Eagleview Observatory - Construction of Australia's Highest Observatory

[strongmanmike]

In the general discussion section, there is an ongoing thread about the location, acquisition and astronomical conditions of Eagleview, as a site, but for those interested in the observatory build project, I thought the detailing of the actual construction process was probably best held in the DIY Observatories section of the forum, so....

After a few delays, construction has finally started on Eagleview Observatory, which once completed, will see it sit just shy of 1450m AMSL, making it Australia's highest observatory.

So, thus far, I have completed the substantial site cut and fill (done on Tues 7 Dec), leaving a nice elevated pad measuring 12m X 12m, ready to take the Observatory, control room/shed and open visual observing area. A path, from our existing driveway circle, out to the observatory site and a 75-100 mm layer of road base over the lot, will be added in the next week.

The site cut required a large 15 Ton excavator, which had to be delivered on a semi trailer with low loader trailer. Reminiscent of scenes of old trucks carrying large heavy observatory parts, slowly winding their way up Mt Wilson or Mt Palomar, back in the day, it made a slow crawl up the relatively steep, narrow and windy Tinderry mountain road. Then once at our property there is a last tricky bit comprising a steep approx 250m section (see attached photo) that takes you from 1350m up to 1435m, in a straight line, so, this had to be scheduled for dry weather, something hard to pin point at the El Nina moment! :rolleyes:. The delivery driver actually said that had he not had the excavator on the back of the truck he may not have made it up this section, due to lack of weight which is needed to provide enough down force traction!

For those interested, I will be posting progress photos at the link below...lots of work ahead buuuuut with a bit of luck, I should be ready for first light by next winter Milky Way season :prey: :thumbsup::

Eagleview - Australia's Highest Observatory (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/building_eagleview_observatory) :)

Mike

[astroron]

Great news Mike. :)
I will follow your progress
with interest.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[m11]

Awesome - the Observatory build is progressing. :thumbsup:

Congratulations and thank you for sharing.

[h0ughy]

The observatory build shall be known as the La Sidonio phase.

[strongmanmike]

Cool to know Ron :thumbsup:



No worries Mel :thumbsup:



ie constant torrential rain everyday for 3 months....:scared2:

[strongmanmike]

BTW Mel...pleeeenty of space on the observing pad to set up a 24" Dob! :prey: :D

Mike

[m11]

Hey Mike,

Haha sounds like a plan buddy and you are too kind.

It would be an amazing life experience to view from a pristine Bortle 1 for sure.

I think you need to get yourself an 18+ sized scope to do the place justice Mike. ;)

I need to negotiate with the wife to let me go. :rofl:

[strongmanmike]

I agree!...and given my wife only recently commented "hmmm?..we are hemorrhaging money at the moment on Eagleview.."...I'm not toooo confident of having my own large Dob anytime soon :sadeyes:....hence my excitement about yours! :D

Mike

[m11]

Haha, I know that "hmmm" - definitely a warning sign. :rofl:

Yah, I understand buddy. :thumbsup:

Many thanks. I have the opposite problems of trying to get a country place to get some darker skies - It won't be as awesome and pristine as yours though- your place is next level x100!

[Startrek]

Mike,
It must be so rewarding finally commencing work at your site after securing the property not too long ago.
Looking forward to watching progress over the coming months
Hopefully the weather stays clear for both construction and of course some imaging and observing
Good luck with everything
Cheers
From the lowest observatory on the South Coast NSW
Martin

[Paul Haese]

It's not a cheap business building observatories in remote locations. We have spent a fortune at Swan Reach Imaging, and there is still more to follow. You'll haemorrhage more money yet by the looks, but in the end it will be worth it. Though, perhaps your wife will see things differently.

[Sooby]

I'm not jealous, not one little bit.
Well, maybe a little bit.

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Martin, at least you can go surfing during the day and observing at night! :D



That haemorrhaging includes on the rest of the property and house too of course, ie. a new trailer, a large rural gate and some fencing, 3 X security screen doors for the house, 250m of new access drive, a new chainsaw, brush cutter, lawn mower, workshop and garden tools, 3 acres of slashing etc etc... :scared:... if it was just going on the obso, hey, it wouldn't be so bad :lol: but all good :thumbsup:



He he, heck, I'm still pinching myself too John :thumbsup: :)

Mike

[rustigsmed]

congrats Mike, must be a good feeling to be getting some progress happening!

[strongmanmike]

It is Russ, but with The current weather patterns and supply chain disruptions, I think this is going to be a challenging project requiring plenty of patience :help:

Mike

[gregbradley]

At least the delays aren't happening during a clear skies period.

Its been cloudy virtually every night in my area for several months.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

The change since winter ended has been incredible, from lots of clear steady super dark nights from late May to late Sept... to essential none since....feels like we have moved 20deg north!..into wet season/dry season territory :shrug: :(

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Had some road base delivered on Friday and formed up the pier footing hole, ended up about 750x750x750mm and the screwed wooden frame is screwed and secured to star pickets driven deep in the ground, so it won't move or lift during the concrete pour. I have designed the rebar cage and will construct a "cap" from wood, to go on top of the form work, with a 750mm length of forma-tube attached and that will allow a single pour monolithic pier and footing, you can see my previous (and very similar) support pier construction here (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/156547679/original) and here (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/156547676/original).

Another load of road base is due and a bobcat is booked for 4 Jan to scrape a path up from the house and spread the road base over the whole site. I can then move the site shed from my current observatory, on the other side of Canberra, up to its new and 850m higher, home at Eagleview :)

I also positioned an alignment stake about 60m from the pier footing hole to facilitate true south alignment in the future. I used binoculars to sight the SCP (whose location I know with a high degree of accuracy) at night and traced up and down, moving the distant stake East and West until it lined up with the SCP and the stake in the middle of the footing hole, easy. I am confident (err?..as long as no one moves the stake! :scared: :lol:) this will allow me to point my bolt pattern and align my deck, with a +/- 1 deg pointing accuracy..maybe even better!? :)

Photos also here (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/building_eagleview_observatory)

Mike

[alpal]

Looking good Mike.
Thanks for updating us all.


Allan

[strongmanmike]

Oh Man!...everytime I stand on that site cut and look south I really can't believe it, I want it to all happen yesterday!:P :lol:

Mike

[gts055]

The panoramic view is breathtaking and a makes for a living picture changing through the seasons. With your Sirius dome, I am wondering if any water/ moisture tracked from the outside deck under the Sirius wall onto the dome floor. Does the dome have a separate floor above the deck or is the dome floor also the deck? Can you tell me how you went about sealing the Sirius dome wall base where it sits on the deck. Mark

[gregbradley]

That's a spectacular site. Looking forward to your images coming out of there.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

I've emailed you Mark :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

On a clear day it is utterly spectacular...heck even when it's not clear it is magic :thumbsup:...I was out standing on the site cut for sometime last night, looking at Comet Leonard under a Full Moon, crystal clear and still... and the feeling was spine tingling really...felt almost not real...I spent some time looking around planning and imagining the positioning of my site shed and its proximity and access to the observatory and surrounding observing area etc...the Moon lit up the surroundings and distant rolling hills...standing there imagining the coming observatory, was euphoric :)

Mike

[gregbradley]

Your enthusiasm is infectious.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

He he...I know :jump2:, I'm like a kid in a lolly shop huh? :P...I don't know when or if the feeling will ever end :shrug::lol:...chomping at the bit to get the observatory done that's for sure but luckily and as much work as there is proving to be around the place, the property is a delight to be custodian of, I feel very privileged :sunny::stargaze:

NOW!...where's that damn observatory!? :confuse3::lol:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Managed to get some more work done on Eagleview Observatory.

Yesterday the final load of road base was delivered up to site and today the site cut was finished off with some fine grading and levelling as well as cutting a path up from the house. A 75-100mm layer of road base was spread and levelled over the whole site, with just a slight (~30mm) fall across the pad for drainage.

The felled and old dead trees behind the observatory, that were pushed over by the 15T excavator a few weeks ago, were cleared and piled up away from the observatory, ready for a big winter bonfire :campfire:. Along with providing the observatory with almost complete 360deg unobstructed sky views, this has also resulted in a beautiful large open flat area, perched just above and behind the new observing pad, just begging to have a few telescopes setup and some tents pitched ;) :D

I will be organising the fabrication of the rebar cage next week, building the formwork to enable a single pour monolithic concrete footing with 750mm tall support column and hopefully soon after that, have my 3.6m X 2.5m site shed/control room, relocated to the new site from my old observatory (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/157699435/original).

