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Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

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MMICKELSAdministrator
Aluminum Knight
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Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 27614
Loc: The Land of Shake and Bake
Building an observatory, links of interest.
      #614644 - 09/25/05 01:34 AM

Hi folks. I was wondering if you all have any links that may be of interest to others wanting to build an observatory. If you would be so kind as to post them here, I'll organize them in a thread and make it sticky at the top of the forum. Thank you in advance!

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tcraig
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Reged: 02/19/05
Posts: 428
Loc: Northern Indiana
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #614711 - 09/25/05 04:36 AM

I don't have detailed info as of yet but here is a
pictorial of my observatory.

birch rd observatory

Tcraig

--------------------
LXD75-SN10
Etx-60
LPI
300D



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Jeff Young
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Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4084
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Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #614727 - 09/25/05 05:30 AM

Mark --

Certainly the 7-ton pier thread on this very forum was one of my favorites.

Doc G has a nice page on design considerations (including a very good dome vs. roll-off-roof discussion):
The MAPUG archive has good info on both observatories and piers:
Of course, there's also Bill Arnett's list (which must be the most complete list of amateur observatories in existence):
Bill Arnett's "Japanese tea house" was quite an inspiration to me. This one might be subtitled "Just how good an observatory can look":
For those in colder climates, this one is a must read:
These last two might not be as generally applicable, but they were the closest to what I wanted to build and so very helpful for me:
-- Jeff

Edited by Jeff Young (09/25/05 12:07 PM)


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MMICKELSAdministrator
Aluminum Knight
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Posts: 27614
Loc: The Land of Shake and Bake
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Jeff Young]
      #614805 - 09/25/05 09:27 AM

7 Ton Pier, Chapter 1

--------------------
Mark

"Never eat more than you can lift"

Miss Piggy






Edited by csa/montana (10/08/09 12:01 AM)


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MMICKELSAdministrator
Aluminum Knight
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Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 27614
Loc: The Land of Shake and Bake
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #614810 - 09/25/05 09:31 AM

7 Ton Pier, Chapter 2, Building the Observatory

--------------------
Mark

"Never eat more than you can lift"

Miss Piggy






Edited by csa/montana (10/08/09 12:02 AM)


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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
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Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6762
Loc: Eastern PA
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #614823 - 09/25/05 09:43 AM

I have a page that shows the start of construction and on going changes and upgrades to my purchased domed observatory. Maybe someone might find it useful.
http://www.jatobservatory.org/construction.html

--------------------
-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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Winni
member


Reged: 09/14/05
Posts: 36
Loc: Bavaria, Germany
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #615039 - 09/25/05 01:07 PM

Hi!

I have a bunch of pictures from building my "starlight trap", have a look:
http://hometown.aol.de/winfriedseeliger/page2.html

http://hometown.aol.de/winfriedseeliger/page3.html

The text is unfortunately in german, I will try someday to translate it in english...maybe

greetings and cs from Bavaria
Winni

--------------------
take it easy, but take it...because one day you`l going back to dust - and all you really possess `til this last day are your memories and experiences...


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scopes_r_us
super member


Reged: 01/14/05
Posts: 113
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Jeff Young]
      #657658 - 10/26/05 02:37 AM

How about some links to some mobile observatories?

Many of us have to travel to find dark skies.

Thanks

SRU


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JAT Observatory
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Posts: 6762
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Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: scopes_r_us]
      #657892 - 10/26/05 08:49 AM

Don’t have anymore info on this but the picture in this link looks interesting:
http://azstellarvision.com/mobile.html

Here is some info on Dan Waid’s contruction of his mobile observatory:
http://www.waid-observatory.com/observatory.html

This one is just a mobile control room. It is nicely done. Very professional setup:
http://members.aol.com/dbaker1047/SCO/mobile.htm

Info but the pictures don’t display:
http://www.ontariorocks.ca/nseaa/mobile.html

Mobile Observatory service:
http://www.wytec.org/mobile.htm

Not a lot of info but this puppy is the one I want!! I bet it is a bit pricey though:
http://www.goto.co.jp/products/astrocar-e.html#top

Not a new idea, these guys did it back in 1963!:
http://ao.osa.org/ViewMedia.cfm?id=72714&seq=0

Another mobile observatory service (education):
http://www.geocities.com/intijalsu/turismo/tours0.html

This one only has a picture of an ambulance converted into a mobile observatory
http://www.fortworthastro.com/primefocus/0206/page2.html

--------------------
-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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photonovore
Moonatic
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Reged: 12/24/04
Posts: 2502
Loc: tacoma wa
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: JAT Observatory]
      #658273 - 10/26/05 01:35 PM

The 'Roll-Around Roof' design: Images & construction details.

--------------------
Mardi




4" achromat, ETX-70.
Whitepeak Lunar Observatory Website


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Mike Lewis
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Loc: Near Mulliken, Michigan USA
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #664312 - 10/30/05 08:02 PM

From right here on Cloudy Nights;
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1119


Mike

--------------------
Mike
.......................
Meade 7" Mak
Home built 8" Dob
120mm Sywatcher refractor
76mm Borg
Home built 12.5" Truss, F/5.6 Zambuto
PST
Dunham Hill Observatory


"Most people never look up, what a shame...."


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Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Mike Lewis]
      #665259 - 10/31/05 12:43 PM

Here is a link to our Webshots albums containing my observatory/greenhouse album. We put the space under the roll-off rails to good use;
http://community.webshots.com/user/chargriff


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Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: ]
      #670285 - 11/03/05 02:45 PM

I have recently completed an Observatory at home in the UK which may be of interest. I documented the whole build on my Astro Web-site:-

http://home.btconnect.com/astro-site/observatory_dome_project.htm


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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
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Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: ]
      #670517 - 11/03/05 04:52 PM

Excellent job Steve and a fine looking observatory! I noticed the Pulsar Dome and base wall unit come as one piece units. Reminds me of how the StarDome units will look. Great job once again Steve and welcome to CN!

Rick

--------------------
Rick

Lat. 44.18 N
Long. 74.31 W
6" STAR HOC f/5 Newtonian 'Amanda'- Orion Astroview w/ dual axis drives
Celestron NexImage CCD Imager
10x50 binocs
(NSO)Northern Skies Observatory...I'm finally domed with the 8' diameter Explora-Dome!!!







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Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Rick Needham]
      #672302 - 11/04/05 06:31 PM

Hi Rick,

The 'one piece' units appealed to me from the start as there is no chance of a leak in bad weather and we do understand bad weather here in the UK! Once the base was completed, assembly of the dome was very straightforward.

Thanks for the welcome.


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angelos
journeyman


Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 5
Loc: Athens, Greece
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: ]
      #713586 - 12/03/05 05:49 AM

Below you will find a site with plenty of links on amateur observatories:

http://obs.nineplanets.org/obs/obslist.html

Regards,

Angelos


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wbsjets
newbie


Reged: 07/26/05
Posts: 1
Loc: TX & OK
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: angelos]
      #741274 - 12/21/05 11:20 PM

Took us 36 months of nights and weekends.

www.lonestarobservtory.org


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NeoDinian
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Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12640
Loc: Rockford Illinois
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: wbsjets]
      #741296 - 12/21/05 11:32 PM

Misspelled...

--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"

Rockford, Il.

NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!

Coming soon:


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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
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Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: NeoDinian]
      #743805 - 12/23/05 03:35 PM

http://www.lonestarobservatory.org/

--------------------
group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's


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Mr.Wendell
newbie


Reged: 07/17/05
Posts: 1
Loc: Oklahoma, USA
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. *DELETED* new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #759182 - 01/03/06 12:39 PM

Post deleted by csa/montana

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Strgzr
sage


Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #915019 - 04/17/06 12:08 AM

I found this site offered by Joe Garlitz Very helpful!
http://www.oregonvos.net/~jgarlitz/observ.htm
Scroll down for the link to the construction details page.
Very informative if you plan to build a geodesic dome!

