The opening and closing of the shutter system is not automated. It's straightforward and if you need more information it can be found on the Sirius Dome DVD.

Procedure:

1. Unlash the rope tied off on the dome.
2. Pull on one side of the rope and the shutter opens…pull on the other side and it closes.
3. Tie the rope back when finished.
4. The bottom panel of the shutter opens out on a set of chains. When closing the dome close the bottom shutter first.
5. Move the dome so that the rope is by the door.
6. Dome rotation is controlled by a long cable from the black box located above the computer. Hit the switch either way for direction. This box is solar powered.

High Wind Caution: Some high winds in the past have done damage to the shutter. Special care should be taken to prevent the shutter from being pulled off of its tracks. A simple method is to pull the chains on the bottom panel back taut against the dome and tape them into position using duct tape. This should prevent the bottom panel from lifting up and putting excess stress on the top panel.

Special Closing Procedure: If you are the last crew to use the observatory (i.e. no astronomer on the next crew rotation or the last of the crew rotations for the season) you will need to implement the following closing procedure. The covers, hook and the padlock should be in a bag between the computer desk and the wall of the observatory.

1. Turn off the computer in the observatory.
2. Turn off the Cyberpower UPS.
3. Lay the STV unit on its back.
4. Close the dome- make certain the rope is tight.
5. Tape the chains from the bottom panel tight against the dome using duct tape.
6. Using a ladder from the Hab, carefully set it up next to the telescope. DO NOT LEAN ON THE TELESCOPE. Carefully place the hook into the opening at the top of the dome allowing the red cord to hang down.
7. Tie the red cord onto the strut of the computer desk. Make certain that it is taut.
8. Put covers over the computer desk and the telescope.
9. Padlock the door.