17 replies to this topic

[shakafell]

I'm looking for a firm that will build a modest private observatory from design, equipment, construction thru installation and setup. Including everything: telescopes, dome, cameras, etc.

 

I found these two companies on Google:

 

https://observatorysolutions.com/

https://seawestobservatories.com/

 

They have a lot of million dollar projects but they've also done smaller stuff like a C14 with a 7ft dome for a community college. I'm thinking somewhere in the low 6 figure ballpark. I've sent both an email.

 

I know most of you here are DIY but does anyone know of more companies that do this?

[CharLakeAstro]

https://tolgaastro.com/

[shakafell]

https://tolgaastro.com/

From their website it looks like they sell and service equipment. Are you saying they will design and construct a full observatory for you?

[Shed9]

Would also be useful to advise what 'rough' location in the world you anticipate your build being.

[shakafell]

Would also be useful to advise what 'rough' location in the world you anticipate your build being.

Texas

[archer1960]

I believe PlaneWave will do the whole enchilada as well.

[CharLakeAstro]

They offer full turnkey installations. 

Give Tolga a call, they will discuss capabilities openly

 

From their website it looks like they sell and service equipment. Are you saying they will design and construct a full observatory for you?

[shakafell]

I believe PlaneWave will do the whole enchilada as well.

 

Yes I sent them a message and they replied right away. I'm supposed to talk to them tomorrow.

 

I still have not heard from the the first 2 firms although Observatory Solutions is listed on the Planewave site so I'm sure that's who PW will use anyway.

 

They offer full turnkey installations. 

Give Tolga a call, they will discuss capabilities openly

Will do. Thanks.

Edited by shakafell, 28 April 2024 - 10:08 PM.

[speedster]

I'll send you a PM.

[shakafell]

Just wanted to give an update in case anyone is following this.

 

I talked to Planewave. They referred me to Sea West Observatories and we had a 3-way conference call.

 

I received email replies from Observatory Solutions and Tolga and will talk to them soon too.

 

The one thing they all said is that I have to find a local contractor for the actual construction.

 

I'll report back with details when I've talked to all 3.

[CharLakeAstro]

Wishing you success on the project.

Observatories are definitely a niche market.

[dnrmilspec]

Stellarvision in Tucson.  Speak to Frank.

[3 i Guy]

PM sent

[shakafell]

I've signed on with Sea West. They are going to provide a full turnkey build from design and construction all the way thru first light and training. They have already scouted some local tradesmen and there will be a Sea West rep supervising the entire construction.

 

They have given me a ROM estimate for a 14' dome and a CDK400 system. A site visit is planned for next month. The Sea West project manager served the same role at Planewave until recently and they work very closely.

 

Regarding the other firms: I only had an email exchange with Observatory Solutions but they made it clear that I would have to handle construction myself. They only do design and then installation.

 

I talked to Tolga and it is basically the same. He was able to put me in touch with a local design firm who had just built an observatory. And then he would come in at the end to install and integrate the equipment. Probably a lot more economical as a partial-turnkey solution.

 

I'll start a new build thread when there is something to report.

[CharLakeAstro]

That's awesome. 

 

I've signed on with Sea West. They are going to provide a full turnkey build from design and construction all the way thru first light and training. They have already scouted some local tradesmen and there will be a Sea West rep supervising the entire construction.

 

They have given me a ROM estimate for a 14' dome and a CDK400 system. A site visit is planned for next month. The Sea West project manager served the same role at Planewave until recently and they work very closely.

 

Regarding the other firms: I only had an email exchange with Observatory Solutions but they made it clear that I would have to handle construction myself. They only do design and then installation.

 

I talked to Tolga and it is basically the same. He was able to put me in touch with a local design firm who had just built an observatory. And then he would come in at the end to install and integrate the equipment. Probably a lot more economical as a partial-turnkey solution.

 

I'll start a new build thread when there is something to report.

[drprovi57]

I am also connecting with Sea West for installing 14,5ft Ash Dome at a remote site at SRO (Sierra Remote Observatories, CA) - hope to place a Planewave 17” or 20” and L500 mount… 

 

Jason

[shakafell]

I am also connecting with Sea West for installing 14,5ft Ash Dome at a remote site at SRO (Sierra Remote Observatories, CA) - hope to place a Planewave 17” or 20” and L500 mount… 

 

Jason

Cool that's exactly what I'm getting. I wanted to go with the 20" but I figure 17" is enough. And it leaves more capacity to mount other scopes on the L500.

[drprovi57]

I owned a 17” iDK (sold it several years ago), but my skies were not very good for it.  I hope a remote observatory under better skies will be better.  I am leaning towards a 17” as well, given I may mount a 150/180 refractor or my RASA 11 on the other side of the L500… should be a fun adventure for both of us.