Return to the Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews home pageAstronomics discounts for Cloudy Nights members
· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article

Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums

Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User
You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online
FAQ · Calendar

Equipment Discussions >> Observatories
Previous thread Previous   Index   Next thread Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1
dobsoscope
sage
*****

Reged: 05/24/06

Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new
      #5651783 - 01/30/13 08:33 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Is anybody using trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes? How do you find them? How many do you use? The idea is to clamp the dome base ring and the underlying flat roof together (preferably over the wheels to reduce sag). Then take em off if you need to rotate the dome.

http://images.toolstop.co.uk/product/d91d9af2347b7eb99ec58a33e9862fe1.jpg

Edited by dobsoscope (01/30/13 11:12 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
StarmanDan
Post Laureate
*****

Reged: 08/27/07

Loc: Deep in the heart of Texas
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: dobsoscope]
      #5651849 - 01/30/13 09:13 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Not sure about other dome designs, but my Sirius dome has wind restraints built in that do not interfere with the dome's rotation and keeps the dome from flying off in high winds.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Mirzam
Post Laureate
*****

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: dobsoscope]
      #5651853 - 01/30/13 09:15 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

The primary hold downs for my ROR observatory are large turnbuckles. However, I use four additional clamps to anchor my roll-off roof when windy conditions are expected. Mine are a bit different in that they have screw tighteners rather than quick release triggers. They are positioned over wheels as you suggest. Large metal C clamps would be better but I've never had a problem (knock on wood). The observatory has survived some pretty strong winds (60 mph+).

Because of the inherent wind advantages of a dome (streamlined) I think your trigger type of clamp may work. I'd probably go with a screw down type though.

JimC

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Startraffic
sage
*****

Reged: 02/12/06

Loc: Lat. 39.143345, Long. -77.1748...
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: dobsoscope]
      #5651934 - 01/30/13 09:55 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Dobo,
I have a SKyShed POD XL3 that has wind brackets built in. We had a "Derecho" this past summer. Tore down power lines, trees, ripped roofs off, etc. The POD didn't even budge.

Clear Dark Skies
Startraffic
39.138274 -77.168898

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
rimcrazy
super member


Reged: 03/03/12

Loc: Overgaard, AZ
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: Startraffic]
      #5651961 - 01/30/13 10:15 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Ditto to the above. I have a HomeDome and the design precludes any need for this. I assume your dome is perhaps your own design/construction? IMHO you should think perhaps of some method of integrating a restraint into the design itself rather than depend upon clamps that may or may not be attached at the critical time that they are needed.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
dobsoscope
sage
*****

Reged: 05/24/06

Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: rimcrazy]
      #5652075 - 01/30/13 11:15 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Yes it is a DIY design,,, the ribs however extend the full width of the base ring so will interfere with any sort of C-shaped restraint I can think of!...

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
1965healey
The Snarkster
*****

Reged: 06/23/07

Loc: San Antonio, TX
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: dobsoscope]
      #5652126 - 01/30/13 11:43 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Quote:

Yes it is a DIY design,,, the ribs however extend the full width of the base ring so will interfere with any sort of C-shaped restraint I can think of!...


Any way you can post a picture? Might spart an idea or two.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
StarmanDan
Post Laureate
*****

Reged: 08/27/07

Loc: Deep in the heart of Texas
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes [Re: 1965healey]
      #5652220 - 01/30/13 12:26 PM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Would it not be practical to cut a small notch in the ribs at the base ring to incorporate some sort of restraint?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
berlinstar
super member


Reged: 03/28/11

Loc: Berlin Center, OH
Re: Trigger clamps as wind restraints for domes new [Re: StarmanDan]
      #5657822 - 02/02/13 10:00 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

You could utilize a standard barrel bolt http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-1&storeId=10702&catalogId=10051&am...

If you have room or you could build a mount to screw this to, then bolt the hoop end to the ribs, or even just install the bolt side and put it in lock when you're done with your session. 4-6 would do the trick, and no cutting anything

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1

Previous thread Previous   Index   Next thread Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 13 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  csa/montana, Chris Erickson 

Print Thread

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled


Thread views: 432

Jump to

CN Forums Home


Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics