Portable Observatory

[Davelrkn]

Hi All
I am in the planning stage of building a Portable Observatory and would like some feedback from those that have been there done that.

I have a EQ6 Pro with a Skywatcher 254mm Newt and have in my thoughts
of making it 2.4m x 2.4m but not that sure with the wall heights.

Would 1.7m be too high or too low or am I on the money

Any advise would be greatly welcomed.:help:

Cheers
Dave

[pmrid]

A lot will depend on how high you set your tripod/pier. But assuming that your mount's base it about 900-1000 above ground/floor level, a 1700mm wall will lose you a bit of horizon. This can be good in areas with light pollution problems etc but also can be a negative in a couple of situations. You will generally want to keep as much northern and southern horizons as you can and be prepared to sacrifice east and west (missing sun/moon rise/set). I suggest you set up your scope and do a couple of simple tests:
1. try to find something worth while in the north (M31,33 for example). You don't want to lose that sort of object.
2. USe the polar scope on your mount to help with alignment.
When you have the scope lined up in 1 or 2, drop a tape measure under the front end and see where your 1700mm cutoff would be.
But a quick question? By portable, do you mean demountable or truly portable. If the latter, why not just use an observing tent? Probably cheaper, lighter, takes little time to set up and so on ...

Peter

[allan gould]

As Peter said, a portable tent observatory from Sirius Optics is probably your best bet. Several people I know are using these to great advantage especially when they go to a dark site or Astrofests.

[Davelrkn]

Hi Peter and Allan
Thank you both for your replies and suggesions
I have thought of one of the tents from Sirius Optics but was not sure as it has a plastic floor and was thinking of the lawn after setup period and cost.
I believe that I can build one at a lower cost and will be using pvc pipe timber and dowel.
I should be able to set it up in around 10mins 15 max with the plan I have in mind
Cheers Dave

[pmrid]

Hi Dave,
I'd be interested to have a peek at the plan. Is there any chance of your actually documenting the process/design with photos etc and starting a new thread on it so we can follow your design and progress?
Peter

[Davelrkn]

Hi Peter
When I get things underway I wiill post some pics and info
It will probably not be to everyone likeing as I am on a strict budget.
I 'm on a carers pension so have to watch the $$$$
Cheers
Dave

[pmrid]

That means it will be a truly economical solution. I'm liking it already. More, I must have more!!!
Peter.

[seeker372011]

Yes please !:):)