The RD-400 clamshell dome system is an extremely versatile en advanced telescope shelter, that consists of a 4M main dome section and a wide range of availble standardized riser modules and accesories.

The RD-400 clamshell dome has a useful diameter of 4M and can easily handle

RC telescopes of up to 20 inch.

A powerful dual belt-drive system reliably moves the five section shutters, controlled by our proprietary LINUX based control system.

For deep-temperature operation there are options for controlled gearbox heating (ATC) and active snow-removal systems (SSRV)

For wind-shading, each shutter section can be independently positioned.

Due to its rugged construction and aerodynamical shape, the RD-400 clamshell easily survives windspeeds in excess of 200 KMh, which makes this clamshell dome the dome of choice for coastal regions, deserts, mountainious locations, or polar regions.

The modular design offers a wide range of observatory and groundstation solutions for any type of environment. Contact us.

We offer custom colors according to the RAL- or PANTONE^(R) color scheme. Inside is mat-black spray painted against stray light.

The RD-400 clamshell dome enables "open-dome" operation up to 55-60KMh, depending on the installed instrumentation.

The five-section shutter system guarantees optimal protection for your instrumentation, telescope, or laser communication system, even in the most adverse and hard environments. All shutter elements employ labyrintal sections with brush assemblies, that make this dome snow, dust and watertight. 

Our RD-400 clamshell dome has a rugged (also modular!) bearing system that is built for eternity and is mostly maintenance-free.

The bearing system uses an advanced lubrication system, that warrants flawless operation over a wide range of temperature and under the most difficult environmental conditions.

In combination with our SSRV snow removal system and controlled gearbox heating system, you will obtain the maxium of trouble-free operation time.

With many years of experience in the field of observatory construction, we can help you with planning your very own, top-of-the-line astronomical observatory.

Our engineers can help you find the best solution for installing your dome we and offer expert guidance in matters like the concrete foundation, support tower, or for that matter your telescope installation.

We can also  support you with planning the power conduits for your electrical and data cabling.

DOME PARTS optical also offers a comprehensive WORLDWIDE CONSTRUCTION SERVICE, because there are some rather heavy parts to move around before your observatory is ready for first-light. Our teams know our observatory domes inside-out and will set up your observatory in shortest possible time. When they go home again, you will have a functioning observatory.

THE FIRST STEPS towards your very own astronomical observatory with our RD-400 clamshell dome are easy:

1- you will need the main clamshell dome section

2- select one of the below listed risers walls or adapter rings

and:

3- last but not least, which dome control system?

You can choose from:

-- SEMI automatic system, this is a basic push-button control system.

-- FULL automatic system is ASCOM compliant, with ethernet port, webserver, push-button control. Plus some nifty extra's.

The main dome section can also be installed as a stand-alone unit,without a riser ring, or riser wall. For example on a roof, or a tower. You can order the main dome section as a single product. Then the dome can be entered from below.

Color options are available, but we advise you to stay with our standard brilliant-white exterior color for thermal reasons.

The inside of the dome is spray-painted mat-black, against stray light. In case want a different color please provide the RAL of PANTONE scheme number.