I've just been reading about a few others' observatory projects so thought I'd post a brief update on my efforts thus far: (my day job keeps getting in the way...)
Pier and slab poured Aug 07 - 457 mm dia RC
Geodesic dome constructed Jan 08 - 3.6 m dia. plywood
Turntable constructed March 08 - 100 x 50 ply, with rolled 75 x 75 x 6 angle
Building constructed June 08 - circular, stud frame, mini-orb cladding, with observing floor 2.2 m above slab.
Dome lifted into place Aug 08
Current works: weather sealing (it's been an excellent spring season here to thoroughly test it!)
Still to do: stairs, power, lighting & comms, pier extension (steel pipe), fixed wedge
Thanks all, for the positive feedback. We decided to go with a classical design since the observatory is pretty much on our front lawn.and therefore has to "look the part". The project has taken a lot more time than I first envisaged, after my wife suggested that "we could build an observatory"! (Mind you - that's the only prompting that I needed.)
I've attached a few pictures of the pier construction. The block supporting the pier comprises 2 cubic metres of 25 MPa concrete, and is well reinforced (I achieved the 1% steel (by volume) as per the Australian Standard). Into the top of the pier are inserted 8 off 12 x 300 mm galvanised bolts that will connect to the steel pier flange.
Like others have suggested with their observatories, the design of mine allows for future expansion (the universe is still expanding) however I'm still considering what equipment I might upgrade to down the track.
Chris,
Well done what and awesome job I think I can see how you paid for it, did you find the pot of gold at the end of of the rainbow( fourth photo)clear skies and good viewing with the new observatory
It’s been a while since the last update:
The observatory work room (with desk) is now complete with a few creature comforts. I upgraded the old hard stool to a comfy chair, and have wall-mounted the PC monitors and tidied up most of the cabling. On the wall there is a video monitor to keep tabs on the scope, a sound system, and some 2m & 70cm radio comms. A set of drawers allowed me to clean up most of the loose bits of paper, equipment and tools.
Upstairs I’ve added an ED80 to the SCT, and have a TV monitor for the GSTAR-EX, which is very handy when we have a small group of visitors.
All I need now is more spare time - and for it to coincide with clear skies…..
Chris
David, the downstairs walls are lined with some old wall panelling that the local hardware had; not sure of its name, but it's similar to what I recall Atco Huts being lined with. It has a false wood grain finish, and is bascially a thin three-ply which bends easily.
Yes - there isn't much spare room with the chair and the pier, but I'm not seriously imaging yet so haven't had a problem. The pier is solid enough for it not to worry anybody visually observing.