Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
 After waiting for literally a lifetime, my obs will be built. I have actually started serious work on it....
It will be a 3.0m domed obs, 4 meters away from my study door and eventually will have a motorised dome. This might sound close to the house for some but that is ALL the space I have available at my new home here in Hazyview S.A.
So guess what ? The ob's name will probably be "Hazyview" Clear Sky Observatory...... being situated in fairly dark sky country with good seeing when the moon is down.
I am following what seems to be a successfull recipe implemented before by Barry Neumann from Australia by using cardboard for the frame which will be fibre glassed over inside and out. I think 3.0m ( +- 10ft ) is big enough to house my 10" Meade LX200 Classic and computer etc.
Having done the triangle cutting ( by hand ) and taping polygons together, I have spoken today to the local glass fibre expert. I will fetch material for glassing tomorrow and start coating the pieces. I still have to do the pier hole and mount and floor etc. but HEY ! thats me, I like to work the wrong way round sometimes.... you see, this way there will be a dome waiting, pushing me to do the tedious work of concrete mixing etc !
If there is any interest, I will attempt a detailed article on the construction as I already have a LOT of images to show some points and detail better than description only. That is, if the forum bosses will allow such an article ?
At LAST, a permanently mounted polar aligned scope ! Can ONLY be nice !
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
StarManSteve
professor emeritus
Reged: 09/21/06
Posts: 504
Loc: White Hall, MD
|
|
Congrats Manie & Welcome to Cloudy Nights!
Sounds like you have a plan.
Having a permanent mount is very very nice.
Just one thing.... We must have pictures!!! We'll be watching for updates on your progress.
--------------------
"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"
|
NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12070
Loc: Rockford Illinois
|
|
I LOVE Geodesic domes! 
Make sure you document with LOTS of pictures.
I'm not sure about the cardboard though. I would think you'd want something stiffer, like a Fiberboard, or Luan (1/4" Plywood).
--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
 Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
|
Chris Graham
mmmm...Haggis
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 4869
Loc: Stirling, Scotland
|
|
Congrats on the start!
--------------------
-Skywatcher 8" Reflector on HEQ5 with Skyscan
-Orion ED80 Refractor
-70mm Guidescope/grab and go scope
-Canon EOS 350D
-Toucam Pro 2
Astronomy & Veggies
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Thanks Starman,Neo-Jeff,Chris... Progressing slowly with required 12mm ply (for support rings) purchased and waiting. Jeff, Barry successfully used cardboard and fibre-glass, his cardboard was a bit thicker than mine at 12mm thick. The glass-fibre expert I spoke to thinks it OK at 6mm although we expect a LOT of resin will soak into the board. This will however, will make it a lot stronger again. Guess I will have to wait and see once I start. At least (if it works well) it will be a very nice LIGHT weight dome that should rotate easily.... will keep you guys posted.
Here is a shot of one of the polygons...
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
~Steph~
Texas Wildflower
Reged: 06/11/05
Posts: 21658
Loc: North Texas
|
|
Congrats on the observatory start, Manie! It's very exciting, isn't it?  Look forward to seeing your progress.
--------------------
Steph
10" RCX400 ~~ 4" TV102 ~~ WO ZS80FD ~~ PST
Serenity Observatory 
HansenAstro | CN Member Websites
|
Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 5098
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
|
|
Congratulations on the start of your observatory, please keep the photos coming!
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M102ED S.V., ZS 80FD 10th Anniv, ZS 66SD, PST
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
|
Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3071
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
|
|
Very interesting method. You might also think about using a foam core, instead of cardboard. Please post pics as you go along.
Hubert
--------------------
www.smoggybottom.org
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Hi Hubert, I have looked at foam coring it. I did not like the idea of stucco coating with a plaster outer shell cover. This will add a GREAT DEAL of weight and I wanted mine as light as possible. As long as one is patient I am sure the cardboard will work fine. Also it is a LOT easier to cut than using a hot wire for foam cutting. Cardboard is also a lot cheaper than foam ! Oh oh ! The glass fibre and resin however is more expensive ! In the end I think it is mainly a matter of personnal preference. I have to work alone so cardboard I can handle without help and the dome will weigh in at +- 150kg when finished, so you don't need a crane to mount it then !
Manie
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Some pics so far
1. Cutting triangles. I marked it out, cut one, then used it as a templete to mark the others. Those I cut freehand along the marked line, easier than holding a straight edge and cutting along that. No danger also of loosing your finger tip !
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Update on progress: Polygons ALMOST completely ready for putting together. Now starts the work on the wall top and dome bottom rings. The fun is starting....
When we moved into the new place in Hazyview, I met Elliot who did some work for us. His hands are worth GOLD ! Just had to explain what we were doing and some basics on the methods etc. and VOILA ! He was busy and REALLY helping...
Thats him applying the resin and chop strand to the cardboard polygon bases.
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
After polygons insides were all done, the stiffness increase was just amazing ! We then applied GRP to the outsides, carefull rolling with the proper roller BEFORE the resin starts setting up resulted in a good smooth finish.
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
A few of the Hexagons curing outside in the sun. Remeber this is Summer Solstice, the SHORTEST day in the South... 25 degree Celsius ! Not bad for mid winter LOL !!!
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Quote:
I LOVE Geodesic domes!
Make sure you document with LOTS of pictures.
Just something on the cardboard... the 6mm (1/4") double sided cardboard works very well, does not soak up too much resin but enough to impart a supprising strenght along with the chop strand glass matt ! It is amazing how stiff and firm the polygons are now that they are glassed both sides. Just single layer GRP each side so far, if required I am sure I can add a second layer on the outside but I doubt this will be required.
Manie
I'm not sure about the cardboard though. I would think you'd want something stiffer, like a Fiberboard, or Luan (1/4" Plywood).
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3071
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
|
|
Very interesting, Manie. How much does a hexagon weigh? It looks like they are pretty light..
Hubert
--------------------
www.smoggybottom.org
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Quote:
Very interesting, Manie. How much does a hexagon weigh? It looks like they are pretty light..
Hubert
The hex's are obviously the bigger pieces so will weigh the most. Now this is thumb suck (don't own a bathroom scale) but will find scale and weigh them, Pentagons also and let you know. At a guess (I am normally quite accurate ??) but will correct later, hex's weigh aprox. 2.5 - 3.5kg each and pent's +- 2kg each. They are amazingly light ! I will wait a few more days for proper curing then will chance STANDING on each shape to really test strength. Will let you know.
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
New update. Both the wall plate ring and the dome support ring sections have been cut from 18mm ply. I will double up on each ring for total 36mm thickness on each. I reckon this will be plenty strong enough for such a light weight dome.
The hex's weight as PS: I can easily hold a hex by one corner in one hand with arm outstretched.... gives you an idea on weight ?
Manie
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
More progress on wall and dome support rings. After rough cutting with a jigsaw, laid out sections on floor on top of blocks measured from the circle center. Screwed sections down with joints on wooden blocks. Formed complete circle, then mounted router to wooden arm (from 18mm ply) and cut outside to true circle. Adjusted router arm radius and cut inside also. See pic.
Manie
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
Router mounting detail. I did not make a new plate for the router, I attached via the router guide holes, works fine !
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Manie
sage
Reged: 05/02/07
Posts: 334
Loc: Hazyview South Africa
|
|
The wooden blocks were fixed to the floor with "Nail Down" screws and plugs. The rings were screwed to this. The second ring (for 36mm thickness) is positioned so that all the bottom joints will be straddled with half length overlap. The top ring here must still be cut which I will do with a "Flush Trim" ball bearing cutter instead of using the radius arm again. All the subsequent rings will be screwed down like this and flush trim cutter used. This way all rings will be identical, bottom to top. I will dismantle all then, remove screws from bottom ring (one joint at a time) and assemble it's second ring on top again, this time using wood glue FREELY !
Comments welcome.
Manie
--------------------
30 yr old Greencat 8x30 8.5deg FOV Binocs
Meade LX200 10" Classic with Zero Im.Shift Focus
Celestron 5" Nexstar (not "i") Alt-Az
Canon 300D
DSLR Maxview II (big EP's) for EP Projection
2" 32mm Meade 4000 SWA, 2" 28mm "coated" ??
1.25" 25mm, 26mm, Meade/Celestron EP's
7.5mm, 12.5mm, 18mm Agena ED's
10mm Illum. Ret. Antares Kelner
3m (10ft)Dome Observatory 95% done
Concrete (300mm diam) Pier (SOLID)
Dark skies at home !(NICE)
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: 
