Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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Heck...all the other forums are "doin' it". Post a pic. of your reflector...post a pic. of your refractor...post a pic. of your mount  
Have an observatory? Used to have an observatory? Have a mobile observatory? Used to have a mobile observatory? Does it have a dome? Does it have a roll-off roof? Did you convert a plastic storage shed into an observatory? Why not post a picture or two then? Come on! If you've never posted a picture of your observatory here in the Observatories Forum, and you have one, now's the time to show everyone what you've got   (Buyers of an Explora-Dome will be granted a 6 months "Grace Period"...myself included)
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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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John_Gillies
Vendor - Earthwin Optical
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 1405
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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The Observalavatory!
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John Gillies
12” LX200 GPS / Double Stacked PST
EarthWin Optical PFS-D Binoviewer System(s)
Skywatcher ST 80, 102 & 120
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DARKSOLSTICE2
super member
Reged: 12/16/05
Posts: 152
Loc: Murfreesboro,Tn
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heres mine!
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8' LX200 GPS
DSI CAMERA
"no man is free if he restricts others"
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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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Heres a link with alot of my shyshed http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=Observatory&Number=418155&fpart=&PHPSESSID=
Here are a few pictures
Brad
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 25177
Loc: NE Ohio
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Here's my somewhat-cluttered dormer observatory (above the pole barn).
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John C
Urban Observatory
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 178ED F/9 "APO"
Meade ETX-125AT
C14
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
CI-700, NJP, GPDX/SS2KPC, CG5-GT
ST-10XME, DSI Pro
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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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These are all fine looking observatories (and observalavatories) for sure   Thank you  
I KNOW there must be more out there 
I'll keep  for more!
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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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Bob Antol
member
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 59
Loc: Poughquag, New York
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Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
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Bob Antol
Equipment List
Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
Poughquag, New York USA
http://www.stargate4173.com/
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Bob Antol
member
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 59
Loc: Poughquag, New York
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... and one other I like
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Bob Antol
Equipment List
Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
Poughquag, New York USA
http://www.stargate4173.com/
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nytecam
Postmaster
Reged: 08/20/05
Posts: 5741
Loc: London UK
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Hi - this is me and my homebuilt domes 1975 todate
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Nytecam 51N 0.1W
Meade 30cm LX200+ETX-70+e-finder+C8+Ha+CaK PSTs SBIG SGS+homebuilt spectrographs
Starlight SXVF_M9+Lodestar CCDs/Canon 300D DSLR/Fuji E550
My observatory build-ETX-70 imaging-my videos
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Winter:
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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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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Spring:
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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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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Under construction:
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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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photonovore
Moonatic
Reged: 12/24/04
Posts: 2502
Loc: tacoma wa
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My modest but comfy little refuge from earthly reality  :
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Mardi
4" achromat, ETX-70.
Whitepeak Lunar Observatory Website
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Mardi --
Love the black & white Unitron look. The whole place has a sort of art-deco feel. (You should put up a big poster of the Chrysler building somewhere inside.)
Cheers,
-- Jeff.
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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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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3843
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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Can you post a few details about the building proper? The roof design looks very interesting.
Hubert
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Hubert
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www.smoggybottom.org
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BCB
Undercover Saboteur
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 5189
Loc: Look over your shoulder
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My humble location 
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Mark
Lost in thought. Please send search party!!!
Astro-Tech 111EDT
Orion 8" F5 Newt w/Moonlight CR-2 focuser
SVP mount w/Meade 497 Autostar GOTO mod
Treeline Observatory
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photonovore
Moonatic
Reged: 12/24/04
Posts: 2502
Loc: tacoma wa
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Quote:
Can you post a few details about the building proper? The roof design looks very interesting.
Hubert
Here you go.
Jeff,  art deco..ok. Dunno abt the Chrysler building, I just have a portrait of Copernicus hanging in there now...
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Mardi
4" achromat, ETX-70.
Whitepeak Lunar Observatory Website
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BluewaterObserva
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/18/04
Posts: 4968
Loc: Zuni Mtns, NM
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An ok one of my current 17.5" setup at the observatory.
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bluestar
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/06/05
Posts: 1123
Loc: Maryland Eastern Shore
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Mardi,
Love your website and refuge. Been contemplating interior colors myself and I like your white "treatment". Everything has that proper astro feel to it
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D&G refractors 5" f/12 & f/15; 6" f/15; 8" f/12...
Royce Dall-Kirkham Cass 10" f/20
Epoch Instruments Parsec/12, Astro-Physics 1200 DA, AP800 HDA mounts...
Previous telescopes A-Z...Astro-Physics to Zeiss
Old school @ BlueStar Observatory...this is how we do it.
D&G Optical Telescope Users Group ...D&G/long focus Yahoo refractor Group...back up and running
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Michael Rapp
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/04
Posts: 1716
Loc: Dickinson, TX
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Mardi -- the entire of your observatory is just beautiful! I love the black/white thing. The color of the cart, the frames of the frames of the photos, the focusers and mounting rings set in all of that white. I love it.
What material is covering the floor?
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--Michael
Meade ETX-125 & William Optics Zenithstar 66SD on LXD75
Meade 8" F/6 Dob
Canon 300D & ToUCam Pro II
Despite tornado, observatory first light on 10/27/06
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photonovore
Moonatic
Reged: 12/24/04
Posts: 2502
Loc: tacoma wa
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Michael, Pat, thanks for the kind words!
I thought about doing the interior in a dark color but decided it would be unnecessarily oppressive-- especially considering I am mostly a bright object observer by choice as well as necessity anyway. White is definately a cheeerier color!
The floor is finished with glossy vinyl tile. The local dollar store had 3packs for $1 each so the whole floor only cost me 40$ to finish.
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Mardi
4" achromat, ETX-70.
Whitepeak Lunar Observatory Website
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Michael Rapp
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/04
Posts: 1716
Loc: Dickinson, TX
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Vinyl tile....that chair obviously glides right over it.
