Hi all...
Since being part of this great forum, I have admired (and envyed!) those who have built their own observatory..to be able to set up quickly with all the neccessary resources, comforts, etc..
After much planning I deceided to transform the horror patch in the corner of the backyard into a place where I could observe the heavens without any fuss..
The requirements however did need careful planning owing to the lack of space.
A roll-off roof was out of the question, so my best option was a roll-away observatory with the scope's motorized mounted sitting on a pier.
After levelling, packing and paving the area, the hole for the pier was dug. (a time capsule has been placed under the pier).
The mould for the pier was made from particleboard lined with pvc film, triangular in shape. Three 100mm wide x 1000mm long concrete pins were cast and placed into the hole prior to the first pour for the square base. the next day the mould was placed on top of the base and the second pour was done. A steel frame was set into the concrete as well as three polystyrene discs to make the recesses for the mount's legs.
The mould was removed after a week and allowed to fully dry prior to sealing and painting.
The next step was to make a "wedge" to accomodate the shape of the pier and this will attached to the bottom framework of the observatory. 25mm x 150mmm timber was used for the framework, door, walls and roof trusses. All joints were glued, screwed and sealed inside and out.
In order to make the observatory pivot while moving, castors were used for the back section while fixed wheels were used for the front. A large chromed handle fitted to the outside corner made moving the observatory around easy.
A corrigated tin roof finished the obsevatory. A large dial thermometer fitted above the door made it easy to work out cool-down times.
All that was needed was a step stool and an observing chair to fit inside.
Later on, a fold-out table and a set of screens to block out the street light completed the job.
The first night-time test went very smoothly, a few minor tweeks on the mount and that's it!!..all done!!
So now I can enjoy viewing more comfortabily and in a lot less set-up time.
Cheers!!
I have managed a few photo's..
