Skyshed Pod

[lazjen (Chris)]

(Not sure what forum to post in, feel free to move it to a more appropriate one if required )

I've been looking around for options for an observatory that's either mobile or semi-portable, and have stumbled across the Skyshed Pod. I'd like to be able to take something to a dark site for 2+ nights, but also ideally setup semi-permanently in the backyard. Obviously there's a tear down/setup time cost involved, but its modular construction makes it seem like transportation wouldn't be too difficult (am I deluded here? ) .

I was wondering if anyone in the Brisbane region had one of these setups that I could look at?

[lazjen (Chris)]

Ok, been doing more reading... While the weight of it all would be something I could deal with, the amount of space it would take during transport would be excessive. Back to the drawing board...

[mozzie (Peter)]

Originally Posted by lazjen

Ok, been doing more reading... While the weight of it all would be something I could deal with, the amount of space it would take during transport would be excessive. Back to the drawing board...

they say there portable but a lot of hassle and a hugh trailer to take it all..there more a permanent fixture and damm good for there price !!!!!!!!

have you had a look at the tent setup..sirius optics was selling them...

[lazjen (Chris)]

I think I just need to setup a permanent observatory at a dark site, live near by, be financially independent and not need to work and have easy access to high speed internet and other mod-cons. Everything else is a compromise.

Some form of tent might be the way to go for the portable aspect. I can do something else for the backyard.

It's not completely clear from the pics on the Sirius Optics site for the tent - is it just the one opening in the front?

[mozzie (Peter)]

Originally Posted by lazjen

I think I just need to setup a permanent observatory at a dark site, live near by, be financially independent and not need to work and have easy access to high speed internet and other mod-cons. Everything else is a compromise.

Some form of tent might be the way to go for the portable aspect. I can do something else for the backyard.

It's not completely clear from the pics on the Sirius Optics site for the tent - is it just the one opening in the front?

my mate has one and i think 2 openings..we use to use it at astrofest and there plenty roomy and you can store your gear in them

[LewisM]

Little birdie whispering in your ear here...

Go to your local major electronics chain that sells fridges and freezers etc. Ask nicely for the large stiff cardboard boxes they come in... the LARGE ones.

Yes, you can make a FREE and VERY portable "observatory" out of one VERY easily that acts as a windbreak and an open top obs.

I made one by joining 2 large boxes, so there is a split where you enter, then close it with velcro.

Cost - petrol to pick it up, and the original price of the adhesive velcro. I could take pictures, but I am sure you can figure that one out easily enough

[lazjen (Chris)]

Ok, that's a pretty neat idea. I'll have to think about a modular approach for easier transport...

[sheeny (Al)]

There are all sorts of options for a portable "observatory". I'd just like to point out if you look around the POD website and the forum there are guys in the states and Canada who have 2 PODs - one fixed and one they throw in the trailer for star parties...

Yes, its relatively bulky to transport, but if its what you want...

Al.

[lazjen (Chris)]

Actually for a portable/mobile setup I know exactly what I'd like to do, but it's probably not feasible economically. I'd really like to have a modified caravan with a small section converted to an observatory. When parked, the tripod from the mount pokes through the floor and becomes detached from the van - no problems with movement in the van then. But modifying a caravan doesn't look cheap from the research I've done so far.