imjeffp
Aluminum Falcon
Reged: 09/30/03
Posts: 6103
Loc: Cedar Park, Texas
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I wrote a comparison of the SkyShed POD and the Thinking Outside SmartShed on my blog. I'd appreciate any feedback you may have.
http://imjeffp.blogspot.com/2007/04/observatory-shootout.html
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 14043
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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Nicely done...
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Neo... (Jeff)
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10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
 Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 4374
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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You got me thinking again. Not necessarily a good thing-usually leads to spending money! 
Couple of questions, if you don't mind. How much of the roof opens up? Is it really a matter of unscrewing a few bolts? Do you just lift the disconnected portion back over the fixed portion? Oh, one more-how bug tight is it closed up? Will it keep the wasps out? Humm. More than a couple of questions-bad sign... 
Thanks,
Hubert
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Hubert
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www.smoggybottom.org
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moe134
member
Reged: 05/12/06
Posts: 38
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I have a thinking outside shed and have noticed the following.
1. The shed is in no way "tight" enough to keep wasps etc out. But there is really nowhere for them to get a good enought purchase to build a nest.
2. The roof comes off in two sections, not including the "hutch" extension(third piece that I dont remove). Plus there is a crossbar in the center that I remove sometimes. this a slotted piece that is easy to remove.
3. removing the roof does only take removing the plastic hold bolts- how ever many you have installed.
4. Mine has survived 60+ mph winds.
5. Using a scope longer than about 4'-5' on an EQ mount requires special care in operation due to the narrowness of the shed(approx. 6')
Hope this helps
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Joneil
Vendor (O'Neil Photo)
Reged: 09/28/05
Posts: 218
Loc: Lost City of Lemuria
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I liked your review, but I think you missed one thing. The SkyShed Pod is made 100% Canadian - that is, very high quality control, and very high quality plastic. The SkyShed Pod is designed to withstand some pretty brutal punishment - such as somebody taking a 10 pound sledge hammer to the walls. It has also been tested for some serious extremes in weather too.
I don't know where the SmartShed comes from or how good the quality of plastic is (not all plastics are created equal), but for a portable or temporary building, the SkyShed Pod is extremely tough.
Disclamer - I do NOT sell these things, but I know the people who do make and sell them, and the place where they are made is only an hour's drive away from me, so I kinda do like seeing local factories kept in business as so many local factories in the past have shut down while jobs are going overseas anymore. 
Tounge in cheek mode = ON
My only real "complaint" is that SkyShed Pod should offer a free Glass Tiger CD with every purchase, or at the very lease a built in docking port for your iPod and aa couple free downloads from iTunes
--see: http://www.glasstiger.ca/ - and scroll down to April 17/2007 update.
joe
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Ceravolo Mak-Newt 145/F8
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G'miigwechweaa'naa g'bagidnamaagoing giizo miinwaa dibikigiizo wii aabjikaazying.
Edited by Joneil (04/30/07 10:43 AM)
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jonbosley
professor emeritus
Reged: 10/19/05
Posts: 694
Loc: Texas
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I posted a comment on your webb site. Thanks for the heads up on thre SmartShed.
I must say I am not to concerned regarding someone hitting a shed with 10 pound sledge hammer. I'm looking for something to put my scope in not a safe!
Jon
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Mobile
9.25 EdgeHD Celestron
Atlas Hyper-tuned Mount
Trenched
RCX400 12" Meade
POD Observatory
Reserves
WO 66 SD Doublet APO Refractor
AstroSystems Quantum 18" f5.5 Zambuto Optics
Edited by jonbosley (04/30/07 10:49 AM)
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 14043
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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Quote:
The SkyShed Pod is designed to withstand some pretty brutal punishment - such as somebody taking a 10 pound sledge hammer to the walls. It has also been tested for some serious extremes in weather too.
Since it's only been beta tested for a short time now, it has yet to be tested for the extreme weather...
It has had some Cold, but has not need tested to the extremes yet.. When it goes a full season, from bitter cold, to the extreme heat, and back to bitter cold again, then we'll have the results for the extremes...
Plastic (No matter what kind or quality), expand and contract in temp extremes. We need to wait a full year of testing to know these results...
And I'd love to see a video of someone actually testing out the 10lb sledgehammer on it... Better yet, show me that test when it's 20 below zero...
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Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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Snaproll
Postmaster
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 5095
Loc: Green Bay
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This weekend at NEAF Dan was going to unveil version of Explora Dome that is similar to POD. From the sound of it, at least for my uses (primarily imaging) it will be superior to both a rolloff as well as the clamshell design design of POD. I'm thinking that even though it is wider, it should transport a little easier than a boxed POD.
