I've been entertaining the idea of an observatory but building a permanant one in the backyard is not an option, especially considering within the next two years i will be moving.
Tear down and setup costs me a significant amount of time, so much so that i don't do anything during the week (and thus lose valuable clear nights). I'd like to set it up, and leave it up for a few weeks, pulling it down to mow the lawn or if i know i won't be able to do anything for a week or so (or the wheather turns terrible).
Has anyone attempted a non-permanent setup?
My thoughts are:
- Build a base, made of wood with some spikes (steel) on the three corners. Spikes will be pushed into the ground and the base levelled. This will keep it off the grass and remove any water problems. Concerns are movement due to excessive amounts of water (rain) which will destroy the alignment, maybe even cause tippage if extreme. Maybe with use of long spikes it will be fine. The use of wood may be a problem (flex as the weight distribution moves). Steel may be an option but it will be very heavy.
- Mount will just sit on tripod on the base, no pier, or depending on how this goes, i might look into a non-permant pier with legs.
- Enclosure. I was thinking some sort of tent or shelter. Concerns are wind breaking it/blowing it over, water seepage through rain and condensation/heat. Also i wouldn't mind something a bit easy to setup and remove. Maybe a heavy canvas tent/shelter will work? Tent may be a bit too flimsy for protection. Not sure what other options i have though, maybe i can construct something of tin sheets that will be a bit light, but that removes the non-permanent option.
The other option would require a lot of hagling with house members, and that is to tear down a (permanent) sun shade that has been up for many years, get some fill (the area is recessed, using it for astro work would limit FOV severely), chop down some bushes and plants and then buy a cheap garden shed (2x2m or so), cut the roof off and see if i can get a roller door to fit. This would be permant, but costs should be low, hopefully less than $2k with a cheap shed and fill. Then grab a pier from Andrews (non permanant, but will be better than the tripod). Should stand up to the weather and will not require tear down for mowing. I am highly tempted by this option.
Finally, any recommendations for businesses that will do custom sized sheds in Brissie? Fair few around; looking for recommendations based on dealings you have had with them etc.
Cheers.