Observatory Safety--Ash Dome

I have an Ash dome and last night the cord that goes to the dome shutter got snagged
on the pier. I have the cord held by a wire to a point 1/2 way up the shutter. The
cord did not disconnect. I'ts actually two cords with a connector between the two. Is
there a better way to do this so that the cord stays out of my way when turning the
dome, and so that it does disconnect?

While trying to release the cord from its tension, I managed, for the first time, to
whack my head on the weight axis which protrudes from the equatorial mount. It may be
time to pad that weight arm. Any suggestions? I do have some bubble wrap on the end,
but I hit it from the side.
--
Wayne T. Watson (Watson Adventures, Prop., Nevada City, CA)
(121.015 Deg. W, 39.262 Deg. N) GMT-8 hr std. time)
Obz Site: 39° 15' 7" N, 121° 2' 32" W
(Formerly Homo habilis, erectus, heidelbergensis and now sapiens)

Blue Whale population before human hunting: 239,000. Today: 1,700.

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