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--Michael
Meade ETX-125 & William Optics Zenithstar 66SD on LXD75
Meade 8" F/6 Dob
Canon 300D & ToUCam Pro II
Despite tornado, observatory first light on 10/27/06
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3843
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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Mardi:
I have been looking at various homebuilt observatories for several weeks, now, and I have to say that is one of the most innovative designs I've seen. I might shamelessly steal it!
Thanks for the additional info,
Hubert
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Hubert
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www.smoggybottom.org
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Todd
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/23/04
Posts: 1609
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February 2006.
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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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OMG!  Look at all that snow!  
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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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BCB
Undercover Saboteur
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 5189
Loc: Look over your shoulder
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I was just thinking the same thing..
My god, thats about 3 foot worth, and it looks to all be from one storm..
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Mark
Lost in thought. Please send search party!!!
Astro-Tech 111EDT
Orion 8" F5 Newt w/Moonlight CR-2 focuser
SVP mount w/Meade 497 Autostar GOTO mod
Treeline Observatory
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Galaxyhunter
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/06
Posts: 1249
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Well on the bright side, It should be all melted away by September
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Carl
My lousy skies at Hawkeye Observatory
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fellers
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/29/05
Posts: 1094
Loc: NY by ADK park
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Thay is some sweet snowfall! This is coming from an avid big montain skier. Where was that snow fall here in NY and VT this year? Sheesh, I am jealous over that!!!!
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MVAS Observatory
Old Forge
The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but be aware that the bull charges.
"SUA SPONTE"
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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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Quote:
Well on the bright side, It should be all melted away by September
  
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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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dietmar
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/21/05
Posts: 2079
Loc: linz, austria europe
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...so here is mine:
the "stargazer private observatory"
and the scopes:
FYI - some reports and explanations - especially of the one arm fork mount
http://stargazer.christelhager.info/reports_sub01.htm
greets
dietmar
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clear skies,
Dietmar
www.stargazer-observatory.com
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 6777
Loc: Eastern PA
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Man everytime I see that setup it just blows me away!
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-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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Michael Rapp
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/04
Posts: 1716
Loc: Dickinson, TX
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Something about a 9" folded refractor that makes one want to sit in a quiet corner and reflect. And consider selling a car.
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--Michael
Meade ETX-125 & William Optics Zenithstar 66SD on LXD75
Meade 8" F/6 Dob
Canon 300D & ToUCam Pro II
Despite tornado, observatory first light on 10/27/06
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Strgzr
sage
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
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Hey this is my first post here. I've been hanging around the other site for some time now I just signed on here today.
Andy
Here's a link to my observatory construction photo's.
http://community.webshots.com/album/136917818udlQWZ
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Strgzr
My observatory construction pics
CHECK OUT THIS SITE!
Patina Gardens Observatory Clear Sky Clock
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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
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Andy:
Welcome to Cloudy Nights! Nice observatory you've got there, I've seen the pix before. Somebody here had links to it, I think. It was a thread about geodesic observatory domes, if I recall...
Nice place ya got there!
Rich
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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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Strgzr
sage
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
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Thanks Rich! I hope I'll be able to contribute some to the site.
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Strgzr
My observatory construction pics
CHECK OUT THIS SITE!
Patina Gardens Observatory Clear Sky Clock
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Andy --
Welcome aboard! I find myself over here a lot more than AstorMart (well, the forums part, anyway). There are a few folks over there that I miss, so I browse from time to time, but I just find this site a lot easier to read.
-- Jeff.
(PS: Andy can definitely contribute -- I ran my observatory thread on both forums for awhile and got lots of great advice from Andy!)
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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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BluewaterObserva
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/18/04
Posts: 4968
Loc: Zuni Mtns, NM
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That's a cool observatory. That is how I built my current 15' observatory. Nice real dome on top on yours, I made a sort of odd ball rotating framed structure on top of mine.
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Strgzr
sage
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
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Hi Jeff! Thanks for the welcome! These forums are easier aren't they. Thats some observatory you have there! I still say that structure will outlast the observatory at Armagh.
Glad I was able to help!
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Strgzr
My observatory construction pics
CHECK OUT THIS SITE!
Patina Gardens Observatory Clear Sky Clock
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khoferer
member
Reged: 11/03/04
Posts: 98
Loc: Mansfield, PA
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Hi All,
I'm enjoying the pics of the observatories. Some very nice work indeed. Here are a couple of photos of my roll-off that I completed last summer.
Clear skies,
Kevin
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C8D
6" f/8 homebuilt dob
Celestron 10x50
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khoferer
member
Reged: 11/03/04
Posts: 98
Loc: Mansfield, PA
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One of the interior...
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C8D
6" f/8 homebuilt dob
Celestron 10x50
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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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Very nice guys its nice to a lot of observatories out there.
Brad
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skookum
member
Reged: 03/04/05
Posts: 68
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This it what I intend to build in my back yard.
This is what I intent to put in it...
I like the non-dome-shaped rotating roof however. Ah yes, designing can be really fun...
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Skywatcher 80mm F5 achromat.
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nytecam
Postmaster
Reged: 08/20/05
Posts: 5741
Loc: London UK
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Quote:
I like the non-dome-shaped rotating roof
Nice graphics - could you explain above? Looks like a slide-off 
Good luck with your project
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Nytecam 51N 0.1W
Meade 30cm LX200+ETX-70+e-finder+C8+Ha+CaK PSTs SBIG SGS+homebuilt spectrographs
Starlight SXVF_M9+Lodestar CCDs/Canon 300D DSLR/Fuji E550
My observatory build-ETX-70 imaging-my videos
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skookum
member
Reged: 03/04/05
Posts: 68
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Yep, really simple. The roof is supported by the standard posts which are not shown in the pic. The telescope is an 18" cassegrain.
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Skywatcher 80mm F5 achromat.
