Looking good Kevin. Have you worked out how you are going to cyclone proof the roof yet. Perhaps some side mounted guide rollers in a length of c channel ? There doesn't seem to be any wind rating specs for a roll of roof on the net so I guess you have to make your own up.
I've done a few more things. Added 4 turnbuckles to secure the roof and added some side overhang where the rails are to protect from rain. I'll get some more photos at a later stage.
I've moved the scope in and started using it which means..... first light!!! Wooooohoooo!
It feels soooo good to have a home for the scope and not have to pack up.
Looks good Kevin. I used Suntuff polycarbonate panels as well. Re the tie downs, i decided to just use tie down straps at each corner as they are so quick to fit and release. They did a great job in 115kmh winds so i decided to just stay with them. I have some boat hatch lockdowns but never fitted them. Re side curtain water ingress, i foun that a layer of black plastic dampcourse from Bunnings, stapled to the roof frame keeps wind blown water from getting in; it hangs down vertically and extends about 40mm down the side wall. Final cover board over that.
Hi Glen. I don't know why I got your post via email but not on the forum? Strange.
First light last night. Got about an hour's worth of NGC1365 with the 8" F4 before the fog rolled in. Here's an unprocessed screen grab straight out of DSS.
Thanks Tel. Yeah I've been quiet for a while. There's a few reasons for that. The window has become impractical and wedding preparations have taken a lot of energy leaving me too tired for astro. Not that I'm complaining.
Latest pics with a few more trimmings. I wanted a couple of small windows, just so I could watch the rain while I was wishing for clear skies.... The back flap will probably be replaced with a hinged wood one as the matting is not quite right.
In the third photo the inside looks like a TARDIS, bigger on the inside lol. That's the 8" F4 on the HEQ5 Pro.
There are turnbuckles on each corner to hold the roof on in strong winds.
17mm plywood walls separate the neighbours lights and the scope.
A few more things to do, like insulation under the roof etc but it's largely done. Hope you have enjoyed my observatory build. Took about 4 months.
I bought a carpet remnant for the observatory. Also put in some foamboard for insulation and a ceiling. The foamboard has dropped the internal temperature by at least 7 degrees. The observatory now has the feel of a small office that houses a telescope or two. It's very homely. I sometimes just lay on the floor and watch the clouds go by.
Thanks Mike! We saw 2 Orionids the other night just looking out. Didn't get pics of them though cos I was testing out the 10" F4 on Diphda with a 30 sec quick pic.
Excellent Kevin, I've enjoyed looking through the images. Its come along nicely and the little things make the difference. Must be nice to just stroll in and get straight into it.
I had plans to make my structure out of treated pine..but between the cyclonic conditions and termites I'm ordering my steel tomorrow.
Thanks Daniel. Having had to setup manually for the last 40 years, it sure does feel good to just walk in and start imaging. No pack up when tired either.
I have yet to put in cyclone bolts, but they will be added before the season starts. After that I expect the last thing to remain standing after a strong blow to be the observatory lol.
Thanks Daniel. Having had to setup manually for the last 40 years, it sure does feel good to just walk in and start imaging. No pack up when tired either.
I have yet to put in cyclone bolts, but they will be added before the season starts. After that I expect the last thing to remain standing after a strong blow to be the observatory lol.
All the best with your build!
Thanks Kevin, I could only image the joy now...40 years wow! Its great to hear that you have stuck with the hobby for so long. I bet ill be much the same, the night sky has a way of always drawing me back time and time again
...Its great to hear that you have stuck with the hobby for so long....
I've had my off times. I got so mad at all the street lights they built around me I gave up for a while. I've also had some time off this last year to get married etc lol. Usually a bright comet or event will get me back into it. The problem with having breaks is that the technology changes so fast I have to relearn everything all over again. I've gone from film, to video and now to digital.
The obs blocks the street lights, neighbour's lights and even the wind so I have no excuse now. Well almost none. It still doesn't work on removing clouds lol.
The obs blocks the street lights, neighbour's lights and even the wind so I have no excuse now. Well almost none. It still doesn't work on removing clouds lol.
We need a narrowband filter that works through cloud.