Return to the Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews home page
   · 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

Equipment Discussions >> Observatories

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | (show all)
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
*****

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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Kaizu
sage


Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 343
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Tom Clark
sage


Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 248
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. new [Re: MMICKELS]
      #2150687 - 01/28/08 07:57 AM Attachment (101 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.


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Tom Clark
sage


Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 248
Loc: Chiefland, Florida
Interior of 24' dome new [Re: Tom Clark]
      #2150688 - 01/28/08 07:58 AM Attachment (101 downloads)

This photo shows the inside of the dome and scope.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
jsmiller58
sage


Reged: 06/19/06
Posts: 242
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
- Atlas EQ-G mount
- Losmandy GM-8 mount
- AP 1200GTO mount
- Pro-Dome-15
- An unhealthy desire to take up Astrophotography
- 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
- A 15 year old son that still thinks I am cool


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
John Fitzgerald
In Focus
*****

Reged: 01/04/04
Posts: 1836
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

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
starquester
sage


Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 469
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



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
kiwisailor
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 1221
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


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


Reged: 03/05/08
Posts: 122
Loc: Kent, Washington
Re: Building an observatory, links of interest. [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


Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | (show all)


Extra information
8 registered and 4 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  Chris Schroeder, csa/montana 

Print Thread

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


Thread views: 20163

Jump to

CN Forums Home



Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics