Anyone have a Skyshed POD yet?

[sheeny (Al)]

Just wondered if anyone has a Skyshed POD yet?

I'm interested to see how they perform, particularly when view near zenith. From memory the shutter doesn't expose zenith to the turn of about 8" based on the drawings, and I'm keen to know if this is a problem or is the trick to set the pier/scope up offset from centre?

Al.

[Night Owl]

Originally Posted by sheeny

Just wondered if anyone has a Skyshed POD yet?

I'm interested to see how they perform, particularly when view near zenith. From memory the shutter doesn't expose zenith to the turn of about 8" based on the drawings, and I'm keen to know if this is a problem or is the trick to set the pier/scope up offset from centre?

Al.

Yeah, offset looks the way to mount. But they look that small that they are best suited to cassegrains and Mak's. Not much room for a large newt on a EQ. Still, I wouldn't mind one.

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Al, build yourself a roll off roof shed and spare the grief and expense ;-)

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Night Owl

Yeah, offset looks the way to mount. But they look that small that they are best suited to cassegrains and Mak's. Not much room for a large newt on a EQ. Still, I wouldn't mind one.

That's what I thought. The size isn't an issue for my current scopes.

Most obs' I've seen with an offset pier have the pier offset towards the closest pole (i.e. SCP in the southern hemisphere). Is there logic to which way to offset the pier?

Al.

[Matty P (Matt)]

A Skyshed sounds very interesting.

Does anyone have a link?

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Matty P

A Skyshed sounds very interesting.

Does anyone have a link?

Here ya go, Matt!

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

BTW I joined the skyshedpod yahoo list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skyshed-pod, and I think now the disadvantage of not seeing zenith is probably a reasonable compromise to keep the design simple.

Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Al, build yourself a roll off roof shed and spare the grief and expense ;-)

Don't worry, Fred, I've been considering that option. Just thrashing all the ideas around for the time being... when I get moved to my new property out of town, and all the expenses of the move have settled with the dust, then it'll be decision time!

Al.

[DRCORTEX (Lance)]

I'd be happy to have one in the backyard, but like most, have to tramp 100km or so every couple of weeks, to get away from the city pollution.

Love to move west, but, not in the position to do so - sigh!

cheers
Lance

[Matty P (Matt)]

Originally Posted by sheeny

Here ya go, Matt!

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

BTW I joined the skyshedpod yahoo list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skyshed-pod, and I think now the disadvantage of not seeing zenith is probably a reasonable compromise to keep the design simple.

Al.

Thanks Al,

I am seriously considering getting one. I will see how things go.

How much do you think they will be in AUD?

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Matty P

Thanks Al,

I am seriously considering getting one. I will see how things go.

How much do you think they will be in AUD?

I don't know, Matt, but Matthew at http://www.telescopes-astronomy.com.au/ had this to say in his last newsletter:

SKYSHED POD OBSERVATORIES
LATEST NEWS -
There is now a new optional Black Liner for the POD Bay. In a two step molding process, an additional 15 lbs (7 Kilos) of virgin black polyethylene is melded to the inside of the outer POD Bay wall, forming one wall lined in black.

This extra weight creates an even stronger, thicker walled POD Bay, providing extremely high Infrared radiation protection. Hi IR protection means the POD Bay will stay cooler in temperatures over 100 F.

We can now give accurate quotes for the SkyShed Pod Observatories and now able to accept orders for the SkyShed Pods.

Contact us for the price list. Please supply your contact details and delivery address. We will quote a price including delivery.

YOUR DETAILS
Please forward us the details of the SkyShed Pod you want:

- model
- dome colour
- wall colour
- number of shelves

http://www.skyshedpod.com/

DELIVERY
We'll drop the Pods off ourselves, to the eastern states only (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne at this stage), to help save on shipping costs. I expect the interstate shipping costs to be halved based on a quote from Toll/Ipec from Adelaide to Brisbane of $1100 for the Standard POD and $1300 for the XL-3 Pod.

You can of course pick up the Pod yourself.

I haven't got serious enough to ask for the price list yet!

Al.

[Ric]

Hi Matty, I bought the plans for the original skyshed and intend to modify them to a flat roof and include a warm room. They also include plans for a pier as well.

Might be worth looking into as well.

Cheers

[Matty P (Matt)]

Have a look here about the POD.

http://www.andysshotglass.com/POD.html

Makes me want to get one even more!