FAQ

The DMO shown on this website weighs 83.2 kg.

Yes. Two different scales are used: the distances and the planets. In addition, Saturn and Jupiter have been made slightly smaller for artistic reasons.

The sun should hang in the middle and is drawn on the ceiling. It does not hang like a sphere because the sun would have a diameter of 2.85 m in the scale of the model shown and that would not fit in the scale of the orbits.

The orrery shown is 2.20 meters x 2.20 meters and 30 centimeters high. These are the minimum dimensions at this time. In terms of height, some space saving is still possible.

There is no limit yet.

In order not to bump into the planets, I recommend a minimum height of 2.50 metres, the ceiling will be a maximum of 30 cm lower because of the planetarium, leaving a free passage of 2.20 metres. The higher the ceiling, the better.

When the DMO is at rest, you can hear the fan of the power supply buzzing, but there are silent power supplies available. When the planets move into position, you will hear the movement of the different motors and parts. 

A separate website belongs to the planetarium in which the solar system is graphically represented, after entering the date all planets go into the relevant constellation. 

It is also possible to have the planets automatically set to the correct position every day. For this the planetarium starts itself (at night or at a different time), calculates the positions, moves the planets and shuts itself off again.

Of course. You can design your own style and clourscheme. 

Yes, that's possible. Basically everything is possible: steel, inlaid wood, oak, marble, plastic sheets, brushed aluminum, concrete, wallpaper of what about a steampunk edition? Use your imagination.

No, because of the humidity I forsee problems. The space must be dry, so outside in the garden is not possible either.

Then the DMO will not function. In addition, there must also be 220 VAC.

That depends on the space. In principle, 4 hooks are sufficient in the ceiling of the room and having 220V and WiFi. Larger planetariums probably need more suspension points.

It depends on the weight of the chosen DMO. The lightest model weighs 83.2 Kg and that must be divided over 4 points. In case of doubt, I first do an inspection of the ceiling.

A mechanical model will always have deviations. The DMO shown on this website has exact circles for the planet orbits, in reality the planet orbits do not have such an exact roundness.

Exact planetary orbits in the current construction are possible though.

Technically it is possible, but it makes it more complicated. Next to the construction some software must be added because it does not support the moon right now.

That's correct. Eise keeps track of the phases of the moon and much more. The reason that the DMO is slightly simplified is because of the dimensions of the ceiling.

The larger the planetarium, the more possibilities there are.

In the DMO shown, as with Eise Eisinga, the following planets are in motion: Mercury, Venus, Earth plus moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

In a larger version Neptune, Uranus and Pluto can also be added.

That is possible, any (plate) material is suitable.

Consider, for example, aluminum, copper, types of stone, plastic. Depending on the chosen material, there are various methods of lettering.

The DMO on this website has a spruce frame with MDF carriageways. This is the lightest and cheapest version of a DMO.

Other types of wood are possible to give the interior a more luxury quality and appearance. The only limits here are your imagination and budget.

You custom dimension the elevator for every DMO.

The winch used in the DMO shown here has a 250 Kg limiter and is protected against going up or down too far. Heavier winches have different specifications.

The orrery must be accessible from the top during installation and possible maintenance. If there is access possible at another way, then no elevator is required.

No, there is relatively little wear on mechanics because relatively few movements are made with it. If something  becomes worn out, it can be replaced. The software is in a closed system and does not need updates.

Tip after one year of use: on the copper rails of Saturn and Jupiter, some dust falls from the ceiling and is swept up by the sliding contacts. If the sliding contacts are completely saturated with dust, they make less good contact with the track. So every now and then you need to go with the vacuum cleaner over the rails.

You can hook up sound and light effects when the planets are in motion. A smoke machine, stroboscope or any other electrical device can be connected. You can even have the DMO play Abba or Mozart if you wish.

Basically every peace of electronics can be switched on by a DMO.