I am just going over some of the finer detail on the design of the observatory and have a sticking point I need help on.
With the rolloff roof, I can "waterproof" three sides - what I call the front and back, and the end wall that the roof rolls over. But what about the opposite end where the roof stops when it is rolling back onto the observatory.
The way I see it, the roof cannot have anything hanging down below the level of the wall, or else it will not be able to roll off.
The only thing I can think of, is to have the top section of the wall hinged, so it can be folded inwards when I want to roll off the roof. This hinged section can then help lock the roof inplace when I want to close everything.
I just use 6 inch black plastic on the outside of the observatory, the kind that builders use. Comes on 10 metre rolls and is pretty cheap. I put around 1 inches under a piece of edging (painted) to secure it to the end so that about 5 inches hangs down making a nice weatherproofing. Have used it for years and it works great, you do however have to pull it out if it curves under, but that's simple. There is also the same on the inside of the observatory. It is available in most harware stores.
PeterM
I am just going over some of the finer detail on the design of the observatory and have a sticking point I need help on.
With the rolloff roof, I can "waterproof" three sides - what I call the front and back, and the end wall that the roof rolls over. But what about the opposite end where the roof stops when it is rolling back onto the observatory.
The way I see it, the roof cannot have anything hanging down below the level of the wall, or else it will not be able to roll off.
The only thing I can think of, is to have the top section of the wall hinged, so it can be folded inwards when I want to roll off the roof. This hinged section can then help lock the roof inplace when I want to close everything.
I am wondering how others have addressed this?
Thanks
Darrell
I did something similar using black rubber floormatting from Clark Rubber. It has enough flexibility to smoothly 'flop' over the bits at the end of the building when you roll on/off. I also made the roof dimensions so that it overhangs about 4" at each end (not needed on the sides) so that there is plenty of cover between the rubber and the wall gap.
When I finally get the obs looking presentable, I'll take some happy snaps and put them up with some comments on my learning curve.
This weekend I have moved a step closer to my Observatory. After some messing around with local authorities I now have a road (of sorts), and gates onto the property. It has taken a little longer than I expected, but at least this major hurdle is over.
The photo of the front gate is taken from the inside looking out.
Gday - I see a bit earlier that Mr Peter M was talking about Leyburn and observatories (not that you should believe a word he says - but what the heck) he did convince me to put a warm room in my observatory at Leyburn. I have been there for the last 3 nights and it was minus 1 on Friday early morning (cold for a Gold Coast sook) - I was sitting in my control room in a T Shirt. It is a 5 x 3 metre framed shed with a 3 x 3 metre roof section that rolls off and leaves a smallish (1.7m x 3 m) room for a control / warm room. Walls and ceiling are fully insulated and I have found just having the computers and electronics running in there - the room stays comfortably warm - no need for the gas heater yet but that will change next month I am sure. The insulation also allows me to have Led Zepplin playing at dB levels that will make your ears bleed without annoying anyone else.
My advice is that an observatory should be a place you want to be in - not a cold miserable place you cant wait to get out of - I use this latest observatory 10 times as much as I used my last home observatory. It costs a couple of extra bucks but I think it is a great investment.
Someone asked about obs images efore - I dont have any of Petes but have included a couple of mine for ideas - best advice from Pete I ever got (Even supernova hunters have good ideas sometimes - I'm going to cop hell for this aren't I PM )
I agree with Pete - please feel welcome to come bush as see us sometime
I forgot to say Darrellx - I think the waterproofing you are talking about is in my photo where the roll off section meets the fixed roof ection. If it isnt forget everything I am going to say.
What I have done (well in the process of doing really) is I have left the corrugated end of the fixed section of roof on an up (corrugation finishes high) if that makes sense (as opposed to a down (trough)). The roll off section of the roof is just high enough to roll over the fixed secion by about 150 mm (horizontally) and 25 mm higher. I have just got some rubber material about 50 mm wide and 10 mm thick and I am attaching to the 'up' section of the fixed roof so that when the roll on section comes to it it pushes on it and forms like a horizontal U. For such a simple thing it takes some describing.
I also put what they call cats whiskers (ie the stuff on the mudgaurds of semi trailers) around the roll off section to assist in keeping the dust out. Its damn expensive but works really well - also sweeps the channel clean as the roof rolls.
I would say from experience, to plan a bit of space around your scope. There is nothing worse than having to try to squeeze around it in the dark without knocking it.
Had I known, I would have planned a 5 metre dome instead of three.