Feels like progress :)

All Eagleview Observatory construction photos can be viewed HERE (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/building_eagleview_observatory)

Mike

[astroron]

Looking good mike. :)
One question,where are you getting the water
from to fill your water tanks?
I don't see any roofs for rainwater collection?
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Hi Ron, we have a 5000ltr tank under the house that collects water off the curved Nissen hut roof and a 23500ltr tank that collects from the roof of the two double garages, this is connected to the 5000ltr tank. When the 5000ltr tank is getting full we pump some of the water in it up to a 23500ltr holding tank up the hill from the house. This water is then gravity fed back to the house. We also have a 46000 litre tank further up the hill again but this is not connected to the house and is for firefighting and general garden use, it collects water via its own roof and gutter system :thumbsup:

All tanks are currently full :thumbsup:

Mike

[DarkArts]

Thanks for sharing that info. A couple of more questions if I may:

Do you treat any of that water prior to domestic use?
Do you deem it potable or do you have another drinking water source?

[strongmanmike]

Water is untreated, potable rain water.

Mike

[astroron]

Amazing.
Not much chance of even you drinking you dry.;)
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Could easily... if it was beer :D :drink:

[AdamJL]

wow, Mike. This is coming along beautifully.

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Adam :thumbsup:...it's been a bit slow for my liking, being at a somewhat remote site, at serious altitude, during a pandemic, in the middle of an El Nina period :scared2: :help: does seem to slow works down a little :doh::sadeyes:

Mike

[Bobbyoutback]

Thanks Mike ' that gave me a laugh :lol:

Cheers & Beers
Bobby

[gregbradley]

Looking good Mike.

It'll probably all come together rather quickly once your pour is done.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Hope you are right Greg :prey:

I now have an 18" F4.2 goto Dob (just taking it it up now actually :) )..which will need a storage/housing solution added to the observatory design. At this stage, Im thinking a small garden shed, then wheel it out, wheel it in, a quick setup/packup approach :question: :thumbsup:

Mike

[AdamJL]

what's the design of your observatory, Mike? Anything off the shelf or is it from scratch?

Keenly following this project!

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Adam :thumbsup:

See the attached sketch, it should look pretty well like this...except the 12" Dob depicted has been upgraded to an 18" GOTO Dob, just today in fact (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/172265599/original) :D...that's a 3M Scopedome from Sidereal Trading (https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/) here in Oz.

[strongmanmike]

Eagleview acquired a new addition (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/172265599/original) today woohoo!...currently (much to my wife's delight :scared:) a loungeroom ornament...for now..will have some sort of enclosure eventually but cant wait to get it under the stars!

Mike

[AdamJL]

Nothing good can come from that sort of wife's "delight" :lol:

Get as much use of it before you can't :lol:

But congrats, that looks like an absolute beauty (the scope :P)

[AdamJL]

Outstanding. That's going to look so great, and a ScopeDome to boot. Highest and coolest observatory in Australia!

[strongmanmike]

My 3M Scopedome arrived in Melbourne today and the wonderful guys at Sidereal Trading (https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/) sent me some photos of it in their warehouse...I think just to make me pine :rolleyes: :sadeyes: :lol:

The dream is slowly coming together...it's all getting very real, this is really happening!....:D :help:

Mike
PS. I excitedly sent these photos to my wife and she said..."that's nice dear" :rolleyes:

[astroron]

Coming along nicely Mike.:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Ronaldinho :P

[AdamJL]

Can’t wait to see it setup in its new home, Mike!

[strongmanmike]

Yeah should look pretty schmick :)

Mike

[astroron]

Mike When it's "completely safe";) to venture south of the border
I may venture down your way to peruse the scene myself. :D
In the mean time I will just watch this space.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

That'd great Ronald Mac, love to have you visit :D

Mike

[Zubenel]

Following :thumbsup: Happy to see the big dob tick box filled. Looking at your views makes me breathe deep:D B1!!!!!! you are a fortunate man that has navigated life in such a way to make your (our;) ) dream come to fruition .( there is always a cost and not only $.....I'm also thinking about a ROS on a deck as "Zamar" (my 20" ) has prohibitive dome dimensions so following with interest to pick up any design Ester eggs:)

[Bobbyoutback]

Hi Mike '
Have you tried out the 18" at Eagleview yet ?
Can't wait to hear your report from such a great location . :)

Regards
Bobby

[strongmanmike]

Ha ha Wes, yes, luckily my best Astro buddy, Attila, came to the rescue when a suitable and affordable big dob came up on the used market and he snapped it up (hey a 20" would'a been good though :doh:) and has kindly donated it to Eagleview so that it has the visual aperture such a site deserves! We will be erecting a solid reinforced garden shed, with double doors, on a slab with a short (~4m) concrete path out to an nice open observing pad, so we can simply wheel her in and out and be up and running in minutes. We will have the 12" Dob as a second and back up scope if we have visitors and for extra fun, Attila has a marvellous long FL 3" refractor that gives pristine dark high contrast views with text book pin point stars, like the good'ol days :) :thumbsup: err? umm?...I also have a modest 6" F7.5 AstroPhysics Starfire APO in the wardrobe too and an Tak NJP mount sitting idle :whistle:...so a veritable visual and imaging scope fest can be had! :D

Your "Your (our)" dream comment, really resonates deeply, yes it is most of our dreams to end up somewhere similar to where I have and I don't, not for one minute, take it for granted and I know very well just how incredibly lucky I am, it makes me smile and reflect, both at the same time. I hope to make the site available, in some sort of capacity, to as many others down the track as possible, as to not do so, in the words of some of our governing clowns, would be just plain un-Australian :) :drink:



Soon Bobby soon, reality is that, even (still) being stronger than the average man, it is not an easy one man setup (without pulling it apart) and the weather and getting the two of us together at the same time hasn't happened yet...soon. It looks awesome in the lounge though :lol: :thumbsup:

Mike

[multiweb]

That dobsonian looks awesome. I really like the hardware around the optics. Minimalist with excellent ventilation. Do you find the trusses stiff enough for the secondary/focuser assembly?

[strongmanmike]

Haven't looked through it yet actually, probably this weekend if the clouds let us :thumbsup:

Attila and I had a childhood (16/17 year olds) dream of operating an 18" F5 telescope, on a mountain, under dark skies, somewhere near Canberra.....well, it took nearly 40 years but we have finally realised it :)

Mike

[Bobbyoutback]

Yea Mike ' sure looks good in the house !

Bobby :)

[Derek Klepp]

“that’s nice dear” made me chuckle.I get the same reply every time I buy another camera or lens.Good to see the progress Mike and it’s always good to have family support in one’s endeavours even though their enthusiasm may not quite be as much as ones own.

[AdamJL]

If they don’t kill you, it’s a positive outcome. Apathy is as good as praise in my books

[strongmanmike]

Picked up the rebar cage for the centre column and footing yesterday, it fits perfectly!

You can see the arrow on top of the bolt pattern template, this will allow accurate positioning
of the bolt pattern, ie. by pointing it directly at the stake with white top there in the distance
this stake is positioned very exactly true south of the centre of the footing hole.

Next is to construct the form work around it to facilitate a single pour, monolithic, one piece result.

The weather up here so far today has been quite blowy, drizzling and a frigid 9 deg C (only 4 deg with wind chill)

...inside in front of a fire kinda weather really :cold: :rain: :rolleyes:

Mike

[mura_gadi]

so for the concrete pour?

a) time capsule or
b) a coin from this year into the concreting?

Nice to see some progress, weather is fairly foul till next Thursday from the current reporting.

[strongmanmike]

Hadn't thought of that..:question:..hey, maybe an RAT kit :D....heck, they have been scarce in 2022 but in 2047, nobody will remember what they were (hopefully :help:)

Mike

[h0ughy]

well in that case you need to put in this iconic product placement

[strongmanmike]

:lol: thanks doctor Hough :thumbsup:

[MrB]

Love the time capsule idea.
Living the dream Mike.
My dream, dammit!!

