Good evening fellow star gazers
I have been dabbling in the stars for a few years now, minor heath issues have kept me out the game for the past year. I have posted a few images here on the site over the years and log in a take a look at the work of others when I can.
In 2017 I purchased a used SkyShed POD from a fellow member of this great community Leo. This was set up on the grass for some time and served me well using my NEQ6 Pro set up on its stock tripod (of sorts).
The time has come after much saving of money to be able to build my 2 car garage which has also enabled me to build a permanent observatory using the POD behind it.
If its okay with everyone I would like to share my build with you all, I can learn from and others may also get some idea's on what to and not do
The project started the other week and these are my steps completed and to do.
1. Pick the spot (Completed) Images 1,2 & 3
2. Prep the ground ready for the slab (Completed) Images 4 & 5
3. Prepare boxing for a 3 x 3 slab (Completed) Image 6
4. Dig 1 x 1 meter deep hole for the peer (Completed)
5. Dig 4 x peer holes around the edges of the slab for stability (Completed)
6. Manufacture a 450 mm steel rod frame to support the peer and concrete in the ground (Completed)
7. Prepare the mesh and lay the slab (Completed)
8. Manufacture a solid steel peer and prime (Completed)
8. Mark out the circles for correct positioning of the POD on the slab
9. Assemble the lower section of the POD and seal to the concrete
10. Assemble the top section of the POD and seal
11. Paint the peer to look super cool
12. Manufacture top plate adapter to fit NEQ6
13. Bolt Peer onto concrete slab and conduct compass alignment
14. Lay carpet inside POD
15. Set up cool low voltage smart RGB lighting
16. Set up solar system in conjunction with shed
17. Install computer system and setup equipment in POD bays
18. Accurate drift align with SCT9.25"
19. Start enjoying my night photography in my new observatory
20. Design and fit roll off Zenith table (Only drawback to the POD)
I will post some images of where I am up to in the coming days