Observatory Panels

[Lismore Bloke]

Hi all,

Someone (forgotten who) posted a link to this site on IIS:

http://www.tulsawalk.com/projects/observatorypanels/index.html

The observatory panels looked like an easy and useful project.

Attached is a pic of the 12" with the "observatory panels".

Made from 25mm plastic pipe, right angle and T fittings, some
duct tape and tarps from the junk shop. Very light, held together
with electrical ties. Works well as a light shield and can be moved
around to any shape. A few old skindiver's lead weights stop it from blowing away. Anything to keep the night vision from being zapped by neighbour's lights.
Cheers, Paul.

[mental4astro]

Superb Paul!

I've attended a few star parties where a few of these would have come in VERY HANDY. Something to consider when we are on the oval or Randwick Girls' High as we cop the car headlights from an intersection that lies in our direction.

Another way to hold these in place would be with ropes and tent pegs. If the site you're on is exposed, these rope ties might prove a little more relieable. Just another way of solving another problem.

[Lismore Bloke]

Thanks Alex,

I find them very handy, more flexible than a fixed observatory as I can arrange them anywhere I need them. The panels measure 1800x1200 and cut out of the standard 3 metre lengths of plastic pipe without any waste.
A good project for anyone with neighbourhood lights to contend with.

Cheers, Paul.

[alistairsam]

are these to reduce light glare when one's viewing through a scope or to reduce reflected light in the OTA?

A 30cm foam shield like the dew shields here http://www.atozastro.com/shop/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=25 as well as internal flocking would reduce reflected light into the OTA as light from streetlamps or roof fitted lamps are quite high up, but won't stop one being blinded say by a passing car.

[mental4astro]

They are to stop surrounding lights, like street lights, neighbours next door patio lights, etc. Even car headlights if placed in the right place, :thumbsup:. That's what I'm looking to reduce.

[ballaratdragons]

Would be even more practical in Red tarps :thumbsup:

Any light shining through it would be slightly red tinted rather than blue or white :)

[Barrykgerdes]

Trevor and I made a similar device, two panels hinged, to use as a wind break at Wiruna. I prefabbed it and assembled it at Wiruna with a staple gun, hammer and gang nails. To stabilise it and make it easier to carry we added some rightangle brackets to the base and sides. We use "tent pegs" to anchor it against the wind. I have drawings and a photo some where.

Barry

[mental4astro]

Would be nice to see 'em. I've been thinking of something similar, and it needs to be easy to set up and take down. :confused2: . Oh, and easy to store too, :confused2: :confused2:

[michaellxv]

I looked at this site and even priced up all the parts. I don't know what it's like in the east but here the prices for pvc parts were all over the place. By the time I was finished it did not look it would be all that cheap and then where to store them.

So I went with this http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=59704

Which ever way you go don't skimp on your tarps. The cheap ones are practically see through, you need to get the expensive ones which are silver on one side and black on the other. Nothing gets through.:thumbsup: