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Dome For An All Sky Camera

mhard26339

By mhard26339
in DIY Astronomer

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mhard26339

mhard26339

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Hi, I am collecting the bits and pieces together to construct an all-sky camera based around an ASI120MM and an Arecont 1.55mm lens (as used by Starlight Xpress) The problem that I am having is sourcing of a suitable waterproof dome housing (at reasonable price) that is still in production. Hopefully any dome should have enough room for the additional bits and bobs i.e. heater, fan etc. 

Any steers would be welcome.

Regards

Mike

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pete_l

pete_l

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Yes, the tricky part is getting an optically distortion-free view.

No doubt you've seen the replacement domes for all-sky cameras that people like Teleskop Express sell. You can also buy perspex display domes but I don't know how they'd react to sunlight over time (most outdoor plastics have a UV coating to stop them from going opaque).

Alternatively, how about the glass cover from a snow-globe?

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mhard26339

mhard26339

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Hi JemC, Yes I have considered the "dummy Camera Housing" route but not sure how solid or waterproof they would be. If I get deparate I will give something like this a punt and see, its not too expensive if it proves to be a non starter anyway.

Regards

Mike

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mhard26339

mhard26339

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Yes, the tricky part is getting an optically distortion-free view.

No doubt you've seen the replacement domes for all-sky cameras that people like Teleskop Express sell. You can also buy perspex display domes but I don't know how they'd react to sunlight over time (most outdoor plastics have a UV coating to stop them from going opaque).

Alternatively, how about the glass cover from a snow-globe?

Hi Pete,

I must admit that I had not tried Telescope Express, I guess that I should have thought of them and their website is interesting. I have also just found this http://www.sunlightplastics.co.uk/acrylic-domes/?gclid=CM-2i9TypMQCFayWtAodoi4AOA I may give them a bell, looks interesting!

Getting there, thanks for the input all, keep it coming, the solution is out there, see you on my return Tinker.

Regards

Mike

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Gina

Gina

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I used one of these the inner shield is loose and easily removed to give a full 180 FOV.  I'm using a QHY5 ATM but the TWO AS120MM (or AS120MC) is on the books for the future when funds permit.  ATM this project is on hold due to others taking priority.

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mhard26339

mhard26339

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PERFECT Horwig, just what I was looking for and for a good price!!

Thanks a lot, problem solved on FLO in 4 hrs, I have been looking on the Internet for hours!

Regards

Mike

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mhard26339

mhard26339

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Hi Horwig,

I have ordered the 100m dome that you itemised as well as this http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/WK1010G.html It is140mm square with a slightly domed lid but I hope that it will work out OK. Plan is to mount the dome from inside and use the flange with silicone to bolt through, hopefully!!

Thanks again

Regards

Mike

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Gina

Gina

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I rather wonder if these domes are of optical quality.  I would doubt it unless they were described as camera domes such as for CCTV.  I shall be interested in how well they perform.

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mhard26339

mhard26339

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I rather wonder if these domes are of optical quality.  I would doubt it unless they were described as camera domes such as for CCTV.  I shall be interested in how well they perform.

I agree Gina, unlikely to be optical quality but I thought that it was worth punt for the money, perhaps Horwig could comment on how his performs. if they prove no good then I will take up Pete_i's suggestion and look again on the Telescope Express site.

Which dome are you using for your camera Gina?

Regards

Mike

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Gina

Gina

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External Enclosure Housing Case for CCTV CCD Dome Camera

Dome is about 75mm (3") diameter but it only has to enclose the lens the main box can be bigger.

Later... Just checked and looks like they've run out of stock - it was available a couple of days ago, should have bought a spare :(

Latest... An alternative :- Water Resistance Outdoor Dome Security Camera Shell Housing  I've ordered one, expected to arrive tomorrow - I'll report back when I've stripped it down.

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Horwig

Horwig

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I agree Gina, unlikely to be optical quality but I thought that it was worth punt for the money, perhaps Horwig could comment on how his performs

Mike

I could always get you pictures of cloud cover!

True, the dome is not the most optically clear piece of plastic I've seen, but it depends what you want the camera for, if it's to show impending cloud cover it's fine, if you intend to use it for meteor work, maybe you need something better.

It's still very much an ongoing project for me, so no real results.

Huw

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Gina

Gina

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I now have the dome I posted about above and it seems fine.  The dome itself is clear and looks the same as the one I'm using.  There is a black plastic inner which is just clipped in and comes out easily.

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