Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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I am working on a mobile observatory and have started with a 6x10 enclosed cargo trailer. I first installed some nice walls, insulated the ceiling and installed a roof air/heat unit. I then built in a front cabinet and am working on a flip up table/desk to run alongthe left side and a fold-away bed on the other. I am powering it with 2 group 27 batteries and a large 2.5kw inverter. Since I plan on setting a GOTO scope on the outside while I sit in comfort on the inside I am building a weather tight box on one side to house six 12v power plugs a 110v outlet and a USB and RS232 port to easily connect the scope to the trailer. On the inside is a couple of computers to run the scope and do the imaging work. The lights are LED to conserve power and a Night Vision mode of RED LEDs makes it great for leaving the back open and allowing fellow observers in.
If anyone has already built something in this same small foot print, please send along some pics and helpful information. I will include some links to the early construction of the trailer and will add more later. This small size will allow me to position it along with other observers and not be in their way. Plus it is a great place to hand out hot coco!
Outside view
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Insulated roof
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Ceiling is just tall enough. Everyone keeps asking if I am going to put a big screen TV here. LOL.
.
Night Vision Mode
Edited by Bert Burch (01/07/09 12:22 PM)
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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Hi again, Bert! I just Welcomed you over in Beginners, & asked if you could go into more detail, and really glad you found us here in Observatories! 
Your Observatory trailer is fantastic!
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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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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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More pics
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.
.
.
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Hi again, Bert! I just Welcomed you over in Beginners, & asked if you could go into more detail, and really glad you found us here in Observatories!
Your Observatory trailer is fantastic!
Thanks, it is a big project in progress but will be well worth it when done. I am hoping to have it completed within the next 30 days. I'm saving up for solar panels to charge the batteries. I am trying to keep it as "Green" as possible and leave very little carbon foot print.
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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 You've put a lot of work into it!
BTW, I mistakenly said I Welcomed you in Beginners, when it was actually Equipment 
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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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Mike Clemens
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/26/05
Posts: 4288
Loc: Wasilla, Alaska 61N
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wow that 1st photo from the bottom really had me for a minute there, the scale is ambiguous I thought you had some 200 amp circuitry there : )
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6566
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Looks quite nice Bert.
--------------------
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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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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It is a 200amp 12v breaker you are looking at. The inverter is 2.5kw so at max load it could pull 208amps. The box on the right is 110v with a 20amp breaker for the Air/Heat and a 15amp for interior and exterior outlets. The wires on the left are all 2gauge 12V stuff. Soon a Converter/Charger will be installed above those connections to easily charge the batteries while on AC and will switch the trailer automaticaly to batteries when un-connected. I am trying to automate everything as much as possible.
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Gunner
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/20/06
Posts: 516
Loc: Bellville,Texas
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Bert, I really like the setup, what I can see your doing a top notch job.
Please keep us posted on the progress, I have been thinking about doing the same thing and I can't see a thing I add to it.
You have or are contemplating all of your power needs no matter the location, AC, DC conversion with possible solar power in the future, way to go.
I don't know what your location is but if bugs are a problem you can always add some bug netting for the doors.
I'm curiuos to see how you will handle the storage of the scopes and mounts and such.
I'll be looking forward to updates, keep up the good work.
Allen
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Orion 190mm Mak-Newt w/Orion 80ED Guidescope
Orion XT12i w/ Moonlite Cr-2 and Flocked
Orion 8" Reflector Flocked
Orion Atlas EQ-G mount
Orion Autoguider
Orion X-Y Guide Star Finder
Canon EOS Rebel XTi ( un-modified )
Edited by Gunner (01/07/09 10:19 AM)
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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WOW....where have you been all this time? ;<)
I have been looking ALL OVER THE WEB for this type of implementation without finding it.
PLEASE post any and all photos you want to...it will be appreciated by many.
I am very impressed with the workmanship and design...very well thought out.
I look forward to reading more about this venture.
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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Could you also include where you have sourced some of these mods?
Like the fold up desk and bed?
I see a metal flue in the right front of the trailer..ventilation or cable port?
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Could you also include where you have sourced some of these mods?
Like the fold up desk and bed?