[Zubenel]

Me thinks excitement is building !!
https://fb.watch/aZq458th7p/

[strongmanmike]

We should catchup in our dreams sometime Simon :)



Indeed Wes, mine will however remain in the warehouse, patiently waiting for her new masters beckoning, for a few weeks yet...:doh: :thumbsup:

Mike

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike ,
What a great spot you have chosen I would say at that height you are above the snow line or close to it , I hope you have some warm long Johns because I think you will be needing them. How far are you from GooGong ,I haver a son who lives their and offend go and see him.

Ian

[mura_gadi]

Speaking of cold months ahead,

They say because you are inactive you dress for 10 degrees less than the actual temperature.

I was suggested freezer gear by a CAS member, one of the best bit of additional kit I have acquired.

You might be closer to deep freezer gear over freezer gear, but for warm light kit, you can move in, its very hard to beat.

The other one was to get some moon boots, having a few inches of space off the ground seems to help keep the feet a lot warmer.

Its a good thing its not about style though!

[strongmanmike]

Hi Ian and Steve

At nearly 1500m we do get a reasonable amount of snow, it varies yearly of course but this last winter we had a few of days of decent snow (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171917926/original) .....and (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171721982/original) .......and (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171917924/original) :cheers:

But luckily didn't have to use chains...our longer term neighbours report it can be quite heavy and deep making vehicular access very difficult or indeed impossible but only occasionally, maybe once or twice a season.

I do have a freezer suit but generally cold is not an issue for me really, during many clear nights over last winter at Eagleview, I seemed to be able to cope with fairly modest attire most of the time actually :shrug: (probably the excitement of just being up there under a magical sparkling dark sky! :)). On a few occasions last winter up there, with snow all around me (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/172004285/original) and below zero temperatures, with low humidity, I was out in shorts :lol: :screwy: I know. I usually just had a T-shirt + flannelette shirt + hooded spray jacket on, that's it and I could last 30-60min like that pretty easy :shrug: :nerd: this made it easy undressing to go inside periodically to warm up by the fire (-5C outside and 23C inside). With the new observatory I will have a separate control room shed (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/156841252?original) next to the dome deck, with small heater, from where I will be able to control the imaging aaaand be close by for visual observing sessions with the 18" Dob as well. If not doing visual observing, I plan to control the observatory from inside the house via remote desktop or similar.. aaand if Diego from Sidereal Trading has his way :lol: :help: who knows, down the track maybe even from the comfort of our place in Canberra :)

Ian, as the crow flies Googong is 37km to my north, or 54km (50min-1hr) by road.

[strongmanmike]

The concrete support pillar and footing formwork is ready to take some concrete :thumbsup:

I have designed the formwork so that I can do it all in one pour, ie filling the footing space first, through those two side access holes in the cover board, then after blocking these access holes, fill the formatube (resulting in a sturdy monolithic one piece support pier) Then finally, press the anchor bolts into the wet cement, sighting on my true south stake, positioned accurately in the distance :thumbsup:

I used this same approach back in 2014 for my last telescope pier (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/156666630/original) and that worked a treat

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Hmm, might need a rename to Snowmanmike in winter then...

half ya luck, before I got the freezer gear I think I was well enough padded to take a .22 from a 100m.

[AdamJL]

I like that control shed idea, Mike!
When this is all said and done and you have more time, it’d be really nice if you could share plans for those of us who want to emulate your build. I’ve decided I want the same dome that you have, they look fantastic

[strongmanmike]

The concept sketch I posted for you previously is all I have been going off.

A builder will be building the elevated 4.6mX4.6m deck without specific plan drawings, I designed and will be constructing the pier and formwork but no plan drawings, the solar infrastructure will be pretty simple and Sidereal Trading will be installing the dome.

So, if you keep following this thread you should eventually have enough info and ideas to emulate it all pretty easily :thumbsup:

Mike

[Dennis]

I see your Strongman talent has not diminished, given the way you formed the reo-bar into those nice circular shapes, no doubt formed around your biceps given their girth.:lol::P;)

Cheers

Dennis

[AdamJL]

No worries, thanks Mike.

Following along eagerly!

[strongmanmike]

I wish! my arms have shrunk from 20 inch circumference in my hey day, to now..:question:...well, they are little bigger than pipe cleaners :sadeyes: :lol:

I do occasionally still surprise myself (and others) though, there is some residual strength at least :)

Mike

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike I have been remote access for the last 12 months even it doesn't get as cold as were you are. Am using a KOGAN ATLAS MINI PC - (KAMPCZ300NA and using Anydesk and Tight VNC as soft wear for access
Ian

[strongmanmike]

Ok, thanks for the tip, I'll take a look at those Ian :thumbsup:

Mike

[Dennis]

Hi Mike

I just stumbled across an eBook dedicated to Pier Designs - "The long awaited D.I.Y. E-book on Telescope Piers and Foundations!"

https://telescopepiers.com/diy-design-guide/

Might be too late though, seeing how advanced yours is.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[strongmanmike]

Ah thanks Dennis, yes that would have been great to get :doh:...still might :question: :)

In the end though and this being my fourth observatory construction, this is the third time I have used this sort of support design and construction and in fact, it is exactly the same approach as my last pier (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/terroux_observatory) made for my, soon to be previous, observatory, with the same gear on top and that was rock steady and worked flawlessly for 7 years now..at least as far as I have been able to tell :question:

So, I'm confident it will be sufficient again :prey: :lol:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Today I had the control room picked up from its old home, 600m AMSL at Terroux, north of Canberra, and delivered up to its new home at 1450m AMSL at Eagleview in the Tinderry mountains, south if Canberra. La La the Chicken has a rather more lofty and significantly more spectacular view now while once again guarding the observatory :)

Next will be to form up the shed slab and foot path for the 18" visual Dob, then order the concrete for this and the main telescope support column.

Mike

[astroron]

Getting Better everyday Mike:thumbsup:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[AdamJL]

Fantastic, Mike

So exciting to watch this come together.

[Dennis]

You are so lucky Mike, when I was a young lad, we living in t' shoebox in t' middle o' road, worked fourteen hours a day, week-in week-out, for sixpence a week.

I would love to have lived in your control room - sheer luxury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue7wM0QC5LE

https://genius.com/Monty-python-four-yorkshiremen-live-lyrics

Cheers

Dennis

[strongmanmike]

Slowly but surely Ron...



Cheers Adam



LUXURY!

One of the all-time best comedy skits that one Dennis

Love Monty Python

Mike

[croweater]

Loving this thread Mike. Things really taking shape.
Cheers,Richard.
PS. What the heck is that guarding the door :lol:

[Joshua Bunn]

Its all moving along at a rate Mike, when do you expect to take some images from up there?

[mura_gadi]

Would love to have seen Venus up there over the last few mornings, been awesome in the burbs.

You'll have to rename the hut... signs getting a little faded anyway...

[strongmanmike]

Slowly but surely...and it's a vicious robotic chicken security guard :eek:



Who know's :shrug: still a bit to do :rundog::computer:



Great sign Steve and yes only looked at it naked eye in the clear dawn sky but it was its usual beacon self hovering over the treetops :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

The new view from my new control room..?..might move into it :question: :lol:

Yes, the solar panel is now on the wrong side (east) of the building, I will be mounting more significant panels on the Northern side (facing the camera) of the shed.

Mike

[astroron]

Looks like a place to hold Ned Kelly. ;)
Great view through the bars. :)
Cheers:thumbsup:

[mura_gadi]

I'd guess the bars are too keep that rooster out, or its the rooster's nest for sure.

Good luck with the weather hopefully there will be more work days than not in before it gets really cold, looks like a "site" now at least.


If you know anyone arty ...

