Let construction BEGIN! An observatory is born. - Getting there - 26-04-2010

[[1ponders]]

After much dithering and drawing and research and belt tightening, an observatory is born. I'll update as things progress, here are the first two weeks activities with a before shot to start with.

A basic overview: A split level observatory (due to the slope of the block) 6x3 meters (If you haven't read/heard the story, the short version is my lovely partner said "Are you sure 3x3 metres is going to be big enough :D , so it's 6x3). Basically 2 Titan garden sheds joined back to back. The long dimensions run SE (lower end) to the NE. Positioned as close to the front boundary as councilly possible ;) , which puts it at the highest point of a very sloping block. A good 150 metres to the creek at the bottom.

Rather than excavate great whopping cut and fills everything will be on stumps. The whole construction apart from the floor itself will be steel and villaboard/hardiflex. I believe in overkill. Plus if I ever need a doghouse I will be safe and comfortable in a cyclone. :P Plus stumps will get me higher off the ground.

I've included some of the plans I've been drawing so you can try to get an idea of how it will look when it's finished and how it will sit on the site. As mentioned before the first shot is a before shot taken a few weeks ago, then a shot from last Friday after finishing the profiles and then from yesterday after a few hours of pick, shovel and crowbar. There are 15 postholes all up plus a good bit of excavation. I feel fitter already. :sad:

Anyway, now that it is underway I'll post weekly updates hopefully (well at least fortnightly) as construction proceeds. I hope you get some ideas for your own observatory out of this adventure.

[Zuts]

Not only an observatory but dark skies to match :sadeyes:

Hey, if ever you want to time share in Glebe .....:)

Congratulations on the new arrival.

Paul

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Paul, but no thanks. I lived in Toxteth Rd for about 18 months. That was enough light pollution for me. :lol:


Oh and yesssss, when it's not cloudy and full moon :sad: it is VERY dark :D

The view down the valley is the view to the South West.

[coldspace]

If only I had the room. Wish I had your dark sky as well, would save me alot of petrol the way my bloody car drinks it:drink:

Matt

[joshman]

oooooooooohhh, very nice paul!!!! i sure hope you're having an old fashioned first light party :P

[Alchemy]

fantastic , once the observatory is up your time at the scope becomes more fun. no setting up or packing up, just nip out for a quick look... its all good.
love your location and its so GREEN (dried brown here); will watch your progress.

cheers clive.

[Dennis]

Top stuff Paul - you'll be in heaven when it’s completed.

Cheers

Dennis

[iceman]

I love and hate these DIY observatory construction threads.. :(

I love looking at people's homegrown observatories but it makes me SOOO jealous and want one of my own!

Looks unreal Paul, can't wait to see the outputs once it's completed.

[sheeny]

Well... I'm envious!:D:P

Looks good Paul! Looking forward to see it progress!

Al.

[peter_4059]

Beautiful location too Paul. Looks like it is going to be a big project from the sketches.

[Lee]

Looks great! We are going to need a LOT of pics as you build..... :)

[[1ponders]]

it exciting that is for sure. I'll include sketches of how the roof will work etc as I move along.

[astroron]

I will be sure to pop in and view the progress first hand:eyepop: as well give one if needed;)
Ron

[RB]

Awesome Paul, will be following this with great interest.
Can't wait to see the finished project.

:thumbsup:

[xstream]

I still can't see my concrete slab in any of those photo's. :confuse3:

It looks like it's going to be a ripper Paul. Don't worry I'll still be there to check it out. :P

[[1ponders]]

I've run out of shovels John. Maybe you can find me one ;)

[Terry B]

Green is not necessarily good. Takes lots of rain to make a paddock that green. ?clear skies


Great start to the observatory.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Clear skies, what are they? :shrug:

[xstream]

I'll send the son in law up, what do you want? Bobcat, D9, Grader, excavator, backhoe, you take your pick! Shovels are for wimps. :lol:

[Alchemy]

oops id forgotten what rain was :D.

hope that observatory is weatherproof then.

[alan meehan]

good start paul,lots of backbreaking work ahead of you but it will all be worth it ,make it as comfortable as possible many many hours spent in there:astron:

[[1ponders]]

Don't worry Al, it will definitely be comfortable. With the newly lined 6x6 meter shed and the observatory lower section available, I plan to run a number of classes out here and not just in Astronomy. I looking at running native plant identification classes, basic bush regeneration, possibly some horticulture short course, sustainable small crop practices and maybe the odd astronomy and astrophotography course;). So when I teach, comfort is definitely important.

John you wouldn't happen to have an electrician up your sleeve somewhere would you. The last damn electrician I hired blew the budget for me getting the power expanded in the shed. :mad:

[acropolite]

I thought there were going to be at least 2....:whistle:

Looks great Paul, I'm extremely envious, can't wait to see the finished item.

[IanL]

Very nice Paul hope it all goes to plan for you.

Ian

[[1ponders]]

I'll definitely let everyone know when the pier wetting in on. ;)

[I.C.D]

Paul,
What a great site do ,you get any faint glows around the rims of the hill from towns that may be close to you. How are going to power the site for you scope Mains or solar

[[1ponders]]

It is a great site Ian. There are a number of hills around; up to 15-20 deg to the NE to ESE, which is not an issue as it blocks the light from Nambour, Maroochydore and the rest of the coast and there is a hill to about 10 deg or so to the S that block most of the glow from BrisVegas. The only real glow is where the Southern and Eastern hills meet in a valley (where crux rises) and even then it's not objectionable. None of these hills are going to worry me excessively as I won't be imaging that low anyway. The only real problem one is the to the NE. It blocks a bit of sky but I can live with it :D

It will be mains powered.

