NexDome Deck Underway South Coast

[Startrek]

Finally started prep work on my deck on the South Coast NSW for a NexDome 2.2m observatory which is due to arrive late January 2021
I opted for an elevated H4 framed hardwood deck 400mm FFL in lieu of a concrete slab as I wanted to have a 360 deg clear line of sight from 20deg up at the rear of my property which has a narrow backyard.Due to the tight space, the 2.2m Nexdome suited my situation perfectly.
There are 4 piers 250mm dia , one central pier for a future pier mount and 3 tripod piers which will be used for now
Underside of deck will sit 6mm above top of pier level with 3 x 80mm holes drilled through deck boards for tripod feet in the final polar aligned position ( Also provision is made for a bigger EQ8-R mount either pier or tripod mount in the future ( I currently use an EQ6-R mount )
A trench has been dug from rear of house to deck which will carry a 230V 20A dedicated power circuit and 2 x Cat5e UTP data cables in HD underground conduit. Dual data outlet is already fitted off in the house ( Study )
Next step is the deck footings and galv stand off brackets then framework
I’ll update when frame is completed
Cheers

[jwoody]

Looks like a good start Martin.
Welcome to the Nexdome club :)
If you haven't already here is a Facebook group for them https://www.facebook.com/groups/344433410160844/

[Startrek]

Jeremy,
Thanks for commenting
Unfortunately I don’t do Facebook
I’ll post more photos after frame is completed
Peter ( the wonky astronomer ) Blue Mountains and Paul Muller in Melbourne helped me out with answering many questions and sending photos

Cheers
Martin

[xelasnave]

Martin that is great news.

You deserve it.

I am not into Facebook but where it shines is the group function.

I am in the ZWO camera group and Asiair group and say they can be most useful.

I am so very happy for you and make sure you keep the reports coming on your progress.

Alex

[Startrek]

Alex
Thanks so much
Although I don’t do Facebook I am a registered user of APT, PHD2 , EQMOD, BYEOS and Startools. These have been a great source of help along with IIS
Martin

[Pepper]

Good start there. Can’t wait to see finished obs mate.

[Startrek]

Steve
Thanks mate
Me too !
Martin

[Startrek]

Update on progress
Deck frame underway this week
Next week I’m running underground conduits for power and data to the deck.
Also running 2 x 50mm conduits under deck from laptop location in the NexDome bay unit to centre pier location for power and data cables to mount
Deck boards and trims to be completed late next week or early the week after
Expecting deck to be completed around the 18th December

[Max Vondel]

Looking good

[Startrek]

Thanks Max
Frame and piers are completed
Power and data cabling to be run in conduit down wall into trench and along underside of deck to Bay unit location
Deck boards go on next week
Completion on schedule on or around 18th Dec

Waiting on an update on Dome delivery in the new year

[Startrek]

I’ve just finished roughing in power and data cabling to deck
I also installed 2 x 50mm PVC conduits underside of deck for all power and data cables between mount and laptop which will sit on a little workstation table in the Bay unit
Trench to be back filled with paving sand , then 100mm of top soil and replace the buffalo grass sods I removed
If the rain holds off next week , the hardwood boards and side trims go on and the deck will be ready for the Dome
I’ll have to get an update on the Dome as last time I spoke to Sidereal Trading it was due end of January/ early February
More updates to follow ....

[PKay]

Hi M

Looking at the photos, it's unclear if you have clearance between the piers and the frame.
The frame and dome will move (wind, foot steps, foot balls etc).
And as I have just found out, the piers could move as well if forces are transferred to them.

Looking good!

[Tinderboxsky]

I am following your build with interest Martin. It is looking good.

You have a very, very clean worksite!

[Startrek]

Peter
I have a 10mm clearance around piers
If the deck moves more than 10mm I won’t be imaging as the wind would be ridiculous

Steve
Thanks
I hate crap everywhere

[PKay]

Another thought, what product are you using for the floor?

I ended up using compressed cement (100% waterproof).

It is a lot more expensive, harder to work with and very heavy.
But for an outdoor structure essential.

Standard size is 2.4m X 0.8m.

[Startrek]

Peter
I’m using 140mm Merbau hardwood boards ( I did my main deck off the house 2 years ago with it and it’s still like brand new and solid as a rock )
I designed the deck with the future in mind , if I ever move , I can take the Dome with me and the deck can remain a deck for lounging around , sundeck with bbq etc....( the holes I drill for the tripod and or centre pier I will keep the Merbau pucks and I can glue them back in if I ever move )
Martin

PS I’m lucky where I am at Narrawallee, I’m up nice and high on the rise of a hill 200m from the beach and no big trees around, so protected enough from southerlies etc..
I will unobstructed views NSEW from 25 degrees up
I could have made the deck higher but I preferred to keep it lower with enough under floor ventilation etc...

[Startrek]

Observatory deck for NexDome now completed
Just have to lay pavers in strips on open sides for lawn edging plus some more landscape pebbles
NexDome due to arrive from Canada into Melbourne around 25th January , then 2 weeks to clear customs and a few days to deliver my place on the South Coast
Hope to have it installed , wired up , scope installed and operational by end of February
I have 10mm clearance from piers to top and all sides from deck boards and deck frame to allow for movement
Power and data cabling coiled up in north corner under deck ready for NexDome
2 x 50mm conduits for cabling ready in position between mount and bay unit where laptop will sit on a workstation desk
More progress to follow once NexDome arrives in early to mid February .....

[PKay]

Looking good Martin

If that structure was in my yard, it would be soon covered in pot plants...

[Startrek]

Thanks Peter
When the dome is in position , there’s still room around it for small pot plants , garden gnomes, Buda , a white statue of Archimedes etc .... oh and a small door mat at the entry door of the dome
Seriously my wife with probably sit pot plants around it as she’s a keen gardener, we are running out of room , the deck dome takes up a quarter of the yard
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Finished oiling Deck , landscape pebbling and paver strips today
Deck now ready for NexDome
Latest update from Sidereal is Deck should arrive in Melbourne docks tomorrow, 7 - 10 days to clear Customs and then delivery to place on the South Coast
Due to COVID and a design upgrade the Dome has taken around 8 months from order to delivery on site ( normally 4 to 5 months from Canada )
Hope to have it up and running mid to late March
Fingers crossed

[Sunfish]

Good looking deck .

[croweater]

Better get it up and running soon Martin. It looks so good your wife will claim it to put an outdoor setting and pot plants on it. :lol:
Cheers, Richard.

[Startrek]

Ray
Thanks , looks too good to put a Dome on it

Richard
I’m nearly 61 so I figure I’ve got about 10 to 15 years of use with the Dome , and then it will become a sundeck with pot plants and a bbq etc... I figured that out before the wife had any initial thoughts.
Patiently waiting for it to be delivered from Melbourne
Cheers

Martin

[Startrek]

Whilst there’s a break in the poor weather this week and the Sun is out , I set up my gnomon ( shadow stick ) to mark the True Celestial South Line on my deck before the Dome arrives soon
The front and centre 250mm dia concrete piers under the deck were almost spot on aligned with the true south line ( about 4mm offset ) pretty happy about that as I took so much time setting them up before the deck was built and if they were way off there’s nothing I could do about except pull the deck apart and start all over again. I can breath a bit easier now .....

[diegocolonnello]

It is on its way!!!!! let me know if you need any help!!!

[Startrek]

Diego
Thanks
I’ll call you only if I have any ( major ) issues
Hoping it arrives today ?
TNT delivery update is today, but delivery schedules can change every few hours as you know
I’m ready and waiting
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

My NexDome finally arrived today from Canada via Melbourne (Sidereal Trading ) via Sydney to South Coast
Exactly 8 months from order date
A few minor quality control issues with hole sizes and alignment of panel holes, channels etc.. but worked through those ok and at least completed the walls and bay unit in about 6 hours today
Hopefully I’ll be ready to fit the Dome on Wednesday as rain is on its way
Next week I’ll fit out power outlets , data outlets , LED light strip and switch and carpet tiles
Lastly Dome rotation kit , Laptop workstation set up and telescope rig with all cabling etc...
More updates to follow .......

[xelasnave]

That is great news Martin, I am so happy for you and I hope it all goes together with not too many problems...and the rain will be good as you can check for leaks.
Good on you.
Alex

[Startrek]

Alex
Thanks so much , yes I’m pinching myself is it really here after 8 months waiting and months of planning with the deck build , piers , power , data etc....
Starting on the roof Done today , but if a jigsaw puzzle
Take care and keep positive
Thanks again for your kind thoughts
Martin
PS Hopefully the weather will turn for the better in April as the NSW coastal fringe ( especially south ) has been bombarded by Lows every couple of days for the past 3 months with clear nights a rarity

[jahnpahwa]

Looks as though it was always supposed to be there :)
Congrats, Martin, and I do hope for better weather and successful installation of power, data, dome, and final installation of gear.
Looks like space for at least my two man tent to camp beside the deck there, too... is the dome wide enough for a couple of OTAs and mounts?

[Startrek]

JP
Thanks , yeh it sorts of matches the surrounding, little dome in little backyard
Sorry but it’s a 1 person Obs , although I won’t be spending to much time inside as I’ve cabled into the house with Cat5e data cable 100MB and have a dual outlet in my study. Probably use team viewer or something like that , early days yet ( I may never fully automate it as I enjoy the night scape down here ( Milky Way painted across the night sky ( Bortle 3 )
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Completed construction of the NexDome today to lock up
As few issues with smooth rotation but the product is an ABS injection moulded flat pack assembly so one would expect a few minor issues during the build
Interior fit out next week
More to follow.......

[Spidy]

I'm jealous

[Hemi]

I’m glad it all finally arrived safely Martin, and it looks fantastic.
I’ve been following your thread, and missed the all of a sudden updates!

Very exciting....continued good luck

Hemi

[Startrek]

Thanks Phil and Hemi
If you want one you’ll have to wait 6 to 8 months for it ( Mine was 8 months from order to delivery )
I think I’ve put in 150hours to date from digging out the lawn, installing power and data services , building deck , landscaping etc... to final build of Dome (interior fit out still to be done )
Probably another 25 hours should finish it
I take my time

[h0ughy]

One thing I did with my dome was paint the entire inside black. Just a thought

[Startrek]

Thanks for your suggestion
Any reason why you painted the interior of your Dome black ?
NexDomes are made of ABS and externally coated with UV Solarkote to keep thermal transfer minimal during the day
Almost no light can get in through the skin of the ABS
My site is dark ( Bortle 3 ) and I have minimal stray light in my yard , my Lappy will be set to night mode ( red ) so minimal light emitted
I haven’t come across anyone who’s painted the interior of their NexDome black or recommend to paint it

[h0ughy]

To cut down on stray light and darken it, cooler in my head during day time and a slightly cooler inside, but I suspect your solar coat would help there, my dome is a Sirius dome, fibreglass.

[bigAl]

Been lurking here and taking inspiration! Any updates? You must be close to finishing?

Cheers
Alan

[Startrek]

Alan,
Nothing inside yet
Still have a bit of tweaking with rotation
Going to start this week fitting off power outlets , data outlets , led strip light and 2 way switch
Carpet tiles
Then mount, scope and cabling , laptop workstation etc
Hope to have it up and running by end of March
Thanks
Martin

[AdamJL]

Definitely one of the better looking decks out there :)

It looks awesome, Martin. Congratulations!

[bigAl]

Thanks Martin....good luck with finishing touches

[Startrek]

Finished quite a bit in the Dome this week until the rain decided to put a halt to things
Fitted 12mm thick ( 900 x 450 ) mounting panel
Brought power and data under deck up into Dome
Installed 2 x 10A Double weatherproof outlets
Installed 1 x Dual Cat5e data outlet in weatherproof housing with hinged lid
Installed Led strip lighting both sides with weatherproof switch at door
Drilled out deck for tripod and anti vibration puks

Worked on Dome rotation ( these NexDome injection moulded panels are not super precise where the groove is formed for the wheels to guide along. The roof panels when joined leave a 4mm to 8mm difference from left to right in the groove or track formed at the join so during rotation the wheels sometimes get stuck in the gap. Silicon fill came to the rescue and they run a bit better now. Just might need to smooth a bit more silicon here and there and we are done

I need to seal between the base and the deck outside with a small bead of silicon to stop any residual water edging in , so far during heavy showers off and on in the past 2 days , the Dome is water tight.

Next break in the weather , carpet ties go down then I can install workstation desk , tripod , mount , scope and accessories etc...

Still hoping to get up and running end of March

Thanks for looking

[xelasnave]

Its like building a house to lock up or building the hull and deck of a boat..it is when the fun begins. The finish takes just so much time.
And you end up with a list of little jobs like add a screw here and there, a bracket, trim this or that...I have an extraordinary list of jobs ... Anyways Martin you are getting close good work.
Alex

[AdamJL]

Looking good, Martin
But rotate your photos :D

[Startrek]

Alex
Thanks
Yes getting close now , but must be patient, the weather has a mind of its own

Adam
Oops
Sometimes my IPhone 8 tends to leave them sideways when attaching
Any hints how to check this as they were orientated correctly when attaching
Thanks too

Martin

[Sunfish]

Looking good and suitably space like. Plastic and GRP panels sound like they have bit too much tolerance. I suppose they send you you case of high grade silicon.

The secret Apple camera rotating thing drives me mad. I have to edit in mobile PS and save before I post. Extremely and deliberately annoying to non Apple users. My IMAC is the same. Sooo intuitive!

[Startrek]

Ray,
Thanks, yes the interior does look like the crew compartment of the Space X Dragon capsule ( less high tech touch screen )
So far I’m fairly happy with my NexDome ( build only so far ) but they need to improve on QC when sending product outside Canada and the US
1/ Hardware bags were labelled correctly but were short on some items and too may on other items ( Bunnings to the rescue )
2/ The installation manual is poorly documented and out of date ( they need to improve on quality and detail of drawings ) A lot of guess work in a few steps of construction. Plus NexDome has had some design changes , again not documented
3/ Power supply for Dome rotation controller had a US plug cord ( lucky I had a spare AS one in the garage )
4/ The Dome rotation groove formed by the joining the roof panels need to be redesigned or improved to reduce the gap and irregular step ( 5mm to 6mm ) from one panel to the next ( I had to fill this gap with 2 applications of silicon to ensure the guide wheels run across this join as smooth as possible and not get stuck ( maybe their injection moulding machine needs calibrating?? )
5/ The build itself went ok with most precast holes between overlapping panels lining up , I think only 4 or 5 I had trouble with ( holes in the ABS panes were not cleaned out and still had swarf curling out )
6/ The local supplier in Melbourne, Sidereal Trading ( Diego ) have been great in keeping me updated throughout the whole 8 months supply and delivery process , and also during construction , Diego was only a call away for advice and tips during the build
So just a few QC issues and design issues to be addressed, but so far fairly happy
Once I’m up and running I suppose all those little issues will be forgotten
Yes IPhones can be a pain sometimes
Next ( final ) update and photos will be when everything is finished and operational
Cheers
Martin

[Sunfish]

Once finished you will forget all the niggles and get on with catching all that sky you have missing.

Impressive list of things to watch out for. Sounds like most kits but very cost effective and tidy way to create an observatory I would think.

Perhaps when they crack the steel moulds and the material is still hot there is a little twisting. Does not take much. The disadvantage of having a top ring that is not one piece.

[Startrek]

Back down the coast after 3 weeks in Sydney
Finished installing carpet tiles today
Hope to set up workstation, tripod , mount and scope tomorrow or Wednesday , then cabling , depending on weather
It’s raining at the moment and forecasted showers until Thursday
All I need is 2 clear days to complete the Obs , but Mother Nature again has different ideas
Some photos of flooring

[Startrek]

NexDome observatory finally completed today after on the South Coast NSW after nearly 9 months from order
I’ve initially set up with my tripod for the next year or so and if ever want to pier mount the rig , there’s a 250mm dia x 950mm deep ( 350mm above and 600mm below ground ) concrete pier 6mm below the deck in the centre of the dome area.
Surprisingly there’s heaps of room to walk around in the Dome. Plenty of room to upgrade to a 10” f5 Newt in the future ( I currently have an 8” f5 newt )
The next week or so is looking promising for AP so hope to get some imaging in the Dome under my belt
My second computer arrives in 2 weeks so I’ll be using Windows 10 Pro with Remote Desktop to control things from my study where I have a hardwired Cat 5e Dual data outlet back to the Dome

Comments Welcome

End of Post ....

[h0ughy]

It all looks pretty schmick , nice results

[AdamJL]

Genuinely one of the nicest and cleanest setups out there. I love that, no mess!!!
I hope you keep it that way, Martin ;)

[Hemi]

Really looks fantastic Martin, you’re going to have a lot of fun.
You won’t want to do much remote imaging from the house, when you can while away a few hrs in there...

[Startrek]

Thanks Everyone
Very happy with the outcome
Put a lot of thought into the design to conceal all cabling
A very clean and tidy fit out
A lot of folk suggested a concrete slab but I’m so glad I built an elevated deck
First time imaging in the Dome last night and I can believe how dark it is in there. I have a fairly dark backyard under Bortle 3 skies but the minimal stray light from neighbours that I had before is now blocked
And yes I will be spending some imaging time in there too ,nice and cozy in winter
Cheers
Martin

[bojan]

Very nice setup...
The only thing I would be concerned with are tripod legs, they are taking too much space IMO and are easy to trip over in the dark when fiddling with eqiupment.. Perhaps you should have used pier?
Then again, you probably have red LED illumination, so probably this is not a big issue.

