Anyone have a Skyshed POD yet?

[sheeny]

Just wondered if anyone has a Skyshed POD yet?

I'm interested to see how they perform, particularly when view near zenith. From memory the shutter doesn't expose zenith to the turn of about 8" based on the drawings, and I'm keen to know if this is a problem:shrug: or is the trick to set the pier/scope up offset from centre?

Al.

[Night Owl]

Yeah, offset looks the way to mount. But they look that small that they are best suited to cassegrains and Mak's. Not much room for a large newt on a EQ. Still, I wouldn't mind one.

[Bassnut]

Al, build yourself a roll off roof shed and spare the grief and expense ;-)

[sheeny]

That's what I thought. The size isn't an issue for my current scopes:).

Most obs' I've seen with an offset pier have the pier offset towards the closest pole (i.e. SCP in the southern hemisphere). Is there logic to which way to offset the pier?

Al.

[Matty P]

A Skyshed sounds very interesting. :confuse3:

Does anyone have a link?

[sheeny]

Here ya go, Matt!

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

BTW I joined the skyshedpod yahoo list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skyshed-pod, and I think now the disadvantage of not seeing zenith is probably a reasonable compromise to keep the design simple.

Al.

[sheeny]

Don't worry, Fred, I've been considering that option.;) Just thrashing all the ideas around for the time being... when I get moved to my new property out of town, and all the expenses of the move have settled with the dust, then it'll be decision time!:D

Al.

[DRCORTEX]

I'd be happy to have one in the backyard, but like most, have to tramp 100km or so every couple of weeks, to get away from the city pollution.

Love to move west, but, not in the position to do so - sigh!

cheers
Lance

[Matty P]

Thanks Al, :thumbsup:

I am seriously considering getting one. I will see how things go. :)

How much do you think they will be in AUD?

[sheeny]

I don't know, Matt, but Matthew at http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ had this to say in his last newsletter:



I haven't got serious enough to ask for the price list yet!:P

Al.

[Ric]

Hi Matty, I bought the plans for the original skyshed and intend to modify them to a flat roof and include a warm room. They also include plans for a pier as well.

Might be worth looking into as well.

Cheers

[Matty P]

Have a look here about the POD.

http://www.andysshotglass.com/POD.html

Makes me want to get one even more!