[[1ponders]]

Ok so it hasn't been weekly updates, thanks to a few mechanical issues (starter motor, registration, rah rah rah :( ). but now I'm getting back up to speed. The posts and pier were concreted in today. :cool:. After a week of the concrete going off I'll top the posts to height, weld the post tops on and fix the bearers. :D

I know the pier looks massive, and it is, but the floor is the same height as the profiles so the pier will only stick out of the floor 900mm and then I'll place a more lightweight one ontop of it. Eventually (when a rich uncle dies) I'll be putting something more substantial than a G11 on it (Titan or Paramount spring to mind. :) ). Astroron has kindly give me a length of 200mm stainless steel pipe (that is used for pumping coal, so it is good and strong. I don't know the theory, ask him. :shrug: ). This pipe will have a baseplate welded on to be bolted to the concrete pier, and filled with sand and then capped to fit the G11 mount. Well that's the plan anyway.

[acropolite]

Looks good so far Paul, are you sure the pier's big enough:whistle:

[[1ponders]]

I dunno Phil. Wait til I get the Para on it and I'll let you know. :lol: I would have gone smaller if forma-tube came in smaller sizes or 200mm pvc that long was as cheap. Oh well if I ever sell this place the new owner will have a table leg for his work bench that he could hoist his holden onto. ;)

[Lee]

Doing well Paul - you have some picture perfect surrounds too.....
Pity help the poor buggers in the future who try and get these piers out!

[[1ponders]]

:lol: yeah I want to see that. :)

BTW I'm hoping that this setup will be modular enough so that if in the future we decide to move to "darker skies" that all I will have to do is unbolt a few sections and separate the two sheds, cut the posts and lift the whole lot up in two sections and onto a truck and then reinstall it at a new location. :cool2:

[h0ughy]

Hey Lee I hope those exams you have went well.

Paul - inspirational mate!! Make me want to do the same thing (but live to tell the tale);)

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[[1ponders]]

Well the invite is out for the pier wetting. ;)

Had a big week this week. Poured the pier and posts last Saturday, welded the tops on the posts and welded the bearers to the posts this Sunday. I finally feel like I'm making progress.

I'm not overly happy with the outcome of the pier. I was about 200mm short of concrete for the pier so I used a couple of bags of post mix to finish it off. :confuse3: Not very impressed with the quality of the mix. It shouldn't be a real issue as there is plenty of steel for me to get bolts inside of, but all the same it looks a bit shoddy and is a bit soft. I may even cut the top 200mm off, cap it and use the solid stuff underneath.


Anyone like a job cutting through a 350mm concrete pier with a Makita 91/4" saw with a cutoff disc :lol:


Anyhoo, here the shots from Sunday. (Don't mind the quality of the shots. While I might be able to take the odd image of the night sky, my terrestrial attempts often leave a great deal to be desired. :lol: )

[Lee]

Thanks Houghy - last one yesterday mate.... should be fine.... :prey:

Paul - looks good so far....

[[1ponders]]

Gees Lee, do you have an email notification on this thread :lol:

[h0ughy]

Best Of Luck Paul With Your Pier Trim

[Lee]

Yep - been a bit distracted last few months though.....

[acropolite]

I still want to know where the camping sites are...:whistle:

[jinxsta]

Nice work there, nothing like over enginering a pier I did it myself give me something to hang onto when a huricane comes along:rofl: or to tie up the queen mary to so it don't float away.
jokes aside looking great can't wait to see the finished work.

[[1ponders]]

:lol: If you look at one of the earlier shots you can see waaaayyyy down the bottom of the hill near the creek, where the frost burn is? Down past that next to the ice floating on the creek :lol:

Just to help make you feel at home. The site even comes with it's own shovel and straining stump. :D

[[1ponders]]

:lol: I know what you mean. When I peeled off the cardboard I though "Cr......ikey, that's a bit bigger than I thought it would be! But boy its stable.:thumbsup: " :lol:

[acropolite]

It'll do for a straining post.....:whistle:

[Zubenel]

Hi Paul ,
Make a list of electrical hardware you require and I can get a quote at contractor prices.( My Turk's Card).
Seeing the sonotube takes me back to when I built my 10". You should have spoken up . I would have lent it to you.:screwy:........I think I need :help:.
Good looking job. I would agree with the masses and say the colour of your grass would describe the majority of us....me included.:thumbsup:
Cheers Wes

[[1ponders]]

:lol: Thanks Wes. I'll definitely take you up on the electrical offer once I work out what I need. Atm I'm trying to teach myself to weld :rofl: I think I'd have more success falling pregnant. :rofl:

[[1ponders]]

Well Wes it's time to take you up on that offer. I'm ready for some electrical "stuff" and some electrical advice.

Here's the next round of construction. Hopefully it is the last of the welding, for a while at least. This stage has been a while in coming due to some unforeseen hiccups (nothing to do with the observatory), but I'm ready for the floor now. I've got two weeks holidays coming up so here's hoping for a big push. I'd like to be in by Xmas if at all possible. :D

[sheeny]

Looking good, Paul! Looking good!:thumbsup:

In the interest of fun, maybe we should have a little contest to see who is the first to achieve first light... I've started a bit later, and I know you've had some set delays, but so have I, and I really have no idea when the POD will arrive...;):D

Al.

