RobVG
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 738
Loc: Seattle Washington
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It's getting hard here at CloudyNights to keep track of all the observatories being built these days and those already completed. Would it be a good idea to start a "sticky" thread where members could post their observatory name,a picture, links to their websites or links to construction threads- with no replies.
The "Links of Interest" thread above is good but is out of date and contains comments and other posts of interest. "Observatories only" would make searching a little easier IMHO.
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40162
Loc: montana
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Sounds like a great idea!
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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GordonCopestake
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 2714
Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
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Bill Arnett has a good list over at his site: http://obs.nineplanets.org/obs/obslist.html
Not all CN members to be sure, but it's a good starting point
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http://www.wareforge.com
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RobVG
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 738
Loc: Seattle Washington
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Thats quite a list!
But I think it would be helpful here at CN to have a succinct index of the observatories built by members.
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llanitedave
Humble Megalomaniac
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 12938
Loc: Amargosa Valley, NV, USA
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Rob... that sounds like a member project. And it sounds like you just volunteered!  
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"Since the process of science generates more mysteries than it solves, I predict that we'll never learn everything: and we'll continue to generate new ignorance at the speed of knowledge."
"S.O.E." (Sauron's Other Eye), with 16" Royce conical mirror: A permanent work in progress.
10" Homebuilt dob, old Coulter mirror
Under Construction: The "Eye of Sauron" Observatory!
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RobVG
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 738
Loc: Seattle Washington
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What! me do the work? 
I'd be happy to but how about people posting about their obs ala "post a pic of your observatory" but make it sticky?
No replies allowed.
I don't have time to dig for threads right now. I'm setting my pier blocks. (If you use batter boards for layout, be sure to offset them far enough beyond where you dig your footings or you will be moving them and starting over again.) 
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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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I'll start. Here's the Horstman Observatory Cluster.....
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RobVG
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 738
Loc: Seattle Washington
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Perfect.
Is there a website with construction details or a construction thread about your obs here on CN?
Well I guess I'll PM the moderator and ask that this post and those before Scott's be deleted as well as making it "sticky".
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erik
telescope surgeon
Reged: 01/30/04
Posts: 24253
Loc: Off Grid in Paradise (Big Isla...
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Great idea. We'll leave this thread as a sticky. Please limit posts to pics and construction details of your observatory. 
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-Erik Wilcox
Homebuilt 16" Truss Dob
SV 80mm ED Nighthawk NG on M1 ALT/AZ
Nikon Prostaff 65mm spotter on Trekpod
Konusvue 20x80 binos/Peterson pipemount
Orion 10x50 binos
Homebuilt 80mm f/5 refractor
Mirador 60mm f/12 1960's refractor
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GordonCopestake
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 2714
Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
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And perhaps delete all the "talk" posts (this one included!)
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http://www.wareforge.com
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6784
Loc: Eastern PA
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Above is picture of my Sirius observatory. The system is computer controlled and capable of autonomous and remote operations.
Construction photos and genera info can be found here
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://www.jatobservatory.org
Currently a SV102A, WO 66mm & 10" LX200GPS OTA on a Paramount ME
(these OTAs subject to change without notice)
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StarManSteve
professor emeritus
Reged: 09/21/06
Posts: 504
Loc: White Hall, MD
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Here's my Clear Sky's observatory.
While work inside continues, First Light was last evening. The ISS sensor pack to my weather station can also be seen.
More info on the Observatory & weather station can found here. Sola Virtus Observatory and Farpoint Weather Station
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"I'm not afraid of the dark"
www.sola-virtus-observatory.org
Sola Virtus Observatory
3942.15N LAT 07632.68W LONG
Elevation 738ft
"Alba Gu Brath"
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4114
Loc: Ireland
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Rokeby Observatory construction thread:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=544994
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Nikon 18x70s / UA Millennium Colorado:
Solarscope SF70 / TV Pronto / AP400QMD Coronado SolarMax40 DS / Bogen 055+3130
APM MC1610 / Tak FC-100 / AP1200GTO Tak Mewlon 250 / AP600EGTO
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Bob Antol
member
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 59
Loc: Poughquag, New York
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Observatory Name: Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
Location: Poughquag, NY at 41 degrees 36 minutes 49 seconds N, 73 degrees 40 minutes 16 seconds W
Type: Dome
Manufacturer: Ash-Dome
Web Site: http://www.stargate4173.com/
CN Thread: http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=679077
Interior View: http://www.stargate4173.com/Phase3/JAlbum/07_GrimaldiTowerDetails/slides/PE110129.htm
Phases of Construction: http://www.stargate4173.com/Phase3/JAlbum/index.htm
Bob Antol
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Erix
Toad Lily
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 22342
Loc: Ohio, USA
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PCW Memorial Observatory, Zanesville, Ohio
Details of construction and info
Built by Backyard Observatories May 2007
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Erika
Automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi. 
Zhumell 16", 10" LX200 Classic,Orion ED80, ETX70-AT, DS Maxscope 60mm
My CN Gallery * 2007 July - tracking NOAA10963
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Chris Graham
mmmm...Haggis
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 4883
Loc: Stirling, Scotland
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The Birch Tree Observator - Stirling, Scotland
Built May 2007
http://backyard.8m.net/website/Observatory/obs%20main%20page.html
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-Skywatcher 8" Reflector on HEQ5 with Skyscan
-Orion ED80 Refractor
-70mm Guidescope/grab and go scope
-Canon EOS 350D
-Toucam Pro 2
Astronomy & Veggies
Edited by Chris Graham (05/29/07 07:22 AM)
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JerryWise
Postmaster
Reged: 12/26/03
Posts: 7834
Loc: Lexington, SC
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Here's my humble abode. It was used as a film warehouse in the 90s. At any one time there would be 1000s of 500 foot Kodak and Cinerex medical film rolls stored inside. Heavy insulation and air conditioning kept conditions right. The industry now uses CDs for imaging making this my Observatory base. Those steps on the front come up 9 feet covering the ground floor. Then the second floor has a 10 foot ceiling with an 8 foot floor on the third. The warm room is in the roofed in 4th. floor area with folding steps to the observatory. Let's just say moving a 14" LX200 GPS up all those steps (57) to the observatory is a ..... challenge. But it does make a nice platform.
I'm redoing the website right now and will post a link later. (Answered Joel below by PM).
The link will be www.Astro.Medical-Dynamics.net
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Jerry
Celestron C-11
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Joel
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/08/04
Posts: 2584
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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I've always thought your observatory was unique in it's setting Jerry. I'd love to see more pics of it and the dark room. How is your pier configured?
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Joel
10" LX200GPS UHTC-SMT
Vixen 80EDsf
Canon unmodded 350D
QHY8
Turkey Hill Observatory
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droid
rocketman
Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 4030
Loc: ohio
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Heres mines in North East Ohio, tentatively called the " Sagan Memorial Observatory" in honor of Carl Sagan obviously, formerly called BYO#86. : http://tinyurl.com/25ca9s
built by Back Yard Observatorys in lodi Ohio.;
http://www.backyardobservatories.com/ , it fills all my needs and settles one of my dreams.
Has yet to see first light ,but soon. 
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102mm Celestron C102HD
Tasco 7TE5 60mm Classic
Tasco 9TE5 60mm Classic
Celestron Ultima 2000 SCT
Remains of an 8 inch dob
Celestron Comet catcher(orange tube)
1960 Edscorp Space Conquerer 6inch f/8
10x50 Bushnell Binoculars.
11T 4.5 inch Tasco reflector Lunograsso?
60mm Telescope Club
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bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Cloudy Nights construction and info thread for BlueStar Observatory is in my signature.
This is an immediate post-construction pic; much interior customizing has taken place since.
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D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
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John P
sage
Reged: 01/27/04
Posts: 234
Loc: Honeoye Falls, NY USA
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Stoney Lonesome Observatory reached move in around July 8, 2007. The observatory is located in Honeoye Falls, New York, approximately 20 miles south of Rochester. It's a wood frame, roll off, stick built structure of my own design. The basic dimension is 8' x 12' with a roof having a slope of 12/12. The observatory currently houses my MK-91, 9" Maksutov Cassegrain and smaller aux. telescopes on an early vintage, pre-goto AP 900. There is sufficient room for a full width desk/work bench as well as a second observer utilizing equipment that is tripod mounted.
The photo shows the observatory on "move in day."
progress post
progress post2
progress post3
progress post4
progress post5
progress post6
progress post7
Edited by John P (07/09/07 09:13 AM)
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Mike Lewis
sage
Reged: 01/20/05
Posts: 384
Loc: Near Mulliken, Michigan USA
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Dunham Hill Observatory
Construction details here; http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1119
Best skies
Mike
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Mike
.......................
Meade 7" Mak
Home built 8" Dob
120mm Sywatcher refractor
76mm Borg
Home built 12.5" Truss, F/5.6 Zambuto
PST
Dunham Hill Observatory
"Most people never look up, what a shame...."
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 25185
Loc: NE Ohio
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Urban Observatory (completed 2002).
http://www.astroshorts.com/view_video.php?viewkey=47e897f954495eab16a8
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John C
Urban Observatory
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 178ED F/9 "APO"
Meade ETX-125AT
C14
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
CI-700, NJP, GPDX/SS2KPC, CG5-GT
ST-10XME, DSI Pro
Edited by jrcrilly (07/08/07 07:56 PM)
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RogerRZ
Whatta you lookin' at?
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 2583
Loc: West Collette, NB, Canada
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One down the business end of AJP Observatory. Taken yesterday, now that the concrete pier has been cut down, and big Cave has been shoehorned in...
More at http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1192128&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=all&vc=1
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-Roger Pitre-
1 X 7 binocular Astro-Tech Imaging Newtonian MPCC
Starblast guidescope Starshoot autoguider
EQ6 Pro, HEQ5, Canon 50D, 70-200 f/4L
"He's got shoulders on him like a smelt..."--Anonymous
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10723&id=509325956&l=79d06a1d10
http://ajpobservatory.isgreat.org/
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Colonel Bogey
sage
Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 291
Loc: Sweden
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SCRAP - Stocksund Centre of Rooftop AstroPhysics, the modest beginning of a web page:
S.C.R.A.P.
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Observatory: Paramount ME/C-14/TCF-S/FW8-STL BVRI/STL-1001E + TV85/STL guider
Portable: Giro Gr-III/TEC140/Pentax XW's/ZAO II's
Solar: LS60THa
Binocs: Fujinon 16x70
Grab&go: Manfrotto tripod/FS60C
SW: Mira Pro, IRAF, MaximDL, CCDSoft, TheSky6, VisualSpec etc etc
S.C.R.A.P - Stocksund Centre of Rooftop AstroPhysics
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Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
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Construction and progress reports on the HCS Observatory, Hazyview, South Africa. HCS = "Hazyview and Clear Skies". A fifty year long wish comming true !
Manie
HCS Obs. starts off - page 1
Cardboard Polygons/Rings/Guid wheels - page 2
Dome/Pier starting - page 3
Pier Construction Starts
Edited by Manie (07/16/07 01:06 PM)
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Kaizu
sage
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 343
Loc: Finland
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My little aluminium hut
Cityobservatory
Before the drawing is a link to the list of Finnish amateur observatories (only those which have their own homepages)
Kaizu
Edited by Kaizu (08/17/07 02:10 PM)
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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My Blue Spruce PODservatory
http://tinyurl.com/339o3c
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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dietmar
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/21/05
Posts: 2079
Loc: linz, austria europe
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this is a cool thread!
there are lots of fascinating observatories presented here and some guys really have a "castle" as dome - whow.
so here is my humble observatory:
building
more about that and what is inside can be found here
Stargazer-Observatory
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clear skies,
Dietmar
www.stargazer-observatory.com
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Galaxyhunter
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/06
Posts: 1251
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The main construction, Broke ground 4-22-06. Moved scope in 7-3-06. Finished tweeking & accessorizing--- well that will never be done 
CN Thread = http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/913602/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1
http://Hawkeye-observatory.com
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Carl
My lousy skies at Hawkeye Observatory
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RobVG
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 738
Loc: Seattle Washington
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Peekaboo Ridge
CN Construction Thread
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C11 SGT(XLT)CG-5
Observatory (page 5)
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Richard Scott
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/25/06
Posts: 732
Loc: Tampa FL
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The Blue Moon Observatory: My goal was to build it, adding up every receipt, from the first pour on the pier to the carpet on the floor for $1,000. I went over budget by 36 bucks.
Richard
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11” Celestron XLT SCT
Orion ED80 APO
NEQ-6 Pro
JMI NGF-CM Focuser
Orion SSDSI
Meade DSI Pro
all tucked inside the Blue Moon Observatory
http://tinyurl.com/29b9wn
Basically more scope than my abilities warrant
"I know I can never look upon the stars without wondering why the whole world does not become astronomers."
Thomas Wright
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Strgazr27
Vendor - Deep Space Mods and Composites
Reged: 10/04/04
Posts: 6984
Loc: StonyHill Observatory
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Rob asked me to add mine to the list so here goes
StonyHill Observatory
It's a start to almost finished (Are they really ever finished? ) thread.
CS's
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Bobby
StonyHill Observatory
Skywatcher EQ6 Pro (On it's way)
AT 130 F/6 Prototype
Royce 10" f/4 Astrograph (Under Construction)
Self Modded 40D
70-200 F2.8 L IS
SSAG
YAHOO TMB 130SS Group
Astronomy Technologies Yahoo Group
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starsplitter2000
super member
Reged: 09/09/07
Posts: 131
Loc: Effingham, IL
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I have one question regarding many of these observatories.
What do you do in the wintertime?
I would love to put an observatory in and am considering a shed from Home Depot measure 8x12. I was thinking about creating a small warm room for computers and me.
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10" Meade Starfinder
If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.
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Spoonsize
Vendor/Clothing
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 3284
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This is our first observatory. Our first scope, purchased in 1997 was a 114 EQ clone. cheap. I thought at the time that it was too heavy to carry in and out of the house, so this roll off was the result. It did a fine job until a year ago, when I replaced it with an Explora Dome.
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Steve Durham
www.margesmonograms.com
(Marge made me do it)
"Nobody get's in to see the WIZARD, Not Nobody, Not Nohow"
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Spoonsize
Vendor/Clothing
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 3284
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And then the ED dome...under construction, the roll off is in the background. It's since been removed.
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Steve Durham
www.margesmonograms.com
(Marge made me do it)
"Nobody get's in to see the WIZARD, Not Nobody, Not Nohow"
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Michael Morris
Member
Reged: 01/05/05
Posts: 1391
Loc: Worcestershire, UK
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Here is the Almira Observatory. Details (including construction photos and useful links) can be found by following the link in my signature at the bottom of this post.
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Michael Morris
8" LX200 classic
Orion 80ED
ETX 90 (Grab 'n' Go)
Observatory Almira Observatory Website
Co-author of NightCal Astronomical Observing Calendar Software http://www.nightcal.co.uk
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Pedro Scorza
super member
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 154
Loc: Puerto Rico
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here's mine in Puerto Rico.
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LX-90
C102HD
SN-10 on Skyscan
PST 40
WO ZS 80FD
SXVF-M7,Pictor 216,Rebel 300
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40162
Loc: montana
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Here is my Montana Observatory, the DreamCatcher. It was built by Scott Horstman & family & is his BYO #99! Built Sept. 2007.
It is 10'X10' with a motorized roll-off roof. It's a special design for Dobs; the walls are 3' high.
Here is the link for the building of it.
The DreamCatcher
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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~Steph~
Texas Wildflower
Reged: 06/11/05
Posts: 22999
Loc: North Texas
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Hmmmm, I never added mine to the list! Serenity Observatory was started (the pad) in March 2007 and built (the real thing) in April 2007 by Scott and Kenny from Backyard Observatories as BYO #85. The CN construction thread is here. I've finally started doing some more minor improvements to the inside and will take and post pics somewhere to show those, but here is an interior pic showing a wonderful sign made for me by CN's own Mike Lewis. 
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Steph
10" RCX400 ~~ 4" TV102 ~~ WO ZS80FD ~~ PST
Serenity Observatory 
HansenAstro | CN Member Websites
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 3989
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Just realized mine's not here either!
Wilder Skies Observatory: Bolton, Massachusetts. Built by Backyard Observatories (Scott and team!) end of July 2007.
Introductory thread with site pictures, and debates about location: Just got Permission
Construction and launch thread, with many pictures (and barbeque!): Thus Begins Wilder Skies Observatory
Clear skies all - and to those CONSIDERING an observatory - just do it - best investment in viewing you can ever do
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
TV: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
Edited by Bowmoreman (10/02/07 02:30 PM)
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Raven911
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/12/05
Posts: 1811
Loc: by Cloudcroft, NM
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Here is my little scope shed... Skunky Acres Observatory. More like a sliding roof shelter than a full fledged observatory. I squeezed my 10" SNT and a computer in there.
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http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v287/Raven911/Astrophotos/
http://www.eye-of-the-raven.blogspot.com/
My list of second-hand and home-made stuff:
Celestron SC6
Celestron C9.25
100mm F6/76mm F4.5/80mm F5/SV NHII 80mm F6 Achros
SBIG ST7/Canon 300D/DSI Pro Mono/Starshoot DSCI
8 inch F7 Newt on Edmund EQ
8 inch F4.5 Project Astrograph
Edited by Raven911 (10/02/07 01:55 PM)
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Siderea
Astronomess
Reged: 11/21/05
Posts: 2066
Loc: Left Coast
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Treehouse Observatory
Stealth mode by day
 
Screens out, and ready for the nighttime..
 
--------------------
lc Carol
..."Then the blue above grows darker and a million stars erupt
From the places where they hide throughout the day
Into pictures in the heavens even we cannot corrupt
And the vastnesses of time can't wash away..."Jeff Green
60mm Telescope Club
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MHamburg
super member
Reged: 06/21/06
Posts: 112
Loc: Brooklyn, NY/Middlefield, MA
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 I would like to add West Hill Observatory in the Berkshires of western Mass that I began 20 years ago. I am a little more experienced now so my mistakes cry out to me. But I'm working on it.
Meade DS16
Orion 80mmED
Orion Starfinder 6" Dob
Celestron 114mm Nexstar
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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Just thought I would add the Lily Lake observatory in Northern Illinois. This is a roll off that opens in both directions. It holds two telescopes. It is built using normal specs. The roof sections are pretty heavy but roll on a gate track on whells that are grooved for the track. Very little friction.
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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This is the interior. The piers are steel set on concrete pads. They are made of two sections. One section slides into the larger base. The hieghts can be adjusted with spacers. The piers are filled with sand. The taller pier has a top section that can be adjusted. The adjustable sections allow the pier too be directly aimed at Polaris, with the fine tuning handled by the wedges.
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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The Dark Sky observatory is in North Central Iowa on our farm. This one is a POD. It was just finished last week.
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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This is an image of the Thinking Outside plastic shed observatory, also in Iowa, that was replaced by the POD. It is still there and will be used for smaller scopes and as a warm / storage room.
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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A picture of the POD withe the Meade 12 inch Supercharged LX200.
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Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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Digital Don
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 1284
Loc: Manteno
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Here's my contribution - Mount Jennings Observatory a.k.a. BYO #100.
Construction link: Mount Jennings Observatory
Don
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John Wunderlin
Vendor - Spike-a Focusing Mask
Reged: 10/01/04
Posts: 695
Loc: Mineral Point, Wi
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Here's my observatory. Three members share construction and equipment costs. We're renting land from a farmer with mag 6+ skies- it's working out extremely well for us so far. We've been in for almost exactly a year now.
More construction photos are available here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/johnwunderlin/ObservatoryConstruction
--------------------
John Wunderlin
Vendor - Spike-a Bahtinov Focusing Mask
Empire Ranch Observatory
Iowa County Astronomers
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techmgr
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/31/03
Posts: 777
Loc: Southeastern Indiana
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Corydon Ridge Observatory in SE Indiana
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John Moore
Corydon Ridge Observatory
My CN Gallery
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karim
super member
Reged: 11/09/05
Posts: 129
Loc: HB, California
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I noticed you live in a cold area and I assume the interior of your house is kept warm. How does that affect viewing? I am sure it helps tremendously for cool down period, that is if there is any.
Thanks.
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http://www.eyepiecereviews.com
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karim
super member
Reged: 11/09/05
Posts: 129
Loc: HB, California
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Absolutely well constructed observatory. Congrats!
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http://www.eyepiecereviews.com
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3824
Loc: Wisconsin
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Quote:
Corydon Ridge Observatory in SE Indiana
Nice photo. I love the Airedale avatar. 
--------------------
-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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Tom Clark
sage
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 248
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
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I'm new to Cloudy Nights so this is my first post.
I started building my dome 10/01 and finished it in five months. The 42" was added almost two years later as the mirror was late coming in (naturally!) Starting in Amateur Astronomy Magazine issue #33 I wrote a large two part article on designing and building your own wooden dome.
The 24' dome sits in my front yard on the edge of the Chiefland observing field in north Florida.
The scope is a big ugly 1500 pound beast. It uses a square tube to help move the balance point closer to the center of the tube. The tube is fully baffeled, and has internal doors that close over the mirror. The go-to drive was built by Sky Commander.
On nights of good seeing the views are quite good, as nearly 1000 astronomers have seen so far.
If someone will let me know how to add a second photo, I will add the photo of the scope. Thanks!
Edited by Tom Clark (11/24/07 08:50 AM)
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kent
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/06
Posts: 825
Loc: P.E.I. Canada
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Welcome to Cloudy Nights Tom! Way to kick the door in when you make a entrance  By the sounds and looks you certainly have some setup! On the picture thing I guess the simplest way would be just to add another post using your other picture. There is other ways but their at a loss to me.
Once more Welcome Tom!
--------------------
Kent
Orion 100mm ED
Skywatcher 8" Newt
Skywatcher 10" Newt
Orion 20X80 Giant Veiw bino's
and a few other goodies
And in my possession(for the time being)
LX200R 14" behemoth
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Tom Clark
sage
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 248
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
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Thanks, Kent. Why didn't I think of that?
Sorry about the door!
Anyway, here is the big ugly beast. If anyone knows how to build an uglier scope please let me know!
However, being a die-hard visual observer, to me it works beautifully. A 42" brings in a lot of light, and on nights of good seeing the views are wonderful. On other nights, when the seeing is bad, it can't keep up with smaller instruments. Those nights make you wonder if it was worth all the trouble. Oh well, we live for the good nights, right?
So why a dome instead of the more normal roll-off for a Dob? After 20 years of observing, I was tired of the weather, and wanted out of it. What good would six foot high walls be when you are 14' high at the eyepiece? The dome is warmer than being out in the elements, and there is never any dew in a dome. When you miss the open sky you can simply walk out the door.
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kent
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/06
Posts: 825
Loc: P.E.I. Canada
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I guess Tom, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I think she looks like a beaut to me. How could you not like 42" of amperture! 
As far as the dome it works for me. I was in my very first dome just last Saturday night, at the UPEI in Charlottetown and it certainly took the chill off. So no arguments from me.
Beautiful scope, seriously and a really nice ladder to go along with it!
--------------------
Kent
Orion 100mm ED
Skywatcher 8" Newt
Skywatcher 10" Newt
Orion 20X80 Giant Veiw bino's
and a few other goodies
And in my possession(for the time being)
LX200R 14" behemoth
Edited by kent (11/24/07 04:56 PM)
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Welcome Tom and the scope looks good to me
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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fastrudy
sage
Reged: 04/09/06
Posts: 231
Loc: Long Island, NY
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I am presently constucting a triangular roll-off building for my 12" Meade LX200 GPS. I guess I have to post the photos that I have to a photo hosting site. So I will wait until I have finished. I have a 7.5' x 16' observation deck which encompasses a 1000 lb. slab of concrete (triangular). Just made the two sides. The back and the casters get done tomorrow. Roof and door (third side) nexr day. Then I have to wait for my backordered wedge.  The name is Night Wolf Observatory, because I am always out hunting at night, as are we all.
--------------------
"The authorities are not interested in Truth, merely in Authority"
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SometimesKen
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/15/05
Posts: 503
Loc: Bad Moon Observatory
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Sounds like a interesting obs. design and I like the name too!
Good Luck and post some pix soon!
Ken
--------------------
As the setting sun / melts below the horizon / the stars applaud her bow. ~W. Terrance~
Bad Moon Observatory - February 1, 2007
39° 54' N - 74° 09' W
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macastronomer
super member
Reged: 04/27/05
Posts: 135
Loc: Rochester, MN
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Ps19:1 Observatory. I need to get a more up to date image of my observatory, as it wasn't quite done yet, but from here on out any shot I take will have snow all over it. It's not as impressive as the observatories posted here, but it's my home away from home.
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Macastronomer Group
MacAstronomer
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jsmiller58
sage
Reged: 06/19/06
Posts: 242
Loc: Out there, Way out there
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Mac - nice observatory, very unique! I have to ask the questions... why is it on stilts, and where is the entrance??
James
--------------------
- 90mm WO refractor
- 11" Orion SCT
- PlaneWave CDK17 ("Cosmic Cannon")
- MallinCam Hyper Color Plus
- More eyepieces than I can use
- Atlas EQ-G mount
- Losmandy GM-8 mount
- AP 1200GTO mount
- Pro-Dome-15
- An unhealthy desire to take up Astrophotography
- A wife who doesn't understand my fascination with faint fuzzies, but encourages me anyway
- A 17 year old son who calls me just another nut job
- A 15 year old son that still thinks I am cool
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40162
Loc: montana
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Well, it certainly looks very impressive to me! What a unique Observatory!
Thanks so much for posting your Observatory.
Carol
--------------------
Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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macastronomer
super member
Reged: 04/27/05
Posts: 135
Loc: Rochester, MN
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Hi James,
Here are the reasons I made it 6ft off the ground. 1) I wanted to get up off the ground which is at the lowest spot in my yard, getting out of the vapor. I can turn a hammer in to rust in no time back there. 2) I didn't want rodents under living under it and I doubt a mouse can inside. 3) The extra lift off the ground gave me a little more visibility over my tree line, not much but it helps. 4) Resale of my property will be boosted as this thing would make a wonderful play/tree house—as somebody may not want an observatory. 5) my last reason was that the area I built it was once a flood plane, and not far from a creek, so I wanted it up out of danger. Isn't it funny how our priorities change? Reason #5 quickly became reason # 1. Thats right, I almost named it Uraniborg (see pic). It figures that right after I get the structure done but before the roof is on, it pours for days like we haven't seen for hundreds of years. I hope this observatory is good at catching rare celestial events too
My shed has a trap door instead of a front door. I used a pull down attic ladder as my steps. That works pretty well. I thought it was easier than a door until I built the trap door cover. At that point I think I added work for myself—but I like it and it offers extremely good venting for cool down
When I get around to adding this to my web page, I'll post some links.
Duane
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Macastronomer Group
MacAstronomer
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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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 Wow! Good thinking on the raised deck! Looks like there my be occasions you'd need to canoe to view.
--------------------
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Don't they say the view over the water are more stable
Looks kind of cool sitting there in the middle.
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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Joel
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/08/04
Posts: 2584
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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Turkey Hill Observatory built by Backyard Observatories. 11.5' x 15.5' with a 11.5' x 5.5' warm room. After this picture was taken I added some shutters on that front window. The warm room is carpeted and observatory floor is foam tile.
--------------------
Joel
10" LX200GPS UHTC-SMT
Vixen 80EDsf
Canon unmodded 350D
QHY8
Turkey Hill Observatory
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jsmiller58
sage
Reged: 06/19/06
Posts: 242
Loc: Out there, Way out there
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Duane,
They say a picture speaks a thousand words - and yours explained lots!
