/web based "All power On/Off" capability for positive control of equipment safety. Never again do you need worry about your equipment.

· Remotely controlling roll-off roof with fully compliant support for the ASCOM Dome Class to assure complete ACP integration. ACP Expert or script can initiate a cover open/close. Support for ACP Unsafe Shutdown script. Never again worry about weather damage to your valuable investment. CCD Commander and CCD Autopilot are also supported.

· For those of you who are fond of Scripting, all AstroMC functions are reachable via scripts resulting in virtually unlimited "personalization" of your observatory.

· Our PC software, included, now allows a VB or Java script to be run automatically after the Roof is Open and another script to be run before the Roof Closes. This give you the ability to touch every piece of equipment that has a scripting Active-X interface ( e.g. ASCOM interface, power interface, etc.). In addition, we allow you to run a manual script at any time that is not tied to Roof Opening or Closing.

· Optionally, measure humidity, observatory inside temperature and dew point, using this data to automatically control activation of dew management and dew removal equipment. Never again worry about when to activate dew removal heaters. It's automatic! Order our AMC-110 add-on kit.

· Complete integration of AstroAlert, Boltwood I/II and any other weather monitor that supports the one-line file format. Special analysis is included to reduce false alarms.

· Full integration of weather sensors via the ASCOM Weather Class with a direct interface toSupport for ASCOM Weather Safety Class.

· Remotely initiate remote restart of computer and/or software components

- Monitors observatory power so that safe shutdown can take place.

· Support for an ASCOM compliant MasterControl Class that can be accessed by ACP or other programs. AstroMC is your Master Control Hub for the observatory.

· USB interface support with 6' cable

· PC desktop software included. We offer 2 scriptable triggers: One that starts after the roof is open and one that starts just before the roof closes. These can be either Visual Basic Script or Java script languages and are completely open to any ASCOM interface or scriptable interface Script of any capable hardware or software (e.g. Sky-X or any ASCOM mount, focuser, switch, etc.) This gives you ultimate and repeatable startup and safe shutdown processes.

Note: For Roll off Roof control, you will need 2 Normally Open roof position switches such as our #1501 or #1502 Magnetic Proximity Switch or lever style switch. These switches are used to sense roof open position and roof closed position.

Windows 7, Windows 10.

Packaging from Board only to box.

12 VDC power adapter and Power Monitor adapter are sold separately.

List Price:$315.00
Your Price:$283.50 (You save 10.00%)
Weight:1.500 lbs