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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!

Post Extras:

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!

Post Extras:

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

Post Extras:

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.

Post Extras:

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

Post Extras:

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.

Post Extras:

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

Post Extras:

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.

Post Extras:

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)

Post Extras:

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

Post Extras:

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.

Post Extras:

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:

mikey cee
Postmaster

Reged: 01/18/07

Loc: bellevue ne.

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: mikey cee]
#5567274 - 12/12/12 10:21 AM

Oh yeah before I forget. You'd better change the name to something else. Everytime I see it I think of only a cold beer!

Mike

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: mikey cee]
#5576257 - 12/17/12 07:16 PM

Well, it is actually memorializing my dog Blue, who sadly died November 18.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5634437 - 01/21/13 07:45 AM

Ok, an update. Building permit approved; nontrivial amount of negotiation about location. Exact location approved by the building inspector. Telescopes will be Takahashi TOA 150 (change from CDK 17) and Lunt DS 100. Mount will be Astrophysics 1600GTO. Permanent pier will be from ATS. All of which is ordered with lead times varying up until about March. Technical Innovations Dome with ship date promised March 6. So, things are moving along but my impatience is growing.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5659879 - 02/03/13 12:17 PM

Notification from ATS yesterday that my 10" metal pier will be delayed until the middle of February because they sold far too many 10 inch piers. Wow! Observatory from Technical Innovations ships March 6. Astrophysics mount ships in March. Takahahshi TOA150 waiting in Houston. Lunt DS100 being completed for about April. So, it all is going to get exciting rather quickly. Today I am reading the observatory forum for "finishing ideas".

Post Extras:

csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5659903 - 02/03/13 12:32 PM

Steve, you will be busy; and we want photos to follow all this excitement!

Post Extras:

rlandsboro
member

Reged: 02/23/12

Loc: Scottsdale, AZ. USA

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5660939 - 02/03/13 11:53 PM

I'm just curious - what made you decide to
change from the CDK to the Takahashi?

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: rlandsboro]
#5661329 - 02/04/13 09:15 AM

Quote:

I'm just curious - what made you decide to
change from the CDK to the Takahashi?

Several things: first of all, my wife will be only a visual observer, and while a CDK is optimized for imaging, that capability is also good on a Tak. I too like visual but hope to do imaging eventually. But more importantly, I was not able to get good response to questions posed to Planewave. I figured that response in pre-sale mode is as good as it is ever going to be and if they are non-responsive now, help later would be most likely worse. While the costs of both scopes are generally similar (CDK is more), I felt that information was more readily available for Takahashi.

Post Extras:

rlandsboro
member

Reged: 02/23/12

Loc: Scottsdale, AZ. USA

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5661629 - 02/04/13 12:07 PM

Sounds like a good decision. It's much easier to give hard-earned dollars to vendors who are accessible and forthcoming with information. And especially to vendors who are willing to say "no - it doesn't do that" so a buyer can really understand their purchase.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: rlandsboro]
#5815682 - 04/22/13 04:48 PM Attachment (18 downloads)

Well, it has been a long time and the lead times to acquire stuff such as mounts, observatories, telescopes, etc. were very long, but things are finally coming together.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5815685 - 04/22/13 04:51 PM Attachment (20 downloads)

But, I had no concept of how big the Technical Innovations shipping carton really was, at least until it arrived in my driveway. Needless to say I am not moving it in its present form as it weighs in at 2000 lbs and is 102 inches long, 80 inches wide and 100 inches tall. Next step is to drill a hole for the pier, but that will require some dryer weather than we have been having.

Edited by Aquarist (04/22/13 04:51 PM)

Post Extras:

starbob1
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/11/07

Loc: IN

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5815823 - 04/22/13 05:41 PM

Wow what a box. Your equipment is first class your putting togeather.I am coming over'hehe. I live just over in IN. I love my observatory' even though I do not use it all the time. But just knowing it is their makes me happy. Please post many pics. Bob

Post Extras:

Project Galileo
professor emeritus

Reged: 11/14/07

Loc: Jefferson County, Colorado

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: starbob1]
#5815961 - 04/22/13 06:10 PM

Great start!

Post Extras:

stmguy
super member

Reged: 10/11/12

Loc: Western NH

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Project Galileo]
#5816876 - 04/23/13 06:36 AM

You look like a happy camper ! The fun begins.

Norm

Post Extras:

csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5817082 - 04/23/13 09:52 AM

Quote:

Well, it is actually memorializing my dog Blue, who sadly died November 18.

Very sorry about your loss; naming your observatory in memory of Blue is very special!