[h0ughy]

mate - fantastic, i am so envious

[[1ponders]]

Just as well I'm not a gamblin' man Al. :lol:

You're welcome to come up and havalook anytime h0ughy. :D

[AlexN]

lookin good Paul..

Be sure to post a thread for a working bee if you need a hand :)

[drmorbius]

That's looking brilliant Paul... can't wait for the Obi-Obi star party.

[[1ponders]]

I was just thinking that this morning Alex. :lol:

If the weather looks like staying non-raining today and for the next few days I'll put the floor down today. If its a bit iffy then I'll do it Sunday so I can put the walls, roof and cladding on over the following few days.

There'll definitely be an Obi-Obi opening Randall. :thumbsup:

[Gravitron]

Paul good luck with the weather so you can get closer to finishing and using the observatory.
Great location and plans.
Looking forward to seeing the ergonomics of the internal lay-out as you have given me inspiration to start planning my own observatory.
-cheers Chris

[[1ponders]]

Well it was a big day yesterday with 35.9° - 38° in the shade (depending on which gauge I checked) by 2:30 in the arvo. Summer is here already!!

But the good new is....

The floor is down!!!!!!!

Woooo Hoooo!!!!:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:


As you can see by the last shot I'm one very happy camper. :lol:

By the end of the week the walls should be up and by next week the cladding added. Fingers crossed that by the end of the next two weeks I'll have a sliding roof in place. :D

[sheeny]

That's looking excellent!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thum bsup:

The hard bit is done (IMO)!:)

Al.

[[1ponders]]

Yep - "When you are off the ground the rest is easy!"


We'll see :lol:

[mick pinner]

very very sweet Paul.

[drmorbius]

That's sweeeeet :thumbsup:

I am so jealous... ;)

[Lester]

Your workmanship looks to be very neat Paul, well done.

I will watch the progress with interest, as I am also beginning to build a roll off roof observatory.

[acropolite]

Nice work Mr Ponders, we'll be up in a few weeks to inspect. May I ask where are the slabs for the caravan sites....:whistle:

[[1ponders]]

I need someone to show me how to swing a pick Phil so we can level the site out first. ;)

Don't worry, I've got just the spot for you......under a lovely shady tree .....where the peacocks sleep. ;)

[acropolite]

I've put my back out just thinking about it. Perhaps I'll just bring a hire excavator.

[[1ponders]]

I'll leave the power and trenches 'til you get up here ;) :D

[[1ponders]]

That was easy. :D The floor was even the right size!!!( +/- a few ml. :P ) And Square!!!! :D (more or less :lol: )

[AlexN]

geez paul. You've really got into it in the past few days. Not too far off by the look of things. Is the bottom room going to be insulated? Have you ran any conduits yet?

[h0ughy]

This Is Getting Exciting

[sheeny]

I told you you'd done the hard bit.;)

Looking very, very good!:thumbsup:

I can see the momentum is in full swing now...

Al.

[[1ponders]]

I'm planning on insulating the whole thing eventually Alex along with whirly gigs in the roof and floor/wall vents to get to the cooler air under the building. I've run conduit for the main power in and power out to the pier along with a 50mm pvc pipe to carry assorted data cables.

I've also just finished going around the studs and noggins with my hole saw and siliconing in some short pieces of flex conduit so I can run power where ever I want through the walls. At this stage the only walls I'm going to line are where the desk will be in the corner, that way I can take my time and work out just where powerpoints will be the most useful.

[[1ponders]]

Y'know I gave up the building trade years ago cos it was killing me (then I took up landscaping :sad: ) but it's good to know some of the skills are still there. :thumbsup:



Along with forgotten curses. :lol:

[alan meehan]

well done paul ,i hope the bottom rooms the guest room
Cheers Al

[[1ponders]]

Thanks Al. Hopefully a big day today getting the electrical wiring installed and run to the house.

[Matty P]

Excellent work so far Paul. It looks great. :)

I'm jealous and I'm building an Observatory myself. :lol:

I will keep watch of this thread. :thumbsup:

[peter_4059]

It's looking good Paul - very well thought out.

Are the last three pictures to help plan where to deploy the chainsaw?

Peter

[[1ponders]]

Certainly the last two are Peter :lol: I keep getting responses from people when I tell the I'm cutting them down.

"Oh but they are lovely trees..... You have to keep them.....don't you like trees."

What most people don't realize is that they are wattles (Acacia melanoxylon) and they only live for 10 - 15 years before they die. Long before that though they start getting borer in them (The black cockatoos love them ). These ones are just at that point where they are starting to deteriorate, so its time for them to go. But they will be replace by more height suitable :D Grevilleas, Callistemon, Leptospermum and Melaleuca.

[[1ponders]]

Cladding is underway, wiring is in, along with an Ethernet cable back to the house. ;) I'll hopefully be picking up the rollers early next week so by end of the weekend the top roof should be rockin' and rollin' :D . Then I can finish the rest of the cladding. :cool:

[Bassnut]

Excellent work Paul, but insulation?, umm, no. Fans to keep the temp down in the summer yes, but insulation just means scope equalisation takes longer when you open up for imaging winter or summer. Wouldnt bother.