[strongmanmike]

The bars were always on the site shed, that's how I got it ie. secure for a building site. I left them on as I was never living near the observatory and had gear stored inside. It has solid lock protection with an extra metal guard and headless bolts secure everything so they can't be removed with a screwdriver or spanner and while yes, an angle grinder can get through most defences and a chain attached to a utes tow ball can pull pretty hard :rolleyes::lol:, the shed is as secure as one can make it, at least from all but the most determined R-Soles...and for them, well?..we have an insurance policy I guess? :rolleyes:

Yes, the robotic chicken (Rooster?) is highly dangerous :face:

Nice bit of artwork there Steve, I like it :thumbsup:

Mike

[xelasnave]

Good on you Mike it is wonderful to see all your progress..Well done.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Alex :thumbsup:

Mike

[Camelopardalis]

Wow Mike, that’s quite some vista from your control room :eyepop:

[strongmanmike]

Yes, have to say Dunk, it is indeed all raaather cathartic, that's for sure :painting: :fishing: :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Went shopping this afternoon :D

4 X 170W panels, 60A regulator, 2000W 12V-240V inverter and some connector cables...some big batteries coming soon...:)

Mike

[xelasnave]

excellent but be careful ... if you actually run 2000 watts in a 12 vlt system...calculate how many amps...mmm thats a surprise I bet:eyepop: think of possible melt down and avoid getting up there...that is why folk go for 48 vlt systems...2000 watts at 12 volts is 160 odd amps ...in 48 vlt system its only 40 odd amps...anyways add up your watts divide by 12 and it should be no where near 2000.

it is fantastic seeing you getting on with it.

alex

[MrB]

Oh man, Nice, but I sure hope you used a Trade card for a discount, or atleast you are/became a Nerd-Perks/Club member for credits to use at next visit?!


If you're interested in more info than what's in the manual about the regulator, it is actually an Epever Tracer6210AN.
https://www.epever.com/product/tracer-an-50-100a-mppt-charge-controller/
They're not bad regulators. I've had the 40A version for about 5 years with no drama's.
If you're interested on data-logging or an easier setup/menu experience, there's a few external modules available:- Remote dot matrix LCD(model: MT50), WiFi module, Bluetooth module, Networking(TCP) module, RS485->USB converter lead etc... these all use one of the RS485 ports but unfortunately you can only use one device at a time. The second port is only for syncing two (up to six) regulators.

Edit: Found a system accessory chart. TCP module not shown for some reason.

[strongmanmike]

HI big Al, well, I'm getting some heavy duty AGM batteries with a max dis charge current of 4000 amps, so I am sure they will be able to handle it. I better make sure that the parallel/series cables and the the cables that connect the inverter to these batteries are nice and robust :thumbsup:

Mike



HI Simon, no I wasn't a nerd member..but I am now :)

Thanks a lot for that info very interesting and handy :thumbsup:

Mike

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike well the obs is coming along very well ,you said you will be getting concrete delivered on site will the trucks be able to carry a full load or only half because of the the height you are at. Have you have a frost up their yet if not it must be getting close ,I am in Googong this weekend baby sitting and the nights are cooler then home

[xelasnave]

Yes I was trying to draw attention to cabling.
So I dont quiet understand the discharge thing...so I ask what capacity are your batteries? Surely you dont have 4000 amp hour batteries, not asking the price but my experience tells me that must be $25k ( min) and up.....like my batteries for the observatory are rated 500 amp hours... for the van 350 amp hours..the house 1350 amp hours...which for me means I can use 100 amps in the observatory ( a little more maybe but it is a percentage of the rating)
Anyways I am not familiar with the discharge thing.
I love reading of your progress.
Slex

[strongmanmike]

I'm getting this bank for the observatory: https://www.aussiebatteries.com.au/off-grid-solar/battery-banks/6.6kwh-12v-550ah-agm-battery-bank-6v-cells

Mike

[xelasnave]

Thanks Mike.
That is an unbelievable price and should be quiet adequate...
I have 500 amp hours via four lead acid batteries and that was about $1300.

You have done very well ...and you deserve to ...

Check what the maximum discharge is...maybe 25% maybe more, and then you have and idea of how much power you can use...I work on 100 amps ..I could go higher but I try and be kind to them.

Then you can work out what the panels give you ... I expect you have done all that...try and check your voltage daily and never be afraid to run the genny to help them out...buying petrol is better than buying new batteries.


Alex

[strongmanmike]

The stash is growing... :)

Mike

[h0ughy]

Nothing like having a plan

[strongmanmike]

Spraining the ankle and breaking a rib has put a spanner in the works of course :scared:...then a week into the healing and I twist, bend and lift a bag of shopping.. "Pop!" rib broken again, faaaar....:rolleyes:...home again this week, sitting still, watching reports about severe flooding in SE QLD aaand a deluded lunatic threatening nuclear war....:sadeyes:

Mike

[h0ughy]

Yeah it's great observatory building conditions :P
We thought 2020 was bad then you had to build the observatory of all observatories:thumbsup::lol:

[strongmanmike]

Taking great care and being very careful of my still repairing broken rib and sprained ankle (slow and steady) :sadeyes:. I used reo mesh lifters to lift and laterally position the rebar cage under and within the forma-tube, so it is off the ground, centred in the tube and won't move when the concrete is poured in. The whole thing is rigid and secure and the top of the forma-tube is nicely level and I also made sure the pier bolt pattern will fit in without hitting the internal rebar cage when I come to press it into the wet concrete (needed just a little grinding in one spot). I have covered the whole form-work with plastic to protect it from the coming rain (40mm predicted tomorrow), so I can just remove it on the day of the pour and it will be all ready...now just to order the concrete..hopefully sometime in the next week or so :prey:...so the deck build can start....then My Scopedome (https://fb.watch/bxy13YRX1q/) can happen!! (that's my dome in the background, behind Bill :D waiting patiently for my signal to deliver :cheers:))

Mike

[gregbradley]

Sorry to hear of your injuries.

You are getting close now to being operational. Looking forward to seeing the results!

Has it been as cloudy as around Sydney has been in the last 6 months down there?

Greg.

[AdamJL]

Ha I watched that video today on YouTube and wondered whether that some was yours!

[strongmanmike]

Yeah the rib and ankle have slowed me down. Because I want this bloody observatory done already :tasdevil:, I was going to pour the support pier first (~ 0.75m3) and get the deck underway ...buuuut then discovered today, that the cost of getting concrete, up a damn high mountain, over an hours drive from the nearest supplier, err?...is not cheap and has a large base delivery price :doh:. So, I plan on forming up the slabs for the shed, path and observing pad for the 18" dob this weekend and then getting all the concrete delivered at once (~ 2.25m3) after that...lets hope the rain holds off! Maama Mia! :prey:

Yes, apart from several good clear nights over the Chrissey/New Year period while the comet was around, and given I am not always there, so I may have missed some clear sky time, it has been largely rather bleak nights at Eagleview.. and in the Canberra region generally too, about as bad as I can remember really :question: :shrug:...after the good number of amazing, very dark and transparent clear skies over winter, that had my heart pounding with glee and eyes buzzing, it's been a little astronomically depressing really...haven't managed to test the new 18"dob yet either :(

Anyway....it will get better again, just gotta be patient, I have faith in El Nina leaving the room soon... :prey: and as our TV's have shown us in recent weeks, it could be A LOT!! worse!



He he, yeah if I can get this bloody pier and deck done, then according to my current schedule, it should be able to be installed late April..? :prey::prey:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Got some more goodies in the last few days, including some angle adjustable solar panel mounting brackets, two 550amphr heavy duty AGM's and a Victron 30amp charger with Blue tooth, made a cable for the charger and just topped up the batteries when they arrived :)

Mike

[xelasnave]

I am getting excited Mike.
I love your batteries and I think you did very good there...
I hope you are healing well.
alex

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike how did you get your injures, but it is good to hear you are on the mend .When you said about getting concert delived I new it was not going to be cheap as each truck can only carry half it normal load ,and at the height you are at , it may be less then that ,but at the end of the day you will have one of the best observatory in Australia and that is something to look at.
Ian

[strongmanmike]

I would have liked to get more but cost became an issue, even if I have to replace them in 3 years time, had to reduce the outlay now to save my gonads :scared2:

Yes the ribs are healing but they were sore again today...think I slept on'em funny?

Mike



Cheers Ian, I hope so :thumbsup:

I rolled my ankle (Grade 1 sprain) fell over, landing heavenly on my left side, on a hard dirt and gravel driveway, big thud and big groan! broken rib... :o

Mike

[xelasnave]

Well I really wish I had bought double..not to is false economy..tell her I said so and then it will be ok;) and those things you risk ..do you really need them anymore?
Seriously however do not hesitate to run the genny..being so cold I would give them a go each morning...a couple of bucks against a grand..you just need to realise solar is not free..its a solution and not cheap really...anyways you are nearly there ...please keep the posts coming I get so excited following your progress...mine are playing tricks on me..I cut the fridge off in the van as I cant easily buy the food I want etc and now my worry is they seem to be holding too high a charge ... damn it I will connect to the grid..only $500k:eyepop:
Alex

[I.C.D]

I think I may have heard you fall, at the time I though it was thunder :lol::lol:

[strongmanmike]

I think that was meant to read "landing heavily" :innocent: :lol:

[strongmanmike]

Indeed Alex, the plan is to mostly run the generator during the day, as required, to boost the solar charging, not too keen on having a noisy generator running during the night...but I can if required too.

