Installation of Foster Systems AstroMC

What follows is my experience installing the AstroMC System by Foster Systems at Dogwood Ridge Observatory. I've taken some pictures that may help in understanding how I did things as well as text to explain. The manual that ships with the controller and accessories explains it quite well and this is not intended to replace it in part or whole.

I ordered the AstroMC AMC-100 master control hub with the USB interface, the temperature/humidity module (AMC-110), the AMC-102 power control and the magnetic sensors. The roll off roof was already powered via a revised remote controlled garage door opener and micro-switches were in place for open/close indicators. The magnetic sensors were wired using standard two pair telephone cabling. I would suggest that before hard wiring anything that you layout what you want to do, temporarily wire the system and then test before finalizing the installation. This gives you the ability to see how the wires will run and if there is any interference. Wiring is very straight forward and this shows a basic wiring diagram.

Installing the software is straight forward. It can be used stand alone or with image automation programs such as ACP. You guessed it, I do use and love ACP! Whether you get the serial or USB communications with the controller, checking communications is the next step. With the communications cable connected, power the controller with the supplied power supply. The manual shows you where to look if necessary for the port being used so you can assign it in the AstroMC software, which you should have open now.

Installing the Sensors

click on images for larger pictures

What I found worked best for me was to use one magnet and both sensors. The "Closed" sensor was easy as you simply place the sensor/magnet at the end of the roof rails where the roof ends. See This picture shows the roof open and only the sensor itself. The sensor is mounted on the stationary rail. When the roof is closed, the magnet will be directly above it as it is mounted on the roof itself. See This picture shows the position of the magnet (upper) and the "Opened" sensor while the roof is open. With the sensors wired, the next thing I did was tie in the roof opener.

Using the proper contacts, you wire in the controller to the motor controller or push button, depending on how you control the roof before. See   As you can see, the roof position sensors are wired in on the right side and the roof controller on the top. Be careful to wire according to the directions. The controller is clearly marked as you can see. Once this is done , you can now test and adjust the magnet if necessary.

Next