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o1d_dude
o1der than dirt
Reged: 10/03/07
Posts: 1402
Loc: The Big Tomato, California
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Re: Poll:If you own/use an observatory
01/19/08 04:03 PM
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As the only person who responded to this poll and selected the tent/panel observatory, I should probably speak up.
My observatory is obviously portable. I built it using pictures I'd seen here as a guide. It consists of six 4'x6' PVC frames that I set up in roughly a hexagon shape and use a 3' long PVC brace to frame an open doorway. The frames are clamped together with Irwin Quick-Clamps purchased from Home Depot during a buy two get four sale. The frames are covered with 4 mil black contractor sheeting purchased in 10' x 25' rolls. The edges of the sheeting are reinforced with double layers of black duct tape and screwed to the frames. Each frame consists of an upper and a lower segment that can be separated so they are covered separately. The top section has a flap to seal the gap between the sections. I did this because I have both a refractor and a reflector and the OTA heights are rather different.
Setup time is not long...15 minutes or less. I first setup the scope and then erect the light panel observatory around it.
It's not quite as convenient has a having a dome or a roll-off (no storage, table/chairs, mini-fridge, etc.) but it's much better than having nothing at all in my backyard and it is portable (frames break down to less than 4'x4').
I'm currently repairing storm damage to my fences and have been eyeing "The Fence" observatory which would look very nice in my backyard. What's another couple of post holes, posts, rails, and pickets? 
--------------------
Kit
"There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys." - Red Green
* A bunch of old ATM stuff that cost me next to nothing
* A bunch of new commercial stuff that cost me an arm and a leg
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