[[1ponders]]

Do you think so Fred? I would have thought during summer it would be better to keep the temp down a bit inside. These are after all just tin sheds and will get very hot. Wouldn't it be of benefit to keep the scope closer to the average night temp during the day (or as close as feasible without using AirCon)so the equalization process would be quicker?

[Bassnut]

You have a point there, sounds logical, but my remote scope in the SA desert is on 24/7 (and its PC), often over 45deg C in a tin shed and it seems OK. Off during the day would be less of a worry. I dont know if insulation is going to do much for the bother, it could actually make it hotter in summer. And in the winter it would take longer to warm up once opened too. Unless your willing to wait an hr or more for warm up in winter (or regular refocus). My home rig is in a tin shed too, and it equalises pretty quickly, althogh the max is not that bad. QLD might be a different world of pain tho, if the temp gets above 45 deg, then carefull insulation might be required just to stop stuff melting. The fan would be a must then methinks ( I have a "whirly bird" passive roof cooler, seems to work).

[sheeny]

Hmmm...

Insulation will help to keep the peak temp down, but will slow the rate of cooling as well (at least until you open up the obs). It's definitely the way to go if you planned on AC, Paul:P.

The whirly bird ventilator is definitely a good idea if you opt not to go with the insulation. I'm not sure about its merits with insulation though.

Just as food for thought...

What about double skinning the obs, Paul? A second layer of cladding over the roof and around the walls with ventilation openings at the eaves... The outer skin acts as radiation shield so the heat getting to the obs from the sun will be 50% of a single skin shed...:shrug:

Another option might be to insulate the roof only:shrug:... stop the heat coming in the hottest part of the day, but still allow heat to escape through the walls as it cools... :shrug: or maybe just double skin the roof?

How are you for water, Paul? You could always turn it into a giant Coolgardie Safe!:P:whistle:

Al.

[GrampianStars]

G'day Paul
I'm putting in the new "foil faced polystyrene boards" insulation where the silver back faces out for the new rotating (dalek)tin shed at the city digs
http://www.foilboard.com.au/FactoryDevelopment.php

They work great for tinnies :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Food for thought, thank guys.

I have thought about this Al.

Not enough water I'm afraid Al :lol:

[sheeny]

Thought so... not many people have enough water for that...:P

Thinking some more about it... Skyshed POD's come with a fully insulated option for extreme climates. I'm guessing that they're doing that because they've found a need for it, so maybe full insulation is the way to go...

Al.

[Satchmo]

I really like the way you've gone for substantially metal construction. So many amateur observatories are built with no consideration of thermal issues relating to wooden structures.

[leon]

Well Paul. I didn't even know you were building a Observatory, did't even see this thread, shows how observant I am. :rolleyes:

Anyway that is a fine structure, and I'm sure it will serve you well for many years, you could just about live in there, nice work.:eyepop:

Leon :thumbsup:

[acropolite]

I think I'd insulate, I can't really see how that would extend cool-down times, if the scope is kept cooler during the day then cool down time would be reduced once the roof is opened the structure would cool far quicker than the scope.

I'd be more than a little concerned at the amount of heat that the not unsubstantial concrete pier will store throughout the day, IMO you would have been far better to have poured a couple of (:poke:) caravan site slabs with the concrete....:whistle:

I'd be making sure that the "office" is well insulated as any heat generated there is sure to cause turbulence above the obs.

[astroron]

Paul knows my observatory, and in the past as remarked at the coolness compared to the outside temp,this is because it is insulated.
I am confused at the request to insulate the pier?
Under normal circumstances the observatory would be opened at least one to two hours before imaging or observing, plenty of time to cool down with an insulated observatory, much quicker than an uninsulated observatory in my humble opinion.
The roll of roof goes over the office roof so it should not be so much of a problem, even though I think Paul is going to insulate both parts of the building.
Ron

[[1ponders]]

Well it was a big day today, but the rolling roof is a goer. :lol: Slicker'n you know what. ;) Took a bit of adjusting to get it just right, but until I get the end stops installed I'd better not push too hard. :P

If you are wondering why I used such big bearers for the roller track......because they were free. They came off a carport that was demolished. :thumbsup: Thanks to my good mate Adelain (Adrian). It's also due to his selfless efforts that I've gotten so far with the observatory construction. A great big THANKS HEAPS ADE. YOUR A CHAMPION. :bowdown: .


Ok details: The rollers are cast iron and they are sitting on the edge of some 25x25x5mm angle iron. I would have liked to have gotten them slightly smaller but 75mm was the smallest they came in. I've gone this way so that I don't have channel/track to clean out. Also if I find the roof too noisy at night to roll back and forward I can cut some garden hose lengthwise and slot it over the angle. The rollers are beveled as well as having a 5mm slot in them so the cushioning of the garden hose should help to baffle any noise.

Sorry about the overexposed images. I just grabbed the camera and snapped away. :P

[h0ughy]

geez that looks sexy:D oh i am so envious Mr Ponders

[AlexN]

Coming along nicely Paul!

If you're interested, I can get an RF controlled motor on the cheap for it :) (I work for a garage door company) then you could push a button from inside the house and the roof would be open by the time you got to the obs :D

[[1ponders]]

You and I need to talk Alex. :lol: I have a motor but I have no idea how I'm going to get it to do the job I want it to.