Posts will keep coming ;) :thumbsup:

Mike

[gregbradley]

I've been running off generators at night for years. The noise tends to fade away into background noise. I have reasonably quiet generators. Was using a Yamaha but got pretty cheap but sophisticated generators from Bunnings. A Chinese one that looks like a copy of a more expensive generator. 3.5kva and it cost something like $300!

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

My son and I got the form work done for the slab for the shed to house the 18" GOTO Dob and the path out to the observing spot. It will be a wheel in and wheel out approach.

Hopefully all the concrete for this and the main imagin scope support pillar, can be ordered this week or the coming weekend :prey:

Mike

[Anth10]

Nicely setout Mike, now for the grey stuff hey. I’m tipping you’ll be the main wheelbarrow man leading from the front, hope you have some eager helpers during the pour ( or they all might be on holiday that day or got something else on hehehe)
It’s taking shape- well done.

Anth:thumbsup:

[Paul Haese]

Moving along Mike. You'll be installing the dome in no time.

[xelasnave]

Mike you forgot the polly pipes...you know the ones to run cold water thru to cool the slab.. lucky I got to you in time:lol:

It looks great ..it is so good to see you getting there.
Alex

[h0ughy]

Hate to rain on your parade but you will need way more pegs than what you have put in or its going to bow and slump :thumbsup:

[xelasnave]

Very very true and you have headed off heartbreak and disaster for sure.

Alex

[strongmanmike]

Thanks guys :thumbsup: and yeah I do plan to add a few more stakes around the perimeter but I didn't have any left... but nicely picked up :thumbsup: putting plastic underneath too.

Mike

[AdamJL]

https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=287982

great shot. Father and son together, nothing better.

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Adam, Riley is very handy and a great partner for projects and odd jobs alike. Because I am recovering from a broken rib and have to be very careful and everything is harder and slower for me at the moment, he probably did the bulk of the work this time :thumbsup: When I was competing in heavy events, back in the day, Riley, from about age 6 to 11 years old was my main training assistant when I was doing all my heavy lift strongman training, seriously, he was several years ahead in maturity, he was an excellent set up assistant, stop watch time keeper and motivator, often just the two of us down at the local oval with all my heavy implements. Now nearly 30, I'm not surprised he has become a highly regarded air traffic controller.

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Big weekend at Eagleview! Maama Mia! a'concrete'ing its'a hard'a yakka mate! :scared: :driving:

I worked until midnight Thursday, yep under a full moon with head lamp :stargaze:..was fun (kinda) :P to get the formwork for the slab ready and pillar prepped properly for an 8am Friday concrete delivery up the mountian. Pulled the rebar mesh out by myself (all one piece) all the while watching my rib :eyepop: layed down black plastic, installed taller mesh lifeters and constructed an isolation joint between the end of the slab path and the pad for the dob. Put all the rebar mesh back in and hammered 14 or 15 more formwork posts in.

In the end it came together...but it felt like one big mad rush from 7pm Thurs until 3pm Fri, bit of a blur really, trying to remember everything, lathered with sweat, body aching and sore from manually agitating the (too) thick concrete mix with a star picket to make sure it got everywhere in the pillar mould..up-down up-down, quick, shoulders screaming! at one stage it felt like a past strongman event, don't give up, don't give up, you have only one shot at this!...arrrg! :scared: Then the spreading and the skreeting of the slab! faaark, that's hard yakka! especially without really good tools, much respect for builders who coordinate and do all this palava on a daily or weekly basis! :prey2: :help:

Finished off fabricating a make shift kangaroo fence to stop creatures walking over the curing concrete through the night...the finished product, while far from a perfect slab, is a fine observing platform!

Next my builder will construct the 4.6mx4.6m deck around the top of the concrete pillar and I will erect the 3m X 1.9m X 2.15m colourbond shed on the slab, to house the 18" Dob.

Coming together slowly....

Mike

[strongmanmike]

More photos of the concrete work, several wet downs were done to help with the concrete curing....and waking up this morning above the clouds, after a clear night, nice ending to the weekend.

[astroron]

Well Done Mike.
Lots of hard work there,but in the long run
it will be worth it.
Glorious view to finish off the show. :eyepop:
I look forward to seeing it in the flesh one day.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

A visit from you would be most welcomed Ron, I have an 18" Goto Dob now too :P :thumbsup:

Mike

[RB]

Marc and I are coming up too Mike.
I'm bringing the Guinness, Marc's bringing the Escargot (all this rain you know...)

:D

[strongmanmike]

This one..? :question:

[RB]

:lol:

That’s the one!!

:thumbsup:

[multiweb]

nah... this one.

[xelasnave]

Good on you Mike... working with an injury builds patience.
So good to come here and see someone turning their dreams and into reality.
Alex

[AdamJL]

Forgive my ignorance, but is that pier going to be moved onto the slab? Or are you setting up an outdoor pier as well?

And when the decking is laid, will you be bolting a pier onto the concrete and building the deck around it?

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Alex, so much to do and plan, and in a somewhat remote location...sheesh...but getting there :)



See attached drawing, however since sketching this the 12" Goto Dob depicted has been upgraded to an 18" so needed its own housing, hence the T-shapped slab, which will have a 3mX1.9mX2.15m shed with double door, erected on it, so it will be a simple wheel in and out arrangement, with observations taking place at the end of the path on the isolated square pad at the end :thumbsup: I also decided to turn the site shed through 90deg.

Yes, there will be a 600mm tall metal pier bolted to those sunken threaded rods on top of the support pier, which has a 1Ton footing...so no it ain't moving :lol:

Mike

[AdamJL]

Ahhh.. I was wondering why you made that T shaped slab. I thought you were making a walkway to your obsy, and thought that was a bit fancy :rofl:

[strongmanmike]

Yaaay! My 3M Scopedome has left Sidereal Trading in Melbourne this afternoon , due 750km drive north and 1.5km climb above its departure spot, tomorrow morning around 11am....Maama Mia!..it's reeeeally happening! :P :cool:, I'll post some piccies of it arriving tomorrow :D. Spoke with my builder this arvo too, he is starting the deck, around the central support pillar, on Wednesday Woohoo...it's all happening and coming together.

Removed the form-work from around the 18" dob housing slab this afternoon too...aaand reposition La La the chicken to have a better view..an 82km view!:P

Mike

[Startrek]

Mike,
Fantastic news !!
The guys at Sidereal are top notch , Diego gave me so many tips when I was building my NexDome and didn’t mind me calling him every 5 minutes to sort out minor issues, always accommodating
When you see that truck heading up the mountain with this big white dome on the back , you will then realise your dream is coming true !!!
Cheers
Martin

[strongmanmike]

On ya Martone, so true...Santa Maria! :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Ta Daaaa! The Eagle has landed at Eagleview

Thanks Diego Colonnello, Bill Stent and Paul Litchen at Sidereal Trading :prey2: :love2:

Freezing, wet, icy, windy weather on top of a mountain, inside the cloud layer, wind chill sitting on just below zero degC with 30-40km/hr winds...but Hiab operator Paul got all the way up here from Melbourne without a hitch and got the job done!

Sitting there, at 1450m AMSL, that my friends, is the highest Scopedome in Australia :D

Meeting with my builder this afternoon to finalise some details re the deck construction and it should start on Wed.

Wadda ya know, Monte Wilson spotted my dome en route to Eagleview earlier today too, he he :)

Mike

[h0ughy]

Nice to have it there

[astroron]

Great to see progress.
Wunderbar:cool::cool::cool:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[Dennis]

With that shiny new dome, it looks like you are now a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.;)

Cheers

Dennis

[strongmanmike]

It is Dave, never thought I'd have one of these domes, just hope my normally conservative approach to image acquisition can handle the shock :eyepop::lol:



Cheers to you Ronnie :)



Indeed Dennis, it has crossed my mind that once up in the air on the elevated deck, perched up so high on the ridge (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171532083/original) and in full view (at least with binoculars anyway) towards the south, it may well look sinister, or at least strange, to some prying eyes. Luckily however, it is only in direct view of one neighbour (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171461159/original), who is 3km away and all my immediate neighbours are aware of the coming observatory. So other than the odd distant bush walker, hunter or light aircraft pilot it should go pretty unnoticed by any stray member of the great unwashed :)

Mike

[DJT]

Congrats on getting the dome sorted Mike. Continuing to watch your journey and sending out good happy vibes to help it all go to plan

Enjoy.