Post Extras:

csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5817083 - 04/23/13 09:54 AM

Quote:

But, I had no concept of how big the Technical Innovations shipping carton really was, at least until it arrived in my driveway. Needless to say I am not moving it in its present form as it weighs in at 2000 lbs and is 102 inches long, 80 inches wide and 100 inches tall. Next step is to drill a hole for the pier, but that will require some dryer weather than we have been having.

Wow! I don't think you have to worry about it being stolen!

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: csa/montana]
#5833156 - 04/30/13 08:27 PM Attachment (7 downloads)

Well, the next step in building the observatory happened today. Here you see a rather substantial piece of equipment which is going to drill the hole for the pier. It will be 2 feet across and 48 inches deep.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5833157 - 04/30/13 08:28 PM Attachment (7 downloads)

And now the drilling begins . . .

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5833161 - 04/30/13 08:29 PM Attachment (7 downloads)

It is hard to realize how deep 48 inches is until you see the drill working away . . .

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5833162 - 04/30/13 08:30 PM Attachment (6 downloads)

Here we are at about the 42 inch level . . .

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Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5833165 - 04/30/13 08:31 PM Attachment (9 downloads)

And that ends up being a really substantial hole:

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5833171 - 04/30/13 08:33 PM

And the next step is tomorrow when the inspector insures we are below the frost line. Of course he does not really understand the function of the pier or its hole. But he will also inspect the 8 smaller support holes for the platform on which the observatory will sit. And the following day concrete will pour: six bag mix, reinforced concrete.

Post Extras:

David Pavlich
Transmographied

Reged: 05/18/05

Loc: Mandeville, LA USA

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5833371 - 04/30/13 10:43 PM

Sure beats a shovel!!

David

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: David Pavlich]
#5834063 - 05/01/13 10:45 AM

Quote:

Sure beats a shovel!!

David

Also, less expensive than hospital bills. Total time was 15 minutes, versus an estimated manual time of 4 hours.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834801 - 05/01/13 05:02 PM

Inspector came today, glanced at the hold (perfect circle) and signed off without measuring. This afternoon concrete will be poured. About 1 yard six bag mix, three rebar. The trick, of course will be getting true north measured and aligned with the ATS pier template.

Post Extras:

Midnight Dan
Postmaster

Reged: 01/23/08

Loc: Hilton, NY, Yellow Zone (Bortl...

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834920 - 05/01/13 06:03 PM

My guess is that the pier is not part of the structure, so he probably didn't even need to inspect it. I'll be putting in something similar in the great, over-regulated, state of NY

and they said they didn't need to inspect the pier at all.

-Dan

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Midnight Dan]
#5834942 - 05/01/13 06:17 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

Well, after the inspector did a cursory look at the hole, we ordered up concrete: 1 cubic yard of six bag mix. And 3 pieces of rebar.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834948 - 05/01/13 06:18 PM Attachment (7 downloads)

But clearly the truck could not go to the hole, so the concrete had to be wheeled in.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834954 - 05/01/13 06:20 PM Attachment (12 downloads)

But only some of the concrete was going to be below ground, but the remainder was above ground and had to have a form. Here is the portion above ground as well.

Edited by Aquarist (05/01/13 06:21 PM)

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834959 - 05/01/13 06:22 PM Attachment (9 downloads)

We used three different methodologies for finding true north. Fortunately ATS provides a wooden template to assist in leveling and aligning.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834962 - 05/01/13 06:24 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

Here is the ATS pier in Astrophysics White. ATS is highly recommended and is very easy to deal with.

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834967 - 05/01/13 06:27 PM Attachment (10 downloads)

They affix their "label" on the side with the bolt hole that should be aligned with true north.

Edited by Aquarist (05/01/13 08:52 PM)

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Aquarist]
#5834969 - 05/01/13 06:28 PM

As with all things astronomy, the next three days is scheduled to rain. Next on the schedule would be drilling the 8 support posts for the observatory deck. But if it is wet, we have to wait until it is dry.

Edited by Aquarist (05/01/13 08:53 PM)

Post Extras:

Aquarist
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/12

Loc: Illinois

Re: Blueski Observatory begins new

[Re: Midnight Dan]
#5834975 - 05/01/13 06:30 PM

Quote:

My guess is that the pier is not part of the structure, so he probably didn't even need to inspect it. I'll be putting in something similar in the great, over-regulated, state of NY and they said they didn't need to inspect the pier at all.

-Dan

Probably right. We are governed by 3 regulating agencies: city, county, and township. All had to sign off on the plan, but only the city "inspects".

Post Extras:

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