XmDome
Linux Software for Astronomical Observatory Dome Control

• In the this version ...
• Dome control through a National Instruments PCI-6518 parallal interface card
• Adaptable to any dome with relay control of rotation and optionally the shutters
• Rotation encoding with RFID tags using Phidgets RFID tag reader
• Used with XmTel provides automatic dome rotation to follow the pointing of a telescope
• Shutter operation enabled through a tethered connection with rotation limits
• All-in-one standalone version
• Version for an INDI client for use with XEphem, the command line, or scripted operation


• In the current version of PyDome ...
• Based on Python and scriptable from XmCCD and XmTel
• RFID encoding
• Relay-controlled rotation and shutter operation
• Accurate azimuth setting with different telescope types
• RF link for untethered shutter operation (under development)

XmDome provides a convenient graphical user interface for local or remote operation of an astronomical telescope dome. While specific to the hardware we use for the Shared Skies programs at Moore and Mt. Kent Observatories, XmDome may be readily adapted to other hardware. It includes code to calculate the requisite dome azimuth given the celestial coordinates of the telescope, for German equatorial, fork equatorial, and altazimuth telescope mounts. Support for the Phidgets RFID tag reader is included, which permits simple retrofitting of absolute dome rotation encoding with the addition of RFID tags on the dome itself. The current version supports a hardwired dual shutter for the Sirius dome. An RF-coupled autonomous shutter controller is under development that will allow safe operation under uncertain weather conditions.

• Latest version 1.3.9 updated June 18, 2010