David

[xelasnave]

Fantastic I am so happy for you.
Alex

[strongmanmike]

Thanks guys, getting there :thumbsup:

Mike

[AdamJL]

Wow, now you're talking! All coming together now, Mike.

[strongmanmike]

My builder started the deck today, hooray! :)

Wooden outer frame constructed and steel RHS corner posts concreted in, two are in 800mm deep and two in 650mm, down into rock, needed jack hammer!...this thing isn't blowing away! :D

Deck is aligned precisely True North-South

Mike

[alan meehan]

Good to see Mike seems its coming together as expected ,could have some more bad weather approaching

[strongmanmike]

So far so good Al and yeah :rolleyes:...my fault :(

Mike

[strongmanmike]

We have POWER! :D

My son and I mounted the four solar panels and wired up the off grid system today.

4X170W solar panels, 60amp regulator/charger, 2000W inverter. 2 X 6V 550amphr (C100 rate) AGM batteries and 30amp Victron charger (to be powered by 3.3Kva generator).

Power on site now, even for power tools :)

Getting there.....

Mike

[astroron]

I'm feeling the energy from here Mike.;) :lol:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Apart from a coat of decking oil, the Observatory deck was completed today and I am very happy with how it finished up :) Shade cloth was stretched out over the concrete support pillar and under the decking boards to create an effective insect barrier, while allowing air circulation in and out of the dome through the 3mm gaps between the boards, for ventilation, fast equilibrium and good thermal stability. The PVC pipe next to the concrete pillar, will be connected to the nearby site shed and hold the power and data cables.

Next I will pre treat the decking boards to remove oils and tannins and wash it, this allows the 4-6week timber weathering to be skipped. Then after the dome is erected, I will oil the entire structure :)

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Some more photos. Troy and Gabby McPherson of McPherson Homes, were lovely and did a great job.

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Looking like a first class construction...

Can't help but feel when it's all done and looking very shmick you'll turn a critical eye to the shed though...

[xelasnave]

I missed this but seeing it now filled me with joy..one can not appreciate the satisfaction of putting a system together until you have done it..fantastic.

But solar power systems are like cars, boats and scopes you will always wanted bigger bigger bigger...I say be happy and if you need more power usually it is only five litres of petrol away.

Well done ..I know how you feel.

Alex

[strongmanmike]

Yeah...it needs an astro mural painted on it :)

Mike

[mura_gadi]

Lol, I liked the second edition, done by someone who knows what end of a paint brush gets the paint of course... Maybe apply for a beautification/arts grants projects from QPRC?


Hmm, had a rethink on the shed, you can get little wi-fi projectors at 1080p and 120" wide screen display($260). I'd drop a white board on the side of the shed and think about EAA for the bigger family do's.

[strongmanmike]

I'm in SMRC :)...they got noooo money :sadeyes:

[Startrek]

Mike,
Great job and nice deck
It’s all coming together for you
By the way get use to oiling the deck , the Sun dries them out pretty quick
I do mine every 6 to 9 months with decking oil to preserve it. Only takes 30 mins to wash it down and an hour to oil. Well worth the effort !!
Looking forward to seeing your Dome on the deck soon
Cheers
Martin

[strongmanmike]

Indeed, I'm ready, I'm leaving it to cure for 3 or 4 weeks then I'll wash it down and the dome will be installed, then I will oil away on all external faces of the deck :thumbsup:

Mike

[I.C.D]

Hi Michael, are you expecting snow this weekend or is higher up
Ian

[strongmanmike]

Looking at the various models and reports, the next few days and the weekend look like a rather mixed bag of low temps, some rain but plenty of clear skies too (Thursday and Friday night should be beaut!) and yes, probability of some snow above 1300m. We have friends coming up to camp on Sat night, they might get a real experience, in more ways than one, what with all the wild animals, snow, clear skies and a thick crescent Moon, add in a fire pit...and the kids (and me too) should have a real adventure :D :thumbsup:

Mike

[astroron]

That is so:cool::cool:l:cold::cold::cold:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[multiweb]

:eyepop: Is that today?

[strongmanmike]

Nah, file photos of what is predicted over the next few days :P

Going up tomorrow for two nights, so we will see...

Mike

[croweater]

Looks good Mike. Though you look fresh as a daisy and your builder looks worn out. Are you holding him up by the scruff of his neck? :lol:
Seriously thats an amazing setup there Mike. Congratulations
Cheers, Richard

[I.C.D]

Yeah I am hoping for the same ,it will the the first time 2 months that I'll be home and have clear sky at the same time

[strongmanmike]

Moving day...did it all by myself, including the 50kg mount and 45kg support pier, got it all out of the dome, in and out of the car...still got (some of) it! :D:lol:

All on site at Eagleview now. Dome is being erected next weekend by the Sidereal Trading (https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/) dream team, of Diego Collonello and Bill Stent, should be a fun astro weekend :drink: :driving:

Mike

[Dennis]

Looking good Mike, do you ever think we might see a "carry the AP GEM" in the Strongman competition, in place of the round stones?;)

Cheers

Dennis

[strongmanmike]

Not unless one of the new breed of strongman promoters also happens to be an astronomer :question: :lol:

[AdamJL]

carries 45kg on his shoulder, but still has a hand free for a selfie.....

[AdamJL]

and wow...that mount!! *drools*

[strongmanmike]

Less than 1/3 the weight of this baby though....almost exactly 20 years ago ...aaah well, we all grow old.. :thumbsup:



She's a work of art :love: and guides like a laser (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/169225668/original)

Mike

[gregbradley]

You know of course the AP1600 breaks down into 2 pieces. So the weight would be around half for each part? That was to make it more able to be handled.

Greg.

[strongmanmike]

Yeah but that wouldn't have been any challenge!..and would have taken longer :shrug: :P :lol:

[strongmanmike]

Yet another magnificent morning up here, also got up at 3am and there were stars everywhere, can't wait to finally be able to take advantage of this bloody magnificent sky! :tasdevil: :lol:

:prey:

[I.C.D]

Hi Michael have you had any snow up their this year Ian

[Joshua Bunn]

Hi Mike,

Are you going to setup any automation software so you can get some sleep? I can see some severe sleep deprivation coming on if you're not :rofl:

[strongmanmike]

We aren't there all the time but as far as I can tell, no, not as yet, but THIS (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171539593/original) and THIS (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171726095/original) was 10 June last year...so, not long now I am sure... :question:...just praying it doesn't snow this coming weekend for the dome install :prey::prey::prey:



Well...that's the plan Josh :thumbsup: I'm an automated noob though... :scared2:....I want to go back to eyeball guiding for hours :lol:

[JA]

Go get 'em Tiger - It looks wonderful up there:thumbsup:

Best
JA

[Joshua Bunn]

Lets see if you're still saying that in a years time :D

[strongmanmike]

:DWell, Ta daaaaa!...fiiiiinally, there is a fully fledged domed observatory at Eagleview, complete with installed telescopes! Woohoo! :cool:

The totally amazing Sidereal Trading (https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/) crew of Diego, Bill, Gavan and James, performed their magic this weekend. Battling chilly conditions, with fog and clear periods, as well as some annoying isolated drizzly rain, requiring makeshift tarps at times, they managed to efficiently install the highest Scopedome in Australia! It went without a hitch, thanks guys, you were an incredible team :thumbsup:

Now for the commissioning and to bring it on line, still a few things to do but, after 12 months since acquiring the property, a lot of planning, coordination and five months of construction, the bulk of the work has now been done, to bring Australia's highest observatory to fruition....:prey: :D

Tonight is clear with no wind and the commanding outlook and glittering vista above, both from inside the dome and while out walking around the deck, was rather humbling and as always, quite breathtaking...so, I polar aligned :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

A few more shots of the finished dome :D

[h0ughy]

Polar alignment, ok so what are you imaging and pushing the dome by hand, old habits.......lol

[strongmanmike]

Nup, it is not slaved to the scope yet (problem downloading ASCOM AP drivers) but after 10 years of manually, opening and pushing my dome around by hand, being able to rotate, open and shut the dome shutter, with the press of a button, is pretty cool :)

Mike

[Startrek]

Congratulations Mike
Your Obs looks amazing
The guys at Sidereal are fantastic
Diego was only a call away to help me sort out some minor issues with my NexDome install early last year.
I love that big kahuna of a newt, what a scope !!! Makes my new 10” Carbon fibre newt look like a midget
Glad your dream has come to reality
Now for a great winters imaging and observing up there on top of the world

Cheers
Martin

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Martin :thumbsup: its been quite a journey, but the finish line is in sight at last :hi:

Mike

[JA]

Great stuff - congratulations Mike.
I love the hatch door with its spacecraft / ship vibe!

