Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3491
Loc: Wisconsin
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Hey folks, for about a year now I've been using my regular observing chair in the dome. I'm limited to the 8 foot round building on my deck so moving around the scope is tight, (no stepout equipment bays). When opened (opens like an inverted V ie "^") the observing chair was awkward to use because it was so wide a lot of times I'd have to use it sideways. I trimmed the folding bar down so it doesn't open as wide and it's been just fine (had to adjust the seat angle though). This has worked out well, the only downside is moving it, I have to get up, reposition it. If I need to walk around the observatory I need to lift it out of the way.
I was thining of a rolling office chair that adjusts in height. I went to an office supply store and got one of those cheap-o ($39 bucks on sale) office chairs with the five roller legs. It has a gas piston to raise and lower but doesn't have near the travel as my observing chair. I haven't tried the office chair with visual yet to see if it comfortably reaches the binoviewers at all scope angles, but it sure beat the regular observing chair for rolling between the guider and the scope.
It got me to thinking... what do you folks use in your observatories?
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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I have one of the adjustable observing chairs. The problem is in a 7.5' dome space is at a premium and the chair when folded took up too much space. So I went to Wal-Mart and bought an $8 folding stool.
Best 8 bucks I ever spent. The stool folds flat and has been in the obs for 4 years. Since I have an adjustable pier I don't really need the adjustable chair.
The only good thing about the astronomy chair was I got it from some non-astronomy place. I first saw one in a lab. I paid about half the price of what the astronomy chairs were going for at the time.
I though about selling of but between trying to have it boxed and shipped somewhere it would cost more than what the stupid thing its worth!
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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1965healey
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/23/07
Posts: 2844
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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I have one of those WalMart folding stools, I use it in the studio when I paint/sculpt. Works great. I wanted the adjustability for observing and went with one of the adjustable chairs for that space since I have enough room in the obs for one. If I didn't I'd probably make do with the WalMart stool. It has a nice thick padded seat and it's really pretty comfortable. 
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1965Healey (Karen)
Woodlawn Lake Observatory
Celestron CPC 800/FT MIcro/APT Wedge
SV NHNG 80mm #0261/CG5-GT
Celestron Omni 150 XLT
Losmandy rails/rings
Starizona CWeight system
Celestron Neximage
Sony a100 DSLR/ZigView S2
Meade DS60's w/Autostar (2)
Meade LPI/Meade DSI-C/DSI ProII
750cc Honda Shadow Spirit (Thanks Dad!)
1965 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII
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Bob Griffiths
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 4187
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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In my 10x10 foot Exploradome I use a Stardust chair without any problem...I also have a small office type chair with a back in the observatory that is used when I sit down at the computer ..
My Eyepiece case is on a rolling base (old mechanics stool with the seat removed).. so It travels arounfd the scope with me
I am toying with buying a second Stardust and store them in opposite corners of the building so lazy me will not have to drag one from one side of the observatory to the other...just grab the closest one ...
Bob G
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
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Scott K
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 916
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Well I can't relate to the limited space, but I use a drum throne in my observatory. They really don't take up much of any room, although the one I use doesn't have wheels, which does mean that repositioning it involves standing up again.
The one I use is a pork-pie, which is a throne for folks with, ahem, large posteriors. It is, however, incredibly comfortable.
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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Quote:
It has a nice thick padded seat and it's really pretty comfortable.
Thats the feature I like the best. My big old butt likes to be comfy.
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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~Steph~
Texas Wildflower
Reged: 06/11/05
Posts: 21658
Loc: North Texas
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Quote:
I was thining of a rolling office chair that adjusts in height. I went to an office supply store and got one of those cheap-o ($39 bucks on sale) office chairs with the five roller legs. It has a gas piston to raise and lower but doesn't have near the travel as my observing chair. I haven't tried the office chair with visual yet to see if it comfortably reaches the binoviewers at all scope angles, but it sure beat the regular observing chair for rolling between the guider and the scope.
If the office chair works space-wise, look into getting one that's made for drafting tables. I used one of those when I was using my scopes in my driveway, it adjusts higher than normal office chairs since it's used for higher tables than a normal office desk, has both a back rest and a foot rest, and costs about the same as a *good* non-leather office chair (was maybe $90, I think). I got mine at Office Depot.
I haven't moved it to the obs just 'cause I have so much stuff out there right now  and so have the Stardust chair out there.
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Steph
10" RCX400 ~~ 4" TV102 ~~ WO ZS80FD ~~ PST
Serenity Observatory 
HansenAstro | CN Member Websites
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 5098
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Hi Jim, I have a cheap office car in the POD and I screwed 2x4s on edge to the bottom of the legs and attached the wheels to the bottom of the 2X4s. That gave me the added height I needed, you could use even wider 2X6s if needed.
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M102ED S.V., ZS 80FD 10th Anniv, ZS 66SD, PST
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3491
Loc: Wisconsin
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Thanks for the input everybody.
I did think about a drafting chair, but no clue where you would get one around here in the boonies of Wisconsin.
I was thinking along those lines Chris, about raising up the chair if necessary. The optical train on the telescope is pretty long, I'm not sure I'll need to raise it. Gotta wait until we have a visual night first.
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
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nistel
sage
Reged: 05/07/05
Posts: 247
Loc: lancashire uk
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i have a leather high back office chair,with arms and gas adjustable height, have been known to nod off asleep its that comfy
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tmb 130 f/9 lw tube
80mm f/6 semi-apo (orion express)
eq 6 pro mount
baader maxibright binoviewers
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spsully
newbie
Reged: 11/18/07
Posts: 1
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Hi Chris, I know this isn't about chairs but I'm wondering where you got your circular interlocking floor for your POD. I can only find square ones.
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bluestar
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 773
Loc: Pat Kelly in Maryland
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I use a Televue Air Chair. No wheels...that feature WOULD be nice but maybe one day. For near-zenith looking I use a milk crate! When horizontal needs become more pressing like meteors, casual binocs sweeping, napping...the old Pine Factory sofa is awfully comfy.
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ChipAtNight
member
Reged: 01/09/08
Posts: 28
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Don’t have an observatory but do have a great office chair. Must have been over $100 new, got it for $10 at the local Salvation Army store. Goodwill had some also but on that day the Salvation Army store won!
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Chip -
Meade ETX-125PE Mak
Meade 10" LightBridge DOB
And Other stuff!
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stars_in_my_eyes
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 452
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Quote:
I have one of the adjustable observing chairs. The problem is in a 7.5' dome space is at a premium and the chair when folded took up too much space. So I went to Wal-Mart and bought an $8 folding stool.
Best 8 bucks I ever spent. The stool folds flat and has been in the obs for 4 years. Since I have an adjustable pier I don't really need the adjustable chair.
The only good thing about the astronomy chair was I got it from some non-astronomy place. I first saw one in a lab. I paid about half the price of what the astronomy chairs were going for at the time.
I though about selling of but between trying to have it boxed and shipped somewhere it would cost more than what the stupid thing its worth!
Do you a LINK to that SPECIFIC chair?
Thanks
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Digital Don
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 883
Loc: Manteno
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The answer really depends on what type of scope you're using it with. The ideal chair for a tall refractor probably won't work as well for a short Dobsonian.
I'm using a 'drafting chair' in my observatory with a CPC 1100. It's basically the same as the typical office chair, but has more vertical movement. Got it from a buddy for $8 and it's perfect for the 11.
Don
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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Quote:
Do you a LINK to that SPECIFIC chair?
Thanks
No sorry, it was ordered from a lab/office supply catalog about 5 years ago.
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-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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Ozy
Vendor - Starizona
Reged: 06/15/07
Posts: 344
Loc: Goodyear, AZ
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I just picked up a pair of chairs in "Paramount ME" scheme to match the mount when it arrives.
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Webmaster - Starizona - HyperStarImaging - Cuttin' Edge Observatory
SBIG STL-11K - C14, C8, Tele Vue NP127is, TV-60is - Paramount ME + Pinnacle Pier
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Dan2210
journeyman
Reged: 01/15/08
Posts: 5
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How much travel do you get with the drafting chair?
I just bought a dirt bike lift with 35 inches of travel - I'm still thinking of putting a chair on top of that so I can sit comfortably and view at zenith in my 18" scope. It is heavy but is comes on wheels with wheel locks.
Dan
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Digital Don
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 883
Loc: Manteno
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Hi Dan,
At it's minimum height, the seat is about 23" from the ground, at maximum about 28". This drafting chair is perfect for my setup.
