Sirius dome on Colorbond fence ?

[bojan]

I was wandering, if anybody tried to use colorbond or zicalum material for the lower part of the Sirius or Kiwidome (http://www.kiwidomes.co.nz/) ?

I was comparing some prices in Bunny over the weekend (for lower part only of course) and, while the standard wooden construction (treated pine beams, weatherboard and so on) may be cheaper, Colorbond is easier to install and virtually maintenance free.....

[koputai]

Another option Bojan would be 'Mini Orb' from Lysaght. Timber frame, then wrap the Mini Orb around with the corrugations running vertically.

Cheers,
Jason.

[coldlegs]

You could try to find an old 4500 litre galvanised rainwater tank and use that. Chop off the top and make a door in the side. Might work!!
Cheers
Stephen

[bojan]

Thanks guys..
I was having something like this in mind:
http://www.nikauobservatory.com/index.php?p=1_5_Finished-Observatory
However, I was thinking, there is no real need for such an elaborate outside finish and interior - just a simple shelf for computer keypad and screen would do, and of course the length of the building should be ~0.5 metres longer that required for dome (2.4 metres). Also, my property is fenced with colorbond, so..

Still considering.. because the project can't start much earlier than in a year or so.

[Tandum]

I used stratco sheets on mine (http://starshed.celticcomputers.com.au/obs/thewall.htm). As I remember I got them to cut 1.85 meter lenghts and bought 6meters of it for $220. I've forgotten which profile that is.

[Barrykgerdes]

I built my old observatory with colorbond sheets on a timber frame.

The plans are at

http://barry.sarcasmogerdes.com/observatory/programs/OBSVATRY.DOC

The dome is gone now but the special corner pieces for the roof and the crane a re still in the "shed"

Barry

[bojan]

Hi Barry,
Thank you for the ideas and plans - yes this is almost exactly what I was thinking about.
The dome looks very much like Kiwidome (without roof corners)....

[ChrisM]

Hi Bojan,

I agree with Jason that Mini-Orb provides an excellent cladding. It's very easy to fold around (with the ribs vertical). Unless you could get some second hand, the main drawback is its cost, although depending on your wall height and diameter, you may not need many sheets.

When I bought my obs cladding (see http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=48192

it cost around $21.50/metre with about 860 mm cover from memory.

Chris

[Barrykgerdes]

The cost breakdown on my observatory was $619 + about $20 for the sundries and $3200 for the dome. All but the dome and slab were bought at my local timber yard and hardware store in Hornsby heights. Inflation by the CPI should increase the prices by a third.

It would be interesting to see a quote from Bunnings.

Barry

[bojan]

Sirius dome (no walls) + freight will cost me ~ $5500.
I plan to have 1.5 metres walls + door, 2.4m x 3m plus custom designed fitting from square roof to round rail for the dome itself.
Details of this still need to be determined... I was seriously thinking about Kiwidome, but the freight from NZ (~$2000) cost is prohibitive.

[Barrykgerdes]

I did not enlarge on the dome. but I got it direct from Peninsular Fibreglass at dealer price ( favour from the dealer for work done)
Barry

[Vega1]

Have been looking for a second hand sirius observatory but unable to find any. Had a seller on here who lied about having one and cost me a lot of money but oh well.
So found an astro dome which is fully motorised for $3K. Does anyone have any ideas about which is better between astro and sirius? Would still like a second hand sirius but just cant find one.

[acropolite]

I have plans somewhere in PDF format for a nicely shaped dome made from plywood, construction looks fairly simple, and the finished result is close to the Sirius shape.

I can upload if desired.

[bojan]

Yes please :thumbsup:

[Poita]

Double yes please!

[bojan]

Astro Dome (http://www.astrodomes.com/) looks interesting.. since it seems to be made of galvanised steel plates, I feel there will be a need for additional thermal insulation, and possibly sealing (silicone rubber?).

Does anybody have any recommendations and/or experiences to share?

Otherwise, it seems better to me because it's slightly larger than Sirius (they have 2.4m and 3m diameter kit (http://www.astrodomes.com/adome3000.php), ideal for my 10"). No need for additional walls either.
Also, transportation may be cheaper, as it's packed in a much smaller crate.

[Logieberra]

Greg, did you report that dodgy seller?

[5ash]

I wrapped the metal walls from an above ground swimming pool around mine
,gives only one seam.i used two 1200mm high lengths to cover 6ft high walls.
Philip