Telescope Reviews: Blueski Observatory begins

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Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Blueski Observatory begins
#5533719 - 11/22/12 10:47 AM

Well, the building permit came through. We have a specified location in our back yard and a specified construction plan using Technical Innovations 15 foot dome with dome automation. This dome will be mounted on a wooden platform with 3 foot walls from TI. The pier will be 24 inch diameter poured concrete with an ATS 10 inch diameter pier that is 26 inches high. This will result in an eye piece height looking at zenith of 46 inches and an eye piece height viewing the horizon of 54 inches with an Astro-physics 1600GTO mount. We plan to have at least one PC for control of the mount with ethernet going to the house to my office PC for observatory control.

Post Extras:

Raginar
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/19/10

Loc: Rapid CIty, SD

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5533882 - 11/22/12 12:33 PM

Awesome, can't wait to see it!

Post Extras:

csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5534644 - 11/22/12 11:48 PM

Congratulations Steve! We look forward to following your observatory, from start to finish!

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: csa/montana]
#5535120 - 11/23/12 09:38 AM

Thanks Carol. Pier order from Advanced Telescope Systems goes out today. My stuff has 3-4 month lead times but the plan is for spring 2013 so that is not a problem.

Post Extras:

stmguy
super member

Reged: 10/11/12

Loc: Western NH

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5535210 - 11/23/12 10:33 AM

The fun begins....look forward to seeing the progress. I'm enjoying working on my own observatory, some challenges but still rewarding to just push the hatch open and start observing
Norm

Post Extras:

rockethead26
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/21/09

Loc: Indiana, USA

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: stmguy]
#5538330 - 11/25/12 07:18 AM

This is really exciting!

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Greyhaven
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 05/11/04

Loc: Greater downtown Maine

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5539382 - 11/25/12 08:33 PM

Drooling like crazy!
Be Well
Grey

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Greyhaven]
#5540550 - 11/26/12 03:46 PM

Today I sent in the order for the Technical Innovations 15 foot observatory. Both the ATS pier and observatory are scheduled for March.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5546058 - 11/29/12 07:12 PM

The ATS pier has the option of getting the bolts and templates preshipped in order to do the concrete pier. I am lucky enough to have a Garmin GPS to find true north.

Post Extras:

Starman27
Post Laureate

Reged: 01/29/06

Loc: Illinois, Iowa

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5546972 - 11/30/12 10:59 AM

Good for you! Can't wait to se the build and results. May even come over in person if you need help.

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CounterWeight
Postmaster

Reged: 10/05/08

Loc: Cloudyopolis, OR.

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Starman27]
#5547051 - 11/30/12 11:56 AM

Congratulations on your decision - that is some very nice obs / gear you are spec'ing - should be a fantastic addition for you. Look forward to your updates

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: CounterWeight]
#5547513 - 11/30/12 04:49 PM

Yes, I will keep everyone posted. Amazing lead times on stuff these days. 3 months for the Pier from ATS, March 6 shipping for the observatory itself.

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gpiepol
Sungazer

Reged: 05/06/03

Loc: Rising Sun Observatory

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5547947 - 11/30/12 10:01 PM

That is going to be an amazing home observatory, Steve! With a $30k+ observatory in place, what kind of scope will you put in it?

Greg

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: gpiepol]
#5548345 - 12/01/12 06:59 AM

Quote:

That is going to be an amazing home observatory, Steve! With a $30k+ observatory in place, what kind of scope will you put in it?

Greg

The plan is an Astro-physics 1600GTO mount with a Planewave CDK17 scope. Also planned is a small piggyback refractor (maybe Televue?) which hopefully can also be used if properly equipped, for some solar viewing. Fortunately my wife is "into" astronomy as well so this is not as tough a sell as it might otherwise be. We are older and realize there is no way to "take it with us". I am sure this seems extravagant to many, for which we apologize.

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Binary Star
super member

Reged: 09/04/08

Loc: N.E. Ohio

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5549442 - 12/01/12 09:48 PM

That sounds amazing. I wouldn't be apologizing either - I think it's wonderful that you're doing what you want with what you have. That's the ultimate expression of freedom!

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Binary Star]
#5559576 - 12/07/12 04:33 PM

Slight change of hardware plan. Still going with the Astro-physics 1600GTO but changed scopes to the Takahashi TOA 150. Reason is that I plan to get a Daystar filter and also do observing of the sun during clear days. I was lucky enough to find one TOA 150 coming into the country.

Edited by Aquarist (12/07/12 04:35 PM)

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mikey cee
Postmaster

Reged: 01/18/07

Loc: bellevue ne.

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5559689 - 12/07/12 05:57 PM

Steve I don't say it enough around here but you "new builds" are living the life. I know just how you feel. I get a charge everytime I open up my observatory too!

Mike

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Mel M
super member

Reged: 05/04/08

Loc: southern Oregon

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5566016 - 12/11/12 02:06 PM

Quote:

Slight change of hardware plan. Still going with the Astro-physics 1600GTO but changed scopes to the Takahashi TOA 150. Reason is that I plan to get a Daystar filter and also do observing of the sun during clear days. I was lucky enough to find one TOA 150 coming into the country.

If you wanted a smaller mount the AP900 would handle the 150 fine.

Post Extras:

CharlesW
sage

Reged: 11/02/12

Loc: Chula Vista & Indio, CA

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5566695 - 12/11/12 10:37 PM

Considering how much time, money, and effort you are putting into this amazing project, you might be underwhelmed by the compass accuracy of your Garmin. You might consider renting a surveyor's compass to be sure.

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: CharlesW]
#5567060 - 12/12/12 07:10 AM

Quote:

Considering how much time, money, and effort you are putting into this amazing project, you might be underwhelmed by the compass accuracy of your Garmin. You might consider renting a surveyor's compass to be sure.

Great idea. I did not know such existed.

Post Extras:

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