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nytecam
Postmaster
Reged: 08/20/05
Posts: 5741
Loc: London UK
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Quote:
Yep, really simple. The roof is supported by the standard posts which are not shown in the pic. The telescope is an 18" cassegrain.
Great - that will be a massive focal length and image scale! Good luck - and there's me using a focal reducer down to 2m fl to get 'more sky in' 
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Nytecam 51N 0.1W
Meade 30cm LX200+ETX-70+e-finder+C8+Ha+CaK PSTs SBIG SGS+homebuilt spectrographs
Starlight SXVF_M9+Lodestar CCDs/Canon 300D DSLR/Fuji E550
My observatory build-ETX-70 imaging-my videos
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nytecam
Postmaster
Reged: 08/20/05
Posts: 5741
Loc: London UK
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Quote:
Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
Stunning observatory Robert - and as an architect myself nice to see those rare detailed pro drawings on this forum What is your current scope within?
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Nytecam 51N 0.1W
Meade 30cm LX200+ETX-70+e-finder+C8+Ha+CaK PSTs SBIG SGS+homebuilt spectrographs
Starlight SXVF_M9+Lodestar CCDs/Canon 300D DSLR/Fuji E550
My observatory build-ETX-70 imaging-my videos
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Bob Antol
member
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 59
Loc: Poughquag, New York
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Quote:
Stunning observatory Robert - and as an architect myself nice to see those rare detailed pro drawings on this forum What is your current scope within?
I currently have a 10 year old 8-inch Meade LX-50. When my wife and I sat down with the architect to explain what we wanted, I indicated I was going to get a 16 foot Ash-Dome. My wife looked at me, then at my telescope, and then said "Isn't that telescope rather small for a 16 foot dome?"
I then replied, "Ah, I guess I will have to upgrade the scope then!"
Little did she know of my plans to upgrade She walked right into that one!
I would like to upgrade to a 14-inch RCX400. I will be waiting a year or so to do this for 2 reasons:
(1) I would like to purchase an RCX400 with all the enhancements that current owners are asking for, and
(2) finances! I mean, I just built this observatory and new addition onto the existing house. Can you imagine? 
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Bob Antol
Equipment List
Stargate 4173 at Grimaldi Tower
Poughquag, New York USA
http://www.stargate4173.com/
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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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Bob
I looked at your pictures from your website all i can say is wow very very nice. I only have a LX200 12"gps maybe I can move in until you get your 14"
Brad
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nytecam
Postmaster
Reged: 08/20/05
Posts: 5741
Loc: London UK
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Quote:
I would like to upgrade to a 14-inch RCX400. I will be waiting a year or so to do this for 2 reasons:
(1) I would like to purchase an RCX400 with all the enhancements that current owners are asking for, and
(2) finances!.....
The RCX400's a nice scope Robert - reviewed by colleague Nik Szymanek for UK Astronomy Now last autumn - I would have got if not on vacation when editor rang . Won't be upgrading myself from LX200 as I don't need a wider field for DSO etc - mine's mostly VS stellar + spectro
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Nytecam 51N 0.1W
Meade 30cm LX200+ETX-70+e-finder+C8+Ha+CaK PSTs SBIG SGS+homebuilt spectrographs
Starlight SXVF_M9+Lodestar CCDs/Canon 300D DSLR/Fuji E550
My observatory build-ETX-70 imaging-my videos
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8270
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Well, here is "my" observatory (well, it isn't mine personally, I just serve on the board of supervisors to help run the place). It is Hyde Memorial Observatory, a free public facility located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The structure consists of an observing deck with roll-off roof, a central connecting segment with restrooms, hallways, and audio/visual room, and a main lecture hall (the part sitting under the high pointed roof with the solar panels on it). The deck currently houses a C14 SCT, an 8 inch f/6 Newtonian, and a NexStar 11GPS SCT, along with a solar projection telescope. We also have a Coronado PST and an Edmund Astroscan RFT. The facility is open to the public each Saturday night, as well as at other times by reservation.
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8270
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Here is a shot of Hyde Observatory with the roof rolled back. The observatory is owned by the city of Lincoln, but is run by volunteers mainly from the Prairie Astronomy Club.
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8270
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Here is a shot of the observing deck from the hill east of the facility. You can just see the C14 peeking out (has to be level before we open or close the roof). You can also see the solar power panels on the roof and electrical systems on the side of the observatory used to generate electrical power to help, "make our meter run backwards".
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8270
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Here is a shot of the observing deck with a fellow volunteer manning the C14. The NexStar 11 sits to its right and the 8 inch Newtonian is out of the picture to the lower left...
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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Very sharp! Thanks David for sharing these photos!
Rick
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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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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
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David:
NIce place ya got there! I like the roll roof arrangement, using part of the rest of the building to hold it up. I like the way you dealt with the downspout on the corner, allowing it to "break" when rolling the roof.
How much did the solar electric panels cost and how much ROI (return on investment) does it make? How long till it pays for itself? With gas prices going through the roof the cost of everything is going to skyrocket. Solutions such as those PV panels will make more and more sense as we go along.
Thanks!
Rich
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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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Strgzr
sage
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
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Thats a Great looking observatory David!
Your town must be very proud!
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Strgzr
My observatory construction pics
CHECK OUT THIS SITE!
Patina Gardens Observatory Clear Sky Clock
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8270
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Quote:
David:
NIce place ya got there! I like the roll roof arrangement, using part of the rest of the building to hold it up. I like the way you dealt with the downspout on the corner, allowing it to "break" when rolling the roof.
How much did the solar electric panels cost and how much ROI (return on investment) does it make? How long till it pays for itself? With gas prices going through the roof the cost of everything is going to skyrocket. Solutions such as those PV panels will make more and more sense as we go along.
Thanks!
