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Old 23-09-2008, 10:22 PM
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ChrisM
Sandy Ridge Observatory

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Observatory progress

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
Chris
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  #2  
Old 23-09-2008, 10:32 PM
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acropolite (Phil)
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Impressive work Chris, looks like a "proper" observatory. Keep the photo's coming.
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  #3  
Old 24-09-2008, 07:49 AM
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[1ponders] (Paul)
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That look excellent Chris. As Phil says it really looks like the real thing. Unlike some hilton garden sheds being built around here
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  #4  
Old 24-09-2008, 09:14 AM
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h0ughy (David)
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oh how awesome and splendid is that!!!! Chris its wonderful
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Old 24-09-2008, 01:12 PM
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sheeny (Al)
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Impressive!

Al.
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Old 24-09-2008, 04:23 PM
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Matty P (Matt)
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An awesome looking observatory Chris. Looks very well thought out.

Thanks for sharing.
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  #7  
Old 24-09-2008, 09:07 PM
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Sandy Ridge Observatory

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Pier pics

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
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Old 26-09-2008, 03:14 AM
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Hi Chris,

Great images to see how such a nice Observatory is growing.
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  #9  
Old 26-09-2008, 04:33 PM
I.C.D (Ian)
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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

Ian C
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Old 28-09-2008, 11:38 AM
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Wow, that is an awesome construction, and will serve you well into the future, fantastic job, I bet you are stoked with thew finished results,

Leon
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  #11  
Old 28-09-2008, 09:20 PM
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Wonderful work Chris, that view of the sky with the pier looks awesome.
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  #12  
Old 14-05-2010, 08:45 PM
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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
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  #13  
Old 15-05-2010, 09:57 AM
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awesome. truly awesome.
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  #14  
Old 17-05-2010, 10:27 AM
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What a wonderful observatory. Impressive comes easily to mind. Enjoy the fruits of all your hard work.
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  #15  
Old 17-05-2010, 06:33 PM
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DavidTrap (David)
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Looks magnificent! Couple of questions: What are the walls downstairs lined with? Do you have problems with your chair banging into the pier?

DT
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  #16  
Old 17-05-2010, 10:16 PM
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Sandy Ridge Observatory

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All, Thanks for the comments.

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.

Chris
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Old 17-05-2010, 10:23 PM
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AstroJunk (Jonathan)
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Now THAT's an observatory
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  #18  
Old 18-05-2010, 12:44 AM
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I just caught up with your latest pictures Chris, truly awesome work.

It's a work of art.
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  #19  
Old 18-05-2010, 10:33 AM
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renormalised (Carl)
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Very nice job...that's a LX90 you have there, isn't it??

I like the control room...quite comfy
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  #20  
Old 18-05-2010, 04:52 PM
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bert (Brett)
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That is an impressive piece of work. Now go out and use it!

Looks as good as if not better than a bought one.

Brett
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