Pier-Tech Dome Observatories
Pier-Tech Domes are fabricated in their Bartlett IL facility. They use Galvalume as a standard material. Galvalume is a steel sheet that is coated with an aluminum-zinc material. Painting is not required, since the basic finish renders a silvery look that is very pleasing to the eye. However painting to any desired color is available as an option. They also offer our domes in white painted Aluminum and a Stainless Steel version for superior corrosion resistance.
Give us a call to learn more about the Pier-Tech domes or to place an order. We provide a complete solution with onsite installation of all Pier-Tech domes, including complete observatory building construction.
Following are the PTD1 standard features:
- Galvalume construction with interlocking dome sheets providing a strong watertight design able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Sub building is not needed, since it’s built into the dome.
- Motors on shutter and azimuth rotation are included.
- Optional automation system available.
- Viewing range is from horizon to 15 degrees past zenith.
- Full size walk-in door is included.
- Optional contactor bars to provide current to shutter motor are available. This option eliminates the need to plug and unplug the shutter motor’s power cable, before and after dome rotation.
- Complete assembly manual with detailed step by step pictures included.
Up and over shutter that seals against the top of the walk in door. Shutter opens from top of walk in door to 15 degrees past zenith. Since the walk in door travels with the dome in azimuth, the viewing range is effectively from ground to 15 degrees past zenith. Walk in door and shutter can be opened independently from each other.
PTD1 Available Sizes (Diameter at base ring)10' 6" (3.2 meters)
12' 6" (3.8 meters)
14' 6" (4.4 meters)
18' 6" (5.6 meters)
20' 6" (6.2 meters)
26' 6" (8.0 meters)
28’ 6" (8.6 meters)
- Automation System
- Solar power system
- Weather Station
- Cloud sensor
- Contactor bars to provide current to shutter motor are available. This option eliminates the need to plug and unplug the shutter motor’s power cable, before and after dome rotation.
- Electric powered entry door. Making the entry door electrically powered is beneficial for automation purposes.
Following are the PTD2 standard features:
- Galvalume construction with interlocking dome sheets providing a strong watertight design able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Sub building is not needed, since it’s built into the dome.
- Motors on shutter and azimuth rotation are included.
- Optional automation system available.
- Viewing range is from horizon to 15 degrees past zenith.
- Optional contactor bars to provide current to shutter motor are available. This option eliminates the need to plug and unplug the shutter motor’s power cable, before and after dome rotation.
- Complete assembly manual with detailed step by step pictures included.
Up and over shutter design with drop down lower shutter. Lower shutter has standard gas springs to assist in lowering and raising the shutter door. Optional electric cylinder power is available for automation purposes. Viewing range is from horizon to 15 degrees past zenith.
PTD2 Available Sizes (Diameter at base ring)10' 6" (3.2 meters)
12' 6" (3.8 meters)
14' 6" (4.4 meters)
18' 6" (5.6 meters)
20' 6" (6.2 meters)
26' 6" (8.0 meters)
28’ 6" (8.6 meters)
- Automation System
- Solar power system
- Weather Station
- Cloud sensor
- Contactor bars to provide current to shutter motor are available. This option eliminates the need to plug and unplug the shutter motor’s power cable, before and after dome rotation.
- Electric drop down lower shutter section