Observatory Dome Search

[cpt cooties (Cpt cooties)]

I have been looking for a dome that suits my needs, The Sirius 3.5m school Dome seems to be about as close as i can get,BUT i donot like their idea on the lower hatch, how it drops out and hangs by a hinge.

Does anyone know of a alternate dome supplier or of a method of putting the bottom hatch on rails like its top hatch. I considered the Astro Domes products but they are just a little bit too expensive for me.

Regards Coot's

[kinetic (Steve)]

Coots,

If you want to save dollars and are handy on the tools
you could build one.
Myself and Baz (Bloodhound) and a few others have done
this.
My take on the Joe Garlitz foam dome has a 3 ft side wall and
steps inside and out.
A 3 door system is used to have access and reach all parts of the
sky with the scope.

Pic 1 shows the 3 doors side on.
Small bottom door removes to stop having
to step over any obstruction in the dark.
Middle door is the lockable main door.
And the top door can either stay and run on rails or
just lift off also.

Pic 2 shows all doors off
Pic 3 shows the inside set of steps and the scope.

Steve

[ChrisM]

Sounds like a hinged out lower door would foul on something when you spin the dome. Mine is hinged but is well high enough to clear everything.

I had heard of slot covers that just clamp on in two sections, such that you just have to undo the latches then lift them off. No sliding mechanisms to go wrong - just unlatch and take off each time.

In case it gives you an idea, I've just re-made my sliding shutter, using two curved pieces of plywood for the frame, spaced apart with three lengths of 3/8" all-thread. I have six bearings 35 OD x 10 ID x 11 wide fixed on the all-thread, and I fixed a sheet of "sign white" over the frame. The whole lot runs on aluminium rails.

Some pics attached.
Cheers, Chris

[acropolite (Phil)]

Here's a site with plans for a simple DIY dome without having to do the geodesic bit. It's built with segments like the portions of an orange.

[KenGee (Kenith Gee)]

Coot's the bottom door doesn't cause any problems so far for me. I have had my dome for nearly 2 years.

[netwolf]

I just was over at my mate Peter's place and saw his Sirus observatory finally put back on his upstairs balcony. He had it in parts for ages, as he had installed it in the backyard for a while some time back and then dismantled it. Wow. it was just awesome in there, so much room 3 bays.

My next obsession is starting to form in my mind now. Buying one is well out of my budger in the near future. But building one sure seems easy when you look at these pics. But not having any DIY skills would mean it would have to be some sort of joing venture with another local party who wants one as well but has more DIY skill. Has anyone done this in partnership before like build two of them. Secondly with good plans would it be possible to get say parts of it pre cut by a shop? While i dont have DIY skill i could still help with litle instruction i am sure. Just keep untied aprons and buffing machines away from me. In case i relapse and nearly stranlge myself. u had to have been there.

Also has anyone come accross a design that is easy to dismantle if need arise.


Regards