Rich
Well, it was a cooperative demonstration project between the Observatory and the Lincoln Electric System, so I don't know all the cost details (it was rather expensive however). During the day, the panels feed an inverter and the system generates enough power to "make our meter run backwards" a bit, but at night, the meter runs the right way as we tap commercial power. Still, for reducing peak loads, it is somewhat viable, although somewhat expensive. Clear skies to you.
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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David Knisely
Postmaster
Reged: 04/19/04
Posts: 8270
Loc: Beatrice, Nebraska
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Well, we had a board meeting tonight, and I found out that the Solar panel power system cost about $25,000 to purchase and install. It provides about 2 kW of power (up to 2.8 kW on occasion). Clear skies to you.
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David W. Knisely
Hyde Memorial Observatory
http://www.hydeobservatory.info
Prairie Astronomy Club
http://www.prairieastronomyclub.org
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Posaunist
super member
Reged: 09/17/03
Posts: 109
Loc: Arkansas, US
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My observatory was completed last summer. It was to replace my "astroshed" which had not faired well in our spring storms. What was perceived as an approximately month-long project turned into an all summer job. I've attached a photo, but the construction log and internal photos can be viewed from here: Click on "Observatory"
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10" LX200GPS UHTC & Digital Rebel My Astro Home
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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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Simply awesome Posaunist Well thought out design!
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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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Jimmy
member
Reged: 01/01/05
Posts: 97
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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My observatory, completed less than a month ago, is a room addition to our home. The roof is a 7' X 7' roll-off powered by a golf cart garage door opener. The scope sits on a Pier-Tech 2 which will lift it 20 inches higher than position in the picture. The Pier-Tech 2 is on an 18" diameter concrete pier sunken 4 feet into the ground and is 39" above the floor (deck level).
Building commentary and pix can be found at
http://www.weatherwatchplus.com/observatory/
I still don't have a name for the observatory. Possiblities: SkyWatch Observatory (I have a business called WeatherWatch) or Hidden Valley Observatory (the name of our little subdivision).
Jimmy
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Posaunist
super member
Reged: 09/17/03
Posts: 109
Loc: Arkansas, US
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Very nice, Jimmy! I really like your pier.
It's a good thing that your AZ humidity, or lack there of, is nothing like it is here in AR. That TV wouldn't last very long with the dew problems I've experienced.
Very nice!
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10" LX200GPS UHTC & Digital Rebel My Astro Home
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Merlin J Raymond
super member
Reged: 11/07/05
Posts: 175
Loc: Hillsboro Or
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Well I don't know if mine is as nice as most of these but it is unique. Some of you have already but what the hey.
Star Shooter Mobile Observatory
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Dark Skies
Magic Man
Yesterdays Magic is Todays Science
Pround new owner of an Explora-Dome
11" Celestron, 10" Dob, 8" Celestron, C9 Celestron,
100mm H/M, 80mm STCelestron, 60mmBastard, 20X70mm Binocs, 20X80 Binocs
And an 8' portable Observatory
Edited by Merlin J Raymond (05/12/06 11:05 PM)
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12709
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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^^^ Soon to be Upgraded, right Magic Man?
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Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
 Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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Merlin J Raymond
super member
Reged: 11/07/05
Posts: 175
Loc: Hillsboro Or
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Jeff word is my dome will arrive sometime next week. Not sure how long before it sits atop the trailer. There may be other plans in the works. My turn to be quiet now. Lets just say it may get a life of it's own. Another pic just for good measure.
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Dark Skies
Magic Man
Yesterdays Magic is Todays Science
Pround new owner of an Explora-Dome
11" Celestron, 10" Dob, 8" Celestron, C9 Celestron,
100mm H/M, 80mm STCelestron, 60mmBastard, 20X70mm Binocs, 20X80 Binocs
And an 8' portable Observatory
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NDR
sage
Reged: 02/05/07
Posts: 233
Loc: Union City, Michigan
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This is my obsevatory for now. Mainly it just houses my telescopes.
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Tom yates
member
Reged: 03/28/07
Posts: 53
Loc: United Kingdom
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Some fantastic observatory's i can only dream about the build quality and craftmanship, Fantastic.
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Astro physics 178 Refractor Intes micro mak newt 8"
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SometimesKen
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/15/05
Posts: 503
Loc: Bad Moon Observatory
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Here's the "Bad Moon Observatory" ! It's not quite done yet in this pic, but close enough! The base is 9'8" X 9'8", the floor to top of dome height is 120". Gotta love those ExploraDomes, with a little imagination and basic skills anyone can have a backyard obs. for cheap.
Edited by SometimesKen (03/30/07 08:46 AM)
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Bob Griffiths
Postmaster
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 6545
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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Yere is My Smiling Irish Eyes Observatpry... Not quite finished, going to wait a full years to finish the inside (sept 07), as I want to see if I have any moisture or heat problems to deal with before paneling the walls etc.
Bob G.
Its an Exploardome on a 7 foot tall 10x12 elevated platform..
Total cost (electric,paint,materials platform etc = $2200 BEST accesory I ever "invested in)
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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)
Gerbring Heated Motorcycle clothing in the winter
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
The sky over my head....
Edited by Bob Griffiths (03/30/07 11:23 AM)
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starquester
sage
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 465
Loc: Three Rivers, MI U.S.A>
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Here's Mine,
http://windyridgeobservatory.blogspot.com
Alan
Windy Ridge Observatory
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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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NHRob
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 3148
Loc: New Hampshire
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My 12' x 8' rolloff ... almost done. Just need to finish siding the exterior.
Rob
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Rob
**********************
Canon 12x36 IS binos
TEC-140: #433 on CGEM
Faworski orthos (7,10,16.7mm)
stuff ...
no free time ... lots of clouds !
" Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" !!
Edited by NHRob (03/30/07 09:25 AM)
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Richard Scott
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/25/06
Posts: 732
Loc: Tampa FL
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My Sanctum Santorum the Blue Moon Observatory.
Built from pier to padlock for just over a grand.
