Roll off roof observatory with fold down walls

[Lester]

Hi all, here is a link to my observatory that has the northern and eastern walls that fold down to view closer to the horizon. The mount has been changed since these photos were taken to a Losmandy Titan.

http://scp3.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99:observatory&catid=72:observatories-diy&Itemid=59

[TrevorW]

Great obs and great spot I'd die for a view like that

[[1ponders]]

I remember when you were building this Lester and wishing I had the skills to covert mine into a drop side. :clap: I really liked the idea. Has it worked as well as you hoped?

I also wondered how happy you are with your pier :D (what a monster) and when are we going to see shots with the titan on it :D:D?

[asimov]

Nice work Lester!

Yes, I too want to see the Titan - If I've ever seen a photo of it, I don't remember.

[Lester]

Thanks for your replies everyone, I appreciate them. Have had 20mm of rain today and checked inside the observatory, and everything is dry. I did have a small leak on the north east corner, but with some silicone it is fixed. The fold down sides are not used a lot, but very handy when wanting to see some northern objects. The pier is very stable. The Titan mount isn't as steady as the Goliath mount, but unfortunately I didn't have the skills to make it into a auto tracking.

I will try and get some photos now.

[Lester]

Here are some images of the widefield set-up I am using with the FS102 and 160mm Astrograph Takahashis side by side.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Observatory%20images/27ebfc79.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Observatory%20images/c8183b2e.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Observatory%20images/6a5c23d2.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Observatory%20images/d2bb7f4c.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu109/Lester_045/Observatory%20images/4a46d008.jpg

[overlord]

That is really nice and your equipment is top notch!

Best of the best!

[ZeroID]

Love that tapered pier design, great stability at the base but gains clearance at the top. Nice idea.
Stunning site.

[bloodhound31]

Impressive!