Hi! Here are some thumbnails of my low cost re-locatable roll-off observatory. The design is based upon a standard shed supplied by Shed City (based in Kilmore, Victoria). Shed City agreed to supply modified parts (e.g., the split roof and roll-off rails) to our specification which saved heaps of time and money. Because history has shown that I have to move house on average once every three years, I wanted a facility that could be relocated with reasonable effort. The observatory can be disassembled in one day, transported on the next day, and then reassembled in another. Three adults are required to disassemble and reassemble the facility safely, and it is a good idea to choose a wind-free day. Although the observatory itself is easy to erect, the all-important foundations usually require many person days to prepare. I dig out 6 inches of earth, level the base, and then lay ceramic tiles on a bed of sand to help suppress ground vibrations. The final ceramic surface must be very level to ensure the observatory walls fit snuggly and the roof rolls on and off smoothly. As with any building, getting the foundations right is crucial. You can look at higher resolution versions of the attached thumbnails here:
Gah! If only I'd have known about this a few weeks ago! What an excellent set up.
I just bought a shed from an online retailer called Cheap Sheds (3.0 x 1.9 x 1.8 at highest, 1.7 at front, skillion roof). My plan was (is actually) just to flip the whole roof back when viewing, I don't really need a roof when viewing as I can put some cloth or laser-lite on where I'm going to be sitting with the computers and stuff.
I'm interested in how to stop moisture coming in under the floor though. How did you do it?
The inside of the observatory remains dry in heavy rain and has survived many episodes of gail force winds. However, there are heavy dews most nights where I live about 10 km from the coast so moisture on the inside surface of the roof is definitely an issue. Basically, I have just learned to live with heavy dews. I run dew heaters on all the optics and leave a plastic bag over the computer before going to bed. The camera body runs warm so no dew forms on its surface. I don't think that any of my equipment has failed due to moisture - yet.
OK, I don't think that I actually answered your question properly. A small amount of moisture will seep in between the ceramic tiles during sustained heavy rain, but it is a very minor issue. I set a mini-wall of ceramic tiles standing up on their sides around the base of all the walls, and then grass grew thickly up against the vertical tiles, so the base is almost water proof; unless of course the observatory is located on the site with very poor drainage!
If they're willing to supply an already modified shed, I'm sure there would be a steady stream of orders. How much extra did you have to do after their modifications?
Very cool set up.
I was going to build my observatory from scratch, but since my shoulder is busted I'm looking at other options.
How big is your observatory?
Did they charge you much for custom work?
I have retrieved the original tax invoice from my file and the total cost of the shed with modified parts was $916 way back in 2007. That's an expensive price to pay for a garden shed. However, it is a top quality shed which will last decades without corrosion. I cannot recollect the details, but I was definitely charged a premium for the modifications, but decided it would cost far more in time and money to try to cut or manufacture the parts myself. I wasn't actually the brains behind the detailed design. I worked closely with my skiing buddy who was the former head of a mechanical workshop and brilliant with all things practical. We provided precise descriptions of all the modified parts and that must have helped to keep the costs down. That is, Shed City did not provide a "custom observatory design service". If you want to go down the garden shed path, I would inspect and study standard models, ask for the CAD drawings or take a tape measure, and then carefully decide on the modifications so you can tell the manufacturer exactly what you want.
According to the tax invoice, the observatory is based upon a standard Shed City shed measuring 2.7 m x 2.83 m x 1.95 m. I thought this size was just about perfect and will hopefully one day comfortably house a 12-inch astrograph on a heavy duty mount (budget pending). I suspect one could fit a 14-inch SCT with room to spare, but I wouldn't push my luck with a larger model.
... I cannot recollect the details, but I was definitely charged a premium for the modifications, but decided it would cost far more in time and money to try to cut or manufacture the parts myself. I wasn't actually the brains behind the detailed design. I worked closely with my skiing buddy who was the former head of a mechanical workshop and brilliant with all things practical. We provided precise descriptions of all the modified parts and that must have helped to keep the costs down. That is, Shed City did not provide a "custom observatory design service". If you want to go down the garden shed path, I would inspect and study standard models, ask for the CAD drawings or take a tape measure, and then carefully decide on the modifications so you can tell the manufacturer exactly what you want.
Just looked through your photos- the shed looks really good. i also have an EQ6 and do not really want a pier.
I am not mechanically minded ( ) so just wondering if you have those original plans and if you are willing to share / sell them? and I live in Melbourne so Kilmore is easy to get to.
the design seems more simple than some other roll-off roof designs, although i think a lot of thought went into it...
Unfortunately I don't have a set of plans with measurements; most of the detailed design work took place in my friend's extremely good mind. However, I will check to see whether he prepared any drawings on his computer, and post them for free if they are available. Yes, a lot of thought went into the design. The end result is something very simple and effective. One doesn't need to drive out to Kilmore. We did our business through their display shed at Thomastown. I too am not keen on a permanent pier because life is not permanent for the likes of me. Chances are I will have to move yet again, and again - that's why the observatory is relocatable. Why waste one's time with a pier?
Thanks a lot for the info Murray.
I presume yours is one of the RHS 40mm x 70mm Tube Frame Sheds?
Same size shed now costs $864 - pretty decent.
Looks pretty solid, stronger then your average shed.
Great starting point.
Now I have to find something similar in my area...
Unfortunately I don't have a set of plans with measurements; most of the detailed design work took place in my friend's extremely good mind. However, I will check to see whether he prepared any drawings on his computer, and post them for free if they are available. Yes, a lot of thought went into the design. The end result is something very simple and effective. One doesn't need to drive out to Kilmore. We did our business through their display shed at Thomastown. I too am not keen on a permanent pier because life is not permanent for the likes of me. Chances are I will have to move yet again, and again - that's why the observatory is relocatable. Why waste one's time with a pier?
thanks for checking. still, maybe it would be possible to recreate the shed from the photos if i take them to Kilmore. if that is ok...
i think i would be ahppy with just the EQ6 mount, as well.
) so just wondering if you have those original plans and if you are willing to share / sell them? and I live in Melbourne so Kilmore is easy to get to.