--------------------
Strgzr

My observatory construction pics
CHECK OUT THIS SITE!
Patina Gardens Observatory Clear Sky Clock


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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
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Posts: 16238
Loc: Hoover, AL
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Mr.Wendell]
      #962666 - 05/19/06 03:05 PM

Observatories of the S&T staff
http://skyandtelescope.com/howto/scopes/article_506_1.asp

--------------------
Preston

Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount


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erik
telescope surgeon
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Reged: 01/30/04
Posts: 24247
Loc: Off Grid in Paradise (Big Isla...
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: LivingNDixie]
      #964189 - 05/20/06 04:46 PM

great idea for a thread, mark- lots of useful links and information!

--------------------
-Erik Wilcox
Homebuilt 16" Truss Dob
SV 80mm ED Nighthawk NG on M1 ALT/AZ
Nikon Prostaff 65mm spotter on Trekpod
Konusvue 20x80 binos/Peterson pipemount
Orion 10x50 binos
Homebuilt 80mm f/5 refractor
Mirador 60mm f/12 1960's refractor



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Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #1124834 - 08/31/06 04:13 PM

Hi everyone - I'm new to the hobby and to the forum as well! I'm doing some initial research on building my observatory at home and have a quick question. Since the *BEST* place for me to put the scope at my house is on the upstairs deck (mindful of all the inherent problems with this) I'd like to put in a pier from the ground below to support the scope properly. Problem with that is the house is basically on a cliff with only solid boulders below the deck. Has anyone ever heard of someone just putting the pad on top of a boulder and can this be done safely?

Ok, I'm ready for all the "this guy is an idiot" cracks - bring 'em on!!



nk


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Stewart
Vendor


Reged: 09/02/06
Posts: 80
Loc: Colchester, Essex, U.K.
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #1127909 - 09/02/06 10:58 AM

Hi,
You may find the free plans and photos of observatories from these links useful:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Astronomical_Observatories/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roll_Off_Roof/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Observatory_RoofandDome_Automation/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_Telescopic_Piers/

And there is my own website but some of the pages still need to be uploaded. I am working on this new website constantly: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/sg.waters/

There is plenty there to keep you going for quite a while!

Regards
Stewart

--------------------
Meade LX200 GPS14" UHTC polar mounted in roll in roof observatory.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Roll_Off_Roof/


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Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Stewart]
      #1130146 - 09/03/06 05:16 PM

These are great examples. I'm really wondering, basically, if anyone has an opinion on using a boulder as an appropriate base for the concrete pad that will ultimately support the pier??

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Stewart
Vendor


Reged: 09/02/06
Posts: 80
Loc: Colchester, Essex, U.K.
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: ]
      #1131117 - 09/04/06 04:09 AM

Hi,
I'm not sure about using a boulder at the base of a pier. Could be a lot of hard work and nothing but problems. I would be worried about the two seperate components moving in the ground.

I opted for a concrete pier in my observatory. I dug a hole a lot larger and deeper than i required for the pier and filled it with concrete. Before the concrete set i pushed the pier cage into the concrete.

Once the concrete set i placed the pier shutter over the rebar cage and concreted the pier. The result was an 12" diameter pier that is attached to an extremely large chunk of concrete. In two years there has been no movement of the pier yet. The pier is isolated from the observatory and it causes me hardly any vibration problems either.

There are some plans of my pier design here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roll_Off_Roof/files/Olympus%20Mons%20Observatory/Pier%20Dimensions/

Regards
Stewart Waters

--------------------
Meade LX200 GPS14" UHTC polar mounted in roll in roof observatory.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Roll_Off_Roof/


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Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Stewart]
      #1136535 - 09/07/06 09:57 AM

I see what you're saying. I was planning on building a large pad as a base for the pier (which will be made out of 12" dia sonotube packed with rebar etc) on top of the boulder. Just not sure that the concrete will adhere sufficiently to the boulder to support what will eventually be a roughly 12' high pier on top of it.

