Gazebo Observatory?

[glend (Glen)]

I have been looking for an observatory solution that I can take away camping for a week, to keep the dew and sun off the scope. I have a large shower type popup and it worked well with my 12" dob but now the 16" is too tall for it. Has anyone used the gazebos sold at places like Bunnings and outdoor stores? I am talking about the portable ones.

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by glend

I have been looking for an observatory solution that I can take away camping for a week, to keep the dew and sun off the scope. I have a large shower type popup and it worked well with my 12" dob but now the 16" is too tall for it. Has anyone used the gazebos sold at places like Bunnings and outdoor stores? I am talking about the portable ones.

I also have a 16" scope, I use one of the popup shower/toilet tents you can buy, When I have finished observing I just lift it over the top and put the tie downs on and zip it up.
It fits perfectly.
One tip, put the roof supports in because if it rains during the night/day the roof will fill up with water and eventually leak through.
You can use it for your computer and charts while observing, put your stuff in the car when you have finished cover up the scope with the shower tent, and go to bed.
Cheers

[mikerr (Michael)]

This thread is timely as I have been thinking about the shower tents as a temporary cover as well.

Which type have you guys been using? One of these?

http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/p...d=224124#Cross

I have wondered if there is a way to cut through the bottom front of the doorway to mount it on a board with a cut out and just wheel it away.

I think the Gazebos are very exposed from the lack of sides, although, "Harb" shows his in use in post #41 in this thread.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=116881

Michael.

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by mikerr

This thread is timely as I have been thinking about the shower tents as a temporary cover as well.

Which type have you guys been using? One of these?

http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/p...d=224124#Cross

I have wondered if there is a way to cut through the bottom front of the doorway to mount it on a board with a cut out and just wheel it away.

I think the Gazebos are very exposed from the lack of sides, although, "Harb" shows his in use in post #41 in this thread.

Michael.

Older model but basicely the same.
Maybe you could cut either side of the door at the bottom so it folds down, then Velcro it so it closes again.
The only problem is the zip goes all the way round.
I am sure were there is a will there is a way.
Cheers

[glend (Glen)]

The one I have been using (and which the 16" dob just touches the hook), is by Oztrail and it's the popup kind. There is a pretty easy way to put them over a scope (at least a dob) and that's to put the dob down to horizontal position and slide the popup cubicle over the dob tube (with the door open) and then simply stand the cubicle up as you push the dob tube up to vertical.

With the popup ones you can't cut out the bottom because the poles are the frame and run all around the bottom. They are open at the bottom (in the middle so there is plenty of room).

I was considering a gazebo just to get abit more room under cover.

BTW, most popup toilet/shower cubicles are ventilated at the top, and the Oxtrail is too. I throw a small plastic tarp over the top to prevent rain etc from getting in if necessary, but is goo for ventilation and dew doesn't seem to get in anyway.

That BCF one has a separate pole frame that has to be assembled so be aware of that, it probably cannot be handled to drop over the top of a scope (it would come apart I think).

I will have a look at Harp's gazebo photo.

[michaellxv (Michael)]

I have one I use in my backyard to block wind and stray light mostly from my own house . I hang tarps around the sides, they can get a bit noisy blowing around in the wind. I have left it up for a week or so at a time if I know the nights are going to be good, but I still put the scope away in the shed each night.

I took one of the roof struts out to give me a clear view of half the sky and I just fold back the roof half way to help keep it as dark as possible inside.

There's a pic in this thread

[Warren]

I would seriously avoid the Bunnings gazebo idea. Just a moderate breeze and they will fly away, roped down or not. If it doesn't fly away, it will buckle, break and then will ruin your setup. Not worth it...

Warren

[glend (Glen)]

Yeah I hear you, I will probably stick with my popup cubicle for now. It can be staked down and has low windage relative to the gazebos.

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

I got 2 of these http://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-ou...aulin_p3332212 and double sowed them together along 3 sides to create a hugh telescope condom. Just pull it over when finished.