Opening the Observatory Roof

From OnanWiki

Important: Always inform all present that the roof is about to move. Ensure everyone is clear of the roof's supporting rail, the rollers on top of the Papa Bear wall and the rollers along the outside of Mama Bear. Be certain no one is standing immediately outside the north entrance doors.

Important:Verify there are no objects on top of the sidewalls before beginning the roll-back. Also move all freestanding items that might interfere with the motion of the roof as it rolls back.

Recommendation: Turn on the observatory's white lights when opening or closing the roof.

Recommendation: Station at least one person as a 'safety monitor' at the back of the building to observe as the roof is rolled back.

[edit] Step-by-step instructions

1.	Release the latches on each side of the bi-fold door.	Fig. 1 - Bi-fold latch open
2.	Remove the two c-clamps at the base of the bi-fold door and store them in an open space between the roof's ridges.	Fig. 2 - Bi-fold c-clamp
3.	Retrieve the bi-fold door power cord from its storage location inside the sidewall of the roof, plugging it first into the bi-fold door, and then into the wall outlet.	Fig. 3 - Bi-fold door power cord
4.	Important: Verify everyone is clear of the opening mechanism before proceeding. Important: If the door does not open and a loud hum is heard, immediately press the stop button on the hand controller and un-plug the hand controller from the wall outlet. Check that the c-clamps and door latches are released, and that there are no other obstructions affecting the door mechanism before proceeding.Press the [OPEN] button on the bi-fold door controller. The door will automatically stop once it is fully raised. Recommendation: Though the door mechanism will shut off automatically when the wall fully opens, position your fingers on the hand controller so you can quickly shut off the door in case of a problem.	Fig. 4 - Bi-fold door controller
5.	Disconnect the bi-fold door power cord and re-stow it. Tuck the bi-fold door power lead into one of the spaces between the ridges of the roof.	Fig. 5 - Bi-fold power cord stowed
6.	Remove the locking pins on each rail, placing each pin into one of the spaces between the ridges of the roof.	Fig. 6 - Roof locking pin
7.	After confirming it is safe to move the roof, use the large handles on the outside of the roof to push the roof open. (There will be some initial resistance, but once momentum is established, the roof should open smoothly.)
8.	Stop rolling the roof as the end of rail nears the last roller. Important: Do NOT roll the roof off the last roller just before the Mama Bear wall!