PRO-DOME PD-15 Manual de usuario

PD15 Page 1

Technical Innovations

1271 La Quinta Dr. Ste 6

Orlando, FL 32809

407-601-1975

www.homedome.com

Assembly Instructions for PRO-DOME Observatory PD-15

S/N ________________

Congratulations.

You have purchased a PRO-DOME® observatory, which will serve you well in the

years to come. We are sure your new dome will increase your enjoyment of observing,

and help you be a more active astronomer.

Even though you will be constructing the equivalent of a small building, the PRO-

DOME is easy to assemble. However, it is essential that you read these instructions

because the assembly involves the handling of fairly large structural pieces, use of power

tools, and the need to perform mechanical assembly. Assembly should be an enjoyable

experience, so take your time and be careful.

We hope and believe that you will be happy with this product. We ask that you let us

know of any suggestions or criticisms of our products. We have incorporated many ideas

from customers into these instructions, and into the PRO-DOME design. We thank all

who contributed (and you are the beneficiary!) If, at any time, you have questions, please

feel free to give us a call so we can help you. Our aim is for you to be satisfied!

JERRY SMITH

Technical Innovations

PD15 Page 2

CAUTION

Handling fiberglass improperly can result in skin injury, while failure to perform

several easy, but crucial, steps in the PRO-DOME assembly can cause the PRO-DOME

not to operate properly. In addition, failure to follow recommended assembly may result

in injury during or after construction. Please at least scan all parts of these instructions,

even those parts covering skills you already have.

Technical Innovations is not responsible and assumes no liability for any damage

or injury arising from assembly or use of this product. While the instructions include

cautions and warnings, it is ultimately the customer who must exercise good judgment

and care in the assembly and while the observatory is in use to avoid damage to materials

or persons, and it is the customer who assumes all risk and liability.

NOTICE

All portions of this instruction manual are copyrighted by Technical Innovations, 1998, and are protected

under the laws of the United States. This document may not be reproduced without the consent of

Technical Innovations, except for use by the purchaser during assembly.

This observatory is patented, US Patent 5,448,860.

PD15 Page 3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents.........................................................................................................................3

PARTS LIST PD-15 ....................................................................................................................5

BOLT COUNT FOR BASIC PD-15............................................................................................6

1. Introduction to Instructions..........................................................................................7

Building Permits...........................................................................................................................7

Foundation....................................................................................................................................7

Foundation bolts...........................................................................................................................7

Installation Practices ....................................................................................................................8

2. Safety Precautions........................................................................................................9

Fiberglass .....................................................................................................................................9

Construction and Operation Cautions...........................................................................................10

3. Special Assembly Instructions.....................................................................................11

Nomenclature...............................................................................................................................11

Locating Holes .............................................................................................................................11

Drilling and Bolting .....................................................................................................................12

Leveling the Foundation, Wall, and Base Rings ..........................................................................12

Leveling with Carpenter Level.....................................................................................................13

Leveling with Water Level...........................................................................................................13

Making the Observatory Circular, and maybe Centered...............................................................13

4. Foundation ..................................................................................................................15

Ring Foundation...........................................................................................................................15

Pier Foundation............................................................................................................................15

Concrete Pad ................................................................................................................................16

Wood Deck ..................................................................................................................................16

5. Wall and Base Ring Assembly.....................................................................................17

Wall/Base Ring and Semi-Door Assembly Instructions...............................................................17

First Ring Assembly.....................................................................................................................18

Installing First Ring on Foundation..............................................................................................19

Door and Stub Sections Assembly ...............................................................................................20

Completing the wall .....................................................................................................................20

Base Ring Installation ..................................................................................................................21

Roller Mounting...........................................................................................................................21

Dome Drive Preparation...............................................................................................................22

Base Ring Assembly.....................................................................................................................22

Hinge Installation.........................................................................................................................22

Latch Installation..........................................................................................................................22

Wall Bracing ................................................................................................................................24

6. Dome PRE-Construction .............................................................................................25

Dome Support Ring (DSR) ..........................................................................................................26

Rear Cover Preparation................................................................................................................26

Front Shutter Preparation .............................................................................................................26

Top Shutter Preparation, Latch, Wind Restraint ..........................................................................28

Dome Quadrants Sub-Assembly...................................................................................................28

Shutter Cable Pulley Installation..................................................................................................29

7. Dome assembly and shutter installation.......................................................................30

Rear Cover Installation.................................................................................................................31

Dome Inspection ..........................................................................................................................31

Final Dome Bolting......................................................................................................................31

Shutter Catchers ...........................................................................................................................33

Shutter Installation .......................................................................................................................33

Initial Manual Shutter Operation..................................................................................................33

