AutomaDome version 1.00.008 and later does not require the Observatory application when integrating TheSky and AutomaDome on the same computer (that is, for a "local connection").
AutomaDome is normally used in conjunction with TheSky Astronomy Software, and operates in the background to keep the dome's slit aligned with the telescope's optic. However, AutomaDome must be installed and correctly configured to operate the dome standalone before it can properly integrate with TheSky.
See Using AutomaDome Stand Alone for details.
Make sure that AutomaDome can control the dome "standalone" before trying to use it with TheSky.
Make sure AutomaDome version 1.00.008 or later is installed (registered AutomaDome users can contact Software Bisque through the Software Bisque Support Corner to obtain the AutomaDome installer password). Launch AutomaDome, and then click Help | About AutomaDome to determine what version is installed. Compare this version with the version on the Software Bisque Download page. Install the latest update, if necessary.
Click Start | Programs | Software Bisque | AutomaDome to launch AutomaDome.
Click Dome | Setup, and select the COM port to which your dome controller is attached. AutomaDome supports the ACL-Dome specification. You should wait and configure your dome geometry parameters later.
Click Dome | Link | Establish. If AutomaDome is properly communicating with the dome hardware, the current azimuth of the dome is displayed. If not, you'll encounter an error messages. Verify that:
the correct COM port is selected
the operating system recognizes the port, and reports that it is functioning properly
the cabling to the dome controller is correct, and plugged in
the dome control system is turned on and operational
Use AutomaDome dome control commands to ensure that the dome hardware is operational.
Click Dome | Go To, enter a desired azimuth, and then click OK. Verify that the dome slit arrives at the correct destination coordinate. For example, if you commanded the dome to go to 90 degrees azimuth, make sure the dome slit points East!
Repeat the above procedure for N, S, W and E compass directions, and make sure the system works. If the dome does not consistently arrive at the commanded dome azimuth and the matching compass direction, contact the dome hardware manufacturer.
Do not proceed until AutomaDome and the dome hardware are functioning reliably.
Before TheSky can automatically launch AutomaDome (when TheSky needs AutomaDome's services) the Common Files folder must be added to the System Variables PATH statement. Follow the step-by-step procedure below to add the Common Files folder to your computer's PATH environment variable. Otherwise, AutomaDome must be launched manually (see above).
To Add the Common Files Folder to the Path Environment Variable
Click Start | Control Panel ( or Start | Settings | Control Panel for non-Windows XP operating systems) and then double-click the System icon.
In the System Properties window, click the Environment tab.
Click the Path variable in the System Variables list.
In the Variable text box, add a semi-colon (;) to the end of the existing path, then add the text C:\Program Files\Common Files\System.
Click Set. If you do not click the Set button, the path will not be set.
Click OK.
Restart your computer for these settings to take effect.
The most recent version of one of the following Software Bisque applications should be present:
TheSky6 Professional Edition or TheSky Level IV for Windows version 5.00.014 or later.
AutomaDome Dome Control Software version 1.00.008 or later (registered AutomaDome users can contact Software Bisque through the Software Bisque Support Corner to obtain the AutomaDome installer password).
To work with TheSky version 5 AutomaDome requires a support application called "Observatory" (Ob.exe) that configures AutomaDome . This file is normally distributed with Software Bisque's Orchestrate Scripting software. This file is not required to use AutomaDome with TheSkyX Pro or TheSky6 Pro.
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AutomaDome version 1.00.008 and later does not require the Observatory application when integrating TheSky and AutomaDome on the same computer (that is, for a "local connection").
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After installing the latest software, perform the following steps.
Make sure that TheSky can communicate with the telescope. Visit the Software Bisque Telescope Help page for details about setting up and using your telescope with TheSky.
Make sure that AutomaDome can successfully establish communication with the dome. See Using AutomaDome Stand Alone for details.
From AutomaDome, click Dome | Setup, and then click Geometry to configure your dome geometry. Click OK when done.
Now you're ready to slave the Dome's slit to the position of the telescope. Launch TheSky and connect to the telescope.
From TheSky6 Professional Edition, press the D key (or CONTROL+SHIFT+D in TheSky version 5 Level IV) to display the Dome Controller dialog box.
Click Dome | Link | Establish.
The dome slit will now be slaved to the position of the telescope.