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11” Celestron XLT SCT
Orion ED80 APO
NEQ-6 Pro
JMI NGF-CM Focuser
Orion SSDSI
Meade DSI Pro
all tucked inside the Blue Moon Observatory
http://tinyurl.com/29b9wn
Basically more scope than my abilities warrant
"I know I can never look upon the stars without wondering why the whole world does not become astronomers."
Thomas Wright
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Ivan Gastaldo
super member
Reged: 02/21/05
Posts: 155
Loc: Coconut Creek, FL
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OK, here is my humble observatory, and still have a little bit of details to finish up before it is 100% ready...
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Ivan Gastaldo
Coconut Creek, FL
Meade 10" LX-200GPS
WO SD-66 APO
Orion 6" Imaging Reflector
Orion Atlas EQ-G
Orion Starshoot DSI & DSI2
Nikon D70 DSLR
Celestron 15x70 Binoculars
Wonderful Wife
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Ivan --
Great to see that you re-built! I was so bummed for you after the hurricane. Well done.
Did you go with the same design the second time around? It looks similar, but my memory isn't what it used to be....
-- Jeff.
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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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Ivan Gastaldo
super member
Reged: 02/21/05
Posts: 155
Loc: Coconut Creek, FL
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LOL! Thanks Jeff!
Indeed, same design (a little smaller), but it is being reinforced all around...
I also have a full set of shutters (to reinforce the whole building) that I'll be able to use in case needed...
Clear skies!
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Ivan Gastaldo
Coconut Creek, FL
Meade 10" LX-200GPS
WO SD-66 APO
Orion 6" Imaging Reflector
Orion Atlas EQ-G
Orion Starshoot DSI & DSI2
Nikon D70 DSLR
Celestron 15x70 Binoculars
Wonderful Wife
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Pedro Scorza
super member
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 154
Loc: Puerto Rico
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Here is mine!
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LX-90
C102HD
SN-10 on Skyscan
PST 40
WO ZS 80FD
SXVF-M7,Pictor 216,Rebel 300
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Rick Needham
Vendor (ExploraDome)
Reged: 09/20/05
Posts: 1962
Loc: Fort Ann, NY
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Here is Northern Skies Observatory with an 8' diameter
Explora-dome and a little white dusting
of snow
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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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droid
rocketman
Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 4027
Loc: ohio
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Thats very nice Ivan , the floor,, tile???? glad to see your back up and running again.
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102mm Celestron C102HD
Tasco 7TE5 60mm Classic
Tasco 9TE5 60mm Classic
Celestron Ultima 2000 SCT
Remains of an 8 inch dob
Celestron Comet catcher(orange tube)
1960 Edscorp Space Conquerer 6inch f/8
10x50 Bushnell Binoculars.
11T 4.5 inch Tasco reflector Lunograsso?
60mm Telescope Club
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swalker
Imaging Editor - Sky & Telescope
Reged: 01/22/07
Posts: 472
Loc: 42.9225°N, 71.2242°W
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Here's mine, still need to gelcoat the repairs I did:
http://masil-astro-imaging.netfirms.com/FTP/MASIL%20east%207.jpg
Got the dome very used, drove it up from Maryland, then fixed it up.
This page has some pics of the floor construction:
http://masil-astro-imaging.netfirms.com/Observatories.html
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12.5" f/5.1 Newt
10" f/4.5 Newt
4.25" f/4 Astrograph
80mm f/10 refractor
70mm Mak Cass
40mm PST
Millennium Mount EQ
TI ProDome #002
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Bob Griffiths
Postmaster
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 6545
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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SWALKER....
Did you buy that from a Physician in Potomac Maryland close to DC... If so you beat me to it by a few hours...last spring of 2006
Congrads...
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)
Gerbring Heated Motorcycle clothing in the winter
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
The sky over my head....
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swalker
Imaging Editor - Sky & Telescope
Reged: 01/22/07
Posts: 472
Loc: 42.9225°N, 71.2242°W
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Hi Bob-
no, I got it from John Menke near Damascus in Summer 05.
It's Pro-Dome prototype #002.
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12.5" f/5.1 Newt
10" f/4.5 Newt
4.25" f/4 Astrograph
80mm f/10 refractor
70mm Mak Cass
40mm PST
Millennium Mount EQ
TI ProDome #002
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Bob Griffiths
Postmaster
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 6545
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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Ok..
I just was curious...I looked around for almost 2 years for a used OBS ...and I actually am in Damascus quite a lot.. Maybe I should have told Gary at Hands On Optics to keep an ear open...
Enjoy
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)
Gerbring Heated Motorcycle clothing in the winter
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
The sky over my head....
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Bachus
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/25/05
Posts: 704
Loc: Nashville,TN.
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Quote:
Yere is My Smiling Irish Eyes Observatpry... Not quite finished, going to wait a full years to finish the inside (sept 07), as I want to see if I have any moisture or heat problems to deal with before paneling the walls etc.
Bob G.
Its an Exploardome on a 7 foot tall 10x12 elevated platform..
Total cost (electric,paint,materials platform etc = $2200 BEST accesory I ever "invested in)
Well I was going to ask if anyone has seen a elevated dome either on a roof or raised above the ground but here it is. I take it you had to get a crane to pop it up there? With the 10x12 you have, what about six or eight posts in the ground? Pretty impressive
Kenny J
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Orion XT8-1st Gen. flocked tube
1989 Ultima 8" SCT-with updated PEC and motor,original fork, wedge, tripod, 8x50 R.A polaris finder scope
Orion 80ED for piggybacking
Atlas Non-GoTo
Canon XT (non-modified)
Meade DSI Pro
JMI Mini-Max with encoders (Ultima)
Xantrex Powerpack 400 Plus
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Bob Griffiths
Postmaster
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 6545
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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Kenny only have 4 6x6 posts..( I do not count the 2 4x4's that form the ladder so I can climb up and in the Obs..
