This forum is one of the most inspiring sections of CN! After toying with the idea of a backyard observatory for almost 6 months, I've decided to go ahead.
My requirements were:
- under $1500 in total costs (hopefully around $1200)
- small enough to fit in the available backyard space
- secure (when not in use)
- portable, in the sense that I can dismantle and move it to a new location when I move house ~2 years from now
Based on the above, I think we have designed (thanks to my dad, an architect and builder) something that will fit the above constraints. To control costs, I'll be using some used materials (solid 2x6s, used door, pier steel from an old floor-mount drill press) and doing all the labour myself.
Specs:
- 8'x8' building, roll-off roof
- deck block foundation, supporting a frame of 2x6s and 5/8" plywood floor
- wall sections will be made from 2x3s and plywood, in 4'x6' sections for easy future portability on a standard trailer
- roof will be lightweight ply, sheathed in steel roofing, supported by 2x2 bracing and collar ties (it'll have lock-down hardware for both open and closed positions)
- rolling hardware will be standard barn door stuff (captive C-channels with steel rollers)
In fact, I have already poured the pier (5' sonotube, 4' of which is underground) and bolted on my unfinished pier just for fun. Tonight I'm leveling deck blocks and putting down a layer of thick poly sheeting to keep moisture down.
I'll work on the pier welding next month, but hope to finish the building construction over the next 4 weekends or so.
Anyway, I hope to post progress occasionally. Comments and feedback always welcome!
Clear skies,
Adam
-------------------- WO 110 FLT
WO 66 Triplet
Modified Canon 450/XSI
Celestron C11
SkyWatcher EQ-6 Pro
Backyard (urban) roll-off observatory
One small but fearless dog (observing companion)
my astrophotos on flickr
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
my low-budget urban roll-off observatory project
Edit
Reply
Quote
