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Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

My Observatory is born
#3465245 - 11/24/09 06:40 AM Attachment (338 downloads)

After sitting on the building permit for six months(no time), I finally started building my roll-off roof obs. I had an Exploradome, but decided not to use it.

The obs is 10x10 with 6'h inside walls. My views are limited to about 20 deg above the horizon, hence the high walls. It will have a steep pitch 10:12 roof to match an nearby bldg.

One long weekend got the floor framing and deck and 3 walls done.

There will be a full height door on the moving gable end(towards the house)

The obs is built over and on a huge rock 12'x12'x real deep!
The pier pad will poured directly on the rock. Right now there are 3 3/4" threaded rods epoxyed 10" into the rock where the pier goes.

Hopefully I can finish before the CT weather gets too bad, its been real nice the last few weekends.

Post Extras:

wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3465249 - 11/24/09 06:44 AM Attachment (224 downloads)

Here is another view the previous was taken from my deck.
This one is with my back to the house.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3465251 - 11/24/09 06:46 AM Attachment (201 downloads)

One of my son doing the hard work!

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3465252 - 11/24/09 06:46 AM Attachment (178 downloads)

Lastly one of the pier studs and location

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3465254 - 11/24/09 06:48 AM

Forgot to mention the scope-
A C-925 and a TV 85 side by side on a Losmandy G11 Goto.
Will get camera when funds permit.

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LateViewer
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/17/05

Loc: Manhattan

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3465300 - 11/24/09 07:36 AM

Everything looks great.

One thing about matching the roof line of the other outbuilding, it will be tall when you roll it off.

I did the same as you with matching existing roof lines and the height when rolled off was something I had not thought through.

Just this past week I solved the problem when I upgraded my roll off beams to extend 10' from the observatory instead of the 8' I started with.

Just something to take into account.

Where in Ct? I live in NY 1 mile from Ct. in two directions.

Al

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: LateViewer]
#3465358 - 11/24/09 08:25 AM

Al-funny you mention that< as I was driving to work today that thought went thru my head and my heart almost stopped!!
I have ordered metal roof panels< but have not framed anything yet. The roof rolls toward the house, I will see tonight if the house will be the limiting factor. I can always trim the metal panels and go witha lower profile.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3465361 - 11/24/09 08:26 AM

Al- I'm off Rt2 1/2 way between Hartford and Norwich

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David Pavlich
Transmographied

Reged: 05/18/05

Loc: Mandeville, LA USA

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3466833 - 11/24/09 10:22 PM

Looks like you'll have a terrific obs. And the site superintendent with the shovel looks like a real task master!

David

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Danno2006
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 01/25/06

Loc: Ontario, Canada

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: David Pavlich]
#3468863 - 11/25/09 10:44 PM Attachment (149 downloads)

Old roof line which was way too tall.

Edited by Danno2006 (11/25/09 10:50 PM)

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Danno2006
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 01/25/06

Loc: Ontario, Canada

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Danno2006]
#3468866 - 11/25/09 10:46 PM Attachment (151 downloads)

New roof line - which is just right. I built it in 3 sections and then hoisted them up as hip roof angles would have been no fun building up in the air.

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astrotrf
Not at all Mundane

Reged: 09/30/07

Loc: Rodeo, NM

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Danno2006]
#3468885 - 11/25/09 10:58 PM

Comparing the two photos, I just hope your new roofline is prepared for the snow load.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: astrotrf]
#3469193 - 11/26/09 06:52 AM

Danno-thanks for the pics,I have decided to lower my pitch, to maybe 4:12 instead of 10:12, I also have snow loads to worry about.

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Galaxyhunter
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/02/06

Loc: Northern Illinois

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3469226 - 11/26/09 07:40 AM

Quote:

I have decided to lower my pitch, to maybe 4:12 instead of 10:12, I also have snow loads to worry about.

If you construct your roof with truss rafters, then you have nothing to worry about.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Galaxyhunter]
#3469229 - 11/26/09 07:44 AM

Thanks Carl, I had planned to, I just didn't want to go as low a pitch as Danno2006 has.
Plus my south gable end will flip down , so only the north will have any obstruction-I will still be able to see Polaris though.

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cpsTN
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/26/07

Loc: Murfreesboro, TN -- 36N 86W

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3469788 - 11/26/09 01:40 PM

In our area, you don't need a permit unless the footprint reaches 100sqft. Since I don't want to give the county anymore money than I have to, I have decided on 8x8.

Really obs, especially putting it by the pool.

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RobVG
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 01/09/06

Loc: Seattle Washington

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3469830 - 11/26/09 02:06 PM

Anchoring your pier directly to a rock? That's pretty cool. I don't think I've seen that done before.

Just re-read your post. So you're pouring a pad on top of the rock and putting your pier on top of that? Ever wonder if you could get away with just bolting the pier to the rock?

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: RobVG]
#3470812 - 11/27/09 09:24 AM

The pad is on top of the rock because the rock is very uneven where the pier goes.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3472827 - 11/28/09 03:32 PM Attachment (134 downloads)

40mph gusts did not allow me to get much done, plus I was working by myself. Did get the last wall done and the door hung. The moving gable end and the collar ties will clear the door. The notches in the rear wall for the track rails are visible(for the when the roof is open)

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3474460 - 11/29/09 05:40 PM

Made some decent progress, too dark and tired to take pics tonight

Got the tracks down on the bldg and made the wheeled beams that the rafters fix to. Got the ridge beam and 4 sets of rafters up. Im happy with the profile.
Put some temporary roofing(tarps and tyvec) on for the rain on monday. That cost me an hour, but was worth it to keep everything dry, plus monday I can work inside the obs and cut the next 12 rafters.

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csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3475100 - 11/29/09 11:54 PM

It's coming along very nicely! Great job!

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: csa/montana]
#3475895 - 11/30/09 01:56 PM Attachment (139 downloads)

Here are a couple of pics of the wheels and the roof pitch

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3475897 - 11/30/09 01:59 PM Attachment (120 downloads)

It is kind of hard to see in the above pic, but the wheels are mounted to the bolt axle that you can see on the right side of the temporary support plywood. there are 3 wheels per side. alsobarely vivible is the angle irom track

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John Wunderlin
Vendor - Spike-a Focusing Mask

Reged: 10/01/04

Loc: Mineral Point, Wi

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3475947 - 11/30/09 02:28 PM

Quote:

I had an Exploradome, but decided not to use it.

I'm curious about this- why didn't you want to use it?

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Bob Griffiths
Getting Grouchy

Reged: 10/10/05

Loc: Frederick Maryland

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: John Wunderlin]
#3476030 - 11/30/09 03:08 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I had an Exploradome, but decided not to use it.

I'm curious about this- why didn't you want to use it?

Me too....LOL

I've had an Exploradome in use now for over 3 years and it has been a pure pleasure to use...
I have not found a single fault with it...just plain works and does everything I need and want it to do without any compromises on my part...

Bob G

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Bob Griffiths]
#3476168 - 11/30/09 04:25 PM

Re: the explora-dome- I just decided a ROR obs would fit in the neighborhood better, and I didnt want to look at the sky thru a slit< although the dome would be better as far as wind and light pollution go.
You probably have to make compromises no matter which route you go.

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John Wunderlin
Vendor - Spike-a Focusing Mask

Reged: 10/01/04

Loc: Mineral Point, Wi

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3476218 - 11/30/09 04:51 PM

That makes sense. My neighbors had thanksgiving at their house- it was really funny watching everyone get out of their cars and stop dead in their tracks trying to figure out what that 9 foot shining white structure was in my yard

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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster

Reged: 12/11/04

Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: John Wunderlin]
#3477297 - 12/01/09 08:08 AM

Mine's a hot tub enclosure, at least that's what some of the neighbors think

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Chris Schroeder]
#3486872 - 12/06/09 03:43 PM

Well Mother nature won- unless we get a stretch of warm weather my Obs is buttoned up till spring, got the roof all done(tar paper, waiting on metal roofing) and the sheathing wrapped in tyvek, but everything was covered with ice and snow and I didn't get the siding on.
I'm set to go with a moments notice though if we get a few nice days.
Heres a pic

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3486874 - 12/06/09 03:45 PM Attachment (119 downloads)

the pic

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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome

Reged: 03/08/05

Loc: Asbury, NJ

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3486951 - 12/06/09 04:39 PM

Looks perfectly usable!!