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Jim W Astro images
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Joneil
Vendor (O'Neil Photo)
Reged: 09/28/05
Posts: 218
Loc: Lost City of Lemuria
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Quote:
I must say I am not to concerned regarding someone hitting a shed with 10 pound sledge hammer. I'm looking for something to put my scope in not a safe!
Jon
Depends. While nothing is truely "safe", in an urban setting such as a back yard, I kinda like the idea of a building that somebody cannot just bust through real quick. Kinda like the "Club" on the steering wheel of your car - a determined thief will get through it, but an opportunistic one will move on to a softer target.
I guess the reason i am thinking of such things is over the wintertime our club warm room out at our rural observing site took a couple shotgun blasts over the winter. Looks like 00 buck shot. It has our local club thinking and re-thinking out plans to put up an observatory. Doesn't look like the original design of a roll-off roof top a wood frame building with metal siding will do the job. Maybe double layered concrete block walls now, eh?
Obviously the SkyShed Pod ain't gonna stand up to gunfire - unless they come up with the special kevlar edition. But still I seriously look at the issue of security in *any* observatory anymore. I recently posted here how one of my customers had a 4" APO stolen off the balcony of his apartment building. wasn't that high up, but the point is, the thief (thieves?) climbed up to the balcony on the outside.
So IMO, the SkyShed Pod could serve as the basis for a very secure observatory, because you just never know anymore.
A sad way to think about these things, isn't it?
joe
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Ceravolo Mak-Newt 145/F8
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G'miigwechweaa'naa g'bagidnamaagoing giizo miinwaa dibikigiizo wii aabjikaazying.
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Snaproll
Postmaster
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 5095
Loc: Green Bay
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I just read the article. I don't really see the "zenith issue" being a major show stopper with a POD. You never really want to image "right at the zenith" no matter what you are using because of balance/tracking issues.
I do see the clamshell being a big minus though for imaging. Sure, it would be great to "see the sky", but if that's the case, I'd get a roll off and save a lot of money. The issues with dew and wind would be a major concern for me with a POD.
Another major concern would be the lack of a track record with the product. Buying "version #1" of any product is always a little risky. Dan at ED told me how their mold initially blew up and put them 6 months behind on production deliveries. He mentioned how the newer domes have adjustable wheels because in big temperature changes, the dome would expand or contract and cause the wheels to bind. Do POD's wheels adjust in and out? Do they need to? WILL they need to once some of these actually get out in the field? There is no way to 'know' until there is some hard testing over time.
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Jim W Astro images
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Strgzr
sage
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
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Sounds like somebody who was determined to get in would only need a utility knife and a pair of shears to get into either one of these units!
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Strgzr
My observatory construction pics
CHECK OUT THIS SITE!
Patina Gardens Observatory Clear Sky Clock
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Spoonsize
DURHAM 157494
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 4141
Loc: Stuck in a Time Warp.
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" So IMO, the SkyShed Pod could serve as the basis for a very secure observatory, because you just never know anymore."
Not to take anything away from the POD, but as far as security is concerned, it is what it is. I guess one could add a more secure locking system??
With a roll-off or other type dome on a home-made base, security could be as tight as one wanted to make it. AND ways to improve upon it would be limitless.
Steve
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IF YOU COULD SEE FROM WHENCE YOU CAME YOU WOULD KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TOO.
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Snaproll
Postmaster
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 5095
Loc: Green Bay
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This looks like the new ED base at NEAF. To break into this you'd need a blowtorch or tinsnips.
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Jim W Astro images
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Joneil
Vendor (O'Neil Photo)
Reged: 09/28/05
Posts: 218
Loc: Lost City of Lemuria
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Quote:
"
Not to take anything away from the POD, but as far as security is concerned, it is what it is. I guess one could add a more secure locking system??
Steve
-snip-
Yeah, you got it right. Many moons ago, in what seems like another lifetime, I was an Auxillary police officer (I think you call them Reservists in the USA).
Anyhow, one of the programs i got involved with was target hardening homes and small businesses.
You would be amazed at how many locks can be overcome very quickly with a portable electric drill and a good drill bit. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, there is a quick scence from near the start of the movie "Snakes On A Plane" that shows the bad guys doing exactly that.
I also see more and more telescope thefts where the telescope itself is the target. 20 years ago, a friend of mine ahd a break in, his 80mm Versonscope APO was stolen, but the thief left behind the eyepieces and diagonal. Obviously they did not know what they were taking.