2x12 spaced every 12 inches & the 10x10 floor is 3/4 ply ..the last 2 feet is just regular decking and serves as a place for my wife to put Flowers on...
Dome was placed on the building by a local sign company .. They charged $120 an hour...took 20-30 minutes to do & the guy was really really enjoying it... 1st time he ever did a dome ..charged me for 30 minutes then spent 30 minutes inside just grinning...& honestly so was I.
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)
Gerbring Heated Motorcycle clothing in the winter
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
The sky over my head....
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ttolla
member
Reged: 01/31/06
Posts: 28
Loc: Guilford, CT
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Here's mine :
8' x 14' Roll-over roof design. No track system hanging out over the building. Warm room under the lower section. It includes a 7'4" x 7'4" scope area and a 7'4"x 6' warm room.
The rest is here:
http://www.pbase.com/amateurtom/_my_astrophotography
Tom T.
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TTolla
Guilford, CT
Edited by ttolla (04/07/07 07:18 AM)
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Rock_Hunter
journeyman
Reged: 04/26/06
Posts: 8
Loc: New Mexico
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Jornada Observatory, NM
http://internet.cybermesa.com/~ddixon/
Note very few trees :-)
Edited by Rock_Hunter (04/07/07 11:14 AM)
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SleepIsWrong
sage
Reged: 12/07/05
Posts: 442
Loc: Baltimore, MD
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Here's a picture of the observatory I built in my back yard last summer. I live about 3.5 miles from the center of downtown Baltimore. The building is octagonal in shape with a "diameter" of eight feet, and is all wood construction, including the dome. The base of the observatory is built like a standard deck and suspended about 6" above the ground on 8 4x4 posts. I kept the floor open to allow circulation through the building, which has worked out very well. The walls are about 42" high, The dome rolls on 8 3" plastic castors, and is kept "centered" by 4 horizontally-mounted garage door pullies that ride on a thin aluminum strip which is attached to the inside wall of the building. The dome was modeled to some degree after the one housing the WYIN (sp?) Telescope at Kitt Peak. Its basically five squares and four triangles. I posted something about it last summer if you're interested in slightly more detail.
The image below shows a view through the entry door. The building houses a C14 on CGE mount. I have a small TV table that holds my laptop, which connects to the CGE as well as to main (DSI-II) and guide (DSI-I) cameras. I had planned to add a warm room to my garage which is only a few feet behind the observatory. In the end I decided to use a VNC program to control everything from the desktop computer in my study. I still have to rotate the dome myself, and must focus & change filters at the telescope. For me that's fine because I like to be in the obs next to the scope for any large slews anyway. In the second image you can see, just left of the pier, one of the 8 wheels the dome rolls on. Just left of that, near the picture's edge, you can see one of the four horizontally-mounted retaining wheels and the track it rides on.
According to my notes I used the telescope 77 nights last year. I previously had an observatory some distance NW of Baltimore in much darker skies, but the 90-minute drive each way limited my usage. I find that having something just outside the back door far outweighs the improved background that the darker site affords. The skies here are about 4.0 mag on a good night; my darker sky site was between 5.5 and 6.0.
Its definitely the very best "accessory" I've ever added! Total cost was about $2500 (including $400 to have some concrete hauled away) and took about 7 weeks to build.
Mike
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14" Celestron CGE (two of 'em)
Soupy, orange, mag 4. skies (woof!)
ST9-XE, ST8-XME
ssp-3 photometer
Mira Pro UE7 & ProScript, IDL v7.1, AIP4Win, MaxIm DL, TheSky6 Pro, PC-IRAF 2.14.1
Way too many white squares in the graphic, below
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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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Very nice Mike. It looks like you have gotten a lot of good use out of it already with 77 nights last year. I logged a little over 50 with my roll-off. I agree with you an observatory is the best accessory to have.
Again very nice Mike
Brad
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Interesting numbers. I checked, and I'm right in there with Brad: 56 nights last year.
I think I'd easily get to the 77 mark if it got dark here (54°N) during the summer -- I recorded 1 night in June, none in July, and 2 in August. The rest of the year I averaged 6 nights a month -- and that's when it's cold!
-- Jeff.
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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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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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I can remember when I didnt have my roll-off I was luck to get out more than one time a month.
Jeff I bet you would hit close to 100 if you were a little more south. At 54N how many hours do you get of darkness in June July and August?
Brad
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Jeff Young
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/04/05
Posts: 4111
Loc: Ireland
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Quote:
...
Jeff I bet you would hit close to 100 if you were a little more south. At 54N how many hours do you get of darkness in June July and August?
Brad
Brad --
A big fat zero in June or July -- you have to be happy with astronomical twilight. But it rises quite rapidly after that -- by the middle of August we're back up to 3 hours/night.
-- Jeff.
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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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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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I feel for you. We get around 5 hrs or so June/July and I thought that was bad.
Brad
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dbeckstrom
super member
Reged: 10/29/06
Posts: 169
Loc: Andover, MN
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Here is a photo of my observatory in the construction phase.
http://www.observatorycentral.com/index.php?showtopic=435&st=40&start=40
That was last fall. I have the warming room built and everything enclosed now. I'll try and take a more current photo for y'all.
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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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Mick Hyde
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/22/06
Posts: 1122
Loc: Swindon, UK
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Here's my setup. This summerhouse/shed is a really good fit for the corner of the garden and my scope.
I've arranged the roof so that it splits into two halves, which can be placed either side on the remaining part of the roof. Depending on what I'm observing at the time, I can just have one half open.
When I dug the hole for the pier, the shed and flooring were already installed. I had to cut out a square in the floor and then dig the hole. It was just like 'The Great Escape'
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Mick.
http://astromick.blogspot.com http://mickhyde.googlepages.com Swindon CSC
Celestron 9.25 XLT, Takahashi SKY-90, Canon EOS 50D, DMK21AF04AS, SKYnyx 2-0M, CGE mount.
