A home observatory - what is your experience

[h0ughy]

My back had just made me realise what an asset an observatory will be to have at home. I am now very limited to what I can carry or move and I am glad that I got an EQ6 for portability and my new scopes to go with it, small and easily handled.

But my beloved Meade 12" needs a home, and I have been and seen many different observatories over the net, and even Strikers here in IIS. I like Striker's concept and practicality, but I am not that handy at making things. I thought of using a garden shed with Tony's ideas for the rail tracking. I have limited space but wish to maximise the setup of the observatory asmuch as possible. Cost too is a major factor, as I don't have much to play with.

5ash recently posted details about insulation, that looked like an excellent and very practical idea to adapt into any shed. some furthere details of this and cost would be appreciated.

Members of IIS, could you send in your observatory details? :prey: :help: :)

[acropolite]

Houghy, the construction of a "Striker" type observatory can be completed easily with only basic hand tools. You don't really need any experience. If you can use a hand saw and drive a nail that's about all the skills you need. It would be a little more expensive than a Tin Shed but infinitely better. Maybe some local IISers with carpentry skills could assist. I did only one year of woodwork in first year high school, yet managed to build a holiday home of my own design, from scratch, using just hand tools. If I can do it anyone can.

[iceman]

I reckon if you twisted Ed and George's arm, they might be able to help you build one Dave.
They seem kinda handy with their handies.

[togo54]

houghy

Buy this 'scope and maybe the guy will toss in an observatory...:)

http://cgi.ebay.com/GIANT-TELESCOPE-BRIGHTEST-IMAGES-IN-HISTORY_W0QQitemZ7569256793QQcatego ryZ28181QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

[h0ughy]

Mike if I twist it then they wouldn't be able to help :lol:

you are right though, maybe I need to have a shed raising day, put on a BBQ with some drinks and get all the supplies ready then go for it.

One thought I did have was to get a slab down then build the shed to suit the slab with colourbond walls and roof, timber frame and the c purlins as the rail. that insulation material could be fitted to the internal walls and roof.

I have had a post sitting in the drive for 8 years now that I got from a service station when it was being pulled down. I was going to use that as a basis for a pier originally, I don't know now what I will do with it

[h0ughy]

well when is a scam not a scam. this is downright unbelievable, how many people would take him up on that!!

[togo54]

Find the auction quite hillarious myself. Sorry to hear about the bad back. Had back surgery in '94 myself. Flared up a couple months ago and was affraid I might have to go under the knife again but it finally healed up.
Take care

[h0ughy]

Thanks for the concern. I am hoping to aviod surgery at the moment. You know its funny, when I was 20 I could lift a car, or a fridge without beating an eyelid, now anything over 5kg is a worry. :lol: I am a large guy, and those that have seen me can vouch to that fact, however I am now a fragile as tissue paper. I think a new Me will be forthcoming next year, along with the observatory. :)

[slice of heaven]

Why not start with a flat pack garden shed ? Try second hand to reduce the cost. Then work on the rolloff roof.

[h0ughy]

yes I have looked at a treco garden shed, I was looking at

Model Number Roof and Slab size Height Base Dim. (outside) Door opening
Width x Depth Width x Depth Height x Width
109S 3.07m x 2.78m 2.03m 2.95m x 2.68m 1.70m x 1.38m

this design seems to have the roof separate from the walls which would allow me to do something with it. it is on my seriously considered list. i think they are around the $600 mark

[Striker]

I highly recommend having your own Observatory...sure I would prefer it in a dark site....but you put up with what you have got.

Its not that hard but I did have a retired Carpenter to help and had use of all his tools.

It took a lot longer to build and was much harder then I first thought...but you know once you completed something it's always easier after the hard works has been done.

I could never have completed the observatory by myself....their is a lot of figures and measurements you have to take into account to get the roof working properly..

If you need some more photo's or questions just ask me David.(Huffy)

[h0ughy]

thanks for the encouragement and advice Tony

[astroron]

Houghy, I had never built anything bigger than a matchbox, then I built my house, plus my observatory, the observatory came first, I built my pad first then was given an old garden shed and went from there. All the best with the bad back, try to keep well .astroron :) :) :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Ron,

Can you provide some more detail photos of the observatory, that would be great!

[Striker]

I also forgot to mention my observatory ended up costing a lot more then I thought.

$1000 for slab with extra pier slab at depth of 1 meter
$500 for the pine Frame work
$500 for the steel frame for the roof & steel u frame for the roll of roof.
$400 for the colour bond roof and cap with screw nails
$100 for front door and lock
$600 for the chamfer exterior boards
$100 for paint both undercoat and final coats.

Plus I gave me my neigbour $1000 for labour and use of all his tools...it took 4 weeks to build.
Plus lots of other extra's....not much change out of $5000.

[astroron]

Houghy I will sort some out and write out a few details of what I did. Ron

[h0ughy]

but its a quality item Tony!!

