PWI Enclosures
FOR L-Series mOUNTS, T600, CDK/RC700, and CDK/RC1000
inspiration
Having grown from the astronomical research market, PlaneWave Instruments has developed a long and broad understanding of historical and current approaches to observatory and telescope enclosures across our 16-year history. In our pursuit of the perfect telescope, it has been increasingly apparent that many of today’s advanced applications for our telescope and gimbal products are not ideally supported by existing enclosure systems.
Features & Details
Features
Power Slip Ring
100 amps for the enclosure and instrumentation.
Exhaust Fans
Helps regulate temperature while the enclosure is closed. During operation, it also draws air circulation through the slit— improving local atmospheric seeing for the telescope.
+/- 330 Degrees Rotation Limit
Similar to our gimbals, the enclosure is designed with a +/- 330-degree rotation limit. A continuous rotation is an optional feature.
Wind- and Weather-Resilient
Designed to withstand 120 mph wind gusts.
Standard configuration rated for -30c temperatures.
Impervious to rain, snow, fog, ice, and debris when closed. The enclosure interior is insulated from condensation and thermal effects.
50/s Azimuth & Elevation Slew Speed
Both Azimuth and Robotic Window Frame axes keep up with high-velocity subjects.
Rapid Assembly
From crate to commission in 2 days (with PW installation).
Reasonable Crate Sizing for Delivery
The enclosure ships in 2 crates (one for the base and floor pieces, and one for the main shell) or within a 20-foot shipping container.
Power
AC power compatibility 200-240 VAC – 50/60 Hz.
Minimum power for enclosure 30A @ 240V.
Optional Features
Robotic Window Frame
Optional robotic optical window frame and associated
rolling seals allow even greater environmental ruggedization, by minimizing wind buffeting and solar loading.
Optical Window
For the highest degree of environmental resiliency, optically polished windows can be added to seal the enclosure. With an optical window in place, your system will be protected from wind, as well as wind-driven rain, dust, pollen, and other debris. Various substrates, surface qualities, and coatings are available, including energy-rejection filtration.
Power System for Slip Ring
350 megabit/second ethernet.
Dehumidifier
Reduces humidity levels, safeguarding your equipment and valuables from the damaging effects of excess moisture.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Designed specifically for the outer shutter system, this ensures that the shutters remain operational, providing seamless protection.
Second Access Door
We appreciate that some, but not all, of our customers will have copious amounts of hardware within the enclosure. In those cases, having a second access door will ensure ease of reaching various parts of the system.
HVAC
Maintaining the temperature of the enclosure interior and instrumentation is an important part of ensuring that your system is well-acclimated to the external environment and is ready to operate the moment the enclosure opens. Given the diversity of potential installation environments, as well as the heat output of instruments in computing hardware, we are interested in discussing your specific needs and recommending the most appropriate solution.
Pricing
DUAL APERTURE ENCLOSURE FOR T600 AND 24” TELESCOPE max price is $150k.
SINGLE APERTURE ENCLOSURE FOR L-SERIES MOUNT AND UP TO 20” TELESCOPE max price is $140k.
SINGLE APERTURE ENCLOSURE FOR RC/CDK700 max price is $180k.
SINGLE APERTURE ENCLOSURE FOR RC/CDK1000 max price is $220k.
ROBOTIC WINDOW FRAME WITH BELLOWS
- For the L-Series and T-600 Enclosures- $30k each
- For the RC/CDK700- $35k
- For the RC/CDK1000- $50k
- Windows not included in cost.
WINDOWS available for quote.
POWER SYSTEM FOR SLIP RING additional $10k.
DEHUMIDIFIER additional $6k.
UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY additional $3k.
SECOND ACCESS DOOR available for quote
HVAC available for quote.
BENEFITS
Rotation of Full Structure on Industrial Sealed Bearing
- Greatly improves structural rigidity, allowing for higher rotation velocities.
- Simplifies and bolsters approaches to environmental sealing.
- Allows form factors that reduce footprint, while compatible with telescope/instrument pier-isolation from enclosure and enclosure support structure.
- Availability of high-reliability, industrial COTS bearings, and servo motors benefit MTBR.
Tighter Fit to Enclosed Instrumentation
- Eliminates human occupancy, potentially reducing permitting requirements.
- Reduces interior air volume, benefiting requirements for internal temperature and humidity regulation.
- Allows the use of smaller optical windows.
- Improves clearance requirements and mobility for trailer-mounted systems.
Superior Environmental Resiliency
- When fully assembled, only the dome slot and interior diameter of the bearing allow water, dust, and vermin entry. Placement of the rotation interface below/within drip-line protection adds further rain/snow protection.
- Optional robotic optical window frame and associated membrane seals allow even greater environmental ruggedization and potential energy-rejection filtration.
- Form factor offers obvious and significant protection from solar thermal-loading of enclosed instrumentation, improving in-dome seeing and reducing differential temperature across instrumentation for both daytime and early-night operations.
- With the enclosure, telescopes can operate in higher winds without degraded performance.
