Portable Observatories/Observation Tents

[issdaol]

Hi All,

Been spending a lot of time looking around for a portable observatory or observation tent.

I recently stumbled across this:

http://www.kendrickastro.com/astro/observatory.html

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience on these??

Are there better options out there??

Any help/advice appreciated

Cheers

[alistairsam]

That looks pretty neat. Would be interested to see similar ones that can be bought here.

I saw an observing tent that Michael had at the snake valley camp nov'10
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=84584
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=67773&page=7

I believe he got that from a local manufacturer.

[scagman]

Hi Phil,

I came across these the other day
http://www.scopecity.com/detail.cfm?ProductID=5223&pn=Astrogizmos%20AstroGazer%20Porta ble%20Observatory+Astrogizmos+AGPO&sc=Astronomy%20Observatories&tc=Accessories

Prob a bit dearer than the tent style

[issdaol]

thanks!

that tent looks interesting! do you know who supplies it so that I can compare ??

Also I always try to support local suppliers over overseas when possible and it makes sense.

the snake valley camp looks like a nice spot too :-)

The thing I like about the Kendrick tent is:

1: the size at just over 6ft tall so you can stand up in it unless you are taller than 6ft that is
2: Quick setup
3: Ability to leave all the equipment setup and just open and close the observation flap so your gear is protected when not in use

cheers

[issdaol]

Hi John,

Thanks for the link. I actually remember looking at these some time back.

At the time I had read some negative comments about the quality and stability and also amount of effort to setup and take down so I did not look any further.

Perhaps it has changed so might be worth another look. If anyone has some up-to date information/experience with these I would be VERY interested to hear as it would certainly be a contender

cheers

[mswhin63]

Looks like a regular tent that is modified. There are plenty of these tents available from most stores (unmodified of course).

I have looked at modifying one already, just need a bit more finances.

[scagman]

Sorry can't give you any feed back on them at all as thats the only mention of them I have seen.

[Brundah1]

The Astrotent is sold locally by Sirius Optics in Brisbane. website still lists it at AUD299.

I have one obtained as an unwanted prize. It is light weight poly canvas and can be erected and dismantled buy one person, but it is fiddly.

Tent has an open top 2M diameter and a base 3m diameter. There are four doors which I would term crawl-ins for adults.

You can operate a EQ6 or G11 with an SCT, but long scopes may be a problem. There is enough floor space with an EQ mount to roll out a sleeping bag and stow your small scope cases etc.

The main negative is the top. This will hold water and seep unless some type of ridge props up the top. I have replaced the top horizontal hoop with stiffer rods.

The tent would be much more useful with a hoop frame supported "dome" top, that can be easily dropped or errected.

IMHO a more practical & useful solution would be a second hand small camping tent and a Telegizmo 365 cover for your scope.

David

[issdaol]

Hi David,

Great info and pictures much appreciated.

The tend does look much smaller and flimsier than the Kendrik and Astro options so is probably not suited for me.

A larger modified canvas tent might be worth considering so you have got me thinking on that line as well :-)

Cheers

[Brundah1]

Phil,

Yes it is light weight and in original form "flimsey", That's why I fitted a heavy hoop to the top - improved integrity.

But its main problem is the removable top which is more of a tent fly. If you had a dome shape top cover of more robust canvas, cross over support rods and quick release ties - the whole thing would be very good. (Still considering if its worth the effort.)

For for one-man remote observing in a small car, this would be ideal.

BTW in present form it makes a great wind break / shower cover, but then I paid a small fraction of retail. :)

[issdaol]

Hi All,

Thanks for the input and advice.

At this stage it looks like the Astrogazer has been improved and is a solid option now.

I am also considering a customised Canvas tent from southerncross canvas.

Cheers

[bmitchell82]

That tent sold by sirius optics is good for a EQ6, 10 F4.7 Skywatcher dob and a ED80 piggy backed with all fruit for astroimaging. Yes you do have to do some limbo action to get into the thing but meh it does its job, keep those small puffs of wind hitting your scope, allow you to put the lid on so its covered for the day and you can leave your gear pretty much set up without the need to stuff around when the night comes around again! It isn't made for serviving a tropical downpour but gee if your taking 5-8k worth of electrical equipment out into that kind of environment good on you!

They arnt that fiddly to set. 4 graphite polls to give it shape, the top hoop to keep it open and a few tent pegs. Once you figure out how to put the polls in and pull it up its quite simple (at least i found).

[firstlight]

A mate of mine bought the Kendricks and has told me that the size an build is substantial. Plenty of room for the scope and heaps of room in the tent for table, chair, computer gear, and camp bed... All secure from the buzzing (and biting) insects. It is more expensive but not as flimsy or as small as the other tents sold here. Also a better wet weather option.

I have to say I have not seen it erected or used but if I was to go that path, I think I would buy the Kendrick.

[ozskywatcher]

I own the previous version of the tent and I can highly recommend it for a couple of reasons. First is the the design and quality. It is a proper tent i.e. it has two layers like any decent backpacking tent and all windows and the zip open roof has insect mesh (which zips open for observing). The other thing is the size. It is massive. You could fit a double mattress in both areas - two in total.

Regards,

Paul Floyd.

[issdaol]

Hi All,

I appreciate the information and comments.

Exchanged emails with Kendricks recently and apparently due to the downturn and limited interest they are ceasing production of the tents.

I have now been working on a rough design with the engineer at southerncross as they think they can make one to specifications.

If everything pans out it will be a completely self-supporting tent a bit larger than the Kendrick, with 12oz Australian canvas, heavy duty flooring, good airflow, heavy duty mesh and zips and come with Australian support/warranty.

They can also do me an genuine Auscam version :-)

Cheers

[firstlight]

Hi Phil, if it is not too late for suggestions. I think that the Kendrick solution i.e. 2 parts, one for the scope and an insect screened enclosed section for the observer to sit in would be ideal. I would be interested in the cost associated for one of these units.

Tony

[bmitchell82]

what would be the best is not have something that takes you a hour to set up. I think that the original size of little octagon would be ample sufficient only with a bigger door, and better material it would be perfect. 4 posts 8 pegs 15 or so minutes happy days.

A big tent like that is good for extended week long or more trips which not many people do.

Just my thoughts to the idea to make it actually profitable! keep the price down make it practical and it will sell! That would be the reason why the Kendrick version flopped great product but at 800+ dollars thats a new telescope, filters, eyepieces etc

[issdaol]

Tony:
Will keep you posted. We are still working through the design.

Brendan:
I agree that a quick setup and low cost is good, however with larger scopes, mounts/tripods and other gear a bit of extra space is desired for several days (or perhaps longer). For one night we probably would not bother and just use a traditional scope cover.

Currently the design that is being discussed may have multi-use capability with core elements being:

-Practical for any Australian Latitude
-Self Supporting (pegs only needed under very windy conditions)
-Build strength in Floor, Walls and Roof
-Good airflow design for those hotter nights
-Insect & Waterproofed
-Reasonable space for all equipment and other observers with relative comfort

Cheers

[bmitchell82]

Hi phill,

Ide have to say im not a stranger to big scopes :) I run a 10" Newt. I believe that the amount of people doing 7 day plus trips are not common and hence unless its just for yourself to design a big telescope tent then the amount of people willing to fork out large amounts of cash would baulk even if it was a far better product.

Its just my thoughts because ide love to see a good quality telescope enclosure for somewhere around 400 dollars and if i wanted somewhere to sleep :) a small tent would work perfectly for that.

Brendan:thumbsup:

[firstlight]

Hi Brendan,

Hopefully I'm not going to be perceived as bagging the smaller observing tents, but they are just that... Small. The concept is great but I have seen plenty of people using them with short tube refractors and the like and even with the tripods set low they are barely covered not to mention the way they capture any rain. A couple got a drenching a few years ago at the Queensland Astrofest, even with bailing them out at intervals.