[sheeny]

Very cool, Paul!

For some reason I thought you were going to roll the roof over the top of the warm room... I was waiting to see how you handled the challenges that would present, but this looks much easier to do and keep water tight.:thumbsup:;)

Before deciding to go with the POD, I did a bit of looking around for appropriate wheels for a roll off roof (all part of planning for plan A:P). I settled on the same wheels but I was leaning towards the 4" ones. If you have any problems with wear on the tracks (or the grooves of the wheels) these wheels are designed to be used on an angle iron rail - at least a 38x38mm angle iron toe down makes a great track and will allow you to achieve the full load bearing capacity for these wheels. Not sure if that would help any with noise:shrug:... I suspect not much:whistle:.

It's looking very good!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Al.

[[1ponders]]

I thought of using the angle on its "toes" but decided to go this way so that if I wanted to I could use the hose, 1: to reduce noise and 2: to reduce wear if it becomes an issue. If I need to I can always flip it later if the edge on method doesn't work as well as I hoped. The 75mm wheels should be fine with the 25mm angle (I hope :lol: )

[GTB_an_Owl]

how are you going to stop it "flying off" Paul ?

geoff

[[1ponders]]

;) Still working on that one Geoff.:lol:

At this stage I'm going for the simplest solution, using hold down straps on the inside of the trusses down to the wall studs. However on the two free ends of the each rail I will weld some of the excess rail I have into a "U" shape so that when the roof is fully closed of fully open at least one roller on each side will have a length of rail slotted through it, lined up and sitting in the groove.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i'm sure you will find a way Paul

geoff

[GTB_an_Owl]

you could always fill the empty stubby bottles with sand and hang em off the side :thumbsup:

geoff

[[1ponders]]

:lol: Yes I could Geoff. Ginger Beer stubbies though :) You know what alcohol does to your eyesight. ;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

nothing wrong with a stubbie of ginger beer i can tell you

now Paul, enough alcohol and you can fall over and see PLENTY of stars :lol:

geoff

[Lester]

I am enjoying viewing the progress of your observatory.

[[1ponders]]

I'm glad you're enjoying it Lester, would you like to enjoy it more and come up here and help me finish the damn thing off? It's taking me forever and the novelty is starting to wear off. :lol: I want to start using it!!!

[rsbfoto]

Hi Paul,

I have been looking many many times on the images of your observatory and wonder why did you roll off the roof in a 90° angle from the main builgind and not just roll it off over the warm room ?

I like very much the way you built it

[[1ponders]]

There were a number of reasons Rainer. Firstly the by doing it this way I could mount the rollers directly under the trusses and not have to add a support member to each side of the roof. Secondly, to roll it across the top of the warm room would have meant finding someway to support the rail bearers. This would have meant either mounting posts against the end wall (which I wasn't keen on) or installing very tall poles at the end of the warm room. I could probably have worked something out, but it was just so much easier to do it this way.

[rsbfoto]

Hi Paul,

Thanks and it is understandable and as you have plenty of space building in a more simple way is always better.

[Lester]

Hi Paul,

I wish I lived a bit closer, it will not be long now and you will be using your observatory. I have just started building a roll off roof type observatory, and its good to see how others are made.

All the best.:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Well the roof sheets are on and it's time to measure up for the steel section of the pier. Easiest way.... drag the G11 in there and see how much extra height I need and still get under the sliding roof. ;)

I know I could lay the RA axis flat to close the roof and go for a high pier so the OTAs clear the tops of the walls, but it's not really needed. At the max height of the tripod now I should be able to get 1.5 hours of M31. That's about as low as I would want to go anyway so if I make the final height of the pier so the scopes clear the roof perlins by 25mm then I'll be laughing. :thumbsup:

The end result is I need a section of steel pier around 400mm long. That will put the bottom of the G11 at 1250 mm above floor height. At this height I can look through the 8" sct with guidescope on top and only need a single step stool to reach the guidescope.

[AlexN]

Paul, looks good... At the height you mentioned, you should have pretty good, unobstructed views of the whole sky (depending on trees etc)

Looks like it will be a great setup.. Can't wait for the Ponders Pier Wetting Ceremony!!

[netwolf]

Paul, that is a great looking observatory you got coming along. And you have an amazing location for it, looks perfect. Just thinking aloud here, instead of a ladder why not put in a stepped up false floor around the pier. So you can step up to the scope.

[[1ponders]]

That is an option I've considered Fahim. It's part of the layout that is still to be decided. It just depends on how much of a "trip" factor it will be when moving around the scope.

[bluescope]

Looking good Paul ! Although the novelty of building wears off during construction you are going to be thrilled with the end result. I am going to be relocating my obs in 4 weeks time and am not looking forward to it at all. I am going to have to dismantle the whole shed screw by screw, lift the slabs and cart it all 100kms to my new location and then put it all back together again ( I hope :lol: ). I also have to move my furniture etc and I'm getting a bit old for this stuff.

However the benefits of dark skies are going to more than compensate for the effort.

:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Ah now Steve, here's one of the benefits of putting the Observatory on stumps. If I ever need to move and want to take it with me, all I have to do is cut six posts, remove the roller guide rail bearers and hoist it onto a truck and away I go. ;)


Well that's the theory anyway :lol:

[bluescope]

I had thoughts of simply lifting my shed into a truck as well but on checking rental truck details I found that the 3 tonne ( largest allowable on A class license ) truck dimensions state 2.2m x 2.2m for door opening and my obs shed is 2.4m deep by 1.8m high by 3m long .... so that idea took a dive. Hence the screw by screw approach. At least I specifically chose a shed which was constructed with screws and nuts and bolts rather than pop rivets because I knew I would be moving. I just have to number the parts with a marker pen for re build and take some pics for reference because I had it assembled by the shed supplier. It shouldn't be too hard because I had already removed the gable roof which was the most complicated structure .... the walls are fairly straight forward by comparison and my adapted flat roof simply lifts off it's tracks. There'll still be a bit of finger crossing as I will be alone for the rebuild. Isn't astronomy fun :lol:

:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

:lol: Aint it though :lol:
I know that if I have to move mine it will be a bit more than a Class A license. Fortunately I have a Class O type LR (Light Rigid), which I think is up to 10 tonne (I'm sure someone here will know for sure). Mind you I don't think that will help as the Obs is 3.06 m wide. :shrug:

[AlexN]

Paul, If you ever need to move yours I have a truck licence, Can drive a semi if need be... Understand though, you put that obs on the back of a truck with me at the wheel.. I dare say you'd never see it again... :D And I'd have a mighty fine observatory in the middle of suburbia.. :)

[bluescope]

The moral of this little story ....

" Beware truckie's offering transportation of observatories "

:lol:

Although I'm sure Alex would never do such as thing to a fellow IIS member.

Don't forget we can locate you with google maps these days Alex.

To get back to the subject of moving the obs .... I suddenly had a brainstorm this morning .... I may be able to just remove the corner panels of mine and unscrew the corner connections of the frame to end up with four mostly clad sections .... I'd only have to remove the sliding doors and roof tracks .... hope it works .... it would be a lot less hassle. Ah well I'll find out in about three weeks or so.

:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Good luck with it Steve. I hope it works out that way. Should make you move a lot less of a hassle, especially when it comes to putting it all back together again. You know how that goes, there are always a few extra nuts and bolts left over and the head scratchin' starts. :lol:

[bluescope]

I already have a screw top plastic container put aside for the screws etc and if it works the way I want there won't be that many.

Cheers !

:thumbsup:

[acropolite]

Just wondering what is the current state of the Ponderosa observatory, any more pics Paul??.:camera:

[[1ponders]]

Unfortunately no Phil. Due to a few hiccups in the road of life there has been a bit of a go slow on the observatory for the past couple of months. HOWEVER....I believe there will be some more activity Wednesday or Thursday next week. ;) Stay tuned.

[Zubenel]

HI ,
WHEN ARE WE GOING TO THROW SOME WIRES INTO THE MACCANO SET AND MAKE YOUR EX...SPARKY GREEN ... :mad: jUST LET YOU KNOW YOU ARE DIGGING THE TRENCH!!600MM DEEP.:thumbsup:
Cheers Zub

[[1ponders]]

The wires are in Wes and the trench is plenty deep ;) :thumbsup: I'd love to get you up for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea one weekend and show me how to hook in GPOs. ;)

[[1ponders]]

A big day today! My most heartfelt appreciation goes to my absolute champion friend Adrian (adelain) who was here again today. All the exterior wall cladding is now finished (still to do the gutters and corners and one barge). :cool: The roll off roof has now had the gable ends cladded and the water protection strip fitted (the roof works a treat :D )

I don't have any photos yet 'cos by the time I finished packing up all I could do was collapse on the grass with the dog. I'll post some images tomorrow.

[RB]

Can't wait to see the pics !

Sounds soooo good Paul.

:)

[[1ponders]]

First set

[[1ponders]]

and the rest.

The pano shot gives the approx altitudes of nearby hills and directions as viewed from roughly scope height on the pier. The trees in the North and Northwest are old wattles and will be going. I'll replace them with Grevilleas, Callistemon, and low growing native fruit trees nothing over 4 meters) for the wildlife and a screen from the road.


btw on no moon nights, and no cloud (what's that I hear you ask :sad: ) looking south, sigma octans is naked eye :evil: :D (well with my glasses on that is :lol: )

[AlexN]

Looking nice mate... Those trees to the north have got to go, but other than that you have a very nice view from your observatory.... Should be great!

[Zubenel]

"The wires are in Wes and the trench is plenty deep ;) :thumbsup: I'd love to get you up for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea one weekend and show me how to hook in GPOs. "
I 'll have talk to the secretary but how about the Australia day week end. I'f you need any hardware give me an email and I can pick up at trade price.

[astroron]

Are you coming upto Cambroon on the 24th Wes?
I hadn't noticed your exception of the invitation:P

[sheeny]

It looks the business, Paul!:thumbsup:

Al.

[JohnG]

Looking good, Paul :thumbsup:

All coming together nicely :).

Cheers

[h0ughy]

Lovey Paul, i really hope it works as it is designed to do cause it looks bullet proof. SWMBO is on the warpath with me so the dome is on ice at the moment -

[[1ponders]]

Maybe you should forget the dome and build one like this - The Ultimate Doghouse. :lol: This will have all the mod cons; bed/sofa, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, water (tank), phone, wireless internet and ethernet. Would you like me to install double bunks and earplugs. :D

[renormalised]

...and a 1000Hp, V12 motor and wheels. For a quick getaway!!!!:P:D

[[1ponders]]

:lol:

[h0ughy]

might even take you up on that:sadeyes:

[RB]

I told you I'll end up with your dome !!!!

:evil2: :lol:

[Lester]

Looks very good Paul.

[beren]

:thumbsup: Looking great Paul, well done on the construction

[ChrisM]

Well done. Looks like a proper design! And plenty of hills at about the right height to block out sky glow from any adjacent towns.

Chris

[[1ponders]]

After a considerable break in activities we are on the move again. Pier extension added yesterday and drift alignment and first light last night. I was fantastic not to have to pack everything up last night.

I've got ply coming next week to sheet up and then get the electricals completed. With a bit of luck and a clear run I should have an operational observatory (well its operational now really :D ) by the end of the Xmas break.

Big thanks go to Adelain (Adrian) for his fantastic pier construction. It fitted a treat and giving it a good thump on the sides and there is insignificant damping time. Jumped up and down on the floor, moved table and chair about. Nothing, not even the slightest hiccup on the chart (using K3 & drift explorer)

There will be an additional pier as well in the next few weeks thanks to Leon's generosity. This one will be out in the yard, but I plan to use it for the G8, or if someone comes up with a Meade and wedge (I have an adapter plate to go from Losmandy to Meade) or have a plate made up for the EQ series of mounts.

[RobF]

Looks like its coming together very nicely now Paul. Thanks for showing - I was wondering how you were going with the observatory.

Great Christmas present that you can start to use it properly too.

[[1ponders]]

Oh I was a very excited chappy last night Rob, I can tell you. :D

[AlexN]

Looks the goods Paulie!!! Might have to come up and have a look one weekend!

[[1ponders]]

You would be welcome Alex. How are you with a crow bar. ;) :lol:

[RB]

Looking good Paul !!

Although it looks like you've only been spending 4 days a week on it's prograss lately. :P ;)

[[1ponders]]

:lol: Less than that RB when you consider the other work that needs to get done around here.

[AlexN]

I'm pretty good with a crow bar.. not to mention I can supply my own if necessary... Good on a shovel too.... :) Happy to dig holes for access to dark sky! :)

[jjjnettie]

:lol: How can you read the graph and jump up and down at the same time.
It's looking great Paul.

[[1ponders]]

I'm terribly clever like that :P

[leon]

Paul, that is awesome mate, it looks fantastic, I'm sure you will get many years of pleasure out in you little cubby, congratulations.

Leon

[gaa_ian]

Hey Paul ... long time no chat.
That looks great, and I will be looking at your ideas closely.
The #1 goal of GAA Inc. in 2010 is to build a roll off roof observatory.
Min size 6x3 to accomodate our 18" dob and a future bigger scope !
I will be watching your progress with interest.

[mozzie]

looking great paul youve gotto be happy with it
mozzie

[[1ponders]]

Ok a brief first light. 3X5min SXVF-H9 on WO 72 FD

[jjjnettie]

First light...excellent.
It really is up and running then. LOL

[alan meehan]

Good on you Paul,its looking like the real thing now ,well done

[batema]

What a treat not having to set up and pack up. Glad to see it coming together. Sounds like a great christmas present. Maybe you could talk to my wife about a similar idea.

Mark

[[1ponders]]

happy to Mark. How big an observatory headstone would you like LOL

[AlexN]

When you're done digging Mark's grave for him, perhaps you could explain to my old man how much I could benefit from a roll off roof shed around the pier he's signed off on :) :D

[[1ponders]]

np Alex. Just drag him up here to see one in action. ;)

[AlexN]

Will do mate.. I'm booked out for new moon weekends until February... However March is still on the table, either that or maybe sometime between new moons... I'll need a watchful eye whilst I install the encoders onto the GM-8 any how! :)

[Davros]

Resurrecting your post Paul but i have one last question, How do you weather proof the two sides of the roof where it slides out if you get what i mean. the bit where the gap is just below the roof line on the sides of the obs roof that doesnt have the double door.

[[1ponders]]

I've thought about that a bit Mick and on the roll off side is won't be much of an issue as I can fix a permanent skirt of wall sheeting on that side so that it hangs down past the top of the wall sheeting. Doing it that way will also stop the roof at the right spot. On the other side I'm considering doing the same thing but having the sheets hinged to lift up as I slide the roof off. That's the plan anyway.

[Davros]

cheers, its an idea ive thrown around a bit because i have an excess of sheds here and a growing collection of scopes that the wife is getting sick of looking at. A semi permanent obs would solve a few problems. That was the only area i couldnt get my head around for weather protection given the violent storms we get and the dollar value of the gear inside.

[[1ponders]]

I've made it harder for myself because I've chosen to go sideways with the roof and not off the end. On the ends of mine I've found a little strip projecting out is enough. You can see it here

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=52591

I might even consider doing something similar to the sides to make it easier

[[1ponders]]

Big push the last couple of weeks and a big thanks goes out to Astroron for being my 2nd pair of hands when putting up the ceiling sheets and holding the door to fix the inner panels and keepin' me company. Cheers Ron :thumbsup:

Oh and pick number 2 is showing an important stage of any building program. Lockup! :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Its not often you see me working, let alone see me in a photo, but here's the evidence.

