Quote:
Originally Posted by ozskywatcher
Hi,
Wondering if anyone has suggestions for an affordable observatory for the above telescope.
I want to start to get into astro imaging but don't want the grief of setting up my equipment all the time. I was hoping someone could suggest a relatively easy option. I was even thinking of something as basic as a very large box with a lift up lid.
Many thanks,
Paul Floyd.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gama
I think the cheapest is the roll off shed. The you got the likes of the POD, and then the more expensive items.
I like the roll of shed idea, as you dont need any other mechanical method to rotate the dome/pod to keep the opening in line with the telescope.
Theo.
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G'Day Paul,
to IIS!
What's your budget and needs for the enclosure?
The cheapest is probably just a pier with a lockable shelter over your mount - say a drum for example that you lock to the pier so no-one can get at your mount. It means you still have to attach and remove yor OTA each time you want to use it, but the mount stays polar aligned.
Next option would be a rolloff, or tilt off enclosure just beg enough to house your scope, so you can leave it all setup, but you remove the enclosure to use it. Again make sure it's secure.
Then comes the roll off roof shed. Some people use a basic lightweight garden shed because they are cheap and easy to modify and you probably don't need council approval to erect them (check with your local council) but beware the light weight sheds - they are not strong in storm conditions, and unless you know what you're doing, making the roof roll off is probably going to weaken it further. The shed 1ponders is using looks a good thing to start with!
At least it has a steel frame! If you are going to build a substantial roll off roof observatory, check with your council (if you're lucky you might get an exempt development
) I couldn't though.
The POD looks to me to be the next step up, and I have one on the way.
It is ideal for an 8" SCT. You can take it with you when you move. My council declared it an exempt development, so no extra cost or hassles. My preference was for a roll off roof initially, as a roll off roof shed just looks like a shed, but a POD or dome looks like an observatory and just advertises "expensive stuff in here". Fortunately, I can position it so it isn't visible from the road. I reckon the POD is similar in price (or possibly cheaper) than a roll off roof shed that I know will handle gale force winds when its all costed out and the BA and DA are taken into account.
Beyond that you're looking at the "proper" domes.
Have a look around IIS and try the search function. There's a number of threads on observatories.
Al.
