that tent looks interesting! do you know who supplies it so that I can compare ??
Also I always try to support local suppliers over overseas when possible and it makes sense.
the snake valley camp looks like a nice spot too :-)
The thing I like about the Kendrick tent is:
1: the size at just over 6ft tall so you can stand up in it unless you are taller than 6ft that is
2: Quick setup
3: Ability to leave all the equipment setup and just open and close the observation flap so your gear is protected when not in use
Thanks for the link. I actually remember looking at these some time back.
At the time I had read some negative comments about the quality and stability and also amount of effort to setup and take down so I did not look any further.
Perhaps it has changed so might be worth another look. If anyone has some up-to date information/experience with these I would be VERY interested to hear as it would certainly be a contender
The Astrotent is sold locally by Sirius Optics in Brisbane. website still lists it at AUD299.
I have one obtained as an unwanted prize. It is light weight poly canvas and can be erected and dismantled buy one person, but it is fiddly.
Tent has an open top 2M diameter and a base 3m diameter. There are four doors which I would term crawl-ins for adults.
You can operate a EQ6 or G11 with an SCT, but long scopes may be a problem. There is enough floor space with an EQ mount to roll out a sleeping bag and stow your small scope cases etc.
The main negative is the top. This will hold water and seep unless some type of ridge props up the top. I have replaced the top horizontal hoop with stiffer rods.
The tent would be much more useful with a hoop frame supported "dome" top, that can be easily dropped or errected.
IMHO a more practical & useful solution would be a second hand small camping tent and a Telegizmo 365 cover for your scope.
The tend does look much smaller and flimsier than the Kendrik and Astro options so is probably not suited for me.
A larger modified canvas tent might be worth considering so you have got me thinking on that line as well :-)
Cheers
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brundah1
The Astrotent is sold locally by Sirius Optics in Brisbane. website still lists it at AUD299.
I have one obtained as an unwanted prize. It is light weight poly canvas and can be erected and dismantled buy one person, but it is fiddly.
Tent has an open top 2M diameter and a base 3m diameter. There are four doors which I would term crawl-ins for adults.
You can operate a EQ6 or G11 with an SCT, but long scopes may be a problem. There is enough floor space with an EQ mount to roll out a sleeping bag and stow your small scope cases etc.
The main negative is the top. This will hold water and seep unless some type of ridge props up the top. I have replaced the top horizontal hoop with stiffer rods.
The tent would be much more useful with a hoop frame supported "dome" top, that can be easily dropped or errected.
IMHO a more practical & useful solution would be a second hand small camping tent and a Telegizmo 365 cover for your scope.
Yes it is light weight and in original form "flimsey", That's why I fitted a heavy hoop to the top - improved integrity.
But its main problem is the removable top which is more of a tent fly. If you had a dome shape top cover of more robust canvas, cross over support rods and quick release ties - the whole thing would be very good. (Still considering if its worth the effort.)
For for one-man remote observing in a small car, this would be ideal.
BTW in present form it makes a great wind break / shower cover, but then I paid a small fraction of retail.
That tent sold by sirius optics is good for a EQ6, 10 F4.7 Skywatcher dob and a ED80 piggy backed with all fruit for astroimaging. Yes you do have to do some limbo action to get into the thing but meh it does its job, keep those small puffs of wind hitting your scope, allow you to put the lid on so its covered for the day and you can leave your gear pretty much set up without the need to stuff around when the night comes around again! It isn't made for serviving a tropical downpour but gee if your taking 5-8k worth of electrical equipment out into that kind of environment good on you!
They arnt that fiddly to set. 4 graphite polls to give it shape, the top hoop to keep it open and a few tent pegs. Once you figure out how to put the polls in and pull it up its quite simple (at least i found).
A mate of mine bought the Kendricks and has told me that the size an build is substantial. Plenty of room for the scope and heaps of room in the tent for table, chair, computer gear, and camp bed... All secure from the buzzing (and biting) insects. It is more expensive but not as flimsy or as small as the other tents sold here. Also a better wet weather option.
I have to say I have not seen it erected or used but if I was to go that path, I think I would buy the Kendrick.
I own the previous version of the tent and I can highly recommend it for a couple of reasons. First is the the design and quality. It is a proper tent i.e. it has two layers like any decent backpacking tent and all windows and the zip open roof has insect mesh (which zips open for observing). The other thing is the size. It is massive. You could fit a double mattress in both areas - two in total.
Regards,
Paul Floyd.
Quote:
Originally Posted by issdaol
Hi All,
Been spending a lot of time looking around for a portable observatory or observation tent.
Exchanged emails with Kendricks recently and apparently due to the downturn and limited interest they are ceasing production of the tents.
I have now been working on a rough design with the engineer at southerncross as they think they can make one to specifications.
If everything pans out it will be a completely self-supporting tent a bit larger than the Kendrick, with 12oz Australian canvas, heavy duty flooring, good airflow, heavy duty mesh and zips and come with Australian support/warranty.
Hi Phil, if it is not too late for suggestions. I think that the Kendrick solution i.e. 2 parts, one for the scope and an insect screened enclosed section for the observer to sit in would be ideal. I would be interested in the cost associated for one of these units.
what would be the best is not have something that takes you a hour to set up. I think that the original size of little octagon would be ample sufficient only with a bigger door, and better material it would be perfect. 4 posts 8 pegs 15 or so minutes happy days.
A big tent like that is good for extended week long or more trips which not many people do.
Just my thoughts to the idea to make it actually profitable! keep the price down make it practical and it will sell! That would be the reason why the Kendrick version flopped great product but at 800+ dollars thats a new telescope, filters, eyepieces etc
Tony:
Will keep you posted. We are still working through the design.
Brendan:
I agree that a quick setup and low cost is good, however with larger scopes, mounts/tripods and other gear a bit of extra space is desired for several days (or perhaps longer). For one night we probably would not bother and just use a traditional scope cover.
Currently the design that is being discussed may have multi-use capability with core elements being:
-Practical for any Australian Latitude
-Self Supporting (pegs only needed under very windy conditions)
-Build strength in Floor, Walls and Roof
-Good airflow design for those hotter nights
-Insect & Waterproofed
-Reasonable space for all equipment and other observers with relative comfort
Ide have to say im not a stranger to big scopes I run a 10" Newt. I believe that the amount of people doing 7 day plus trips are not common and hence unless its just for yourself to design a big telescope tent then the amount of people willing to fork out large amounts of cash would baulk even if it was a far better product.
Its just my thoughts because ide love to see a good quality telescope enclosure for somewhere around 400 dollars and if i wanted somewhere to sleep a small tent would work perfectly for that.
Hopefully I'm not going to be perceived as bagging the smaller observing tents, but they are just that... Small. The concept is great but I have seen plenty of people using them with short tube refractors and the like and even with the tripods set low they are barely covered not to mention the way they capture any rain. A couple got a drenching a few years ago at the Queensland Astrofest, even with bailing them out at intervals.
My interest is a setup that caters for being able to be adequately protected from moisture, and providing an area to have the computer and other equipement nearby and in an insect proof environment. I am like may others on this forum and use the portable dunny for the laptop and my gear and I think the combined unit is an elegant solution. The cost remains to be seen
