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Old 15-12-2017, 02:37 PM
Bruceaust
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Eagle Rock Observatory - Construction Sequence

I would like to share some images of the construction of my Observatory.(ERO)
The Photos will speak for themselves. It have been a very rewarding project.
It has taken me 2 1/2 years to complete, but I am sure it will provide me with many more years of pleasure - lots of tinkering - automation etc.
I have included a snapshot of the various stages of construction to the present state.
I also have the molds for sale. ( see the IIS classified forum -Telescopes and mounts. I would like to have these molds used again by a keen individual or group of astronomers. I can offer assistance with the CNC cut ply parts that I have used. (I have a CNC Router)

I have my trusty LX200 Classic installed on a wedge. And a Refractor ready to piggy back. Fantastic not having to setup, align, pack up each night. - a single star sync and I am away

Bruce
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (1a - Digging the pier hole.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (2a- Digging the pier hole.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (3a - Pier reinforcements.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (4a - A Hole full of Concerete.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (5a - 400mm Conctrete Pipe as Pier Base.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (6a - Pier Mount Plate pulled down onto reinforecements with extended Bolts.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (7a - MDF Mould Plug Ribs CNC Cut.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (8a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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  #2  
Old 15-12-2017, 02:45 PM
Bruceaust
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More Construction Photos
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Click for full-size image (9a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (10a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (11a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (12a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (13a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (14a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (15a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (16a - Construction of Plugs.jpg)
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  #3  
Old 15-12-2017, 02:48 PM
Bruceaust
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...and more
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (17a - Mould Release sprayed ove polished plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (18a - Mould Release sprayed ove polished plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (19a - Tooling Gelcoat sprayed over Polished and mould released plugs plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (20a - Fibreglass layup of Mouldsover the gelcoated plugs.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (21a - Completed mould and next plug in preparation.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (22a - Completed mould.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (23a -  First layup of dome Quadrant.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (24a - first Quadrant pulled!.jpg)
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Old 15-12-2017, 02:50 PM
glend (Glen)
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Very nice work, reminds me of my boat building days. Is building tear drop caravans how you earn a living?
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  #5  
Old 15-12-2017, 02:53 PM
Bruceaust
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and more photos!
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (25a - More Layups.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (26a - all the bits done!.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (27a -  Shutter.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (28a - Steel Dome Skirt Base.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (29a -  Assembly of Dome.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (30a - Assembly of Dome Shutter Tracks.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (31a- Skirt Mounted adn aligning Tracks.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (32a - Footings and Floor Joists.jpg)
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  #6  
Old 15-12-2017, 02:55 PM
Bruceaust
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A few more
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Click for full-size image (33a- Steel walls.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (34a - Done Skirt and Cladding.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (35a - Done Skirt and Cladding.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (36a -Pier Mount Preparation.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (37a - Pier Scope adapter Plate installed.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (38a - will it fit.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (39a -  Scope installes.jpg)
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Click for full-size image (40a - Complete.jpg)
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  #7  
Old 15-12-2017, 03:00 PM
Bruceaust
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glend View Post
Very nice work, reminds me of my boat building days. Is building tear drop caravans how you earn a living?
Hi Glenn,
I am semi retired.
Work from home - CNC Routing and Laser Cutting etc.
Yes I make Teardrop Camper Ply Kits haven't done on for a while though.
(working on a new design.)

Bruce
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  #8  
Old 15-12-2017, 03:15 PM
croweater (Richard)
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Great job Bruce. Looks fantastic! Really enjoyed the photos and even my wife was impressed. Cheers Richard
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  #9  
Old 15-12-2017, 05:01 PM
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Tinderboxsky (Steve)
I can see clearly now ...

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Yes, very nice work Bruce. Would love to have a look when next up north.

Steve.
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  #10  
Old 15-12-2017, 05:33 PM
Bruceaust
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Thanks Steve, no worries, anytime.
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  #11  
Old 15-12-2017, 10:49 PM
bigjoe (JOSEPH)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruceaust View Post
I would like to share some images of the construction of my Observatory.(ERO)
The Photos will speak for themselves. It have been a very rewarding project.
It has taken me 2 1/2 years to complete, but I am sure it will provide me with many more years of pleasure - lots of tinkering - automation etc.
I have included a snapshot of the various stages of construction to the present state.
I also have the molds for sale. ( see the IIS classified forum -Telescopes and mounts. I would like to have these molds used again by a keen individual or group of astronomers. I can offer assistance with the CNC cut ply parts that I have used. (I have a CNC Router)

I have my trusty LX200 Classic installed on a wedge. And a Refractor ready to piggy back. Fantastic not having to setup, align, pack up each night. - a single star sync and I am away

Bruce
Your very talented and keen Bruce ..enjoying the pics.
bigjoe.
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  #12  
Old 18-12-2017, 06:53 PM
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Dealy (Kev)
straight to the Pool Room

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That's brilliant mate. Very impressive.

What diameter is the dome?
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  #13  
Old 19-12-2017, 05:30 AM
Bruceaust
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Thanks Kev.
The dome diameter is 2.4 M.
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  #14  
Old 19-12-2017, 05:53 AM
Kunama
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Beautiful work Bruce, haven't seen clinker planked moulds for astrodomes before. I would love to have those moulds but with recent downsizing the boss would never allow it.
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  #15  
Old 19-12-2017, 11:23 AM
Bruceaust
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Move all your gear into the obs. Frees up a room in the house and all will be sweet with other half
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