Home Observatory build

[Loupy31]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to build a small Observ. next to a work shed,
it is going to be above the hight of the shed,
this is what I have come up with so far.
Below ground, 600mm deep x 1200mm x 1200mm,
above the ground level there will be a "forma tube", 500mm dia. 1800mm hight
which will be the floor level of the odserv.,
Then a 900mm steel pier on top of that.
Is that going to be suitable to carry upto a Celestron c11 fully loaded for astrophotography
and maybe, a smaller scope piggyback, the mount will be something able to carry around 50kg


At the moment I am doing some costing to see how far in debt I will be.
I welcome all advise.

cheers Peter

[TrevorW]

How big, I built mine just over 2 meters square with a 10" scope and still wish I had gone to three meters and allowed for a second pier :)

[pilardo]

Would Love to one day have an Observatory

[Leo.G]

What depth did you go down to Trevor?
Concrete is usually measured in cubed dimensions.

Are you putting reinforcement rod in the Forma tube and below ground (the tube rebar going below ground level) before you pour?
I'd expect it would be recommended for concrete strength.

Many people tell you it is dependant on the weight you expect to carry,

It may be worth asking a civil engineer about the strength of the design if you know any. I used to know a couple but I've long lost contact with them, sadly.

Oh, Bojan did a very nice job using an existing concrete base and blocks to get the height, there's a thread here might give you some ideas and save some money. If you search his username you'll find it (or I'll search in a minute).

https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=176799&highlight=bojan&page=2