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Stewart
Vendor


Reged: 09/02/06
Posts: 80
Loc: Colchester, Essex, U.K.
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: ]
      #1138260 - 09/08/06 05:17 AM

Hi,
I think your design might work well enough without the boulder. I also have concerns about the concrete adhering to the boulder and if they seperate the weight of all that concrete above might start some movement.

Regards
Stewart
P.S. See what the guys at: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_Telescopic_Piers/ have to say about your design. They are very knowledgeable when it comes to pier design.


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Bob Hayes
newbie
*

Reged: 08/25/06
Posts: 4
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #1206560 - 10/19/06 04:05 PM Attachment (121 downloads)

Here's a link to my dome construction pics that I completed in July of 2006.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/550511533ICdPnP


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BigK
journeyman


Reged: 11/02/06
Posts: 5
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Bob Hayes]
      #1239741 - 11/07/06 11:51 AM

Bob,

Very nice! What is the diameter?

Ken


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dbeckstrom
super member
*****

Reged: 10/29/06
Posts: 169
Loc: Andover, MN
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: BigK]
      #1361960 - 01/14/07 11:03 PM

Here is a link to photos and a write-up on my observatory construction:

http://www.astroskies.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=435

--------------------
My Observatory build with photos http://www.observatorycentral.com/index.php?showtopic=435

Domed 12/17/2006
12.5 RCOS
Paramount ME Mount
Pilot's Cross Observatory

45° 15'48.85"N, 93° 21'30.91"W

"Time is the fire in which we burn" - Star Trek


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Bob Hayes
newbie
*

Reged: 08/25/06
Posts: 4
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: BigK]
      #1393331 - 01/30/07 03:22 PM Attachment (109 downloads)

Thanks Ken. It's 8' in diameter and houses a G-11 and Tak FS-128.

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Michael Morris
Member
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Reged: 01/05/05
Posts: 1390
Loc: Worcestershire, UK
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: dbeckstrom]
      #1394446 - 01/31/07 01:50 AM

Quote:

Here is a link to photos and a write-up on my observatory construction:

http://www.astroskies.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=435




Link asks for a username and passwrod.

--------------------
Michael Morris

8" LX200 classic
Orion 80ED
ETX 90 (Grab 'n' Go)
Observatory Almira Observatory Website
Co-author of NightCal Astronomical Observing Calendar Software http://www.nightcal.co.uk


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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
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Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Michael Morris]
      #1394782 - 01/31/07 09:41 AM

All ya gotta do is sign up! It's free!
Just like here on CN.
Rich
Moderator at AstroSkies.

--------------------
Orion Atlas 10 (10" Newt on an equatorial mount)
Celestron 15x70 SkyMaster Binocs
Coronado Ha PST
President, Charlottesville Astronomical Society
IOTA member

38° 10' 57"N, 78° 23' 09"W


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bloodhound31
sage


Reged: 03/01/07
Posts: 205
Loc: Canberra, Australia
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Richard B. Drumm]
      #1467260 - 03/07/07 04:59 AM Attachment (92 downloads)

I know its a double post, but it looks like it is a topic relevant place to put this.

Heres my contribution.

Baz.

http://www.aussiepeople.com.au/asignobservatory/

--------------------
A.S.I.G.N. Observatory
http://www.asignobservatory.com


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dbeckstrom
super member
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Reged: 10/29/06
Posts: 169
Loc: Andover, MN
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: bloodhound31]
      #1534571 - 04/10/07 12:16 AM

If you're interested in buying, building or automating an observatory you might want to check out www.observatorycentral.com

Its not a commercial site. Its an enthusiast site where people can learn about observatories and see observatories that others have bought or built. There are photo galleries and illustrated building projects that I found really helpful when I built my observatory. All brands of domes, roll-offs and home-built observatories are talked about and everyone is welcome.

You can post photos of your observatory for others to see.

