I love those Geodesic dome kits, You could rotate the base on some aluminium angle on concrete.
Exactly right.
This particular one is suitable for me (right size), the only problem is there is no connectors, so the building is somewhat complicated.. it can be organised, though - there are 3 variety of spokes, that can be manufactured separately.
The cover plates (Al or galvanised steel) will add to the structural strength of the whole thing.
I am thinking along those lines because of relatively high price of the commercially available domes (like Sirius or Kiwi domes - they are ~10k for 2.3m diameter), and this is not all - you still have to have the building to mount the dome on.
That is why Astro Dome is interesting: very little else is required for the observatory, see here: http://www.astrodomes.com/adome3000.php
But, as I mentioned earlier, it is not available at the moment
How about something like this ( see picture)
Can keep the original base strength and have a good seal.
Have a hole for pier.
only need to strengthen the top area.
You can't see anything below 45° above horizon (as per your drawing).
I still think watertank is not a good idea. Too many issues to sort out, simply because watertank is meant to be watertank and nothing else.
You can't see anything below 45° above horizon (as per your drawing).
I still think watertank is not a good idea. Too many issues to sort out, simply because watertank is meant to be watertank and nothing else.
I thank you for your imput those links are really helpfull.
My location I have only Zenith to 45 Degrees due to 2 story building.
I am going to visit someone with a metal Dome and get extra ideas.
I still like the idea of the water tank though, something about it maybe because of the challenge..
And price of 5000L tank is only $750 leaving extra cash.
Thank you again.
Den
Last edited by Den; 05-03-2013 at 03:18 PM.
Reason: Added price of tank
Well, then perhaps the garden shed (with removable roof... but easier to do here than on plastic tank with no support) could be the best option for you ?
Well, then perhaps the garden shed (with removable roof... but easier to do here than on plastic tank with no support) could be the best option for you ?
I have attached some pictures provides some perspective of area.
My wife likes the look of the round tank (clean appearance).
Garden shed maybe better, but does not look as nice.
Maybe bunch of flowers might help.
Last edited by Den; 01-03-2013 at 02:09 PM.
Reason: Forgot Pictures.
pros:
cheap! , practical for someone handy with basic powertools,
lightweight (one person can lift my 9ft dome, 2 very easily.
Can be torn down easily and moved. Insulates well(keeps scope , computer
cool). Traditional dome benefits of low horizon and wind off scope.
Geodesic very strong. 3 people fit inside mine easily with 12" F5 Reflector.
pros:
cheap! , practical for someone handy with basic powertools,
lightweight (one person can lift my 9ft dome, 2 very easily.
Can be torn down easily and moved. Insulates well(keeps scope , computer
cool). Traditional dome benefits of low horizon and wind off scope.
Geodesic very strong. 3 people fit inside mine easily with 12" F5 Reflector.
With concrete footing and metal pier with small water tank cover is a lot easier for now. Perhaps a little larger tank like in my picture, I can even keep mount parked in home position. (Just add a solar vent fan)
Tank picture is 700mm diam.
Last edited by Den; 01-03-2013 at 04:46 PM.
Reason: added link.
I am glad its been helpful.. .
BTW, the mount fits nicely inside, and I am leaving it all the time like this.
Back on the geo-dome, this mob sells PVC hubs for geodomes relatively cheaply..
3V dome connectors (with one section more below upper half) can be purchased for ~US$500.
Not sure about structural strength, as they are made of PVC.
Of course, one has to add pipes and cover sheet material on top of that.. plus mechanism for rotation, plus convex shutter for slit, plus...
Not cheap!
So, perhaps, the other attachment is the answer...
I need a telescope shed. So I decided to go ahead with my water tank idea.
I have done some work on it, but the weather is quiet warm so it may take some time. The roof will be popped off like a biscuit tin lid.
The door is almost finished.
Regards
Den
Last edited by Den; 05-01-2015 at 09:50 PM.
Reason: Add title.
Has anyone used one of these on their telescope sheds.
(Solar vent ventilator). I am thinking of using this one on the dark round roof section in the image.
Has anyone used one of these on their telescope sheds.
(Solar vent ventilator). I am thinking of using this one on the dark round roof section in the image.
They look interesting, I may look at this for mine. With yesterday's 44.4 deg heat, I am not sure how my setup handled the heat.
They are common in the boatng world where they are used on cabin tops to circulate air into cabins from outside or exhaust hot air - the fan blade is reversible. They don't move a lot of air but can help bring down internal temps alitte and importantly for boats they prevent moisture buildup in a closed cabin. Works best with a louvre vent located to provide across flow.
Your other link :