My interest is a setup that caters for being able to be adequately protected from moisture, and providing an area to have the computer and other equipement nearby and in an insect proof environment. I am like may others on this forum and use the portable dunny for the laptop and my gear and I think the combined unit is an elegant solution. The cost remains to be seen :)

[issdaol]

Quick Update:

we have drawn up a complete 3D CAD design now and the rough dimensions are 4m x 3m. Observation window is at one end opposite the entry. Estimated pack away size is 900mm x 900mm x 150mm

[issdaol]

Hi Brendan,

I started out on this as an exercise just for myself as I wanted a multi-function/multi-use tent that could house all my gear comfortably and a couple of other observers as inevitably you always get others wanting to look through your scope.

In my estimation you will never get a high quality tent around $400 unless it is very small and made in china or similar places o/seas.

In this case I am talking about full Oz Design and Manufactured tent with high quality local materials (canvas etc).

Cheers

[mswhin63]

I spoke to a tent manufacturer here in Perth to modify a design, cost was $2000.00 ouch

[bmitchell82]

issidol. :) I thought that is what you where getting at, but I also thought that with you taking it to a manufactuer, they would most likely want to use the design as well. :) Alls good

first light.

Mate i have no issues and am not offended Yes they are small but im not using a small short tube telescope either at close to 1.2m in length it only just clears out the top viewing port. I have never set my telescope tripod on any other hight than all the way down. lower to the ground, lower center of gravity less for the wind to hit my parachute!

I also have a 7 man tent that has a front annex and a intermediate room between the annex and main room, with a very very simple modification you could turn the annex into a observatory. Far cheaper than getting a design made as malcom said your looking at some good cahoonas to get it done.

As for rain, I dunno about you but if there is good rain forcast to where im going.... I wont go my equipment is too expensive to be destroyed like that because anything can happen even if you have the best and most expensive tent in a decent storm flying debris could puncture your tent and hey presto oooohhhh poooballs.! They arnt made for rain maybe a little sun shower but not rain.

[firstlight]

My example was the 2010 Queensland Astrofest. The event extends over 10 days and I don't think anyone expected 75mm in one day/night :eyepop:, but even 10mm can seriously fill the covers if they don't have some sort of centre support.

I am considering using a tent like this for a dark sky site, until I have the means to erect a more permanent observatory... the dew sometimes get pretty heavy, let alone any shower activity.

$2k is out of my league, but $800 might get it over the line as a portable observatory, cover, and "warm room/control room". And all insect free for when the weather is more pleasant, but the bites aren't :lol:

[Davros]

Just imagine setting that first big sucker up on the imaging field at Astrofest :lol::lol::lol: you would be pelted with eyepieces. Thats one big observing tent. I prefer the bicycle storage style one that was there this year for eletronics with a trusty tarp covering the scope.

[issdaol]

As long as I was pelted with some denk's, pentax's and televues that'd be fine :-) :-)

[firstlight]

Did you see how much space Anne-Louise and I took up this year? We both set up a portable toilet near each other, draped a tarp over both of them to create an entrance hall between us, the we both had scopes; my imaging rig, the 10" dob and the eq5 for camera mount. I thinke we consumed a large portion of the field as it was :lol:

We will likely be doing the same again even if we travel the path of the observatory tent. The tent is intended to be the dark site observatory.

I'm with Phil, I can accept donations of eyepieces :D

[thunderchildobs]

Something else to think about with the "loo" type tents is that they are useful for keeping dew and rain off computers, they are pretty useless at blocking stray light for your computer. Computers in the tents still need to be red light safe. If your red filter is knocked over, the tents glow like a xmas tree. The tents really need a large tarp over them if you what to attempt to use a computer without a red filter.