--------------------
My Observatory build with photos http://www.observatorycentral.com/index.php?showtopic=435

Domed 12/17/2006
12.5 RCOS
Paramount ME Mount
Pilot's Cross Observatory

45° 15'48.85"N, 93° 21'30.91"W

"Time is the fire in which we burn" - Star Trek


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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
*****

Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 795
Loc: Asbury, NJ
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Mr.Wendell]
      #1561233 - 04/23/07 09:06 AM

If you need further assistance in your observatory planning check out the Explora Dome dedicated yahoo group:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Explora-dome/

You can get all your information on the Explora Domes history and projects. Also get up to the minute manufacturer updates.

You can post photos there or view other built observatories all in one location.

Edited by rodney (04/23/07 09:15 AM)


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pinkflyd34
Vendor -- The Urban Sky


Reged: 08/19/06
Posts: 41
Loc: philly
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #1565222 - 04/24/07 11:23 PM

http://www.jemartool.com/astro/observatory/observatory.htm

--------------------
[url]www.theurbansky.com[url]


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Flint.Hill
newbie


Reged: 05/23/07
Posts: 1
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #1621662 - 05/23/07 03:54 PM

Here is the URL of the observatory I just completed:
http://www.wcc.net/~myastronomy/Observatory/index.html

Flint.Hill


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Colten Edwards
member


Reged: 07/26/05
Posts: 22
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Mr.Wendell]
      #1623475 - 05/24/07 02:32 PM

Here's the start of my roll off roof type observatory at 51.917N and 107.117W
http://www.astrophotographynow.com/Observatory.html


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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
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Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Flint.Hill]
      #1922861 - 10/19/07 08:14 PM

Here's a thread here in "Observatories" that Ken started and needs (IMHO) to be easily found in the future:
Solar Power for observatories thread.
Marcus' response is full of important info. Putting a link here is as good as making a sticky of the thread.
Rich

--------------------
Orion Atlas 10 (10" Newt on an equatorial mount)
Celestron 15x70 SkyMaster Binocs
Coronado Ha PST
President, Charlottesville Astronomical Society
IOTA member

38° 10' 57"N, 78° 23' 09"W


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Colonel Bogey
sage


Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 291
Loc: Sweden
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #2036821 - 12/08/07 05:44 AM

For those considering to build a rooftop observatory, I've uploaded a couple of pic here: SCRAP Observatory

But I would only recommend this solution if you need to, e.g. getting high enough - in my case above the trees.

--------------------
Observatory: Paramount ME/C-14/TCF-S/FW8-STL BVRI/STL-1001E + TV85/STL guider
Portable: Giro Gr-III/TEC140/Pentax XW's/ZAO II's
Solar: LS60THa
Binocs: Fujinon 16x70
Grab&go: Manfrotto tripod/FS60C
SW: Mira Pro, IRAF, MaximDL, CCDSoft, TheSky6, VisualSpec etc etc

S.C.R.A.P - Stocksund Centre of Rooftop AstroPhysics


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Kaizu
sage


Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 337
Loc: Finland
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Colonel Bogey]
      #2036931 - 12/08/07 08:43 AM

Is the chimney still in use? Does it harm any how the equipments or observing. Or isn't there anytining to see on the North-West sky. (I'm little bit jealous of your equpments, especially the mount).

Kaizu


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Colonel Bogey
sage


Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 291
Loc: Sweden
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Kaizu]
      #2036974 - 12/08/07 09:27 AM

No, it isn't - only two channels are used as passive ventilation exhausts. I have not noticed any turbulence but can cut the chimney off completely if that would be a problem.

--------------------
Observatory: Paramount ME/C-14/TCF-S/FW8-STL BVRI/STL-1001E + TV85/STL guider
Portable: Giro Gr-III/TEC140/Pentax XW's/ZAO II's
Solar: LS60THa
Binocs: Fujinon 16x70
Grab&go: Manfrotto tripod/FS60C
SW: Mira Pro, IRAF, MaximDL, CCDSoft, TheSky6, VisualSpec etc etc

S.C.R.A.P - Stocksund Centre of Rooftop AstroPhysics


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Canadian
Vendor


Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 660
Loc: Calgary, AB, Canada
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Mr.Wendell]
      #2039366 - 12/09/07 02:16 PM

Quote:

Has anyone thought about using a 1000 gallon plastic fertilizer storage tank as an observatory? Any ideas let me know.




