Absco pool cover observatory - almost ready for first light !!

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Hi Richard - I'm down the road from you in Hahndorf...I have the Stratco pool shed version in my backyard.

After purchasing scope, filters, camera, mount etc a rapidly depleted astro budget necessitated a less expensive obs rethink and the pool shed fit the bill (think it was $499AUD at the time) - wish I'd used the correct google search and found your posts at the time for roof ideas, but came up with a push off/pull on frame!

2 years old now and still providing good service.


Doug

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

Very Nice Doug. I've actually been contemplating something like your push off/pull on frame, as i'd like the option to be able to automate the roof opening (which I cant easily do with my flip open roof).

My setup also means that the underside of the roof is open to the sky when the roof is open, which means it collects dew, which I need to deal with before I close the roof again - whereas your setup would likely prevent that.

hmm - ideas to think about

[dugnsuz (Doug)]

Originally Posted by rmuhlack

My setup also means that the underside of the roof is open to the sky when the roof is open, which means it collects dew, which I need to deal with before I close the roof again - whereas your setup would likely prevent that.

Yes, dew /rain can still accumulate in the roof grooves, but thankfully never reaches the scope and mount. And a slight raise of one side will drain any amount of water away.

I should probably consider some sort of more proactive drainage too

Doug

[sj777 (Dave)]

Hi all,
Thought I'd add my shed build to this thread. I did a lot of comparing of different sheds for roll off, roll out and such and eventually settled on the Absco.

My original plan was a flip lid like Richard but then I realised while building it that the lid didn't go all the way to the ground and having it that way wasn't suitable for me. I'd seen a video of a lift and tilt mechanism on a "mini" observatory and so I went that track and it's working well. A pool pump shed is a great option for space limited setups on a budget.

Quick vid of the roof opening process:
https://youtu.be/0sirFFHqJIk

[Leo.G (Leo)]

That's a great looking unit Dave!
Is that a fancy tilt-a-whirl thingie to wind up and remove the roof in image 4?


Now a serious question, same image, is the roof supported while vertical on the one 1" box section arm as it looks in the image?
If yes it wouldn't be a bad idea to put just a small block under the lower edge of the roof to keep the load off the one strut arm or it will bend with light wind loads and then it's going to cause issues with closing.

[sj777 (Dave)]

Originally Posted by Leo.G

That's a great looking unit Dave!
Is that a fancy tilt-a-whirl thingie to wind up and remove the roof in image 4?


Now a serious question, same image, is the roof supported while vertical on the one 1" box section arm as it looks in the image?
If yes it wouldn't be a bad idea to put just a small block under the lower edge of the roof to keep the load off the one strut arm or it will bend with light wind loads and then it's going to cause issues with closing.

Thank s Leo

haha - the old clothes line pole makes a great spot to mount my Cloudwatcher!

Yeah agree on the issue with the strut. The plan is to offset the longer struts so they move past the short ones' pivot points and the roof will then actually make it all the way to the ground. Certainly a few things need to be polished up before storm season.