600W Roll Off Roof Motor
600W observatory roof motor built for dump trucks, so your roof is easy duty. 90:1 gear ratio, 12V DC, 3/4" shaft fits DDA drive gear directly. Field-tested to 10°F.
Move Your Roof with Confidence
The 600W Roll-Off Roof Motor delivers the torque and durability your observatory needs. With a 90:1 sealed worm gear and 12V DC operation, this motor handles roofs from small backyard setups to 20-foot commercial structures-and it's built to work in the elements, year after year.
Why This Motor?
This isn't some hobby-grade motor we slapped a label on. It's a commercial-duty unit designed for dump truck tarp systems-equipment that operates in rain, snow, mud, and temperature extremes while moving heavy loads thousands of times. Running an observatory roof? That's the easiest job this motor will ever have.
We've tested this motor extensively on our own installations. One unit in the New Mexico high desert has logged over 1,000 open/close cycles and counting. We've used it to move 16-foot wood-framed roofs with ease, and even a 20-foot metal quonset hut building. It's been cold-tested down to 10°F with no issues.
The 3/4" output shaft mates directly to our drive gear, and the universal mounting pattern fits our motor mounting bracket-so you're not fabricating adapters or hoping things line up. It's designed to drop into a DDA drive system without fuss.
Key Benefits
Built for Conditions Worse Than Yours
Dump truck tarps operate in construction sites, quarries, and highways-environments far harsher than any observatory. The sealed worm gear keeps debris out, and the chrome cover protects against corrosion. Your observatory might see temperature swings and occasional moisture; this motor was designed for much worse.
90:1 Gear Ratio for Serious Torque
The high gear ratio converts the motor's 600W into slow, powerful rotation-40 RPM at the output shaft. That's enough torque to move heavy wood-framed and metal roofs without straining. No underpowered motors stalling halfway through an open cycle.
Direct Compatibility with DDA Components
The 3/4" output shaft mates directly to our drive gear. The universal 3, 4, or 5 bolt mounting pattern fits our motor mounting bracket. No adapters, no modifications, no hoping it works. This motor is part of a tested system.
Simple 12V DC Operation
Running on 12V DC means this motor integrates seamlessly with DragonLAIR controllers and battery backup systems. The polarity determines direction-if the roof moves the wrong way during testing, just swap the two motor leads. No programming, no complicated wiring.
Proven in the Field
We're not guessing about reliability. This motor has over 1,000 cycles on our test installation in New Mexico's high desert, where temperatures swing from summer heat to winter cold. It's moved 16-foot wood-framed roofs and a 20-foot metal quonset hut. The track record speaks for itself.
What's Included
- 600W Roll-Off Roof Motor with chrome cover
- Mounting hardware (bolts for 3, 4, or 5 bolt pattern)
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 600W (0.8 HP) |
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Current Draw | 33A |
| Gear Ratio | 90:1 (sealed worm gear) |
| Output Speed | 40 RPM |
| Output Shaft | 3/4" diameter, 3-1/8" length |
| Mounting Pattern | Universal 3, 4, or 5 bolt |
| Construction | Sealed worm gear with chrome cover |
Integration/Compatibility
This motor works with:
- DragonLAIR WiFi Controller - Full automation with ASCOM/INDI support
- Reversing winch relay - Simple manual control for DIY setups
The 3/4" output shaft connects directly to the DDA drive gear, which engages your drive rack to move the roof. Pair with a DragonLAIR controller for automated operation with safety interlocks, or use a basic reversing relay for manual push-button control.
At 33A draw, you'll need an appropriately sized power supply or battery. Our 600W power supply or 35Ah AGM battery backup system handles the load with headroom to spare.
Installation/Setup Reality Check
If your mounting bracket and drive rack are already in place, motor installation takes 30 minutes to an hour. Mount the motor, connect the drive gear, wire it up, and test.
Tools needed: Metric socket set
Skill level: Basic mechanical aptitude-if you can change your car's oil, you can install this motor.
Pro tip: If the roof moves the wrong direction during testing, don't panic. This is a DC motor, so direction is controlled by polarity. Just swap the two motor leads and you're set.
What You Need to Provide
From Dark Dragons Astronomy:
- DragonLAIR Controller - For automated roof control (or use a reversing relay for manual operation)
- Motor Mounting Bracket - Provides secure, aligned mounting
- Drive Gear - Mates to the 3/4" motor shaft
- Drive Rack - Engages the gear to move your roof
- Power Supply or Battery - Our 600W supply or 35Ah battery backup system recommended
You'll also need:
- Metric socket set for installation
- Appropriate wiring for your installation (provided with DragonLAIR purchases)
Real-World Performance
This motor has been running on our installations since we started building drive systems. The standout is a unit in the New Mexico high desert with over 1,000 open/close cycles-still going strong. That same motor has seen temperatures down to 10°F without hesitation.
We've used this motor to move a range of roof sizes and weights: standard 12-foot hobbyist setups, 16-foot wood-framed roofs, and even a 20-foot metal quonset hut building. The 90:1 gear ratio provides enough torque that the motor doesn't strain, even on heavier structures.
Power Your Roof the Right Way
Stop worrying about underpowered motors stalling or cheap imports failing after a season. The 600W Roll-Off Roof Motor is built for commercial-duty applications and tested on real observatories. Pair it with our mounting bracket, drive gear, and DragonLAIR controller for a complete, proven drive system.
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