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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
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I'm still in the thinking stage, but here is where I'm at now. It's an ExploraDome on a bale feeder. I'm wrestling with how to deal with the fact that the bale feeder standard size is a tad too big for the dome. I'll have to make some sort of rainwater sheding cap or cone or something to fit in there...
Much to think about.
Register at www.observatorycentral.com and look for KISS observatory to see the whole sordid tale!
Rich
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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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later
sage
Reged: 01/16/05
Posts: 490
Loc: Posen, Michigan
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Richard,
Do you happen to know what the ID of that bale feeder is?
Is that bale feeder made out of conduit?
Thanks,
Gary
ps.
I registered on that site.....awaiting approval......looks like a very good site! However I cannot find your KISS observatory.
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Galileo 15 X 70
Oberwerk BT100-45
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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
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The bale feeder has an 8' diameter when measured from the centerline of the pipes. I wouldn't call it conduit, exactly, it's 1 3/4" diameter galvanized. It's made by American Farmland . I got it at a local ag (agricultural) supply store here in Virginia for $125.92 with tax.
I didn't think you needed approval to register at OC... Wait a moment, I'll log in and get the URL to the KISS pages...
OK, I'm back! Here it is: KISS on OC.
Like I said in the first post on the thread: "I still don't have everything quite together in my mind just yet and hashing it out here with you guys will help me think more cogently." So I guess I'm still hashing things out and thinking, thinking, thinking!
Right now the dome is just sitting on some 2x4 blocks clamped in place temporarily. I need to see the dome in the approximate location it'll eventually occupy in order to think about the rainwater shedding issues. If the bale feeder was just a little smaller, like 6" or so, it'd be perfect.
Here's a closeup of the temporary 2x4 rig that's holding it up in the air. I'll cut off 4-6" or so of the top of this rig to make room for the wheels when I get that far along. Thank goodness I have an interior space to use!
Rich
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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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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12709
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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Richard is trying to build a "COMPLETE" observatory for LESS than 1 grand... For those who don't know the whole story.
Doing a great job so far BTW...
--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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Richard Scott
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/25/06
Posts: 732
Loc: Tampa FL
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"build a "COMPLETE" observatory for LESS than 1 grand"
A fine target indeed. I missed by going about 36 bucks over myself.
I will follow Rich's progress as well. Good luck big guy.
Richard
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11” Celestron XLT SCT
Orion ED80 APO
NEQ-6 Pro
JMI NGF-CM Focuser
Orion SSDSI
Meade DSI Pro
all tucked inside the Blue Moon Observatory
http://tinyurl.com/29b9wn
Basically more scope than my abilities warrant
"I know I can never look upon the stars without wondering why the whole world does not become astronomers."
Thomas Wright
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 800
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Good morning gang.
Well after getting my wood delivered last Thursday morning and having that Friday off. I took advantage of the fantastic weather and put together the RVO Observatory in a day. (an 8 foot Explora Dome) Yep a day. 13 hours of cutting, hammering, sweating and grunting. Tough to get that dome up there by myself. It is an Explora Dome a top a 10 by 10 building.
Here are some pics, it is not fully complete. I am waiting until after NEAF in case there is something I pick up there that will go inside. New mount, OTA who knows.
Rodney Owens
The Explora Dome forum
Edited by rodney (04/23/07 08:44 AM)
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12709
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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Ummmm....
Rodney... That center block is at a HIGH ANGLE. I hope you have at least the top 2 posts (on the hill) in concrete. At that angle, and with those deck blocks at that angle, your structure may take a ride down the hill!!!
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Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 800
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Thanks Jeff,
The angles have been dealt with.
Rodney
Updates and images available on the yahoo group below.
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My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
Edited by rodney (04/23/07 12:13 PM)
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Strgzr
sage
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 355
Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona
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Quote:
Thanks Jeff,
The angles have been dealt with.
Rodney
Updates and images available on the yahoo group below.
Rodney, I followed your link and it seems I can't view your updates and photo's without signing up for that group. I would like to check out that stuff but I would rather not sign up for the group since I am not an Explora dome owner. Is there an alternative?
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rodney
Vendor - Explora Dome
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 800
Loc: Asbury, NJ
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Hello Andy,
That is correct. One must be signed in to view the images. Unfortunately, I only have the images on the Explora Dome yahoo group. I figured it is the best place after all. If you sign up, simply choose to not get emails, or leave the group after viewing the images. Yahoo gives you that option.
Send me your email address and I will send some pics directly to you if you'd like.
Clear skies, Rodney
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Explora-dome
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My Explora Dome construction is here:
www.exploradome.us
Rodney
Meade 10 SCT
AT 8/F4 imaging scope
13 Truss
C8-NGT
Orion 80mm/F11
Canon 300D
Canon XSi
Two AS-GT mounts
Extremely happy Explora Dome home observatory owner
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Keith Schlottman
member
Reged: 10/02/05
Posts: 50
Loc: Tucson, AZ
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Here's an image of Xanadu Observatory, in my Tucson backyard.
Yes, the strike really WAS very close!
Keith Schlottman
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---------------------------------
Wishing you the Clearest of Skies
Xanadu Observatory
http://www.xanaduobservatory.com
---------------------------------
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Manny Myles
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/29/05
Posts: 3458
Loc: Flatlandia
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Richard,
Would it be feasible to cut one side , removing a few inches of material and then wrap a ratchet strap and start crankin' it tighter to keep the cirle and pull the ends together and the weld it back up?
I have had to shrink big circles like this before and it seem to work just fine, the other thing I had to do was partially cut areas on the circles to let the thing bend in, then welded these cuts back up
Ratchet strap
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_11834_11834&issearch=1936
Just a thought.
