Observatory ideas

[cometcatcher]

Looking for ideas for an observatory to house my 10" F4. What about converting a Polyethylene water tank? Just have to cut out the door, floor, cut the top off and hinge it.

For the 5500 L Product Dimensions (mm) W:1950 H:2280 L:1950

[glend]

Actually someone (Den) recently built a water tank observatory along the lines you described. Look here:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=103958

[Amaranthus]

Be careful of overly high walls and too narrow a hatch - could severely limit your horizon.

[cometcatcher]

Thanks Glen, I'll go through that thread.

Thanks Barry, I'll keep wall height in mind.

[cometcatcher]

Had a good read through the water tank obs. Don't think I'll go that way. I think I want a roll off roof type. One made from wood. They remind me of the cubby house my father built for me when I was little. :)

Now to decide if I want a pier with floating floor or just a plain slab. I read through that thread too.

I'm going to do this. It will be fun. (I hope)

[Somnium]

Hi Kevin

i am making a ROR observatory at the moment and i am building on an existing slab. given that i will be operating it remotely i wont have any issue with throwing off tracking by walking around. i have posted my rough designs on my thread if you want to check it out, happy to swap notes.

[cometcatcher]

Thanks Aidan, I'll have a look.

[Amaranthus]

Kevin, I'm almost done myself with a fold off roof, on a slab. Almost done. This is a good way to go, I reckon. Observatory will equal bliss, I think. No more night-time setup or tear down!

[cometcatcher]

Yeah the tear down is usually the worst part cos by then we are usually tired from the night's imaging etc. How does the fold off roof work?

Speaking of cubby houses, this is as cute as... http://www.bunnings.com.au/stilla-hutt-cubby-house_p3321227

[Amaranthus]

The observatory is 3m x 2.5m. The wall height is 1.4m at the low side and 1.7m at the high side. Half of the 3m length is enclosed and has a permanent roof - under this is my desk, storage shelves etc. The other 1.5m x 2.5m section has a roof made of an aluminum frame, hinged at the end wall so that it folds back. This fold-back roof is covered in a light but durable perspex-like material, and only weighs about 6kg in total, so one person can easily fold it back using side handles.

I'm happy with how it's worked out. I designed it, with advise from a builder, who has constructed it for me. Just waiting on some last materials, and then it will be ready!

[cometcatcher]

Sounds great Barry!

[glend]

Barry are these flat panels or a peaked type roof? And have you addressed wind tiedowns for that section?

[ZeroID]

My Ob is on an existing slab, about 10 tonnes of it stuck to a volcano lava flow. Also known as an immovable object. :D
But go with the floating floor regardless. Mine just sits on small slabs just clear of the slab and supported at the extreme corners. It does help stop the tiny vibrations that still happen. And it's keeps it dry and lets a cool draft underneath. It's worth the effort. :thumbsup:

[cometcatcher]

Where the pier goes through the floor, there's usually a bit of a gap. What can I plug that with to stop the snakes getting in that won't cause vibration?

[glend]

I used thick foam adhesive weather stripping from Bunnings to fill the gap.

[Amaranthus]

Glen, the panels are flat, but as I noted, the roof slops from 1.7 to 1.4m across its 2.5m width. The connection to the building is sealed with a rubber boot, and the roof is held down with clamps similar to those used on cases.

[algwat]

Hey Kevin,

here are a few concepts with built in comfort.
I like the high dome, and the three scope roll of roof.
I made these in sketch up a few years ago.

kind regards, Alan.

[Somnium]

on the topic of sketchup, this is the design of the observatory i will be building in the next 2 weeks.

[algwat]

Why leave the rolled off space under the beams free?
Make it he warm room space, all cosy...8)

regards, Alan.