PD15 Page 4

Shutter Latch Check.....................................................................................................................34

8. Electric Shutter Installation..........................................................................................35

Introduction..................................................................................................................................35

Electric Shutter Theory ................................................................................................................35

Power Supply Installation.............................................................................................................36

Cable Pulley Installation ..............................................................................................................36

Drive Motor Installation...............................................................................................................37

Cable Installation..........................................................................................................................37

Contact Plate Installation..............................................................................................................38

Motor Drive Wiring .....................................................................................................................38

Cable Adjustment.........................................................................................................................38

Operation......................................................................................................................................39

Electric Shutter Maintenance .......................................................................................................39

Manual Operation.........................................................................................................................40

Emergency Entry..........................................................................................................................40

9. Electric Dome Drive Installation .................................................................................42

Introduction..................................................................................................................................42

Drive Plate Installation.................................................................................................................42

Drive Plate Wiring .......................................................................................................................42

Dome Drive Operation.................................................................................................................42

10. Shutter Lock Installation (Option).............................................................................44

PRO-DOME Lock Installation.....................................................................................................44

11. Finish Work & Accessories .......................................................................................46

Shutter Restraint System ..............................................................................................................46

DSR Safety Brackets....................................................................................................................48

Soffit.............................................................................................................................................48

Safety Device. ..............................................................................................................................48

Anti-rotation Bolts........................................................................................................................48

Caulking.......................................................................................................................................48

12. Problem Solving.........................................................................................................50

Dome Rotation Problems .............................................................................................................50

Shutter Engagement Problems......................................................................................................51

Shutter Dis-engagement Problems ...............................................................................................51

Shutter Blow-off...........................................................................................................................52

Base Ring Service ........................................................................................................................52

13. Use and Care of your PRO-DOME............................................................................53

APPENDIX 1 BOLT HOLE DRILLING GUIDE..........................................................

APPENDIX 2 ILLUSTRATIONS..................................................................................

Figures (Some numbers intentionally left blank)

Circular Skirt Installation (optional)

Terms, Warranties, Disclosures

Operating Instructions

PD15 Page 5

PARTS LIST PD-15

Fiberglass Pieces

Front Quadrants, one each Left & Right

Rear Quadrants (with notch in slot edge), one each Left & Right

Dome Support Ring Sections (4 pcs including door swingout)

Rear Cover (1)

Top Shutter (1)

Front Shutter (1)

Base Ring Sections (7 including molded door, stub sections)

Fittings and hardware

Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts

Stainless Steel Flat Head Bolts

Nuts, washers

Front Latch (40 in long)

Rear Latch (27 in. long)

Shutter Catcher/Wind Restraint Brackets (2)

Wheels (48) and Side Rollers (24)

Handles (2)

Shutter Restraint System (cables, bolts, etc.)

Shutter bearing strips (5 pcs) & surface cleaner

Front Shutter Edge Molding

Rear Opening Cover (Soffit)

Semidoor hardware (upper and lower latches, piano hinge, safety latchers, bolts)

Electric Dome Drive (4 motor plates, hardware, cable)

Electric Shutter (drive motor, cables, pulleys)

Power supply (PS-2) w/ hardware

Caulk

Instructions

Tools Required by Purchaser (not included with PD-15)

3/8 in electric drill, bits

(two drills are even more efficient)

Countersink (82 deg. preferred)

File or rasp

Metal rule (25 ft. or longer)

Carpenter level or water level

Hand tools: clamps, screw drivers, socket wrench set, etc.

Large metal square & straight edge

Duct tape

Caulking gun

Gloves, Eye Protection

Stepladders (6 ft., 12 ft.)

Worktable - Sawhorses & plywood OK

Extension cords

Foundation bolts, fender washers

Shims & spacers for leveling**

PD15 Page 6

** Shims –have several thicknesses available (such as 1/8”, ¼”). The design shown

here is useful because you can slide it in under the fiberglass and around a bolt without

having to remove everything.

BOLT COUNT FOR BASIC PD-15

BOLT LOCATION

Flat

1½"

Carr

1¼"

Flat

Carr

Flat

3/4"

NUTS

WASHERS

Special

Greenwich Flange

Base Ring

DSR safety

Equatorial Flange

Rear Cover

Shutter Latches

Shutter Catchers

Shutter Stop

Handles

Rollers

Side Rollers

25 self

tap

TOTALS

168

Wall Ring (Opt)

Notes: 1. Non-1/4-20 hardware for Semidoor, latches, etc. not shown

2. Extra bolts, nuts, etc. are provided

SCREW LESSON

The outer diameter of small

screws is a number such as #6,

or #8. #8 is bigger than #6. In

larger sizes, the diameter is in

fractions of an inch (e.g., 1/4

inch). The second number

(e.g., 6-32, 1/4-20) is the

number of threads per inch.