My neighbour and I had one. Our intent was to have a warm room, our scopes would still be outside. It had been cracked, so all we had to do was pick it up and take it away - for the cost of a flat of beer. We lined it with reflective material, used red rope lights and had shelves built almost all the way around. We kept a desktop computer inside, a small heater and two rolling chairs. Where the crack was, we made and framed a door. Outside, a few feet from the door, a permanent pier was installed. After it was done or before we started (I don't remember which) we gave some thought to having the scope inside, but couldn't come up with a viable plan to cut the top/bottom and still keep it weatherproof. It served our purpose that winter, allowing us to keep a lot warmer (no more ice in the moustache), have all our accessories close at hand and not have to cart everything back into the house. We eventually replaced it with a store bought observatory, and pushed/trucked the warm room across the street, to where it became a playhouse for some kids.



This was before the door was finished, and when we picked it up where you can see the crack.
The pipe coming through above the stars, was where the wires for the scope and camera came out.
It ended up with lattice around it so that it couldn't be seen from the deck.


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radioactive
member


Reged: 12/01/07
Posts: 52
Loc: Leeds England UK
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Mr.Wendell]
      #2102014 - 01/06/08 09:50 PM

using a fertilizer tub?
well it kinda grows on ya I guess

--------------------
**************************************************
MARTYN

A PROUD MEMBER OF MANKIND A TRULY DIVERSE LIFEFORM
***************************************************
[url=http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z151/m1dnv/observitory/?albumview=slideshow][color=teal]Observatory


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Tom Clark
sage


Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 246
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #2150687 - 01/28/08 07:57 AM Attachment (99 downloads)

During the recent poll on observatories, I was suprised to see that there were only five domes larger than 10' listed. This 24' dome was my first construction project. It wasn't that hard to build, only took five months, and cost under $10,000. When compared to the cost of a professional dome of this size, that is very reasonable. The dome holds a 42" Dob, and is under fairly dark skies in Chiefland, FL.

This link shows the dome and the 42 being constructed: http://tinyurl.com/2ozsvc
If you are considering a similar project, I'll be happy to give you a tour.


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Tom Clark
sage


Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 246
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Interior of 24' dome new [Re: Tom Clark]
      #2150688 - 01/28/08 07:58 AM Attachment (100 downloads)

This photo shows the inside of the dome and scope.

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jsmiller58
sage


Reged: 06/19/06
Posts: 240
Loc: Out there, Way out there
Re: Interior of 24' dome new [Re: Tom Clark]
      #2153236 - 01/29/08 11:14 AM

Wow! All of us instantly and simultaneously got aperture and observatory envy...!

James

--------------------
- 90mm WO refractor
- 11" Orion SCT
- PlaneWave CDK17 ("Cosmic Cannon")
- MallinCam Hyper Color Plus
- More eyepieces than I can use, but not one Ethos... Hmmm... Where's the economic recovery?
- Atlas EQ-G mount
- Losmandy GM-8 mount
- AP 1200GTO mount
- Pro-Dome-15 Obs
- A wife who doesn't understand my fascination with faint fuzzies, but encourages me anyway
- A 17 year old son who calls me just another nut job with an observatory
- A 15 year old son that still thinks I am cool


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DOM1950
journeyman


Reged: 06/13/08
Posts: 6
Loc: quebec canada
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Bob Hayes]
      #2459023 - 06/13/08 11:04 PM

GOOD NEIGHT TO YOU IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE YOUR OBSERVATORIES PLANS IN THE PDF FORMAT
DOMINIQUE MONGRAIN QUEBEC CANADA DSNC@XITTEL.CA


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GrampianStars
member


Reged: 07/15/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Grampians, Australia
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Tom Clark]
      #2468756 - 06/18/08 11:23 PM

Hello Tom
absolutely sensational. Has got my building fetish going again.
Though I will only be building a 5 metre version
Congrats

