Re: [ATM] Width of Dome Slit?

["Philip Lardner" <philiplardner@eircom.net>]

I'm just about to start work on a 5m dome (6v geodesic) and from what I have
read it would seem that conventional wisdom suggests that the dome aperture
should be at least 1/3 of the dome's diameter. This should give you an
opening large enough that you don't have to constantly worry about shifting
the dome every few minutes (if it is not computer controlled) but much more
importantly, it provides enough ventilation to allow the warm air from your
body (and any electronics) from creating the dreaded "dome effect." If your
scope is constantly centred on the opening then there is plenty of room at
the edges for the warm air to escape without impinging on the light path
into the scope. I have been in domes with openings smaller than 1/3 diameter
and the problem is noticeable. The smaller the dome the bigger the problem.

My 2c worth,

	Philip.

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