The third number (e.g., 6-

32x1/2) is the length in inches.

PD15 Page 7

1. INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUCTIONS

The assembly of the PRO-DOME involves several steps. These include:

* obtaining necessary permits

* building the foundation

* assembling the wall (if any)

* assuring that the top of the wall is level

* installing the base ring and rollers

* assembling the dome

* installing the shutters

* installing the fittings and hardware

Building Permits

In some areas, building permits are needed for the installation of the PRO-DOME, although there are sometimes

exemptions for small accessory structures. If you need a permit, you will need to apply for it, and include a

sketch of the proposed location, and a sketch of the proposed installation. If the PRO-DOME is to be installed

on a school or house or other inhabited building, special fire or other codes may apply in addition to structural

integrity requirements. Check with the local officials: it is much easier to handle the questions before you build,

than to find out later you are in violation of the local law.

Foundation

The PRO-DOME must rest on a secure foundation if it is on the ground, or framing support if it is to be

installed on a deck or other structure. The major purpose of the foundation is not to support the weight, since

the PRO-DOME only weighs about 650 pounds. Rather, its purpose is to provide stable support under all

environmental conditions.

The foundation must support the observatory so that the walls and dome do not twist as the ground freezes or

thaws or becomes dry vs. wet (this could cause the dome to become hard to

turn).

The foundation must hold the PRO-DOME down in the case of severe wind.

Depending on the area of the country, hurricane or other winds 80 mph (or more!) can occur, so building codes

require that buildings and their foundations resist such winds. (An 80 mph wind on the PRO-DOME can

generate a force of over 1500 lb.!). In addition, in most cases, the foundation system must provide some means

of leveling the observatory.

The foundation may be part of a building or house, a deck, a ring foundation, piers into the ground, or a concrete

pad (often with wood or carpet covering). If you want suggestions, please contact us for more information on

constructing foundations.

Foundation bolts

Selecting the appropriate foundation bolts to hold the bottom ring to your surface is your responsibility. The

most common bolts are lag bolts into anchors in a concrete pad, or carriage bolts through a wood deck. In all

cases, it is absolutely necessary to use washers at least 1 1/2 inch diameter under the bolt heads. In general, we

recommend using 3/8 inch diameter bolts spaced about 16-18 inches apart along the bottom flange. Lag bolts

FIG 4,5,6

PD15 Page 8

should penetrate the pad or deck at least two inches. Be sure to allow enough length in case you need to use

shims under the wall or base.

Installation Practices

Many of the installation steps take longer to read than to do. While no complex carpentry or other skills are

needed, you will need to perform some measurements, locate and drill holes, and install bolts. Sometimes edges

of fiberglass may need to be sanded or trimmed. However, no experience is needed in working with fiberglass,

and no application of fiberglass needs to be done. None of the pieces weigh more than about 75 pounds, so

even though they are bulky, they are relatively easy to handle.

We would strongly urge that you have several workers to help you assemble the PD-15. This allows you to

check on each other, and will help avoid mistakes. A second person can help a great deal in holding items in

place while the first drills holes and installs bolts. Certain steps in the PD-15 assembly normally require four or

more persons working in concert.

Before beginning construction, all workers should read through the directions and study the pictures. Note

especially the terminology that we use for the various parts. We urge that you not try to build the dome in an

order different from that in the instructions: some of the short cuts that look attractive have traps in them (we

know - we've gotten stuck!)

Finally, if you make a mistake, don't panic. In most cases you can just take the components apart, drill new

holes, and do it over. If you want to, you can always go back later and patch any mistakes with resin (that is one

of the virtues of fiberglass!) And if you get really stuck, give us a call and we will try to help.

Bolt Hole Drilling Guide

Some of the assembly steps inside this manual refer to “marks” on the fiberglass to identify hole locations for

drilling that may or may not still show up on the fabricated fiberglass sections. We strongly recommend that the

Bolt Hole Drilling Guide be reference every time you start an assembly step that involves drilling holes. This

guide will reflect the prorper measurements and locations and will eleiminate some confusion that may arising

in the step description. Some holes are drilled as “guide” holes (where two sections of fiberglass overlap) and

are then used for the “final” hole drilling when the two sections are properly aligned abd are ready to be bolted

together. This is the way that the drilling guide is broken out.

PD15 Page 9

2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Constructing a PRO-DOME requires you to follow several safety precautions and use common sense, since the

activity does include mechanical and manual operations. Care is needed in the use of tools and you should

follow the precautions provided by the manufacturers of any tools you may use. Since you will be constructing

a small building, you will need to use step ladders: be careful. While the fiberglass parts are not very heavy,

they are bulky: use care in handling them so that neither you nor the parts are injured. Carefully read all the

instructions, and think through your activities before you commence. Make liberal use of props, tape, clamps,

or other aids in the construction.