I see a metal flue in the right front of the trailer..ventilation or cable port?
I will put in more detail as I progress. I hope this project will encourage others to do the same. It can be as fancy or as plain as you like. I think it will be a great unit to take to star parties and with its open design will invite curious guests in to view the wonders above. I am working with my local Astromony club here in central Florida to make it available for their educational out-reach programs. Even on the poor seeing nights, the computers in the trailer will be able to scroll thru images taken by the club members to help encourage others to join the hobby.
The curved aluminum corner panels are there as decorative pieces that give the small trailer a deeper illusion. I did not want to feel "boxed-in". Along the inside ceiling edges will be cable tracks to act as finishing pieces and will be functional as well. It will allow me to run new wires, fiber etc, in the future without tearing out walls.
I am very much an amateur at all of this and am questing knowledge just like like everyone else. Hopefully some of the forum members can quide me along in my build.
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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I would suggest including a screen door on the back of the trailer. One could velco it on, allow for rolling it up out of the way when needed and have it so one could totally remove it when not needed. It would help with ventilation.
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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I would also recommend you search the "Equipment" group at this site using the word "trailer". There are some very good discussions that you will find very helpful as to some of the previous implementations that other members have done and the design tradeoffs that were made.
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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I would also recommend detachable leveling jacks for the back of the trailer so one can detact the towing vehicle and still allow the trailer to remain level.
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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Here is a discussion that you will find interesting...
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2371977/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1/vc/1
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40316
Loc: montana
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I would also like to recommend you combine your posts into one, to keep the thread managible.
Thanks!
--------------------
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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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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Quote:
I would also like to recommend you combine your posts into one, to keep the thread managible.
Thanks!
Yeah..sorry about that. ;<)
I just am really excited to see this type of observatory showing up...I have spent days looking for this type of implementation out on the web.
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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
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Hi Bert
Welcome to CN and the OBs forum. If I read your posts correctly, your trailer is going to be a mobile command post, with the scope(s) outside, mounted on the trailer or free standing on the ground?
I've seen a few mobile Observatories here and on the web, including a couple with domes.
Here's Pier-Tech's effort Star Traveler Mobile Observatory This has a roll off roof
In CN's Observatory Articles section, Star Shooter Mobile Observatory Merlin's effort has a dome.
Steve
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Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!
Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Hi Bert
Welcome to CN and the OBs forum. If I read your posts correctly, your trailer is going to be a mobile command post, with the scope(s) outside, mounted on the trailer or free standing on the ground?
Steve
Your right, a better description might be a " Mobile Command Post ". The scope will be sitting outside of the trailer. I think with all the advances in todays GOTOs, I should simply roll the scope out to solid earth and plug it into the trailer thru the special connector box I am building. This prevents the complex design of a supported trailer and offers more room inside the trailer for fellow observers to sit and enjoy. Also, If I want to use large DOB scopes in the future, I will not have to throw the trailer away and start over, I'll be able to connect it to anything that will accept a CCD camera.
So far, my friends call it a mobile power station for their scopes since it will have a large battery supply with external 12v jacks that they can hook into. 
Small enough to sit in the general area of other observers and their scopes.
Edited by Bert Burch (01/07/09 11:13 PM)
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Here are some more pictures - Been working steadily on the mobile observatory. It is starting to come together as a functioning unit now, Have heat, Air conditioning, power (12v & 110v) most of the comforts of home. Still need to complete the cabinet doors, external telescope connection box and the like.
New indoor/outdoor carpet installed. You can see how the desk folds down against the wall to create a big open space for hauling stuff.
Ceiling almost completed
Desk area. Still need to build cabinet doors.
Power 12v and 110v - Totaly self reliant in either case
Font of trailer
Rolling tool boxes are strapped to the wall for hauling power cords, connectors, scope parts, etc. They unstrap and roll out the back door once the trailer is stationed.
I'm trying to get a feel for the new work space.
I think the open space will be inviting to fellow observers who can come in from the cold, talk shop and relax. I am pretty amazed that a small 6x10 enclosed trailer can feel very roomy if laid out properly. I had 5 people standing in here with me and there still was plenty of room to move about or sit. Just need to get that hot coco machine installed now.