Today however we have thefts where the telescope itself is either the primary target or the only target. Just read the different forums here, Astromart, yahoo groups, etc, and read carefully the reports people are sending in about theft of equipment. You will see what i mean.
So, IMO, one of the more important aspect of *any* observatory design today - no matter where you are building - is how can i make life miserable for any potential thief. Nothing can be made 100% safe, but you can make things tough enough that a potential thief will move on.
Might be a topic for an article I'll work on and post here in a few weeks
joe
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Ceravolo Mak-Newt 145/F8
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G'miigwechweaa'naa g'bagidnamaagoing giizo miinwaa dibikigiizo wii aabjikaazying.
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Snaproll
Postmaster
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 5095
Loc: Green Bay
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Hey Joe, that would be a great topic. Look forward to reading it.
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Jim W Astro images
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 4374
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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In trying to find a local dealer for the Smart Shed, I called the manufacturer, and they no longer make that model. So unless you find some overstock somewhere, that's it.
Hubert
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Hubert
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www.smoggybottom.org
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imjeffp
Aluminum Falcon
Reged: 09/30/03
Posts: 6103
Loc: Cedar Park, Texas
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Hmmph. It's still listed on their web site and Sam's still lists it. Wonder what the deal is?
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ecarfar
newbie
Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3
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Quote:
This weekend at NEAF Dan was going to unveil version of Explora Dome that is similar to POD. From the sound of it, at least for my uses (primarily imaging) it will be superior to both a rolloff as well as the clamshell design design of POD. I'm thinking that even though it is wider, it should transport a little easier than a boxed POD.
Hey Snaproll, I saw the new Exploradome at NEAF this weekend. It's basically two plastic rings top and bottom with siding bolted around the edge. It's bigger than the POD and more practical IMO. You also get zenith and a full enclosure to keep out the wind.
So what are you holding on to there??? 152, 172, Citabria, Skylane??????
Ed
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Starman27
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 2865
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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HI,
I thunk I was the first person to use a Thinking Outside Smart Shed as an observatory. You can see that story on the MAPUG web site (http://www.mapug-astronomy.net/AstroDesigns/MAPUG/ShedObsry.htm)the e-mail address is wrong, but you can reach me through this forum. Thinking Outside was excited when I contacted them describing waht I intended to do. I have been referenced by sveral other astronomers as they buuilt the Smart Shed. I have had it coming up on three years. It has survived over 60 mph straight line winds and Iowa winters. The POD is made of similar material and I have no doubt that it will perform as well, but without a lot of snow on the roof.
The shed has more square footage than the POD, but the telescope only fits in one half. That space is less than the POD and not circular.
Both have double (air spaced) walls for insulation. The Smart Shed has higher walls, but the wind is pretty fierce sometimes in Iowa. It blocks the wind hittinmg me but not the scope. At my age lifting the roof off and on has become problematic. I have become used to a roll off roof and prefer it to a dome with a slit. The POD presented me with an interesting compromise.
I will be replacing my Smart Shed with a an LX3 POD this spring. It will be holding a Meade 12 inch LX200. The Smart Shed will be next to the POD and will have a new function.
The POD is more expensive. I paid $675 at the Ames Iowa Sam's Club and carried it back to the farm. The LX3 POD is over 2K with "to door" shipping.
We are lucky because there are many choices for us. I've looked at the field for the past year and selected the POD. BTW I have seen Smart Sheds in my local (Illinois) SAMS Club and Menards.
Enjoy the dark everyone,
Herman
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Illinois ROR
Iowa Skyshed POD
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jason_milani
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 2347
Loc: Northeast Ohio
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Herman was INDEED the first one to use this as an observatory. I was the SECOND one. I contacted Herman after seeing this shed at Sam's club and i wondered if i could convert it to an observatory. I searched the internet and Herman's was the only one on the web. I made some modifications as i cut out the floor and poured a permanent concrete pier.
I also modified the roof, as i was removing one section as others have done. My modification was to secure both roof sections together and then roll off both onto a rail system. This gives me more clearance for longer OTA's and larger scopes in general.
I also ran power to the shed for lighting, a laptop, and power for the scopes and dew heaters. I use a 110V space heater to kep the observatory above freezing in the winter and to dry it out in the spring. I also installed a solar powered exhaust fan to help with cooling in the heat of summer.
I'm typing this post from my observatory right now
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Celestron 8" Edge HD
Celestron C-6
Celestron C-
Hypertuned CGEM
Bogen 3046/Unistar light
Mallincam Hyper Color Plus
Modded Canon 450D/ Canon EF200mm F/2.8
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