Sirrius Observatories

[BOBBY]

Hi :help:
I'm just new to this site, its been great to find a wealth of information under one roof. Ive recently had my enthusiasm re-kindled in astronomy, my lovely wife suprised me recently with a Meade 12" SCT for being such a good bloke (Bull S**T).Although I am still getting my head around all the functions and options etc, I would really like to have a permanent set up. I have seen advertised in astronomy magazines Sirrius Dome observatories. I have the pricing etc for the Home Model (2.3mtr) but before proceeding as they aint cheap, I was wondering if anyone either owns one or had any experience with one they could pass on any information to me Ie: are they worth the investment, are they large enough for the scope I have, etc.
Look forward to reciving any comments you have

PS: It would be great to hear from someone in WA, maybe I could come and see what the thing looks like

[Ric]

Hi Bobby and welcome to the group.

I have looked into the Sirius dome only and placing it onto my own construction to keep the costs down somewhat. But that phase is probably a while away yet. I don't think you will have any problems in fiting the 12" into it.

A nice choice of scope that your wife has purchased, you will get many years of fun from it that's for sure. I may be a bit biased though. :whistle:

Cheers :)

[nightsky]

G'Day Bobby,
And :welcome: Unless you have deep pockets :P I'd stay clear off Sirius Domes
I had a quote for delivery from them and it was the guts of $800 and I live about 100 k Nth of Sydney.God only knows what it would cost you.Anyway here are a few links that may help you decide.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=21681&highlight=skyshed+pod
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=20093&highlight=skyshed+pod
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=11026&highlight=skyshed+pod
http://www.skyshedpod.com/
Also have a look at Barry's web site here,lots of info there
http://www.asignobservatory.com/
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Arthur
P.S. I will be uploading some pics of the one I have built as soon as I get the pier the way I want it :P .

[Phil]

I own one Bobby and they are great. It good to walk outside and in 30sec be able to start observing or start imaging. One thing i must say but they are not cheap. But once you got one your have it for life.

[BOBBY]

Thanks guys for all your input its given me somthing to think about. The links from Nightsky are an intersting option "The Skyshedpod" I see there is a UK distributor whose prices seem reasonable. I have my own business and bring in about 4 containers a month from the UK it would certainly cut down on the freight. To get a Sirrius one delivered to WA is about $1600.00, I'll keep you informed how I get on.

[jase]

I second Phil's comments. The Sirius observatories are impressive, but pricey. You certainly get what you pay for. They have a nice finish with plenty of add on features as you progress. Motorisation of the dome and shutters is a big advantage should you decide automate the set up. If you're interested in scientific research such as supernova hunts where you image 300+ galaxies a night, you don't want to out in the dome all night manually moving the dome slot so its aligned with the telescope. I believe the SkyPods have quite a large opening so this issue is reduced, but you don't want it too large as it will reduce the wind sheltering attributes. I certainly don't have any problems with howling winds knocking the telescope about. The Sirius observatory provides a controlled environment for your expensive astro gear. Well worth the investment if you have the money.

[Doug]

I bought an alternative dome before I actually saw the Sirrius Dome.
Been kicking myself ever since.

[rogerg]

Some members of ASWA (http://aswa.info/) have Sirius domes, if you want someone local, they might be happy to provide insight.

I chose against the domes because of price, wide field views of the sky, and the idea that a roll-off looks like a normal garden shed (security).

Roger.

[JethroB76]

This is a good point, unless I was living in an isolated area I would be keen to disguise an obs the best I could. You just can't trust some of the vermin around these days, a nice big shiny dome would be a great temptation I would think.

[Blue Skies]

I've had a look inside one of the Sirius domes owned by an ASWA member and they keep a 12" LX200 in there - there is heaps of room. This person is fairly meticulous in attending to details and researching info and the site was prepared well, so there was little trouble setting it up, but it's a two person job as least. They also got two of the side panels that stick out a bit (can't think what to call them) so you can stick gear or shelves in there and I would recommend at least one of them.

One thing to note is that the scope is set up on a wedge, and this means the pier is offset from the centre.

One problem that was encountered was that the battery provided for the optional motorised dome-turning track was too weak for the job and they had to buy a bigger battery.

[BOBBY]

I have spoken with the UK Agents of the Skyshed POD their price is 1950.00 pounds for the POD XL3 however this includes 17.5% VAT as its for export the price would be 1650.00 plus about 50 quid for delivery to my shipping agent thats about $4100 allowing about $500 for freight ( I have my own containers)and about 8% duty would equate to a landed cost of $4800.00.
Its a bit tempting the only problem I hav'nt seen what they look like. They are not fiberglass but a double skined polyurathane type material
However they do have the advantage of a clam shell dome giving a 180 degree field of view and appear very simple to errect .
What to do ?

[ballaratdragons]

Bobby,

there is another thread in here about ordering a SkyShed Pod from Adelaide. Once they have the bulk order done, the domes are being shipped out. I think they have got about 8 orders already.

Cheaper in bulk.

[ballaratdragons]

I can't find the thread about how many orders have been taken or delivery dates but here is a post about the prices

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=233143&postcount=16

EDIT: this post might help. Apparently the order is up to about 7 already.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=234609&postcount=26