6 replies to this topic

[James_826]

I picked up a used Explora Dome last month and I am starting to put together plans for it's use. I am planning on just building the standard 50" tall building that one can buy as a kit. I drew out the floor plan with some chalk on the garage floor and fear there will won't be enough space on the inside now. I do some visual when we have company over but the vast majority of the time it will just be me and a computer out there imaging. Will I have enough room for large screen and small desk? Can anyone post up some pictures of their interior using the standard 50" tall round building? I do have some elevation changes where the building will be placed. This might allow me to build a small side "warm room" next to the dome and for it to be a couple feet below the grade of the observatory.

 

Building design:

http://www.explora-d...-Deluxe-1-1.pdf

 

Thank you

-James

[Carl N]

Might I suggest a mock up?

Mark off the circle, then use cardboard cut outs for a desk, pier, etc. Let's you visualize on the ground.

[dr.who]

I have the 50" tall 8' round building. It is tight for one person and a scope. Go 10' at least. I am now going to take it down, buy a 10' X 12' Tuff shed from Home Depot, and either go ROR or put the dome on top.

[radial195]

On the last page of "name your observatory" there is a picture of my used 8' Explora-dome on a 12' diameter building built from 3/4" plywood and 1/8" plywood for the skin. I used a product called GacoRoof to paint all the exposed wood. Has not leaked in over 2 years since completion, even during torrential downpours in the monsoon season. Observatory has 9 bays inside, 1 entrance bay, 6 bays with desktops, 1 open storage bay, and 1 bay for batteries, charger, & misc. stuff. I have had 6 people in it and while cramped with that many it was workable. 

[Lobo59]

I have the 8' ExploraDome and to be honest it would be a bit tight to have more than two people inside the dome at once.

 

I use mine for imaging only, and I control it remotely from my "Shack". (I'm a Ham Radio geek and that's what we call the room were we keep our radios!) I made a DIY table out of a shelf I bought at Home Depot with a piece of Plywood on top and use a stool to sit on when I'm in the dome. You could provide room for your equipment in an optional equipment bay, but I personally think they're ugly. 

 

The 8' dome works great for me and how I use it, but again, it'd be tight with more than one person in it.

 

Have fun with your project!

 

Larry

[James_826]

Thank you everyone for their comments. I went ahead and put together a temporary setup of the dome in the garage using the old base from the old owner. This allowed me to sit in it and setup my laptop, trying out different work positions. It will be a little tight but I think I can make it work.

 

Larry, I like your idea of separate building, I too do ham radio and I can make the second building next years project.

 

 

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Edited by James_826, 27 January 2016 - 10:04 AM.

[Bob Griffiths]

Why don't you call Dan and have him send you the plans for the original wooden  10x10 square building that was standard (do it yourself deal) when the Exploradores first were being sold because Dan at that time only produced the dome itself ... 

 

The square buildings  add TONS of extra interior space NON of which is under the dome itself...

 

Rodney over on the Exploradome Yahoo group also has access to all the planns and modification since day 1 ..

 

Bob G