James
--------------------
- 90mm WO refractor
- 11" Orion SCT
- PlaneWave CDK17 ("Cosmic Cannon")
- MallinCam Hyper Color Plus
- More eyepieces than I can use
- Atlas EQ-G mount
- Losmandy GM-8 mount
- AP 1200GTO mount
- Pro-Dome-15
- An unhealthy desire to take up Astrophotography
- A wife who doesn't understand my fascination with faint fuzzies, but encourages me anyway
- A 17 year old son who calls me just another nut job
- A 15 year old son that still thinks I am cool
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BCB
Undercover Saboteur
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 5193
Loc: Look over your shoulder
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Gee, I had thought I put my Observatory in this list.. Guess not, so here it is..
7x7 Rubbermaid (Tupperware) BigMax shed, converted to a lift and roll off roof design.
Click my Obs. name in my sigline for the thread on it.
--------------------
Mark
Lost in thought. Please send search party!!!
Astro-Tech 111EDT
Orion 8" F5 Newt w/Moonlight CR-2 focuser
SVP mount w/Meade 497 Autostar GOTO mod
Treeline Observatory
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3510
Loc: bellevue ne.
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My split transverse roll off attached to our home. Dimensions 15'-4" x 13'-4". Concrete block construction from frostline footings to an elevation of 8'-6" above grade. East section neatly telescopes under and neatly into the west section. Built to exactly match the home's roof and eaves. Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3510
Loc: bellevue ne.
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View of the observatory from our kitchen stoop. Access to the observatory is via an enclosed breezeway from the lower living level. The picture of the 8" and 6" refractors was before the counterpoise tube weights were added etc. etc. Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
Edited by mikey cee (12/02/07 12:43 PM)
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Mr Dale
member
Reged: 11/06/07
Posts: 26
Loc: Mid Michigan
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My observatory is an Arrow 8'x8' metal shed that is reinforced with 2x4's. Originally I used it as a place to store my scopes, then I made it into a flip-top and just this fall,I converted it to a roll-off.
--------------------
Dale
Orion XTi 12" Dob
Meade LX10 8" SCT
Orion 120 4.7" Refractor
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Mr Dale
member
Reged: 11/06/07
Posts: 26
Loc: Mid Michigan
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Here is a view from the inside with my good ol' Meade LX10 that has been moved out to make room for my Orion XTi 12" Dob.
--------------------
Dale
Orion XTi 12" Dob
Meade LX10 8" SCT
Orion 120 4.7" Refractor
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macastronomer
super member
Reged: 04/27/05
Posts: 135
Loc: Rochester, MN
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Dale, I'll bet cool down in your shed is close to zero! That's a nice advantage.
Duane
--------------------
Macastronomer Group
MacAstronomer
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Mr Dale
member
Reged: 11/06/07
Posts: 26
Loc: Mid Michigan
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Yes, it is, Duane. Just the other night I was out and it was 16 degrees F. And lo and behold, it was 16F in the shed too! 
--------------------
Dale
Orion XTi 12" Dob
Meade LX10 8" SCT
Orion 120 4.7" Refractor
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Wayne Parrish
sage
Reged: 02/23/04
Posts: 443
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I,'m sure everyone's tired of seeing it but here it is for sake of the list. Thanks
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 801
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Rock and Roll Wayne,
I never get tired of seeing this awesome set up.
Remember imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
Clear skies,
--------------------
My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
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Starman27
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/29/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Illinois, Iowa
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I'm not tired. Nice building.
--------------------
Enjoy the dark,
Herman
Meade
14 LX200 GPS SMT
12 LX200 GPS
7 LX200 Maksutov
ETX 125
TAK FS128 NSV
Sky 90II
Lunt LS60ThaDS BF1200
Canon 5D Mark II
Illinois
Iowa
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macastronomer
super member
Reged: 04/27/05
Posts: 135
Loc: Rochester, MN
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I'm glad you posted it as I've not seen it. Pretty cool. Definitely the best of both worlds.
Duane
--------------------
Macastronomer Group
MacAstronomer
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Wayne Parrish
sage
Reged: 02/23/04
Posts: 443
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GEEEZZ, You guys expecting a Christmas present from me ? Thanks for the vote of approval. Wayne
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Buzzer
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/21/07
Posts: 659
Loc: Long Island, NY
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Mikey,
That is a great idea, split roll off. it looks like it belongs as part of the house. It is one of my favorites, Andy
--------------------
Meade SN-10 Carbon Fiber
TMB 92ss
Mini Borg 50 Guidescope
Celestron CGE Mount
QHY8
Orion Starshoot Autoguider
http://buzzer.zenfolio.com/
"I THINK THE WEATHERMAN NEEDS MORE EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT"
WANING CRESCENT OBSERVATORY
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Well, I finally got around to taking some pictures of my finished roll-off! I completed it about 4 weeks ago and I built it with the skyshed plans.
Thanks for looking!
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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1965healey
Post Laureate
Reged: 06/23/07
Posts: 3133
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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jon, thats a beauty! Don't forget the snowshoes and hot chocolate!
--------------------
1965Healey (Karen)
Woodlawn Lake Observatory
Celestron CPC 800/FT MIcro/APT Wedge
SV NHNG 80mm #0261/CG5-GT
Celestron Omni 150 XLT
Losmandy rails/rings
Starizona CWeight system
Celestron Neximage
Sony a100 DSLR/ZigView S2
Meade DS60's w/Autostar (2)
Meade LPI/Meade DSI-C/DSI ProII
750cc Honda Shadow Spirit (Thanks Dad!)
1965 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Thank you Karen!! It has made cold nights enjoyable again.
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3510
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Jon......Dang them there pictures look cold! That low sun angle and all. Don't forget to seal it good too maintain that rich color! Mike
--------------------
7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Thanks Mike! Yeah, its a bit nippy here at night! Luckily I was able to get it stained and sealed before it got too cold, but I am thinking I might need another coat.
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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Speedawg
super member
Reged: 10/09/07
Posts: 143
Loc: Coeur d Alene Id
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Wow! Very nice all! I really enjoyed looking at your observatories. I will be putting one up this spring or early summer. You all have given me a lot of ideas. Thanks! Very good forum!
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DeanS
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/12/05
Posts: 941
Loc: Nicholasville, Kentucky
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Here is mine, again as I am sure I posted this before somewhere on here.
--------------------
AP1200GTO AP900GTO
TOA-150 Tak E160
C9.25 Tak FS60C
SXV-H9 ST2000XM STV
8" LX200GPS
Meade 12" Lightbridge
Moonlite Focusers
www.doghouseastronomy.com
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DeanS
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/12/05
Posts: 941
Loc: Nicholasville, Kentucky
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Here it is opened up. Only plans I used, or borrowed, was Chris Veldars roller details.
--------------------
AP1200GTO AP900GTO
TOA-150 Tak E160
C9.25 Tak FS60C
SXV-H9 ST2000XM STV
8" LX200GPS
Meade 12" Lightbridge
Moonlite Focusers
www.doghouseastronomy.com
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Very Nice Dean
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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erbemone
newbie
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 3
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How could anyone complain about 42" /
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GrampianStars
member
Reged: 07/15/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Grampians, Australia
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G'day from Australia
My Own design with drop down walls
--------------------
Robert
37° 11' 32.5" Sth 142° 36' 45.5" Est
LX200 GPS12-Mity Wedge-GPDX-SS2K-ED80-ZS80
CDK17 wannabe
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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WOW! Very nice Robert! Your siding looks cool!
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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jsmiller58
sage
Reged: 06/19/06
Posts: 242
Loc: Out there, Way out there
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Well, here is my contribution to the growing list of personal observatories. Please allow me to present to you Summit View Ranch Observatory...
Summit View Ranch Observatoty
James
--------------------
- 90mm WO refractor
- 11" Orion SCT
- PlaneWave CDK17 ("Cosmic Cannon")
- MallinCam Hyper Color Plus
- More eyepieces than I can use
- Atlas EQ-G mount
- Losmandy GM-8 mount
- AP 1200GTO mount
- Pro-Dome-15
- An unhealthy desire to take up Astrophotography
- A wife who doesn't understand my fascination with faint fuzzies, but encourages me anyway
- A 17 year old son who calls me just another nut job
- A 15 year old son that still thinks I am cool
|
K2MFW
journeyman
Reged: 04/16/07
Posts: 6
Loc: Millville NJ, USA
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Here's a link to my Explora-Dome observatory in Millville NJ
www.HollyDome.com
Matt
--------------------
Matt Wilson
www.K2MFW.com www.MillvilleWeather.com
Holly Dome Observatory
Celestron 11" CPC XLT
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dereeves
member
Reged: 02/11/06
Posts: 95
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Thats nice...and you can fish while you're photographing...
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John Fitzgerald
In Focus
Reged: 01/04/04
Posts: 1836
Loc: AR
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Headwater Observatory. First light May 30, 2008
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Kehusmaa
newbie
Reged: 01/30/07
Posts: 4
Loc: Hyvinkää, Finland
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Slope Rock Observatory, Finland
In operation since august 2007.
Images:
Slope Rock Observatory images
--------------------
Clear skies,
Petri, http://www.kehusmaa-astro.com
Deep Sky Instruments RC10C/TMB80 APO on AP900GTO
SBIG STL-11000
SBIG ST-7XME
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
|
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Welcome to Cloudy Nights and the Observatory Forum!
I had trouble trying to open either of your links, you may a server issue.
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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Mr.päivinen
sage
Reged: 07/29/06
Posts: 272
Loc: Rajamäki Finland
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Here is MP-observatory. Location Finland.
Mikko Päivinen
Finland
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MP-observatory finland http://www.kolumbus.fi/jappervokki/
C11".
ST-2000XM/AO-7.
CFW-8A.
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RobertED
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 1192
Loc: Johnston, RI
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Here's Brown Avenue Observatory located on Brown Ave., in Johnston RI. It houses a C-11 on an Atlas mount.
Edited by RobertED (01/22/09 09:38 PM)
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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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Update from my first pic from April 07 with the Sirius removed and the Ash installed.
CNsters at our star party, BEOTS.
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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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Blast From the Past
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starquester
sage
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 466
Loc: Three Rivers, MI U.S.A>
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This is my little Observatory
Uses a garage door motor to move the roof back &
forth
Alan
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Alan D. Otterson
Windy Ridge Observatory
41-58.966N
85-43.069W
Alan Otterson
Founder&Owner
A Yahoo Observatory Group
Flip Top & Clamshell & Rubbermaid Observatories
http://tinyurl.com/yz9ckk
The Nikon D40 Astrophotography Group
http://tinyurl.com/5j8qw2
A Yahoo Astrophotography Group
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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I sure do love the color of the leaves in photo Alan
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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starquester
sage
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 466
Loc: Three Rivers, MI U.S.A>
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Thanks Chris,
That year the colors were very bright and vivid.
Some years they are very dull.
I just caught it at the right time.
Alan
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Alan D. Otterson
Windy Ridge Observatory
41-58.966N
85-43.069W
Alan Otterson
Founder&Owner
A Yahoo Observatory Group
Flip Top & Clamshell & Rubbermaid Observatories
http://tinyurl.com/yz9ckk
The Nikon D40 Astrophotography Group
http://tinyurl.com/5j8qw2
A Yahoo Astrophotography Group
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Neil27
super member
Reged: 12/15/08
Posts: 119
Loc: East Midlands, England
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Not too late to join the party.
Here is Starsoverlimetree Observatory.
