NexDome Observatory Tour

[noswonky]

I made a video tour of my NexDome observatory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CtDUljBv-w&t=8s

And here's the build from May last year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SjyOad-_KA&t=41s

[jwoody]

Nice one Peter, looks good.
I have a Nexdome also and love it.
Enjoy
Jeremy

[spiezzy]

Hi pete great videos very well presented love your set up
cheers pete

[Capricorn1(Tom)]

Great presentation Peter
Cheers Tom

[Startrek]

Hi Peter
Great videos !
Can I pick your brain a bit if you don’t mind
I’m only looking into an obs at the moment as it would eliminate the following annoying issues -
My set up time is 2hours
Pull down time 1hour
Current Imaging limited to 15km/hr or 8 knot wind
Some minimal external light glare from neighbours

I image from my home in Sydney and image and observe at my weekender south coast ( Bortle 3 skies ) if were to install an Obs it would be at my weekender

Attached is an image of my current set up at the weekender

[Startrek]

Peter
Don’t know why my whole post didn’t send ?
Here’s the remainder

I perform PA , Goto , frame , focus and capture plan from my little stool and occasionally come outside to check guiding and subs every 40mins or so

I’m not interested in a fully automated remote imaging system from the study

My question is if I installed a Nexdome with one bay , could I fit my stool in the Nexdome at the north facing bay and operate my 15” laptop on a bench or shelf in the bay unit to set up imaging and track it from time to time
I’m a retired 60 yr old about 5’11” and 72kg so not a big guy

Your thoughts ?

Cheers

Martin

[noswonky]

Hi Martin,

That plan should work well.

I sometimes have to work in the dome so I have a small table in my bay which is 735mm in height and I can sit on a small stool and use the computer there.

I use a mini PC rather than a laptop, and I sit on a Gorilla Step (from Bunnings) which I find handy because it not only acts as a stool (with the non-slip sandpaper strips taped over), but I can stand on it when opening and closing the dome shutter as I don't have a shutter motor. I'm 5'9" and while it's possible to open and close the shutter from the ground, it's a little awkward and having something to stand on makes it much easier.

In the pictures attached, I put an old 15-inch laptop on the desk so you can see how well it fits. There's not much clearance in the Bay. Note how I've mounted my computer display off to the left because it won't fit inside the bay.


Peter

[Startrek]

Hi Peter,

Thanks so much for replying and providing details and photos , much appreciated

Sorry a couple of final questions -

1/ ( Mains Power to Dome ) I assume you trenched from your house to the slab with UG conduit and power cable and brought it up just inside the bay wall , I noticed some double power points flush mounted on a white panel ?

2/ Looking at the inside walls of the Dome, there doesn’t seem anywhere to affix conduiting or ducting to house cables ( ie single skin walls ) the YouTube videos I’ve seen of various Domes , people have just taped cables everywhere ( bit untidy and messy ( Ex electrical contractor !! )

3/ How’s the temperature inside the Dome at night in summertime

4/ Do you think I could upgrade and fit a 10” f5 newt in the Dome . OTA length would be 1170mm ?

5/ Did you buy your Dome from Diego at Sidereal Trading ?

Thanks in advance

Martin

[noswonky]

Hi Martin,

1) Yes, I had an electrician bring power across in a trench. However I had it come up under the scope rather than in the bay. That was just because it was a bit hard to figure out exactly where to bring it up so that it would be right next to the bay wall. Also, if I later changed the bay location, it would be a problem re-locating the power. With the power in the centre, I can just run an extension across the floor to anywhere I like. Then I have some power boards stuck to the walls.

2) Yes, it's single layer so running cables can be messy. I'm sure it could be done neatly with a bit more effort using cable trays or conduit. But the single skin walls are good for temperature equalisation. It cools quickly one the sun goes down which is what you want.

3) As per (2), it cools quickly so it doesn't stay hot inside once it gets dark. I've got a floor fan in there to speed up the cooling but it's probably not necessary.

4) I think it would be ok, but it's hard to be sure. If you're on Facebook I would suggest joining the Nexdome User Group and ask the question there. I'm sure someone has tried a scope of similar size.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/477732789267400/

5) Yes, I bought it from Siderial Trading. No complaints.

Peter

[Startrek]

Peter
Thanks very much
You’ve answered most of my queries
Nexdome has ticked most of my boxes
Clear skies
Cheers
Martin