Separate Observatories Sub-forum?

[iceman (Mike)]

An idea has been put forward to create a separate "Observatories" sub-forum, where discussions, plans, problems, questions etc about home-made Observatories can go.

Your thoughts?

Use the poll above, and feel free to comment by replying.

[astroron (Ron)]

Good Idea Mike, It saves the same questions being asked time and time again.
It will be a great reference point

[Hagar (Doug)]

Sounds like a good idea as long as such a wide topic does remain within some boundaries. These would need to be stipulated early.

[iceman (Mike)]

Originally Posted by Hagar

Sounds like a good idea as long as such a wide topic does remain within some boundaries. These would need to be stipulated early.

Can you give some examples, Doug?

I actually thought it was pretty well defined within itself - any discussions related to home-made observatories. Planning them, building them, different types, materials, sheds, etc.

[sheeny (Al)]

I voted "yes" Mike, but I had some reservations which might be a long the lines of what Doug's referring to. Suppose I do a little project in my obs, but it might have use to people without an obs - I guess that should go in the ordinary DIY section?

I don't think its a big issue one way or the other. If it was thought to be worthwhile, 1 post is all it takes to cross link the threads.

Al.

[Moon (James)]

One of the good things about IceinSpace is the reasonable number of forums. Makes it quicker to check what's going on.
In this case it's probably justified, just don't let it blow out like CN (I think there are currently over 50, too many IMHO)

[Hagar (Doug)]

Originally Posted by iceman

Can you give some examples, Doug?

I actually thought it was pretty well defined within itself - any discussions related to home-made observatories. Planning them, building them, different types, materials, sheds, etc.

Hi Mike, This could end up a sounding board for everything within home observatories like mounts, computer systems, piers, software and hundreds of other thing which to some degree are pertinent to home observatories but are , or could be related to other threads and topics already catered for within the site.
The basics of design, materials, thermal characteristics, control etc would be great but it is going to be hard to keep it to these topics without it drifting into other topics. The ATM thread gives plenty of scope already and to continually add topics like Cloudy nights only makes it dificult to find things. Cloudy nights is a great forum but it is quite convoluted to find things.
IIS has a good search engine and it is quite easy to find things relevant to your needs without the need to keep adding main topic threads.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Ric]

A good idea Mike.

I am planning to start building my Obs sometime soon so I would definitely find it helpful to have all this type of info under the same roof.

Cheers

[stephenb (Stephen)]

I agree, this is of particular interest to me also, and to have all the information under on section would be easier to locate.

[Blue Skies (Jacquie)]

I've voted yes, I'm just about to construct a club dome/obs and having everything in the one place would be great. Seeing posts/threads in the past has also made me think its a good idea for myself (if only I didnt have so many trees around the house... )

But I also agree having too many sub-forums would be detrimental, making it harder to find info.

[col blumson]

I think this is a good idea. I hope that I may be able to be of assistance.
Best wishes,
Col Blumson astrodomes.