Motorising the Dome

During the Christmas break, I finally got started on motorising the dome.
Eventual plan is to have it fully automated - bit to go before that though.
For the first step, I want to hook up motors, power supply and switches.
My knowledge of electronics is very limited, which is a major disadvantage for a project like this.

Anyway, I now have the lower shutter of the dome hooked up to a motor and a 3-position momentary switch.
If I hold the switch in one direction, the door will open.
Once I let go of the switch, the power cuts out and the door stops.
If I hold the switch in the opposite direction, the door will close.

I am using the Exploradome motor and hardware kits (no electronics included in what I got) for this project.

Below is a link to two simple wiring diagrams which I drew up after trying to figure out how it all worked out.
(Probably basic electronics for those in-the-know, but all completely new to me)

"Wiring01" shows how the motor links up with a 6pin momentary DPDT switch.
www.astroshot.com/Observatory/Wiring01.pdf

"Wiring02" shows how the motor links up with a 6pin momentary DPDT switch with relays to cut off the power and prevent damage.
www.astroshot.com/Observatory/Wiring02.pdf

For automation, I eventually hope to use Lesvedome in conjunction with ACP.
www.dppobservatory.net/DomeAutomation/DomeDriver.php

I hope to add to this thread as the project progresses.

Regards,

Michael.

sounds great Michael, do let us know how it all turns out.

This evening I was trying to think how to wire up the upper shutter door to the same switch.
I want to ensure that the upper door opens first. When fully open, the lower door can then open.
In reverse, I want the lower door to close first and when fully closed, I want the upper door to close.
"Wiring03" shows how both the upper and lower doors link up with a single 6pin momentary DPDT switch with relays to cut off the power and prevent damage.
www.astroshot.com/Observatory/Wiring03.pdf

Not physically tested this yet - still an idea in my head.
Hopefully it will work as I have drawn it.

In the event of the electrical supply cutting out, I need to ensure that the dome will close up.
THis can be done in two ways:
1. Buy a UPS and hook it up to the PC and dome
2. Get a car battery and get it to kick in when required.

In terms of a UPS, can anyone recommend a low cost UPS?
Are the ones in Maplin ok or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks,

Michael.