Motel-O-Scope as an observatory

[Gnat]

This looks like an alternative as well. Would need careful homework to see if suits instead of roll away observatory and if materials are found here as it only supplies USA stockists. :) Good for small spaces like mine. http://pierplates.com/motel.html

[Wavytone]

Interesting idea... my only concern would be the possibility of a snake moving in... lifting the top off to be confronted by one angry brown would not be nice...

[doppler]

Some people have gone with one of these for a quick and cheap fix. http://abscosheds.com.au/pool-pump/pool-pump-cover-1-52mw-x-1-52md-x-1-49mh/
https://www.google.com/search?biw=1440&bih=786&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=ryeiWrntJ8bPgAaWw7jABQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fabscosheds.com.au%2F observatory&oq=http%3A%2F%2Fabscosheds.com.au%2 Fobservatory&gs_l=psy-ab.3...23681.28782.0.29533.11.11.0. 0.0.0.546.3036.4-4j2.6.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..5.0.0....0.toyKKX9u3Do#imgrc=-BeQOeS7XxTSgM:

[astronobob]

Hi Gnat - Natalie,
Them pier motel scope covers are good, Tho I considered by looking at them the initial 'Pro's & Con's:
One + with it being, they appear to work very well for the Alt-Az fork mount on the wedge, but --->
Two - is, I would check further if using a EQ Mount, reason being that using an EQ mount tends to turn your scope in a vertical position, therefore would hit the Base Plate ? I havent seen one in use, but I'd be pretty confident in saying that an EQ mounted scope would or at least, very likely come into contact with it,,,

Just my thoughts, I know not which mount you have ?
Just my 'Bob's worth :-)
Good Luck ....

[Gnat]

Thanks for the info. guys. Welcome pros and cons.

[mswhin63]

I made a similar one a few years back. I have all good things to say about the method, with only one negative. Not the best if you live in a rental. Even though it was considered to make it movable, it never really worked in that respect.

I have a series of images of the build on my google drive - https://photos.app.goo.gl/ICIWeXCpuxRA2vrh2

[AstroApprentice]

I also liked the look of the miniature astrodome: http://astrodomes.com/services/
But Owen said it’s only an idea and would likely end up costing almost as much as a full size Nexdome to put into production. :(

[DarkArts]

I think you can make that work for an EQ mount. In fact, it's got me thinking of using it myself .... though I may need to mess with the design for my C14/G11 combo. Here's a picture of it in use with an EQ mounted SCT:

http://www.pierplates.com/image/Cust_lk_large.jpg

[DarkArts]

So, I liked Nat's idea so much (well, her conveyance of it) that I've been messing about with the design of a Motel-o-Scope all day.

The design isn't finished yet, and differs a bit from the original, but all the required parts look to be easily available (e.g. from a certain big green hardware warehouse) and eBay in one case.

Total weight of the cover (the part a person has to lift) looks like it'll be ~10kg, so it's quite feasible.

And, after measuring everything, it looks like it'll cover a C14 on a G11 (or EQ8) with a few centimetres to spare.

Nat - thanks for posting - I think a Motel-o-Scope is the solution to my problem. :thumbsup:

[Gnat]

No worries. ;) Stewarts supply (aircraft supply place) is also in Australia so you can do the Dacron coating if you want as well.
Still not sure if it will work with my scope as the tube is 1m long and at zenith the tube is 50 cm off the ground...so I would need to put the tray low down on the pier. Mine is a Schmidt-Newtonian.

[DarkArts]

I figure I'd use mylar space blanket for the coating, which is dirt cheap off eBay. (Dacron, as it turns out, is a brand name for polyester, the fabric version of PET. Mylar is also a form of PET.)

My (hack at) design is a bit taller at 1400mm, but smaller in other dimensions. I also designed a two-piece cover version that could be made taller still and could be used with a platform set very low ... and I might end up going that way myself ... so no doubt you could do the same if you wanted.

[Gnat]

Thanks.
I figure I'd use mylar space blanket for the coating, which is dirt cheap off eBay. (Dacron, as it turns out, is a brand name for polyester, the fabric version of PET. Mylar is also a form of PET.)

My (hack at) design is a bit taller at 1400mm, but smaller in other dimensions. I also designed a two-piece cover version that could be made taller still and could be used with a platform set very low ... and I might end up going that way myself ... so no doubt you could do the same if you wanted.

[bigjoe]

Thinking of that Abbsco now, for my AVX and in my backyard in Concord Rick..cheers...All great ideas for future reference.

bigjoe.

[DarkArts]

I still haven't got around to making that Motel-o-Scope .... and after today's humongous hail, I think I'm going to go with something more solid. Pity, as the Motel-o-Scope was pretty cool.