observatory planning/drawing

[okiestars (Art Trail)]

It may be a couple of years, but I have a dream of converting the roof of my 10x20 shed into an upstairs observatory. (sshhhh....my wife doesn't know yet! ) Is there a certain software app that most DIY'ers use to draw out their pre-planning drawings? (freebie preferred).

I'm not sure what type of roof I am going to use. Or if I am simply going to plop a SkyPod on a modified part of the roof. But I have seen many great ideas in this forum!

Thanks!

Art

[Astroman (Andrew Wall)]

I used Google Sketchup for most of my drawings. Is this 10m x 20m or 10ft x 20ft?

Some building structures would require council planning before the modification could take place, one of the reasons I couldn't change my 6m x 3m shed I would have had to have had council approval, in case anything had happened. Not sure what the USA rules are regarding modification though.

[mldee (Mike)]

Probably not relevant in your location, but I used polycarbonate sheeting for my 2.4mx2.4m RO roof. Very lightweight and the ribbed (like galvanised sheet) version is quite strong, although I think you'd need a lot more support under it if you have decent snow loads in OK.

It's main other advantage is that it's smokey coloured translucent, giving good daytime lighting in the obs.

But all things equal, I don't think you could beat the SkyPod approach ;p

Good luck and start buying some nice bling for the wife.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I second the motion for Google Sketchup.

Fantastic program.
I looks complicated but its a really easy program to use.
Here is one I did when I was designing our Club Observatory. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUWtiUxVv10

[okiestars (Art Trail)]

Thank you for all of the replies.

Astroman, this is a 10x20ft. Fortunately I do not need any city approval to do anything on my property. I bought a house that strangely lies in between city border lines. So I could probably drill an oil well and there's not much they could do about it.
I will certainly be looking at Google Sketchup!

Mike, I am really considering the Skypod. Whatever I choose, it must be able to sustain very high winds (70mph+) and high heat (110-115F). Snow is not too much of a problem, although it happens. We get a lot of tornadoes, and I live on a hill, so wind is the main concern. Although I know that only steel or very heavy brick would stand a chance against an F1 - F3, so there is only so much I can do there.

Ken, the observatory sketch looks great! Inspires me to get started.

Now, to start saving up for the bling!

Art