[Startrek]

Bojan
Thanks for your comments
I installed 4 piers ( 3 for tripod configuration and a central one for future pier mount )
I’m set up for tripod now so I’ll see how it goes for the rest or the year
I have a local fabricator who can weld me up a pier extension to suit my mount
I’m only a skinny guy so there plenty of room to walk around the rig even when it’s imaging up near Zenith
The red illumination off my laptop is enough light to avoid tripping even though the walking area is totally clear
Thanks again
Martin

[xelasnave]

I am very happy it is all coming together for you Martin...I have been following this thread keenly...its all I have to look forward to really ...so keep posting.
Alex

[Startrek]

Alex
Thanks always for your comments
It was a long project but now completed so hopefully some clear nights ahead
Take care and keep positive
And yes I will keep posting
Martin

[xelasnave]

Good morning Martin
What does your wife think about it?
Alex

[Startrek]

Alex
My wife’s happy for me , she helped me build it
As long as the grandkids can use it as a cubby house as well ( don’t know about that )
She has some interest in the hobby , 2 weeks ago she went on a trip to Mudgee for 4 days with girlfriends and one of the friends sister runs the Observatory there with her husband. They stayed on the property near the Observatory but only had one night for an hour to observe, bit disappointed. John who runs it has been involved in Astronomy for nearly 50 years , a wealth of knowledge ( old school )
Martin

[AdamJL]

Just noticed some water on the carpet there. I don't know much about these domes, but do they come with any sealing protection at the bottom?

I'm still really impressed with your cable management. That's the best part for me. I'm not a fan of clutter.

[Startrek]

Adam
No she’s water tight, that’s wet patch is when I opened the shutter up in the morning and water dripped down for a while after heavy rain that night
As the Dome just sits on the deck ( screwed down with 7 angle brackets ) I decided to silicon around the bottom inside and outside to avoid any residual water creeping in
My deck boards have 8 to 10mm gaps so they act as a bit of a drain to stop water lying around
If any water does happen to seep in under the floor after a deluge , I can just remove the carpet tile and dry it out
So far so good
Yes I’m a tidy guy , hate mess lying around , the whole dome and floor is clean no messy leads and cabling taped around everywhere or strung everywhere
Thanks
Martin

[xelasnave]

Martin I hope your wife is pulling your leg re cubby.
If I were you I would build a cubby for the grand kids ....
Alex

[Startrek]

Alex,
It’s on my list
Martin

[bluesilver]

A bit late on reading this, but definitely looks to be a top looking job done there Martin.
Something to put on my wish list for latter on.
Any chance you have the dimensions of what size the deck you made was by any chance?
Looks to be around 4 meters X 4 meters.

[Startrek]

Peter,
Found a photo of my NexDome floor plans for Deck on my phone
Length 3100mm
Width 2600mm
See attached
Cheers
Martin

PS: I did have to install an additional concrete footing and gal strut just behind the central pier as the deck had a slight sag in the middle. Fixed the problem. All 4 concrete piers now sit 10mm below the underside of the deck boards, plenty of clearance. I can image and jump up and down on the deck inside the Dome and PHD2 guiding doesn’t feel anything

[bluesilver]

Thanks for the photo and the specs, appreciated.
That gives a good idea on the size required for these domes.
Very much appreciated.

[Startrek]

My new upgraded rig for the NexDome has finally been installed after 5 months from ordering the gear at the end of January this year.
New rig
10” f5 Klaus Helmerich Carbon Fibre Newt ( GSO mirrors and focuser) EAF focuser, Orion guide scope , ZWO 290MM guide camera.
Skywatcher EQ8-R pro mount with tripod pier

The upgrade couldn’t have gone better , I just had to enlarge (jigsaw) the existing tripod feet cut outs from 100mm to 150mm diameter and the new tripod pier and mount fit perfectly on the under deck concrete piers.
The 10” f5 newt fits nicely in the NexDome with plenty of room to walk around and sit at my workstation ( I don’t think a 12” newt would fit ) The Skywatcher EQ8 tripod pier actually gives you more space compared to my old EQ6-R tripod due to the low spread of the legs.

I carried out some testing 2 nights ago for the first time
Setting up EQMOD for the Synscan Auto Home Position function, Balancing ( so much easier than the EQ6-R , you can push the whole rig with just one finger )
Polar alignment adjustments were accurate and responsive
Focusing , Star centering and sync alignment etc….
Setting up PHD2 and testing guiding ( I have some Dec backlash to adjust but guiding figures look promising ( 0.65 to 0.80 arc sec ) at 30 to 40 degrees Alt , average seeing

A bit more work to on the rig and testing , but so far so good

Cheers

[LonelySpoon]

Looking really nice Martin.

Very impressive carbon fibre tube and I love the EQ8 mount. Beautifully stable with plenty of adjustment.

Neville

[AstroViking]

Martin,

That looks great. I'll wager you're really happy to have it so close to completed and operational now.

Let's hope that the weather is kind to you.

Cheers,
V

[AdamJL]

really please for you, Martin!

But rotate your pictures :D

[Startrek]

Thanks Gentlemen
Appreciate it
The NexDome and this final rig has been a 2 year project in planning , design , construction , installation, testing and commissioning
Just have to tune this big mount now as best as I can get it and enjoy the hobby for hopefully the next 10 to 15 years or longer ( pending good health ) I was a late starter into the hobby which coincided with retirement ( I’m 62 now )
Adam,
I reduced the 2.2MB photos to 500Kb and attached as normal ( must be the iPhone that changed orientation ?? )

Cheers
Martin

[strongmanmike]

Wishing you lots of clear skies and many hours of photon collection Martone :thumbsup:

Mike

[croweater]

Graet stuff Martin. Have been following your progress for a few years now as someone who started with an affordable setup that achieved great results and now evolved into one of the goto people on this site for helpful advice (and excellent tutorials that i believe should be stickies)and constructive comments. I've been using you to build my astrophoto knowledge for when I take a dive into it. It's hard now as i'm a shiftworker but retirement beckons in a year or two and then I'll be ready. Best of luck with your new rig.
Cheers, Richard

[Startrek]

Thanks Mike
Hope you get plenty of clear nights up there on top of the world
Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Thanks Richard
Very kind comments
I knew absolutely nothing about Astronomy prior to 2017 but having a business for 25 years and technical career for over 40 years certainly helped me on my Astro journey
I still consider myself a beginner as to me 5 years into this hobby is a short period of time.Quite a few folk on the forum have 10 to 40 years into the hobby.
The main reason I wrote procedures was mainly so I wouldn’t forget how to do things , so much to remember , but on the same token I like to help people where I can ( it’s not an easy hobby especially AP )
My next venture is Mono imaging but not until next year as the finance minister ( wife) has some travel plans in the budget.
It’s a time consuming hobby but very very rewarding plus it keep the old brain healthy too
I’m glad my experiences and limited knowledge has helped in some small way
Thanks Again

Cheers
Martin

[RyanJones]

Hey Martin,

You’ve got to love the look of a carbon tube ! You must be stoked to have it all finally setup. Is that a dew band at the front of the OTA ?

Cheers

Ryan

[Startrek]

Thanks Ryan,
My prime concern was whether I could achieve focus and then whether the rig would fit ok into the NexDome and have sufficient clearance when maxed out in Ra and Dec as the tube is 1200mm long.All of the above worked perfectly and there’s still plenty of room to walk around and sit at my workstation ( I’m not in there long only to set up a nights imaging then I remote control it from inside the house in the study ) The rig does look cool in black rather than all white like my previous 8” rig and this helps with all those little led red and green pilot lights on equipment everywhere ( Less reflection)
As these Carbon fibre tubes are so damn light and the primary mirror is a ship anchor , I had to add weight to the front end as the tube would have been pushed all he way forward almost near the shell of the Dome, plus Dec balance would have near impossible, and in Ra the end of the scope would have hit the wall.So I bought a roll of pre painted 2.5mm lead flashing from Bunnings and wrapped it tight around the front of the OTA just behind the focuser and secured it with black cloth duct tape and Velcro strap. It added 3kg to the front and allow me to centre the OTA over the saddle ( only a 150mm offset now which worked perfect ) This counter weight matches the rig , it looks like a dew heater
Next mission is to get my guiding tighter which isn’t easy on the EQ8-R mounts , they do have backlash issues which I knew about.I’m going to start of with better balance and see how we go on a stable night. If I can get down to 0.50 I’ll be stoked. I don’t PEC train with EQMOD as it affects dithering in PHD2 so worse case is to adjust the worms which will be a last resort.

Cheers
Martin