And the second one is a regular expression on my face when I see something I hadn't considered :lol:

Next time I hide the camera

[astroron]

No Probs Paul:thumbsup:
Nice shiny lock there Paul:D

[[1ponders]]

We got it to work in the end Ron :lol:

That damn door :)

[h0ughy]

LOL looks like a pot belly stove in there paul .... thought you were cooking up something.

so hao far off first light will this be now?

[[1ponders]]

Well I've had first light, but the official roof cutting off (if you haven't notice the end wall sheets)? Soon I hope.

Why? Are you thinking of coming up for the official opening? Hey that would be great Dave. I tell you what, I'll give you four weeks to get your affairs in order, and then come on up for the first official new moon opening. How's that for a plan? ;) Oh and there's plenty of room to sleep in there as well. I'm already planning my second pier. :D

[h0ughy]

not worth it just yet;)

[sheeny]

Its looking gorgeous, Paul! You must be pleased!:thumbsup:

Al.

[[1ponders]]

I am Al, I am. Some things, finer detail stuff, is still under consideration ( I'm making it up as I go along now :lol: ) but I am really looking forward to spending my evenings this Winter under the stars. :D

[astroron]

Do You want a hand with the other door,
Or can you manage:question:

[alan meehan]

A few hot rocks and some swedish blonds and i,ll be up in a flash looks a bit like a sauna ,what are you going to do with the walls paint them black or leave them ,if you are going to paint them spray the walls before your gear goes in just a thought.
ALAN

[[1ponders]]

I'll see how I go Ron. thanks for the offer. Won't get to it before Tues at the earliest anyway.


Yes I'll paint them Al. Observatory area will be flat black walls and ceilings. The lower room will be cream and there will be a red light in the apex of the roof. With the cream walls and a dimmer switch I should be able to get it bright enough to read comfortably but no so bright as to affect the ol' night vision

[h0ughy]

yeah that would be right - beige;):lol:

[[1ponders]]

Not quite Dave, maybe with a hint of yellow. :D


Or maybe I should do a Murial on all four walls, of the inside of the Tardas.


However I can confirm there is plenty of room for the 42" processing plasma on an end wall. Opposite where the hammock will swing.

[h0ughy]

now that would be good

[sheeny]

If you have a good 360° panorama, I know a photographer (my brother) near you with a printer than can print about 36" wide up to 50m long (or thereabouts):D. If you can afford it, I'm sure he could print your wallpaper!:D

I love the hammock idea.:thumbsup: Can't fit one in my obs:sadeyes:.

Al.

[[1ponders]]

Interesting idea Al. I wonder if any of the 360 deg shots taken by the mars rovers would be high enough resolution. :D

LOL Can you imaging trying to tile with walls and ceilings with a mosaic of A4 sheets LOL

[kinetic]

It would add a great touch to a room, Paul.
A panorama would work best on a curved wall like Al's
pod and here's another inspiration....an aussie panorama.
I've been to Jeff Morgan's gallery in the Flinders Ranges and
it's truly a beautiful room to be in. (the 360 degree gallery pano)

http://www.jeffmorgangallery.com.au/hawker/panorama/

http://www.hawkersa.info/biz/morgan1.htm

Steve

[[1ponders]]

Now there's an idea. I have a full 360 pano from the top of Castle Rock Reserve near Christchurch. That would look great. Though I'm not keen on modifying the walls now, though I suppose all it needs is the corners curved. :confuse3:

Next time ;)

[sheeny]

Nothing stopping you doing a separate pano on each wall...:P

Al.

[[1ponders]]

Getting close.,


Been doing a bit of painting. Just need the electricals and I'm right to go. :D

[h0ughy]

awwwweee looking good Paul

[sheeny]

:thumbsup: yep!

Al.

[alan meehan]

Paul looks very comfortable and proffesional,gray is a very relaxed and neutral colour.
AL

[jjjnettie]

It only looks gray in the sunlight Al. It's a matt black.
He's done a beaut job!

[[1ponders]]

I really like the matt black. But I've realized that it is going to mark easily. Basically I have a 4 walled blackboard :lol: I may redo it satin one day when it gets too bad.

I started the top coats in the warm room this afternoon. I'm looking for an opening in the next week or so. :D Electrics will have to wait a couple of weeks yet.

[[1ponders]]

I got a great buy this afternoon. I was chasing down some paint for the lower warm room and possibly the floor. I managed to pickup a 4 liter tin of off tint (tinted the wrong colour for someone) for the walls for $25 and 10 liters of off tint for $27 :eyepop: for the floor (grey-light purple). I'll only need about three :lol: It'll look great with the black wall.

[Zubenel]

Hey Paul, How's the observatory going. All powered up now I presume??

[[1ponders]]

It certainly is Wes. Thank you so much for fixing it out for me. You've helped make me a very happy astronomer.:D

[h0ughy]

Paul I think you may need to update this thread - you have added so much to the little hut

[[1ponders]]

I'll see what i can do with a camera tomorrow Dave ;)

[Zubenel]

Looking forward to it

[[1ponders]]

I tell ya Wes since the powers been on I've hardly had a look in with the weather. Very sad.

[Zubenel]

Let the clouds part so Astrophotography 101 can begin. I suppose that a subtle request for a couple of lessons , sometime........................... ................................... ................................... ................................... ............................:D

[[1ponders]]

anytime Wes. Just get me the weather