Best
JA

[multiweb]

Very nice :thumbsup: Looking forward to first light. I wonder if M8 is up :question:

[AstroViking]

I have to say, Mike, that is one very, very impressive setup you have there.

For beginners like me, your setup is something we can aspire to (dream of??).

I can't wait to see the images you capture under those amazing skies.

Cheers,
V

[Derek Klepp]

Great Results Mike I am really enjoying this thread.

[strongmanmike]

Cheers guys, getting there now :thumbsup:

Mike

[astroron]

Sorry not to have commented by this time Mike.
I am so green with envy I found it hard
to find the words to say how fantastic it looks:eyepop:
Not being an imager as I am, I still think
it look like a fantastic place to do Astronomy.
Love it.:love::love::love:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[AdamJL]

congratulations, Mike! So great to follow along on this journey, thank you for taking us along for the ride.

The dome looks fantastic, and I hope you get the best out of it for many years to come.

[strongmanmike]

Hi Ron thanks mate and yes it is a great place to do visual astronomy too, so much so that I am eager to get the housing for the 18" Dob done ASAP, it will be a 3m X 2m X 2.1m shed with double doors, to sit on that T-shaped concrete slab (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/172651856/original), the scope will roll out along the path to the isolated observing pad at the end and then roll away again at the end of the evening. I enjoy nothing more than having the imaging rig purring away, while observing faint fuzzies, preferably with company, under a truly dark sky, Nirvana! :)



Thanks for coming along for the ride Adam, glad you are having fun watching :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Some new equipment arrived for the new observatory today...a Starlightxpress Oculus-Pro All-Sky camera and a TRIUS PRO-694 Midi Combi PRO Blue Edition set :)

Mike

[Shiraz]

Wow, what an exercise.

Sorry I completely missed this Mike, but what an interesting read it has been.

I guess lots more wows are in order. That really is something special. thanks for sharing the process. Cheers Ray

[mura_gadi]

Snow line was low yesterday and the Brindabella's look great from here.

Be interesting to see if we have Australia's first private obs' that needs a de-icing system.

Awesome skies in the early hours even under the edge of the "glow" atm, with nearly zip light pollution up your way it must be stunning.

Looking forward to the AP results.

[strongmanmike]

Cheers Rayzer, you can see a bit more about the property HERE (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/171437441/original) just scroll down :thumbsup:



Wasn't much snow up at Tinderry yesterday, just a light covering, the attached photo is our neighbours place yesterday but they are 100m lower than us so we may have had a little more.

The skies are remarkable up at Eagleview if there is fog over Canberra as we are well above it :D

[TraKtorman]

I don't visit this site often, so I just stumbled across this "post". Fantastic result and welcome to the world of Bortle 2 skies. We are almost neighbours. My observatory is 30km to the NE of yours at 800m. Happy snaps attached.
Can you tell me what you are going to power your set up with. I am running 500w solar into 390AH gel batteries and a 2kw inverter. It works, but I am not super confident the batteries will go all night. Grateful for any personal experience on that you can share. Cheers Peter

[strongmanmike]

Hi Peter, yes you arent too far away at all and you have a mighty fine sounding setup yourself :) :thumbsup:

If you want some fun, go back through this thread, you can find out everything I have and how I did it :thumbsup:..I am not operational yet..close though :)

The full set of construction photos, so far, is here: https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/building_eagleview_observatory

Mike

[matlud]

Congratulations Mike! The Obs is looking so great and always exciting to get some new goodies in the post 👍👍

[strongmanmike]

Speaking of goodies Mathew, I moved most of my astro gear into the observatory control room on the weekend...so Ang is happy to have her clear, telescope free, lounge room back again :P

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike how much snow have you had so far
Ian

[strongmanmike]

Hi Ian, so far we have escaped the heaviest dumps, only some light-moderate dustings during the week, that have mostly melted by the afternoon, although some patches remain in the places that are in shade at midday. I expect this will change over the coming days and weeks though, as we move deeper into winter...

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Sunset to sunrise, great night....:) (-5C & 75% humidity, very light breeze only this morning..brisk brrrr but invigorating :) )

[astroron]

Beautiful :2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Another clear night on the way.... :love: :)

I now have to lay the 90mm PVC pipe, between the control room and observatory, to run power and Cat6 cables through and I just ordered a new telescope/dome/cameras control computer, a refurbished Dell Optiplex 9020 i7 SFF, 8G Ram, 256Gb SSD, running Windows10...should be here by the end of the week :)

Theeeen... it will be configuration time.... :scared: to get it all to talk and work...:question: :computer: :bashcomp: :computer:....:prey:

Used the clear sky time and a map of the SCP to accurately polar align, I have the AP polar scope pointing to within 1arc min of the pole or better :) :thumbsup:

Mike

[xelasnave]

I just love landing here and seeing all that you have done Mike. I really find your progress inspirational. I was probably going to lay around today as my scan tomorrow is all that I can think about but seeing you getting things done has me wondering what I should be attending to in the observatory.

Please keep posting your progress it is wonderful to see.

Alex

[strongmanmike]

Ah thanks Alex :lol: :thumbsup:

Good luck with the scan, hope it is good news :)

Mike

[g__day]

This whole thread reads as a master class in how to do it right - so much care, consideration and great planning.

Curious your PC choice is a I7 with only 8 GB of RAM - I would have imagined 16 would be the minimum to run on? I keep my basic observatory controlled with an I7 and 16 GB RAM works pretty fine - but the image processing thing in the house is more of a beast - 8 core, water cooled, 64GB RAM 2 NVME drives and 4 SSDs and about 30 TB of storage.

A small hint - if you are running I presume CAT6E cable to your dome - then run two! If anything every goes wrong with one cable it is great to have redundancy on hand and costs very little! I ran power and cable rather separately - and used an Online UPS to power everything with its always filtered power, but I am a novice in power supply management - we are all on grid at home. Will you add a dehumidifier too?

And my goodness but your views - are to die for!!!

I am very curious about the software set used to control the gear in the dome versus image Processing - as there are so many options - how do you select the best amongst The SkyX, MaximDL, PHD2, CCDWare, N.I.N.A., SGP, ACP just to mention a few... All are viable candidates - but from your vast experience with your gear - what do you find will be the winners for you?

[strongmanmike]

The PC in the dome will only be doing mount pointing, dome and camera control, so I think (hope :question:) it will cope, I had been using an i3 running W7 lappie previously but just for camera control, processing will be done on another unit :)

Yep, plan to run 2 X Cat6 cables but I was wondering if they should share the same 90mm PVC conduit with the power lead or not, hmm? :question:

Still to work out exactly what software will be doing everything :computer::driving: :question:

MIke

[g__day]

I ran my two CAT6 cables in the same conduit - but hooked them to two separate 5 port switches - one active and one pretty much in reserve - it just handles a camera looking at the mount - mostly to show the redundancy is working.

A full software image of your lap PC is likely to be a great idea (if you aren't running it as a VM - virtual machine). When a specific purpose PC like an astro lab one dies - its an absolute pain re-installing all the software and trying to recall all the port and configuration settings. I store all that on a LAN backed up in 3 separate drive across 2 computers!

[LonelySpoon]

>Yep, plan to run 2 X Cat6 cables but I was wondering if they should share the same 90mm PVC conduit with the power lead or not, hmm?

Running data and power in same conduit is not recommended (interference, electric shock, etc), and is illegal in most states.
Wouldn't do to light your whole setup like a Christmas tree with you as one of the baubles after heavy rain.
Nev

[Paul Haese]

Just a few thoughts from years of experience in remote imaging. I don't know if you intend on going full remote but if you do consider these points.

