We've got the concrete pad poured (10X10X6") any suggestions what to put on?

[Daveskywill]

Hi all IIS members:

This is exciting, my first observatory. There won't be a pier, so

I'll put my tripod in the middle though.

We've already planned on a roll-off-roof. But when we looked at Patrick

Moore's astro page here:

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/10064342/1840068916/name/Building+a+Roll-Off+Roof+Observatory+-+%28Malestrom%29.pdf

it shows so many variations. Any suggestions?

David

[leon]

David there are many variations, but at the end of the day you build what suits you and what is affordable.

As long as it keeps the rig dry and you have a good view from most sides, that's is all that is needed.

A flat roll off is obviously easier to build than a pitched one, and cheaper to build, and stick to a material that will cool quickly, and has good thermal qualities.

Like you said there are so many designs, but at the end of the day it is your choice, they all work the same in the end.

Leon

[Daveskywill]

We were thinking of a metal roof.

Should we paint the roof white to keep the Sun's heat from warming up

the inner observatory?

[leon]

Although a tin roof will get hot either painted or not, white would however reflect some of the heat, yet only minor.
Inside, when i built mine, i lined it with insulation and clad the walls with simple ply, which i left natural, it all worked well.
My observatory was a little different, the roof did not roll away, but the entire building moves out of the way and exposes the rig.
A bit different i know, but it worked well for me.
I also put a fly over the roof with a cavity which would reduce the heat enormously as the roof was shaded and the air would flow through the cavity.

Leon :thumbsup:

[Daveskywill]

Thank you Leon

[Big Dave]

I wrote an article on my obs a few years ago, quite simple to build and has worked great. No water leaks!

http://www.mpas.asn.au/observatory_01.htm