CAUTION

If the dome is to be installed on any support or wall more than three feet above the ground, or in a location with

difficult outside access, we STRONGLY recommend that you pre-assemble the base ring, dome, shutters, and

all fittings on the ground. You can then assemble the dome in a convenient and safe situation. Once pre-

assembled, it only takes an hour or two to disassemble the parts. You can then reassemble in place, knowing

how the parts fit together, and with direct experience in handling the pieces.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is really a misnomer: the material is fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). In our case, the plastic is

polyester resin (not epoxy). In its "raw" state, polyester resin is a syrupy liquid, After mixing about 15 drops of

catalyst per ounce of resin, it hardens in about an hour. Because the hardened resin is somewhat brittle, it is

reinforced with fiberglass for strength, and to prevent the propagation of cracks. The fiberglass can be in the

form of woven material which has the resin spread onto and into it, or long fiberglass strands which are chopped

into 2 inch pieces, then mixed with resin that is sprayed into a mold.

Fiberglass has many virtues, but also two potential problems:

FIBERGLASS IS FLAMMABLE

FIBERGLASS CAN IRRITATE THE SKIN

Yes, fiberglass will burn, or rather, the plastic in it will burn. Once started, it does burn very hot (you might

want to try a 1 square inch piece in a fireplace to see). Therefore, use common sense as you would with wood

or any other flammable construction material. Keep fire and open flame away from all parts of your PRO-

DOME. Also, do not let fiberglass dust or trimmings accumulate. Be especially careful about this where there

is any risk of flame or fire.

The fiberglass within the FRP is glass, and it can cut or abrade the skin. Sharp edges of the dome pieces can

cut, so be careful. Whenever handling FRP pieces, always wear gloves to be on the safe side. Of course, the

surfaces of the FRP are smooth, because they have been coated with a layer of resin (called Gel-coat) that covers

the glass.

Fiberglass dust can irritate the eyes and skin. When cutting or trimming or filing or drilling -- in short,

whenever doing something to the FRP that makes dust -- always use gloves and eye protection. Also, wear a

long sleeved shirt and long pants. In addition, be sure to change your clothes and wash thoroughly when you are

done the dusty part. If there is lots of dust, change how you are doing things to reduce the dust exposure!

Reasonable care is all that is needed; however, failure to follow reasonable care could lead to eyes or skin that

itches for a day or so. Hand lotion can help relieve itchy skin. If itching persists, see your physician.

PD15 Page 10

Construction and Operation Cautions

During construction and operation, there are specific cautions that must be followed. The PRO-DOME

observatory is not a toy, so be sure that children (and adults) do not climb upon it. Since the observatory does

contain moving parts, users must be careful to avoid injury. Keep your fingers away from the moving parts

where they might become caught.

The shutters CAN BE DANGEROUS. Each shutter weighs about 50 lb., and slides on the slot edges. They are

normally interlocked, and under control of the user. However, if they should not latch properly, or if they are

separated for maintenance work, the shutters (especially the front shutter) can begin sliding with little warning.

It is ESSENTIAL that care be used never to let the top or front shutter rest by itself at the top of the dome

without proper anchoring (if the two are latched together as they normally are, there is no risk). To help prevent

injury, you should consider installing a safety device on the front of the dome to limit unexpected downward

movement of the front shutter.

To prevent high winds from damaging the dome, it is essential that the shutters be fully latched and the front

shutter fastened when the dome is not in use.

Tabla de contenidos

Manuales populares de Equipos industriales de otras marcas

ABB

ABB Unifix AD Manual

Mark 7

Mark 7 Evolution Manual de usuario

Husky

Husky HyPET Manual de usuario

bora

bora PM-1800 Manual de usuario

Grizzly

Grizzly T32428 Manual de usuario

Siemens

Siemens 8MF1 Series Manual de usuario

ABB

ABB HT610965 Manual de usuario

ABB

ABB SafeLink Manual de usuario

Phoenix

Phoenix PHX-150 Manual de usuario

ABB

ABB A165-L32 Manual de usuario

ABB

ABB HT842936 Manual de usuario

Rioned

Rioned UrbanJet Manual de usuario

Hermetica

Hermetica 10 Series Manual de usuario

HORNER

HORNER OEE Solution Manual de usuario

Hammerhead

Hammerhead HG375 Manual de usuario

SCHUNK

SCHUNK VERO-S NSE-A3 138 Instrucciones de uso

ABB

ABB HT566657 Manual de usuario

Webasto

Webasto GSE CAN Manual de usuario