Manny
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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak
Edited by Manny Myles (04/27/07 07:39 AM)
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Richard B. Drumm
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 1482
Loc: Albemarle Co. Virginia
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If I tried to do the bend in one shot like that I suspect that the arc would bend at its weakest point and bend in just one spot to allow the gap to close. What I want, of course, is for it to bend all along the arcs, which is tricky. My first idea was to do like you suggested and make a bunch of cuts all along the inside of the arcs and bend these till the kerfs close up. Then weld the kerfs shut. I may yet do this, but I had a CAS (my astro club) member come by and he suggested that it'd be a shame to weaken the inherent strength of the unbroken circles of steel. I'm chewing over the alternatives. If I could do it with the feeder the current size, then I'd have the best of both worlds...
Still thinkin' . . . . . .
Rich
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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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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8305
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
If I tried to do the bend in one shot like that I suspect that the arc would bend at its weakest point and bend in just one spot to allow the gap to close. What I want, of course, is for it to bend all along the arcs, which is tricky. My first idea was to do like you suggested and make a bunch of cuts all along the inside of the arcs and bend these till the kerfs close up. Then weld the kerfs shut. I may yet do this, but I had a CAS (my astro club) member come by and he suggested that it'd be a shame to weaken the inherent strength of the unbroken circles of steel. I'm chewing over the alternatives. If I could do it with the feeder the current size, then I'd have the best of both worlds...
Still thinkin' . . . . . .
Rich
Rich....I was looking at the same thing at my feed store the other day. I said, *Hey Richard is using these things for his OB*. So I looked one over. They look like they are build like a tank.
Modifying one might compromise its integrity, but then again it is steal, and once rewelded as you suggested, it will probably be far stronger then you really need.
Now, you want to make it bigger or smaller??? I forgot.
Ingenuity at work.....
Rob
GOMOC
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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Here is mine;
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Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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And here is the inside;
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Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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Some more;
Notice the neat conduit (radio shack) that contains all the cables.
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Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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NeoDinian
Experienced Postmaster
Reged: 10/05/05
Posts: 12709
Loc: Rockford Illinois
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Nice setup!
--------------------
Neo... (Jeff)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
10" LX200-GPS/SMT UHTC "Draco"
Rockford, Il.
NeoDinian's Eye on the Sky!
Coming soon:
|
rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8305
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Some more;
Notice the neat conduit (radio shack) that contains all the cables.
Sweet set-up Elliot. Very well done.
Nice and clean.
Rob
GOMOC
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Joel
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/08/04
Posts: 2584
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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Looks great Elliot! Nice and neat.
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Joel
10" LX200GPS UHTC-SMT
Vixen 80EDsf
Canon unmodded 350D
QHY8
Turkey Hill Observatory
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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Thanks everyone!
I cannot stress enough what an observatory has done for my "viewing time". It is hard to explain. My son and nephew have sleep-overs inside my Skyshed. We spend most of the night studying the heavens and the rest of the night talking about it.
Really I don't know what is the best thing to get starting out in astronomy (telescope, binoculars, eyepiece, SkyScout, beer, cigar(s), SkyShed, etc...). An observatory really addresses the "using it regularly factor" that so many people talk about.
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Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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Greyhaven
super member
Reged: 05/11/04
Posts: 189
Loc: Greater downtown Maine
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nice set up Elliot. I really hope to have one as nice some day. It's wonderful being able to follow everyones experiences
in achieving their dreams.
Be Well
Grey
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Greyhaven
Celestron 5i
DSH12
ToUcam pro ll
Star Hoc 90
kodak cx 4230 digital
bushnell 7x50
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BradH
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/19/04
Posts: 1036
Loc: Spencer, Indiana
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Very nice Elliot. You have put a lot in the details. Good job.
Brad
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Mike Clemens
Post Laureate
Reged: 11/26/05
Posts: 4248
Loc: Wasilla, Alaska 61N
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Those are really nice setups, very inspiring stuff.
Here is my roll-off as of today, a bit cluttered with construction stuff. I am pulling some wires today.
http://www.pbase.com/mclemens1969/image/78131622/large
Mike
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1965healey
Post Laureate
Reged: 06/23/07
Posts: 3133
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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I'm bumping this to the top of the list for CSA
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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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mlcolbert
sage
Reged: 11/15/07
Posts: 353
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You guys are evil!:))
I made the mistake of checking out the thread and now.....:((
We are just about to purchase a small place on an island of 1500 people and now, thanks to you guys, I HAVE to start thinking about an observatory as well as renovations! Thanks a lot!!!!
michael )
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zeiss
APQ 130/3x500 mm Telephotos/2xMC80/MC35/5x7 back/lunar and planetary camera
Hasselblad
503cw/500el/m
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starquester
sage
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 465
Loc: Three Rivers, MI U.S.A>
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This is mine,
Alan
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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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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Elliot! Your Obs is incredible!! Nice wedge too! I really like the white and red, now i wish I would have made mine that color!
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~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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adkstars
super member
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 102
Loc: Au Sable Forks,NY
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Here is a photo of mine and a link to more info:
http://www.freewebs.com/adkstars/index.htm
Edited by adkstars (03/04/08 08:45 PM)
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csa/montana
Wild Spirit
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 40128
Loc: montana
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Very Nice! Congratulations! Thanks for posting a photo.
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3507
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Rick...Told you in the guestbook that that rolling tool chest was a good idea! Good luck with all the trees I'd better count my blessings! Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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adkstars
super member
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 102
Loc: Au Sable Forks,NY
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As I read my guest book I was amazed to find a post that insulted the posters intellegence as well as my love of Astronomy. Oh well ,it takes all kinds. Rick.
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MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Meade LXD-75 SN10
Meade 8" LX-90
WO ZS-66
Coronado PST
Meade ETX-125
Meade ETX-70
10x10 Explora-Dome
http://www.freewebs.com/adkstars/index.htm
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Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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Gee Rick. I'd say the post in your guestbook is pretty amusing. The person is obviously grossly under weight and has no gear. Jealous post from an infa |
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