Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
In the earlier pictures there are three piers coming up out of the floor, but now there is only one EQ8 GEM which looks to have a single column..?
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The three piers are formed on 3x 400x400x200 pads sitting on a solid "volcanized" sandstone rock layer. The 3 piers allow for the use of the EQ8 tripod unaltered. They are isolated from the Observatory floor by a small (1/2") gap.
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
What are the straps for..just in case of high wind..? Do you use them after every session?
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The earlier image shows the dome in position but not bolted to the floor. Just in case there was some wind to move it. The dome is now firmly bolted down.
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Is the floor directly concreted to the ground or just sitting on those concrete pavers..?
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Image shows the sub-floor. It is to constructed using steel instead of timber (termites) with fibre cement flooring (imitation floorboards inside the dome). This produces an air gap under the observatory to allow for quicker cooling.