Don
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stars_in_my_eyes
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 452
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For an observatory chair, what are the minimum and maximum heights that it should adjust to?
Thanks
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stars_in_my_eyes
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 452
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Another question....should the chair have a back rest and arm rests?
Again thanks.
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Scott K
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/13/07
Posts: 916
Loc: Dallas, TX & Eufaula, OK
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Quote:
Another question....should the chair have a back rest and arm rests?
I'd vote no - but others seems to like them. I can't see a ton of use for armrests, but there are arguments to be made for a back rest.
It's really helpful to have some back support if you are going to be sitting for a long period of time. This is a gigantic plus. The comfort level of a chair with a back is substantially better in my opinion than that of a backless stool.
What I don't like about them:
- You have to worry about how they are oriented, you can't just sit down. (If there is a way to fall over because something isn't positioned right, I'll find it. Other people who are less impaired than me probably don't have an issue with this!  )
- I find I'm often leaning forward when looking through an eyepiece - the chairs with backs often don't seem to be well suited for this application.
Really though, it's going to depend mostly on your unique situation. What are the heights of things in your dome? What position are you going to commonly observe from? What's most comfortable for you?
Another factor to consider with any seat is how often will you need to adjust the height, and how easy is it to adjust the height on the seat?
Oh, here's what I use:
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stars_in_my_eyes
sage
Reged: 03/24/08
Posts: 452
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And yet another question ;<)...should it have wheels?
Thanks
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3071
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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Depends on the situation. While I would really like to have wheels on my chair, it would not be usable in my small space. To much in the way.
Hubert
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www.smoggybottom.org
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Digital Don
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 883
Loc: Manteno
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It all depends on the scope you'll be using it with.
My CPC 1100 doesn't require much vertical movement, just wheels! An equatorially mounted refractor will require greater range for example.
Personally, I prefer a chair with a back. I'd like arms too, but I think they might get in the way.
Don
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Bob Griffiths
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 4187
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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Wheels....lol...I'm playing with the idea of making a lazy susan floor in the center of my observatory so the chair could be bolted to the lazy susan and thus stationary but it can travel completely around the pier as the lazy susan turns.... ... so far I estimate it will take about 1000 golf balls to act as bearings... LOL
As it is my OB is only 10x10 I just might purchase a second Stardust chair and keep it in the opposite corner then I do my other one...at least that way I will not have to drag the chair all around the obs... No limits to how lazy I can be...
Bob G
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
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Digital Don
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 883
Loc: Manteno
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"so far I estimate it will take about 1000 golf balls to act as bearings... LOL "
That could prove interesting if you forget that the floor moves! 
Who knows, you might invent a new Olympic event!
Don
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rodney
domed in NJ
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 463
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Jim,
I built a low rider platform for my observatory last year. It is carpeted on the bottom and top so it does not interfere with the foam pads on the floor. A chair with wheels would not work for me with those foam floor pads in place. My stool works as a seat for when I am at the PC, a step when I need extra height to get to the EP, and a leaner when the guidescope is in an odd location.
Clear skies,
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My Explora Dome construction is here:
http://www.freewebs.com/rodbo1967/observatoryconstruction.htm
Rodney
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Extremely happy owner of an Explora Dome home observatory
and a list of goodies to big for this sig
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csa/montana
Astro Ambassador
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 28619
Loc: montana
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Rodney, would you happen to have a photo of your low rider platform?
Thanks!
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
AstroTech 66ED / Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Tak LE 5mm B/TMB 3.2
7mm Pentax XL, 10mm Pentax XW
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
22mm Pan, 35mm Pan
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 3169
Loc: Ireland
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I'm a big fan of wheels.
I've also discovered that I'm a big fan of backs. I had to get a shorter chair for my new scope (which hangs off the back of the mount more) and didn't bother to get a back on the new chair. I get a sore back after about an hour in it (where-as I can go for at least 3 hours in my old chair -- with a very minimal back -- without ill effects).
Here's a picture of the old chair (which I still use when not pointing near the zenith).
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Nikon 18x70s / UA Millennium Colorado:
Solarscope SF70 / TV Pronto / AP400QMD Coronado SolarMax40 DS / Bogen 055+3130
APM MC1610 / Tak FC-100 / AP1200GTO Tak Mewlon 250 / AP600EGTO
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 6006
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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