For anyone who has experience assembling the 2021 model of NexDome.
I have been attempting to assemble the dome for my new NexDome. I have completed assembly of all dome components except the shutters. When I attempted to install the shutter (in the 2021 shutter NexDome CNC machined aluminum tracks), I discovered that the width of my shutter opening varied from 27" up to 29". When I attempt to close and open the shutter, the wheels and wheel struts get bound up on the aluminum tracks and the lateral lip of the shutter rides up on top of the aluminum tracks (see photos).
I have verified with photos with Babak that my dome assembly is correct. He has suggested that the shutter opening width may correct itself when I place the dome on the dome walls. However, the dome is currently sitting on my concrete parking pad with all edges of the dome in contact with the level concrete. I do not believe that sitting the dome on the wheels of the dome walls will in any way cause the shutter opening width to become smaller. In fact, it could become larger because the rotation wheels sit inside the diameter of the dome edge and will remove a small amount of force from the center of the dome that might push the edges of the shutter opening together.
I have loosened all connectors holding the dome panels together. I thought that that might possibly allow the dome panels to relax, allowing the edges of the shutter opening to move closer together. I have also adjusted the integrated shutter wheels to their maximum width. However, neither of those adjustments have had the slightest impact on shutter opening width.
Any suggestions?
I just removed the CNC machined aluminum shutter tracks from the dome. When I did so, the shutter opening width became normal.
I thought to do this because when I installed the aluminum tracks I had to lift the dome inside, effectively reducing the radius of the dome roof, so that I could install the aluminum tracks which seemed to have a smaller radius than the exterior surface of the dome. Once in place, I had to clamp the aluminum tracks to the dome so they would stay in place while I bolted them to the dome. I suspect this whole maneuver for installation of the tracks deformed the dome roof sufficiently to cause a 2" widening of the shutter opening.
I just spoke with Babak. He is shipping me an alternate set of CNC machined aluminum tracks to try, hopefully with the correct radius. He also said they are manufacturing a new track system that is more "flexible" that he will send if the new set of aluminum tracks don't work.