[h0ughy]

Thanks Ron ;)

[[1ponders]]

And you told your wife it only cost $250 didn't you Tony. ;)

[h0ughy]

So how much mileage can you get Paul for not sending this link to Tony's wife?? :wink2: :lol:

[[1ponders]]

:rofl: Heaps I reacon h0ughy :rofl:

[h0ughy]

yes that would be worth a few nights with the 20Da wouldn't it :wink2: :)

[Striker]

No..for you information the G11 cost $250.....with my observatory I was much more precise on the cost...$2000 total.

BTW my wife is my imaginery friend.....she does not really exist....lol

Huffy...build your observatory you wont be dissapointed.

[h0ughy]

Thanks Tony! Say Hi to your Imaginary friend for me will you!

[Orion]

No need to twist my arm I'll be glad to help and if George can smell a BBQ he'll be there!

Dave did you see that observatory the Dennis built? I had a look at it yesterday very nice, have a talk to him and let me know when you want to start poring concrete ;)

[h0ughy]

To be honest I haven't Ed :o

[astroron]

The observatory is a 3mx3m garden shed, the walls are 1.8m above the concrete and 75mm below the concrete on the outside, to stop dust and water getting in. the corners are
Fixed to four 75mmx75mm posts for rigidity.
The rails that the roof rolls off are 6m long 30x30 angle iron, and the wheels where made by a friend on a lathe
The roof was originally flat but changed that earlier this year as well as the direction it rolled off, the new roof frame is made out of 75mm x 50mm pine with top hat purling to fix the tin roof to.
The concrete pillar is sunk 1m into the ground with a 75mm thick concrete floor
The whole of the interior walls and roof are insulated with sheets of polystyrene then covered with plywood .
As can be seen most of the material is pre loved, but a coat of paint can do wonders .
It may not be pretty but it works
I don't have a digital camera, this is the best I can do.astroron :thumbsup: :) :)

[Striker]

Did I hear BBQ.?????????sniff..sniff

[ballaratdragons]

I am reading your thread with interest Houghy as I am going to build an obs too. I am still thinking of using a round water tank but maybe I might find a better idea in here. I too have seen all the sites on backyard obs, but I am open to ideas from here.

[h0ughy]

Thanks Ron for your effort and description of the modifications.

[h0ughy]

there is a lovely extra large steak with chips and salad and steak sauce Striker if one of those piers of yours turns up. :lol: :lol: :wink2:

[jjjnettie]

Ken,
I've just finished drafting option 2 for my observatory. I'd be using a water tank that has been cut straight down the middle as the roof and I'm umming and ahing about using straw bales as the walls. The finished structure will look a bit like an adobe quonset hut. The biggest cost will be the concrete slab, rollers and tracking.
Option 1 was to build a wood platform, and have not a roll off roof, but a roll off building. We have a porta loo sized smoke house sitting around the farm doing nothing that would house the dob, and it has built in shelf as well. Lay tracking into the platform, put rollers on the base of the smoke house. To use, unlatch the building, push aside, and you're up and observing.
Which option would be the best? Any advise would be helpful.
I like the sound of "The Smoke House Observatory". It would be quicker to put up as well.

[ballaratdragons]

jjjnettie,

Originally, (months ago) I thought about a roll-away building but the elements up here can be very nasty in winter and I want to get as much weather protection as possible. Even a slide off roof isn't a consideration. I want to try make mine have a small opening like a dome has. Just a slot to peer through. That should make winter viewing a lot more pleasant. I just need to work out a way to build it without going the 'expensive dome' way.

Your port-a-loo sounds like a good option. I can't use anything small any more as it will be mounted on the EQ mount and that requires a large diameter room.

[rumples riot]

H0ughy, you could go the way I did and put the scope a pier and cover it heavily with tarps. Worked really well and never (I repeat never) got wet.

In regard to your back, Have you considered going to a corrective chiropractor. It will cost you around $2800 for the first year of treatment and finding a good one is hard. However, early this year I put my back out so far I looked like the shape of the letter C. That was looking front on. Other Chiro's said I had scoliosis and could not fix it. I said that was crap as I have had numerous X rays during the Army and it was not picked up once. I went to see the guy I go to now and he said he could fix the problem and that it was result of all the damage I had done to my back in my youth. I now have a back which is very strong again and very straight. No surgery needed. Don't get surgery it will cause more problems later. Next year I will go onto a maintenence program and only need to go twice a month. It took six months for my back to come good, going 3 times a week. I felt no pain at all after 4 weeks. Try doing that after surgery. Forget the observatory and get a corrective chiro and you will be lifting your scope at 80. Your health is far more important that your hobby. Without your health there can be no hobby.

BTW, up until I hurt my back (well actually I hurt is several times over the years but did not know it) I had never been to a chiro or physio. This guy has changed my mind to all that. Don't go to a pain manager, go to someone who will correct the problem with Machines and traction. Ask them if they are corrective or not.

Best of luck.

[h0ughy]

thanks for the advice Paul. I have been wondering which way to go. At the moment because of workcover I have had to follow what my workplace has sent me to. But in the new year I think a change is in the wind. Thanks for the advice. :)

[h0ughy]

Ken one of our club members has built what you seem to want. I will try to see if he has some photos to send out to me or if I can take some for you. Don't hold you breath though until the new year.