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: rodney]
#3486961 - 12/06/09 04:46 PM

It would be kind of a one shot deal when I rolled the roof off

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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome

Reged: 03/08/05

Loc: Asbury, NJ

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3487023 - 12/06/09 05:18 PM

Oh yeah, now I see, nothing for the roof to roll onto. I best stick to what I know.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: rodney]
#3496425 - 12/11/09 05:54 PM

I braved the cold and wind today and got the beams for the roof to roll on to done. Should be able to test the opening and closing Saturday. Will post pics tomorrow

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3497875 - 12/12/09 04:26 PM Attachment (121 downloads)

Here are the rails and track-I ran out of energy to try it today, maybe Sunday if it doesn't pour.
More work than you would think trying to make everything square,level and parallel by your self

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Digital Don
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/20/04

Loc: Manteno, IL

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3497940 - 12/12/09 05:10 PM

Lookin' good!

Won't be long now...

Don

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Digital Don]
#3497989 - 12/12/09 05:52 PM

I came up with a name too
Colchester Astronomical Observing Site

CAOS

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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome

Reged: 03/08/05

Loc: Asbury, NJ

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3503741 - 12/15/09 09:38 PM

CAOS, I like it. Any progress? The past few days in my neck of the woods were OK and that weather was heading your way.

Clear skies,

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: rodney]
#3504321 - 12/16/09 07:37 AM

Didn't get much done, but I have the next 4 days off, hoping to get the roofing and siding on. I am kind of excited about getting the roof to open.

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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome

Reged: 03/08/05

Loc: Asbury, NJ

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3505010 - 12/16/09 03:51 PM

Cool beans, keep us posted.

Clear skies,

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: rodney]
#3510825 - 12/19/09 04:10 PM Attachment (146 downloads)

Well my son and I did our first roof opening victory dance today, just in time for a foot of snow!

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3510828 - 12/19/09 04:12 PM Attachment (123 downloads)

another

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3510830 - 12/19/09 04:12 PM Attachment (117 downloads)

more south wall not down

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3510833 - 12/19/09 04:13 PM Attachment (127 downloads)

south wall folded down

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3510834 - 12/19/09 04:14 PM Attachment (134 downloads)

last for now, south veiw from scope position

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3510838 - 12/19/09 04:16 PM

Everything worked like I had a plan

I was very happy that it rolled nicely.
Still have lots to do, but the hard part is done.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3511793 - 12/20/09 07:21 AM

Make it 2 feet of snow!

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Starman27
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/29/06

Loc: Illinois, Iowa

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3511855 - 12/20/09 08:52 AM

Don't worry. The snow will melt and you will still have a great observatory.

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: Starman27]
#3516029 - 12/22/09 01:45 PM

Well I just ordered the rack and Motor for my roof automation- used the info on Mike's Astro site-Mike thanks for taking the time to document all that!!!!

The whole thing is starting to come together!

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3527666 - 12/29/09 12:47 PM

Well if I can't count on you guys to keep my post alive I'll do it myself

I'm not getting much done lately, but I can at least pretend!

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DCS357
member

Reged: 10/20/08

Loc: Lubbock, Tx

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: wormstar]
#3669632 - 03/09/10 11:45 AM

Looking good. Do you mind can you give me the McMaster wheel number and the the kind of axle you are using. I went to Mikes Astro site but could not tell which wheel and axle he used. Also :-) is the angle iron 3/4,1, or 1 1/4"

thanks for any help
don c

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mikey cee
Postmaster

Reged: 01/18/07

Loc: bellevue ne.

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: DCS357]
#3670431 - 03/09/10 05:02 PM

Just got a Harbor Freight mailer in the mail the other day. Those 440lb. hoist motors are back on sale for just $75 until March 25th. Mine sound like a pair of powerful humming "turbines". Sure are great. I used 3" v grooved rollers on 1-1/4" angle iron. Perfect speed I don't even need limit switches.....when the roofs hit there physical limits the motors stop nicely on their own.

Mike

Edited by mikey cee (03/10/10 05:03 PM)

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wormstar
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/23/09

Loc: Central Ct

Re: My Observatory is born new

[Re: mikey cee]
#3674953 - 03/11/10 03:36 PM

My Harbor Freight winch may be used to lower my south wall, I ended up buying a AC Drive and a 3 phase gear motor, I may have gotten carried away, the motor could probably lift the obs!

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