The computers we use are primarily mounted to the scope. Usually 12 volt which can be run off a powered hub such as MHP or Pegasus. Using a desktop or laptop is not necessary for imaging. The computer will be sufficient with i5 quad core and 8 gig of RAMm and fanless. The main problem will be storage of data. With 250 gig of storage I do a once a year removal of data and back that up to another drive. All data is weeded out to remove bad frames after each session, that way you have only the best data stored.

A UPS is vital in the system, particularly to power the dome. This gives the dome/observatory the best alibility to close the shutter should main power go off line or the computer hangs. Going for a drive early in the morning can sometimes be quite stressful if you cannot check to see if the dome is closed because power has failed. There are settings in the scope dome software which overrides everything to protect the dome and close if certain things transpire to prevent closure.

A good command program will control all the software and manage your imaging sessions. There are some good ones out there and range in price from affordable to very pricey. It's a budget related issue. I have used CCDAP for years but am about to go across to ACP as I want to plan months in advance and imaging to start when targets reach certain elevations. That way I just pick the target and it will let me know when it has reached the data limits set. It will image multiple data sets and image what you want and when you want. It comes with a hefty price tag though.

Do not place your data cables in the same conduit as the power. This can lead to all sorts of issues. Data should always be 150mm to 300mm away from power. It prevents RF related issues and will generally prevent surge related problems. If possible make the trench wide enough to create the separation or deep enough to create the separation. A separate draw string will can be helpful in conduit too. At Swan Reach we went with fibre optic cable in one conduit and cat 6 in another with power separated by 300mm. We then employed a network switch which accepts both cables and our back up is then the cat 6. Surge protectors go between the power GPO and the AC cables for the equipment used in the observatory. A small network switch allows coms with a lot of equipment and also allows POE cameras to operate. The camera gives piece of mind to quickly check what is going on.

Consider multiple means of contacting the observatory. 4g, NBN and Starlink. Two only gives good redundancy. In general look at redundancy carefully across the entire system. It saves a lot of pain in the long run.

There are many more things to consider but these are the most important in my opinion.

[strongmanmike]

Thanks Matthew, Neville and Paul.

Paul all good info there, thanks a lot :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

How about these two, from yesterday, taken at 10:30am and 4:00pm, from the spot that may become available for some sort of telescope hosting down the track ;) ...above the clouds all day :D

Mike

[RB]

That's incredible Mike!

:eyepop:

[strongmanmike]

I know, huh?!! Sheesh.. :eyepop: this is my favourite though, feels like my own mini Keck (https://live.staticflickr.com/345/32444566336_fd257471a1_b.jpg) :P

Mike

[Startrek]

Mike,
World class facility !!
Well done !!

Martin

[strongmanmike]

:lol: yeah and with a relative numpty :nerd: trying to get it all together, to do the spot justice....certainly a learning process :face: and I ain't finished yet :help: :lol:

MIke

[RB]

Mike, that's exactly what I keep thinking when I see your setup, a mini Keck!!

:thumbsup:

[g__day]

OMG - all I can say is star party at your place some night!!! That is such an incredible location!!!

I am keen to see what your all sky camera produces - guessing it will be good enough to make us want to cry!!!

[strongmanmike]

Would love to do something like that, especially if we could time it with the sort of conditions I experienced on quite a few nights last Aug/September up here, the conditions were utterly spectacular, with great seeing, low humidity, incredible transparency and contrast, with SQM readings consistently in the high 21.90's and even breaking 22, making for ideal observing conditions that blew me away...and I've observed under some great skies over the years, including from Wiruna, the dark sky site of ASNSW, Siding Spring outside Coonabarabran and the dry dark winter savannah skies of inland far north QLD! The Eagleview skies on those nights surpased anything I had seen from Wiruna and were right up there compared to Coona and FN QLD! :thumbsup:.. a star party would be great :)

Mike :thumbsup:

[LonelySpoon]

I think I'm in those clouds somewhere...
I'd help with a star party!
Nev

[Hans Tucker]

Is Sidereal Trading a sponsor of Eagleview Observatory? Just noticed their logo on your dome.

[strongmanmike]

Cool, I'll keep it in mind, your place looks like it would be pretty good for a star party too Nev :thumbsup:



Ha! Always happy to support a good local business, they were fantastic, and it helps that I really like their logo :thumbsup: My Sirius Observatory has their logo moulded into the fibreglass :lol:

Mike

[astronobob]

Woah, nice going Mike, Sounds and looks a spectacular location.

Would the 1.5k in elevaton take you out of residual LP from Canberra,,
I guess there'd be some minor 'glow' to the Nth but the Zenith and Sth would be near perfect...

Looking good champ...

[strongmanmike]

He he thanks Bobby :D :thumbsup:

Yes, I do think the extra bit of elevation helps in that regard. There is a glow from Canberra to the north but on the nights referred to above it was surprisingly quite minimal after midnight, with zenith SQM measurements consistently nudging towards 22.00 (with a couple over) and readings taken pointing at 30deg elevation towards Canberra, were still around 21.7 :thumbsup: In the end of course it is all a bit semantic really, suffice to say the skies above Eagleview are plenty good and dark and on the best nights, are World class :)

Mike

[marc4darkskies]

Yes, yes ... nice view and all that, but let's get down to brass tacks. What software are you going to use?! Are you planning unattended imaging? And WHERE is the video of the dome opening and rotating at the press of a button??? :) :P

[strongmanmike]

Ha ha, all in good time Marcus :) For various reasons things have slowed down right at the moment, as it turns out there are many logistical, not to mention financial :scared:, twists and turns and considerations, in, not only constructing Australia's' Highest observatory, on a relatively remote mountain that is not my primary place of residence, while having a full time job :scared:...but as you know, just running a 100 acre rural property has its own trials and tribulations....thus, the most important quality is most certainly patience ;). In the beginning I was feeling a bit excited and kinda rush rush, wanting it done yesterday, especially after the wonderful observing sessions last year that blew my eyes and mind with spectacular skies...but there has been a lot involved....and many delays.

Of course that doesn't prevent me from stopping to reflect on the beauty of the location from time to time, it's bloody hard not too :thumbsup:

Mike

[strongmanmike]

Finally got a Vimeo account so can post moving pictures

First dome rotation (https://vimeo.com/724667841)

View from house deck (https://vimeo.com/724672903)

:D

Mike

[AdamJL]

Brilliant!

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike had any snow and have you taken any photo's yet
Ian

[strongmanmike]

Hi Ian, some snow but nothing heavy ...yet :) Had some full ground coverage's but then much of it melts during the following couple of days, leaving some residual remains in the southerly shadows, which can last for days...

After successfully completing the dome install and installing the gear and polar aligning the mount...there has been a bit of a slow down on progress at Eagleview. Had some family events to focus on, functions and illnesses, as well as some other works and installs around the property, not to mention the cold weather, which always slows things down :cold: Also had to acquire a few things, table, stool, WiFi extender, a new computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse software, USB/data cables, software etc etc...still have to run the power and data cables out to the observatory from the control room and mount the dome control box within the dome and install the observatory control computer and all this located high up on an isolated mountain, holding down a full time job :help: Getting it all to completion has proved challenging...but of course, I will get there aaaaand I am sure the wait will be worth it :thumbsup:

Walking out and just seeing it, sitting there, ooozing potential, patiently waiting...still keeps me motivated :P :lol:

Mike

[I.C.D]

Hi Mike well it sound like work in progress and if I lived closer I would come and give you hand. Have you through of using a old laptop screen as a monitor , I converted one into a monitor a few weeks ago and works fine which I use with my raspberry pi to make adjustment to my programs instead of going through the wifi. The snow looks nice but I hope that's as deep it gets:thumbsup: .

[strongmanmike]

Oh it does get deeper...

Mike

[Steffen]

So there are occasionally clouds above your place?

[strongmanmike]

Sometimes we are inside them too :lol:...like the top branch of the Magic Far away Tree :P

Mike

[I.C.D]

Oh dear that is a lot of snow ,I hope that shed is full of firewood

[strongmanmike]

We have some cut and split (by hand, cue Rocky IV music), hopefully enough to get us through the winter at our current level of visitation...? but luckily...there is plenty more, already beautifully seasoned, all around us, when ever we need it! :)

Mike