[ballaratdragons]

Cool Houghy. jjnettie has an idea for me too.

This is supposed to be a thread for you to build an obs Houghy and there are 3 of us now wanting instructions/help LOL! A true community :lol:

[h0ughy]

I don't mind what happens in any of my threads Ken, you know that :lol:

RR is correct, I need to get my back sorted out , but I still would like an observatory :)

[Striker]

You have to build the Observatory Huffy....you wont regret it.

The sheer convenience of being set up up permanantly is fantastic....no polar aligning, balancing or levelling ever again....well you can check all of these on a monthly basis if you want to.

My procedures are as follows.

1)Unlock Observatory door, time taken 5 seconds
2)Unlock 2 bolt locks securing roof, time taken 10 seconds
3)Slide roof off, Time taken 5 seconds
4)Turn power and computer on, time taken 30 seconds and this is for boot up time.
5)Take scope cover off and turn Gemini on, time taken 20 seconds
6)If a threatning cloud comes over or I am finished for the night I can slide the roof back over in 5 seconds.

This type of convenience is priceless.

[slice of heaven]

It's gotta be the way to go....keep at it Houghy.

As for your back, bad ones are a pain.
I can't agree with Paul though, chiros aren't the be all and end all to their cracked up to be. It's a masking technique, not a cure.
Try and address the problem from the cause first and make an informed decision as best you can.

[rumples riot]

That seems to be a comment that a lot of people have with Chiro's usually made by people who have not been to a corrective Chiro. When you see the xrays of before and compare them to 3 months of treatment you soon change your tune. Not all Chiro's are masking the problem. Corrective Chiros actually address the problem and fix it. It takes a long time to develop the problem and if done correctly only a year to fix. By that time your back is back to when you were 20 and with more strength. Non corrective chiro's are the masking variety. Just pain management. I am sure if you had seen my spine early this year and then looked at it now, you would see the merits. However, Chiropractic has only been around for 30 or so years, I guess modern medicine took several hundred years to be considered legitimate.

[h0ughy]

You sound like a mastercard ad :lol: :P . why not save a few seconds and turn on the pc and that before opening the roof :lol: :lol: :wink2:

I am green with envy :sad: :prey2:

[h0ughy]

Paul I am booked in for a MRI for DEcember 28, and an Xray the same day.

[h0ughy]

Ok I haven't got pictures yet but his construction was to weld up a frame of square tube steel welded together in a hexagonal shape with colourbond on the exterior. He made a folding cover that covers a slit opening that comes through from just past zenith to some point down the side of the observatory.

The base of the observatory in on wheels and runs in a rail set in concrete so the whole observatory rotates.

I can explain better if this isn't enough to start with :)

[asimov]

Second to last place I worked at, we made this particular product. (portable field bin for grain storage etc)

It has doors in the roof which you can't see in the photo.

The top section was what I was interested in. With that section on the ground, it was exactly the right height to house a telescope. At 14' diametre a good size too.

I had thoughts of getting a second hand one & mounting it on a track, but never did. You would'nt want one of these in your back yard Houghy, but thought I'd show you anyway.;)

[ballaratdragons]

I have seen pics of ones like that Houghy! Simple & effective!!!

Plenty of those around here but all in use. No second-hand ones. I keep an eye out at the tip though where they chuck their useless water tanks (full of rust holes).

[h0ughy]

THanks ASimov, It wouldn't bother me But SWHMH (she who hates my hobby) would not approve

[asimov]

Ken...Most farmers around my area don't use a tip as such. They make their own by using the back paddock or something! If I just rocked up to each farmers door step, I have no doubt I'd score one of these FREE within a day! (hint hint)

[h0ughy]

you wouldn't want rust holes Ken, during a dark night you might mistake them for a dark neb! In this months S&S, there is a 2.3m dome, all you need is the base, but here is the catch, you must go to Canberra and get it then transport it home, I would assume you could pull it down to be transported but I am not sure about the ring. He also wants over 3 grand for it. i would love it but can't afford that just yet, maybe on January 1 I could (32M lotto)

[ballaratdragons]

Too far to go for just an old feed bin. :help3:

Cough, Cough! No thanks. :scared: I'm sure I can beat that price by about $2800 by building my own.

[acropolite]

I had an idea to have some lightweight aluminium tubes bent up (in a cylindrical + upper dome shape) and covered with reinforced vinyl canopy fabric, similar to the solardomes that they make for swimming pool covers, with a zip out panel in the roof. If it was made correctly you could dismantle and take to a star party or similar gathering and even sleep in it overnight.....:campfire:

[stellar2]

I will accept any reasonable offer for my 2.3 metre Sirius dome. I'm sure it can be taken apart for transport. It cost me about $3000. I think a grand would be fair.

[Lester]

G'day Ballaratdragons,

Second hand field bins like the one in your photo you can pickup at clearing sales for around $2,000. that is in SA. The time for clearing sales is usually after harvest and before winter= February- April.