A pod huh? but that has an entire 1/2 exposed to the outside ie it's not a classic dome with a slit, so when you want to image into the wind it offers no protection..? Although I see the Pod visor is available, wonder how much improvement that would be? Do you have the visor?
Might have to go and say hi to Bird, he is just up the road
My scope is set up low so it just clears the wall at the horizon. The open half dome tends to catch a pocket of air in front of it when its pointing into the wind. Its not perfect, but its better than no dome, and better than no walls especially, and the faster wind, the greater the effect of the "still" pocket in front of the dome. I've never experienced it as "still" though.
A wall like Bird's should be better because its higher than the scope, which is fine if you aren't worried about seeing the horizon. Most APers aren't, are they? I could've gone lower in the POD, but I'd rather kick the pier than the objective of the scope!
Al.
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
A pod huh? but that has an entire 1/2 exposed to the outside ie it's not a classic dome with a slit, so when you want to image into the wind it offers no protection..? Although I see the Pod visor is available, wonder how much improvement that would be? Do you have the visor?
Might have to go and say hi to Bird, he is just up the road
Originally designed as a wind break, ended up being a tent as well. I can leave it set-up and sleep inside at the same time.
One thing I found is that is was easy to modify the tent to carry out the task. I still have one more thing to do but have limited time available at the moment. I was also going to create or modify another structure for larger scope but as above limited.
Originally designed as a wind break, ended up being a tent as well. I can leave it set-up and sleep inside at the same time.
One thing I found is that is was easy to modify the tent to carry out the task. I still have one more thing to do but have limited time available at the moment. I was also going to create or modify another structure for larger scope but as above limited.
Very nice work but how is the scope protected from the wind while in use..?
That was the next step to create side walls that could be placed along side the scope. Never really got a round to complete it.
The tripod is currently at maximum extension as well so it can be lowered down to fit well below the height of the tent roof. The hole is big enough to cover a large angle of the sky.
I am/was considering enlarging the hole further and creating another design for a cover when not in use. The main use was to take with me camping and observing and be able to finish up without the need to pack up at night, just park it and go straight to sleep.
Anyone using wind break type structures each session when they set up?
No not me
Quote:
Originally Posted by strongmanmike
Be good to see some solutions if anyone has had a go at this
Mike
No not me either
If I did / needed to, I would go for a broken up set up.. Much like a few tents spread around randomly. Vineyards and orchards use similar tactics or tictacs ..........
Bartman
We just use a prefabricated structure consisting of two wooden frames nominally 2 metres square with cheap plastic type sheeting stretched over and nailed. The two sections are hinged and thus fold together. They have handles for ease in moving. We built them on site with materials from Bunnings
We place them on the windward side of the telescope assembly as required, opened out to be self supporting, and pin them to the ground with tent pegs. No good in a gale but good in any weather conditions that are suitable for photography as a protection from most breezes.
The wind break is stored on site (in the open) and worked well for the last two years.
I think they are about 6ft. However I think the verticals are pre-cut 2 metre length. I haven't got a picture but Trevor might have. They are up at Wiruna you probably saw them last SPSP but did not notice. Our wind break is only one of three similar that are stored there.
The handles are just 100mm shelf brackets and used for anchors as well as handles (because we had them)
Here is a pic. Took us about 2hrs to contruct onsite and takes about 5mins to erect (including carrying it from 50m). I point the apex into the prevailing wind so I dont have full wind force trying to push it over, but it is light enough that it can be moved in minutes should wind drastically change direction.
It stands about 1.9m high, if I did it again i think 2.1m would do better, and each panel is about 2m long.
I have imaged upto about 15 knots before wind creeps around. The structure is fine up to around 30 knots. I am thinking of a Mk2 made a little bigger and from steel RHS.
That looks the goods Trevor and probably within my capabilities even Many thanks to you and your old fart
How do the tent pegs attach?
Mike
150mm right angle shelf brackets from bunnings
, they have screw holes pre-drilled, screwed onto each leg, then hammer 250mm tent peg through hole into ground.
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