And link to my website in my signature.
Regards, Neil.
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Skywatcher Sky Tee
WO ZS66
Pentax 75 SDHF
Pentax 105 SDP
Takahashi TOA130F
Canon 450D
A lot of enthusiasm, a lot less skill
http://web.me.com/neil27/Starsoverlimetree/Welcome.html
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piaras
journeyman
Reged: 01/26/09
Posts: 6
Loc: Niagara
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Here is a picture of what we call the Williams Observatory. Skypod with 5 bays. We also have an area on the pad for guest scopes. Ultima 8 on steel pier on the inside.
http://wrx-now.tripod.com
Edited by piaras (01/31/09 03:14 PM)
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40162
Loc: montana
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Welcome to Cloudy Nights! Glad to have you join us!
Thanks for the photo of your Observatory, beautiful, indeed. Looks like you have fantastic open skies!
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 801
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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That is one awesome pad site and the views look great. And welcome to Cloudy Nights.
Clear skies,
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My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
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piaras
journeyman
Reged: 01/26/09
Posts: 6
Loc: Niagara
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Thanks for the compliment.
The property is in some rolling hills and this spot is at the top of the hill that the farm house and barns are located on. To the north we are above everything, East there is the house and barns, but that just means that we can not see the last 20 degrees or so, west there is a rise and trees but but only 10 degree above us. To the south we have no obstructions as per the north. With the solar panel and 2 Deep cycle batteries we have plenty of power for the three of us. Once the 4 feet of snow are melted off we hope to use the site alot more. Just a note about the pad. It was cheaper than building a wood platform and obviously low maintaince and very stable.
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ATM 13.1" Dobson design
Orion 80 ED
HEQ5 Pro
Modded Rebel XT
KWIQ Guider
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RobertED
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 1192
Loc: Johnston, RI
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Beautiful set-up!, Neil and Piaras!!!
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scopemankit
super member
Reged: 01/27/09
Posts: 136
Loc: south africa
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The Cederberg Observatory,
240 km from Cape Town
South Africa.
16" Parkes newt (main dome)
12" Meade SC (roll off roof)
12" Home-made cass (new dome left of pic)
14" Home-made dob
12" Home-made dob
Owned and run by 7 amateur astronomers.
Open most Saturday nights to the public. (The sources of our visitors are the holiday and camping farms in the area)
Chris
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Chris
Cape Town
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 801
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Chris,
Very,very nice set up. I am jealous. I bet those skies are incredible.
Kudos to you folks for offering such an awesome place for people to visit.
Clear skies,
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My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
Edited by rodney (02/06/09 07:36 AM)
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GeorgeDuke
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/24/03
Posts: 1588
Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida)
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I might as well add my POD observatory.
It is nothing unusual but it is new to me and as important to me as all of your very nice setups I have been browsing through! Anyway, here it is down here in cloudy South Florida.
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George
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SkyShed POD XL-3
LX200GPS 203mm f10
StellarVue SV102ED2 Feathertouch Ser#0018
LXD75 GOTO with Orion 16" pier extension
Baader Hyperion 8mm ,13mm, 21mm + FTRs
2" GSO ED barlow, 2" SV Dielectric and Orion Prism Diagonals
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GeorgeDuke
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/24/03
Posts: 1588
Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida)
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I find the POD very roomy and I am able to set up my 8" SCT on the pier and my 4" Stellarvue on the LXD75 mount and operate them both without interference!
I may even put a second pier in to get more walk around room.
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George
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SkyShed POD XL-3
LX200GPS 203mm f10
StellarVue SV102ED2 Feathertouch Ser#0018
LXD75 GOTO with Orion 16" pier extension
Baader Hyperion 8mm ,13mm, 21mm + FTRs
2" GSO ED barlow, 2" SV Dielectric and Orion Prism Diagonals
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RobertED
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/11/03
Posts: 1192
Loc: Johnston, RI
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That really is a GREAT set-up, George! Maybe, someday I'll get my 'approved funding' and go the same route!!
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Kaizu
sage
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 343
Loc: Finland
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Because of the cloudy nights and days, I built the Cityobservatory again.
The Cityobservatory
The building site
Kaizu
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Some thoughts are so wise that they don't make me laugh
http://www.kaiforssen.fi
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techmgr
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 05/31/03
Posts: 777
Loc: Southeastern Indiana
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Lost my image on Tiny Pic for some reason. Here it is again:
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John Moore
Corydon Ridge Observatory
My CN Gallery
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Yeah, I'd say you you have a bit of a light pollution problem Kaizu. Nice obsevatory by the way
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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John Downing
member
Reged: 08/27/09
Posts: 34
Loc: Anaheim, CA
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Grampian Stars:
Robert: Your design inspired my observatory. I saw a picture of it somewhere and noticed the drop-down sides. But couldn't find it again so just used it as an inspiration. Mine is 10x12 and works great. Really like the openness you get with the sides down (great for star parties) but the wind protection where it is needed.
So, thanks for the inspiration! I will post a picture of mine when I have one!
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La Ventana a las Estrellas
Roll off Roof Obs. Julian, CA
Meade 10" f6.3 SCT
Stellarvue SV105APO
Optec TCF-S
SBIG ST-7 w/CFW
Canon 40D
AP 900GTO
The Sky, CCD Soft, Nebulosity, T-Point, Pulse Guide.
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John Downing
member
Reged: 08/27/09
Posts: 34
Loc: Anaheim, CA
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Moderator removed duplicate post.
Edited by csa/montana (11/02/09 06:55 PM)
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John Downing
member
Reged: 08/27/09
Posts: 34
Loc: Anaheim, CA
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Triplicate post removed by Moderator
Edited by csa/montana (11/02/09 06:56 PM)
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