How much would you pay for a 3m Observatory?

[Merlin66]

I've got the plans and cutting list for an observatory I had many years ago in Melbourne.
I successfully used it with a 12" f5 fork mounted Newt.

It's basically a 3m nominal diameter eight sided base, 1m high with an eight sided dome, 1m high (with a fully sealed, hinged double door observing slit 900mm wide x 2500mm long.) Rotates on eight small fixed wheels and can be easily modified for power.

Option of a couple of windows in the dome section ( daytime light). Doesn't need local planning permits as its less than 10sq mtr. floor area.
Exterior colour: white (standard); Interior: Flat Black

My question is this..... If I made up an Ikea flat pack kit with everything needed, down to the screws and bolts etc, what would be a good target price. On a prepared base, would take 5-6 hours to fully assemble.

I'd appreciate your input; If I can get positive feedback and gauge the probable/ possible demand I can arrange for the parts to be laser cut for additional accuracy........

[bojan]

That is very interesting :thumbsup:
But how much I personally would pay for this... Well, if the price is the same or cheaper than SkyShedPod (with shipment organized by Telescopes&Astronomy, http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ in the next few months, hopefully) then I would seriously consider it :D
Is it possible to see some more details - a photo perhaps, or a drawing?

[h0ughy]

Obviously the cheaper the better. I sort of can picture what you a are talking about. any pictures of it?

[ballaratdragons]

By the time we pay freight from the U.K. it wouldn't be worth it. Imagine the freight weight!

Great idea though!!! For U.K. residents :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Wow, I haven's even realized it is from UK :doh:

[Merlin66]

Don't worry..... I'm temporarily in the UK, but can arrange local manufacture and assembly of the kit in Oz. ( The kids run a shopfitting business out of Epping, Vic)
What about indicative pricing???

[ballaratdragons]

AU$1200 - $1500 in kit form would a very inviting price. I'd certainly look twice at a 3m domed building in that price range. Maybe a $900 unpainted version would help too. That would wet my appetite. :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Yep, this is my line of thinking too.....

[Lee]

I'm not sure what is involved in a dome, but I would expect it to be more than $1500 (my 2.1x2.4 ROR obs will set me back around $2k+ on materials not including pier/foundations)....

It would be hard to think of a price without seeing some sort of plan, and knowing what materials it was made of....

[bojan]

SkyShed Pod is ~U$1,500 (without shipping from Canada), it is made of the same stuff as water tanks.
Telescope Australia is currently accepting expression of interest and making arrangements for bulk transportation.
Yes, lets see some more details ! :-)

[ballaratdragons]

Lee, material costs come down when bulk buying and bulk manufacturing. Most of the parts would be easily made in Jigs, which is something the home Obs maker wouldn't need.

For example, when I had a Cubby-house business I always bought enough material to make 10 cubbies at a time. Then I made the 10 cubbies at one run using jigs. Less material wastage too.

The cubbies I made and sold were costing me approx $500 all up. Fully painted, colorbond roof, solid floor, windows, etc. To buy the materials and make only one was costed at around $1100. They were in kit form and were miniature Victorian Era houses, not just a box. They were colour co-ordinated inside and out and fully lined, not bare frame inside.

Once jigs are made, and materials bought bulk, the costs reduce significantly.

I was considering making kit form 'Roll-of-roof' obs to sell, but I don't have the capital to kick it off. But I will encourage and help anyone able to do so.

[skeltz]

you could make a dome under $1500 easy in fact my dome i made im pretty sure cost only about $900 if even that!!
And as a bonus im 100% comfortable with it even in 90 km plus winds without even latching down the dome.
Downside it takes a fair bit of time to make one,but you won,t regret the final product