Edited by Bert Burch (01/17/09 09:51 PM)
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6800
Loc: Eastern PA
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If I have a setup like this I would be at dark sites all the time. Very nice!
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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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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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I wanted to do a vinyl wrap of a cool celestrial scene, but after researching wraps, they start at $2k and go up. Ouch. So I am thinking of some plane vinyl stuff, not the whole wrap. I also need a cool name for the mobile observatory/command post. StarQuest, Star View 1, Star Hunter, Qalaxy wagon, you get the picture. Send me any suggestions that you think is cool. I'll pick one and have it put on the trailer. :-)
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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GREAT layout!
Does that chair recline so it can double as bed if needed?
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Odin
super member
Reged: 03/21/07
Posts: 193
Loc: Ont, Cdn 46N 84W
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Excellent.... layout seems to meet the need...
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*=== Life Is Great Under The STARS ===*
LX90 8" EMC
Rigel Quickfinder
ETX125PE UHTC
60mm Refractor Meade Digital Series
Meade Electronic Eyepiece
32mm,26mm,15mm,9.7mm series 4000 Super Plossl
2x Barlow
10x50 Tasca Binoculars
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stars_in_my_eyes
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 803
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Have you thought about having a window or perhaps a screen door on the trailer?
That way you still get ventilation without inviting the local bug population in.
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3860
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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That's a very nice setup. What would you consider the benefits of going this route vs a small travel trailer?
Hubert
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Hubert
---------------------------------
www.smoggybottom.org
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Have you thought about having a window or perhaps a screen door on the trailer?
That way you still get ventilation without inviting the local bug population in.
I have to cut in a new cargo hatch door for the external connectors so will probably add a small window at the same time. The trailer will be open most of the time, but when it is time to sleep, I will button it up. The window would be nice for fresh air and a way to see what kind of animal is scratching at my door. 
I am spending all my weekends on this trailer, I hope to finish it soon so I can get out to some dark skies and use it.
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Quote:
That's a very nice setup. What would you consider the benefits of going this route vs a small travel trailer?
Hubert
My first plans were to start with a very small travel trailer, but there are many reasons I think a cargo trailer is better.
1. I can customize the interior for Astronomy stuff including red lights, large battery reserves, roomy drop down tail which invites guest in.
2. Large open area inside for hauling big scopes and stuff.
3. Reduced foot print. This one is important, as I believe the unit should not intruse on others ability to see over it. A cargo trailer is only 7.5ft tall and takes up a small 7x12ft footprint on the ground. I can park this by my scope and among fellow observers and not feel like I am taking over. A bigger RV parked in the middle of a viewing area would get in peoples way and break up the viewing areas. Even at its small size, I will try to make sure I locate at the outer edges of a viewing area or if the scopes are in a straight line, make sure it is out of the direct line of site and walking paths.
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greeps
member
Reged: 02/04/06
Posts: 52
Loc: Chattanooga, TN
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Quote:
I also need a cool name for the mobile observatory/command post. StarQuest, Star View 1, Star Hunter, Qalaxy wagon, you get the picture. Send me any suggestions that you think is cool. I'll pick one and have it put on the trailer. :-)
It could be a Hubblewide.
David
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Bert Burch
member
Reged: 01/06/09
Posts: 79
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Still working hard on the Mobile Observatory Post. I completed the weather station and mast, added the outside door hatch and scope connector box and a lot more electronics inside. Will post some more interior soon.
Professional weather station
Testing the external hatch door panel. The top orange box will contain USB, RS232 and network connectors for plugging in GOTO scopes and CCD imagers. Can easily connect and power anything up thru this external connection port. A red digital volt meter will also be mounted in the empty space in the top right.
Some of the internal wirring for the external panel. Everything is hidden in a nice alarm control box. Heavy 8 gauge wire for high amps on the 12v power ports.
New window in the door
View of the external door hatch that contains the power and scope connection. Weather station removed for travel.
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andyschlei
sage
Reged: 03/05/06
Posts: 376
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Wow, that looks great!
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Observatorio de la Ballona
Mar Vista
Lake Riverside Estates
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6566
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Somebody is going to be the envy of the every star party that he attends 
--------------------
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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