--------------------
Robert
37° 11' 32.5" Sth 142° 36' 45.5" Est
LX200 GPS12-Mity Wedge-GPDX-SS2K-ED80-ZS80
CDK17 wannabe


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John Fitzgerald
In Focus
*****

Reged: 01/04/04
Posts: 1834
Loc: AR
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: GrampianStars]
      #2539769 - 07/24/08 11:07 PM

"Headwater Observatory" in this forum.HW Obs link

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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1218
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: John Fitzgerald]
      #2565546 - 08/07/08 05:16 AM

Vintage dome how-to, Yoke mounted Reflector moves with rotation of dome Observatory Plans Click on how to build an observatory to view the plan

Steve

--------------------

Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!

Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2


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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1218
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: kiwisailor]
      #2569815 - 08/09/08 03:04 AM

Brayebrook Observatory Main Page
Brayebrook Home Page
This publication on the Brayebrook site might be of interest:
Designing & Constructing a Domed Astronomical Observatory
PDF here
Being a detailed description of the design and construction methods of an aluminium alloy domed observatory intended for a large amateur equatorial telescope.

--------------------

Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!

Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2


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starquester
sage


Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 447
Loc: Three Rivers, MI U.S.A>
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #2845412 - 01/05/09 04:00 PM

You can check put my Yahoo Observatory group,
their are a lot of links their,


Alan

--------------------
Alan D. Otterson
Windy Ridge Observatory
41-58.966N
85-43.069W

Alan Otterson

Founder&Owner

A Yahoo Observatory Group
Flip Top & Clamshell & Rubbermaid Observatories


http://tinyurl.com/yz9ckk

The Nikon D40 Astrophotography Group
http://tinyurl.com/5j8qw2
A Yahoo Astrophotography Group



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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1218
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: starquester]
      #2956132 - 03/01/09 04:57 AM

The Design And Construction Of A Small Observatory-J.Ernest.G.Yalden
Interesting "how to" of yesteryear to be found here Scroll down the first page to to the button "send PDF" under the printing options header if you want to save the complete paper.

Steve

--------------------

Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!

Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2


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BigBadBrain
super member


Reged: 03/05/08
Posts: 122
Loc: Kent, Washington
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: kiwisailor]
      #2956800 - 03/01/09 12:55 PM

I believe you may have found the way I can get around the covenants police! Disguise the dome as a gazebo! With the finial on top it hardly looks like an observatory. Make it out of the right stuff and it could be quite striking.

--------------------
Celestron CPC 800
Orion ST-80 w Orion Starshoot autoguider (in work)
Orion XT-10i Newt ("She turned me into a newt!")
Meade ETX-60 Refractor


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kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1218
Loc: Lyttelton, New Zealand
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: BigBadBrain]
      #2958239 - 03/02/09 03:28 AM

Hi Brian

If that's the route you want to try, have a look at Building a small gazebo observatory this is the one that is in
Small Astronomical Observatories; Patrick Moore [editor]; Springer-Verlag 1996; chpt. 6 - ISBN 3-540-19913-6

Good luck with defeating the HOA nazis

Steve

--------------------

Don't wait until tomorrow, start procrastinating today!

Sky-Watcher 8" F5 Newt
Mmmm Moonlite CR2


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BigBadBrain
super member


Reged: 03/05/08
Posts: 122
Loc: Kent, Washington
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: kiwisailor]
      #2958830 - 03/02/09 12:27 PM

Thanks Steve. I like the dome but the gazebo probably has a greater chance of passing the architectural committee. I may start with the dome and if they reject it try the gazebo.

--------------------
Celestron CPC 800
Orion ST-80 w Orion Starshoot autoguider (in work)
Orion XT-10i Newt ("She turned me into a newt!")
Meade ETX-60 Refractor


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RonM-1
newbie


Reged: 02/14/09
Posts: 2
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: Flint.Hill]
      #3142132 - 06/02/09 04:28 PM

The new URL for the Flint Hill Observatory is:
http://www.wcc.net/~index/Observatory/index.html

Thanks

Ron


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