Most of us have hobbies and things that keep us busy when we have "free" time. Some of us have had these hobbies for a very long time. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted an observatory to look and photograph the night sky and now I have one.... After over a year of planning, many hours at the "drawing board" and a seemingly endless summer without looking through a telescope, I am here... Well, almost. My son and I started construction this past February setting and pouring foundation piers. After several months in limbo, I was able to commence construction and actually get something done... Pics attached! Progress has been slow, but things are taking shape and I am more than anxious to share milestones of progress with TechARP. Soon, I hope to begin astrophoto work again and scratch the itch that I have had for sooooo many years! Pic1: Pier to hold scope mount. Pic2: Additional piers to support building. Pic3: Framing of "shed" Pic4: Shed with walls NOTE, Roof carriage in place. Pic5: Roof in place FYI: The 'black thing' is where the telescope sits.... It is filled with nearly 800kg of concrete for stability....
More... Let me explain, this is a 12'X12' (3m X 3m) shed that is designed so that the roof "rolls" off of it to expose the telexcope/imaging equipment inside. There are many arguments as to why one would use a "shed" instead of a dome, but it is simple for me...... cost. There are many other reasons involved, but mainly I needed something I could design and build by myself. That said, I am very near putting the old laptop, 300D, and tele back to work! Pic1: Roof "Open" Pic2: Roof "Closed" Pics to follow...............
Heh, congrats man My old house used to have an observatory too.... well not really an observatory, but huge wide open space and a huge wide open balcony on the first floor on top of the porch my father and i used to put a beach chair there, set up our equipment, then sit and wait, very much a backyard stargazer style
Pretty great place to gaze at stars! I wish I can build one for myself, but no place since I'm living in a cramped terrace house! So, what telescope you are using?
Wow, That's just awesome! (respect) Can't wait to see the future pictures. Orion so bright in the morning sky now.
BTW, one question... Is it best for the telescope base to be solidly locked into something like the concrete base you have there... or is it better for it to be cushioned from vibrations using large springs?
Good question... The telescope base/plinth needs to be one with the earth for best results. Different climates/soils dictate depth of plinth. The mount itself sets atop of the "mass". Perhaps the biggest consideration is the ability for the system (plinth/mount) to dampen vibration. For my setup the building is separated from the mount/plinth by a few cm, so that one could actually be jumping up and down on the observatory floor while the scope & mount remain virtually motionless. The soil is a really good absorber of shock/movement...
holy cow that's an awesome do it yourself design. How hard is it to move the roof? That's some nice land you have there with an awesome view.
Long time ...no see G}{! Most of design was mine, floor & roof girders & joists, but it is basically standard 2x4 wall construction with the roof being supported by "V-Groove" casters that roll on inverted angle iron (actually aluminum). I can open it easily using only one hand to push. The plan is to get a garage door opener to remotely do the work. It is the only part that is not automated via the web, well, except the lights inside. I'll put up some more pics this weekend.
Finally, I get off of my @55 for more pics... My obs is pretty much near fisished with netting to keep wasps and insects out. Now I just need time off of work and clear skies.