What is dome automation and what will I need?
Dome automation is the ability to operate the observatory without direct human intervention. This would include the ability to remotely operate the shutter, rotate the dome and slave the dome to the telescope. From our standpoint, automation also includes safeguards against adverse conditions (for example, bad weather or high winds). The dome must be motorized (ED – electric rotation system and ES – electric shutter system) before the Digital Dome Works (DDW) automation package can be installed. If the Dome Trak level of automation is desired, only the ED system is required.
