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Old 02-09-2016, 06:59 PM
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cometcatcher (Kevin)
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My backyard roll off roof observatory

I've been wanting one of these since forever. The fairies don't seem to want to build me one so I'm gonna have to build it me-self. Progress is as funds and health permit. There won't be a central pier, I'll be imaging primarily on the floor boards. Been doing it for 30 years in the house, not going to change now.

Used 4x4 H4 posts for the corners and central area, 200x50mm for the outside skirting and 150x50mm for the floor joists. The floor is 18mm marine ply. Already had a night out on the floor and results were good with no vibration from traffic. Three walls are now in place along with a door. I used 17mm ply for the walls since the ply was 30% off.

Now I guess I need a roof.
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  #2  
Old 02-09-2016, 08:34 PM
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doppler (Rick)
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That's looking pretty flash Kevin. The roof will be the big challenge I guess, looking forward to see how you design that. I think a lot of people go overboard with their obs pier engineering.

Cheers Rick
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  #3  
Old 02-09-2016, 08:38 PM
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...The roof will be the big challenge I guess, looking forward to see how you design that...
Me too!
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Old 02-09-2016, 09:05 PM
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doppler (Rick)
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You will have to make it reasonably cyclone resistant I suppose. I've just finished putting in a permanent pier and will have to put some sort of cover over that, but a roll of roof is a long way off yet for me.
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  #5  
Old 02-09-2016, 09:29 PM
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Yeah I would like it to be able to withstand cat 3, yet still be light enough to roll with ease.
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  #6  
Old 03-09-2016, 07:29 AM
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Atmos (Colin)
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Very nice Kevin, will be nice for you to have a semi permenantly setup
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Old 03-09-2016, 07:46 AM
Steve Pattie (Steve Pattie)
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Oh to be able to just close the roof and not have to face the 30min pack up time. Perhaps one day.
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  #8  
Old 03-09-2016, 10:45 AM
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Very nice Kevin, will be nice for you to have a semi permenantly setup
Thanks Colin. It will!

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Oh to be able to just close the roof and not have to face the 30min pack up time. Perhaps one day.
I know! That just puts me off when I'm tired and have to pack up. I hope my roof doesn't take 30min to close lol.

An observatory = a cubby house for telescopes.
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Old 03-09-2016, 04:42 PM
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silv (Annette)
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awesome!
in one of the pics it looks just like a playpen for giant toddlers
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  #10  
Old 03-09-2016, 05:13 PM
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awesome!
in one of the pics it looks just like a playpen for giant toddlers

Yep , guys ....

( My wife reckons we never grow up .... )
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Old 03-09-2016, 07:36 PM
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awesome!
in one of the pics it looks just like a playpen for giant toddlers
That's exactly what it is lol.
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Old 19-09-2016, 09:04 AM
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A bit more progress. I bought some castors and attached them to a couple of 90x45's. The castors are rated at 50kg each. The rails are 50x25mm x 2m aluminium curtain or door rails which are screwed to the wall top plate. Now I have completed the frame which the rafters will be attached to.

The frame rolls very easily along the rails with no effort at all so I am very pleased how it has come along so far. Have to remember to relocate that solar panel one year.
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Old 19-09-2016, 11:47 AM
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Nice, similiar to mine. Don't forget track stop blocks on either end. I woud also brace the corners, i used 45 degree cut 4x2s screwed into the frame members, they are also handy tie down locations.
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  #14  
Old 19-09-2016, 06:15 PM
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h0ughy (David)
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fantastic results by the looks so far - awesome what you have achieved
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  #15  
Old 19-09-2016, 06:18 PM
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Nice, similiar to mine. Don't forget track stop blocks on either end. I woud also brace the corners, i used 45 degree cut 4x2s screwed into the frame members, they are also handy tie down locations.
Thanks Glen. Lots more bracing will be added, and yes I won't forget the end stops!

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fantastic results by the looks so far - awesome what you have achieved
Thanks Dave!
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Old 20-09-2016, 08:38 AM
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.... Have to remember to relocate that solar panel one year.
Nup, leave it there. Roof is closed during the day, it sees the sun. When roof is open it's night time so no problem.
If you do the occasional solar imaging it should be sweet anyway.
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  #17  
Old 20-09-2016, 06:13 PM
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Just not sure I will be able to roll off the roof 100% with it there Brent.

Added some bracing today. Will do another two cross braces yet. I find it strangely fun to roll the roof frame on and off. Probably be even more fun when it's complete.
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Old 21-09-2016, 10:58 AM
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So drop it down a fraction for clearance.
Or use one of the roof rolloff studs to remount it.
Keeps it all nice and tidy and out of the way.
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  #19  
Old 21-09-2016, 11:50 AM
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Well I do intend to power the observatory with solar so I'll figure something out.
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  #20  
Old 27-09-2016, 06:37 PM
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Have the framework for the roof up. Next is the polycarbonate roofing. I'll also be using foamboard insulation so it doesn't "rain" on the inside.
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