GREENLINE RC-33 CLAMSHELL OBSERVATORY
Greenline
GREENLINE RC-33 CLAMSHELL OBSERVATORY - SEMI-AUTOMATIC DRIVE KIT is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Price includes international shipping costs but not the final domestic transport price. For an exact shipping cost to your door, contact us!
GreenLine Roll-off & Clamshell Observatory kits by Dome Parts Optical are cost-effective and ecologically friendly DIY alternatives to traditional clamshell observatory domes, offering an unparalleled field of view at a low price. Made in Germany, these roll-off kits are extremely simple to install as they do not require specialized tools and are supplied as a flat pack.
The GreenLine RC-33 Clamshell Observatory is a superb choice for serious astrophotographers, institutions or astronomical societies with a spacious floor space of 3 x 3 metres. The ample space has enough room for large telescopes along with optional tables, workbenches and shelf storage. The base configuration includes a user friendly manually-operated dual slanted roof, moveable rear walls that run in sync with the roof and a lockable sliding door.
Optional shutter control systems are available, including simple push-button, semi-automatic as well as full ASCOM-automation configurations for remote control over Ethernet and USB. Greenline's fully automatic control system allows complete web interface control, as well as cross platform operation under Windows, Android, iOS and MacOS.
Our Greenline observatory power systems are rated at 12V DC, so are easily powered using a standard battery and is much safer than 240V AC. Hundreds of Greenline roll-off observatories have been installed all over the world, including in the extreme environments of the North-Atlantic coast, North Sweden, Hawaii, Arizona and near the polar circle in Finland and Norway.
Greenline observatories are fumigated but the wood is not treated. As these observatories have been delivered all over the world, Greenline recommends using the proper treatment specific to the types of pests found in your local area. Optional storm protection kits are available separately.
Power considerations
The best solution to power the motors of Greenline observatories is a 12V DC battery using thick cabling (we suggest 6 AWG) and Anderson Powerpole connectors capable of up to 50A. Alternatively, industrial-grade 12V DC switchmode power supplies will also work.
You can use up to 15V DC (for example lithium batteries) but once you drop too much below 12V, torque drops off dramatically.
RC-33M belt drive draws 40.8A (only ONE motor can run at the same time with one shutter engaged)
Roll-Off observatories roof drives draw 18.5A when opening and 14A when closing.
Both control units are polarity protected - the units do not work when plus and minus are swapped.
FAQ
Is the wood treated?
- No, the Greenline observatory need to be treated with antifungal/anti termite product before the assembly of the observatory. After the treatment, the observatory can be treated with paint having the same base of the wood treatment (oil or wood).
- Some fire prone area require that building cannot be flammable. Fire retardant treatment can be applied over the wood treatment.
What can I use to cover the roof?
- The observatories include a temporary water proof sheet. To fully protect the structure, you need asphalt roof shingles, metal roofing or similar.
Do I need a cement slab to anchor the observatory?
- A solid building need a solid foundation, a cement slab is highly recommended to maintain the observatory firmly anchored to the ground.
- To install a Testar pier, a 150mm thick slab is recommended
Do I need to submit a Development Application to build my observatory?
- In most cases, you do not need to submit a develop application to build your observatory in your property as the structure can be considered as a shed. However, before to place your order, contact your local council.
How the observatory is delivered?
- We pack the observatory into a large pallet that is derived by a moving company. Therefore, the unloading is included. Let us know if the accessibility to the delivery area is difficult.
- You can collect the observatory from the Testar warehouse in Cromer (NSW).
How long does it take to assemble the Mini observatory?
- One day
How many people are needed to assemble the observatory?
- A team of two people is sufficient to assemble the observatory
Which tool do I need to assemble the observatory?
- All screws are included, apart for the necessary bolts to anchor the observatory to the cement slab.
- A hammer drill is handy to drill the holes to bolt down the observatory.
- Wood spindles can be used to create to recess to allocate the head of the anchor bolts.
- For assembling the parts with the screws provided, we recommend an impact driver with hex and Torx bit. Select the appropriate bit to tighten the anchor bolts.
- Clamps are needed to hold the sliding roof while installing the motor and the roof panels.
- Screwdrivers, a set of hex key.
Can I install the Dragonfly in a second stage?
- Yes, the Dragonfly automatic Ascom kit can be retrofitted after installing the semi-automatic drive kit
- Anchor bolts to connect the observatory to a cement slab
- Tools
- Roof cover
- Power supply / battery for the motors