Thanks for the tips guys. I love the idea of a fixed roof section. That should help evercome most of my concerns about the roof and a warm room. I read your post twice (or three times) Mark. It makes sense.
The size is something that I just have to settle on. Space on the property is not an issue. I started out with a 3x3 shed; went to a 4x3 shed. Now I am thinking 4x3.5 or 5x4. I don't want to be cramped, but I don't want a hugh empty cavern either. My plan is to have somewhere between 500mm and 1000mm of space all around the scope if it were to swing in a horizontal arc.
Before I build anything, I will have to make a trip to Leyburn and have a look.
I agree with Barry re room around the scope. I lost 3 subs last weekend by bumping the counterweights as Rho Opiuchus rose near the meridian. (I was using a shutter release cable on the DSLR - I had left the DS-USB cable at home) - you think a fool would learn by the second bump . That is in a 3x3 area.
We have 6 completed observatories out there now and another 4 under construction and everyone has their own ideas - I dont know who is right but it might be a source of ideas if you are interested - on your way to Warwick one weekend. Temporary accommodation is available - just a bed in a van but it meets the quarter star requirements of the Goodyear travel guide.
I realise that Leyburn is associated with the SAS. Do you guys go out there most weekends? Or do you just have "gatherings" at regular intervals? I would like to drop in and have a look around while someone is there. I will need some directions once I get to the township.
Its not associated with the SAS apart from the fact that a lot of people from the SAS go there (with my blessing) but anyone is welcome. I am a member of SAS but becuse I am out there just about every weekend I've only been to one meeting in about 5 years. I will PM you to explain and give directions.
they are 1900 high to give me anough head height in the control room (I am obvioulsy short) which is bit high for the obs I think but I offest this my making the pier high enough to offset it. Also aids in getting down to the eyepiece of refractors. photo attached
I have decided to go back to the drawingboard for the observatory. After visiting Leyburn (thanks Mark, I got a lot from the visit), I have other ideas for the style of roof.
Originally, I had planned on a simple skillion roll-off. Now, having seen some of the structures at Leyburn, I am VERY impressed with the split roofs in an "A" frame style. One side of the roof can be opened at a time, or both can be opened. The roof halves each roll down a 30 to 40 degree incline. Hard to explain, but that is the thrust of it.
Anyway, I am now looking to change the roof. This will set the construction back a few more weeks.
Here are the views North, East, West. I am fairly pleased with the views. Well, a bit of an understatement there.
Mat, I agree. I can't complain about streetlights. I have to drive nearly 5kms to see one. And wow, the quietness. Unbelievable. My first night out there, my ears were ringing in the silence.
Darrell
Just remember one thing Darrell if are going to build your observatory on top of a hill make sure you anchor it down well ,walls to the floor and the floor to the foundation because wind can become very strong blowing up hill and the last thing your want to see is your observatory blowing across the paddock
Ian C
Well, this is the one thing that has me a little concerned about the "new" roof design. With the single flat roof, I think I had it worked out well to secure it. But with my thoughts on a split roof with a steeper slope I am having a bit of trouble being satisfied that it is secure.
And yes, you are right. Where I am going to build the observatory it does get a bit windy.
This weekend I am going to sit down with a builder mate and see if we can work out some of the finer detail.
Darrell,
The roll off roof design I am using is made of 40 mm stainless steel uni -strut as the guides with 30mm wheel bearing as the rollers with spacers .The roof is made out of 20mm RSH box tubing with a 200mm pitch to allow for the rain water to run off as well as condensation inside.
The Uin-strut is bolted to the top plate of the walls which is held down by the wall sheeting which is held by the bottom plate and hoop iron strapping which is strapped to floor and the foundation ,hopefully this will stop mind for going walkabout in high winds across the paddock .
If you want some pic of the uni-strut design let me know and I will take some and post them if you wish to talk to me give a ring on 0412998031
- but what the heck) he did convince me to put a warm room in my observatory at Leyburn. I have been there for the last 3 nights and it was minus 1 on Friday early morning (cold for a Gold Coast sook) - I was sitting in my control room in a T Shirt. It is a 5 x 3 metre framed shed with a 3 x 3 metre roof section that rolls off and leaves a smallish (1.7m x 3 m) room for a control / warm room. Walls and ceiling are fully insulated and I have found just having the computers and electronics running in there - the room stays comfortably warm - no need for the gas heater yet but that will change next month I am sure. The insulation also allows me to have Led Zepplin playing at dB levels that will make your ears bleed without annoying anyone else.
)
. That is in a 3x3 area. 
And wow, the quietness. Unbelievable. My first night out there, my ears were ringing in the silence.
