14 replies to this topic

[Bryan_Godbe]

Does anyone have a current preference between the NexDome vs SkyShed backyard observatories? For my home, I do not have a option to build a roll off roof observatory.

[TOMDEY]

NexDome has gotten some concerning reviews lately >>>

 

https://www.cloudyni...ed-exploradome/

 

Tom

[Sandy Swede]

I have a NexDome and would not recommend unless you have very good mechanical & fabrication skills.  You will also need a helper.  This is not Plug n Play.

[TOMDEY]

I have a NexDome and would not recommend unless you have very good mechanical & fabrication skills.  You will also need a helper.  This is not Plug n Play.

Yes... that's the impression... although I've not assembled one myself. But I've built domes from small to large and understand that on most big project stuff --- something that just assembles seamlessly with a few household tools is rarely going to happen without some or even substantial fitting and modifying as you go... to be expected. And for a ~round dome~ sitting on your foundation and maybe even your own walls... if you don't get that bottom part near perfect (flat, level, round, sturdy, stable) --- then the dome is not going to interface properly. On the other hand... the parts provided should at least fit together nicely when interfaced to a near-perfect base.    Tom

[Sandy Swede]

Yes... that's the impression... although I've not assembled one myself. But I've built domes from small to large and understand that on most big project stuff --- something that just assembles seamlessly with a few household tools is rarely going to happen without some or even substantial fitting and modifying as you go... to be expected. And for a ~round dome~ sitting on your foundation and maybe even your own walls... if you don't get that bottom part near perfect (flat, level, round, sturdy, stable) --- then the dome is not going to interface properly. On the other hand... the parts provided should at least fit together nicely when interfaced to a near-perfect base.    Tom

But you would expect that the supplied components would be fabricated correctly in the first place.  Those comprising the NexDome were not - many holes were misaligned from one component to its adjacent partner.  Bolts did not fit holes.  Parts missing -  many trips to the hardware store.  The shutter still does not work properly and it can be blown open in a strong wind.  I have resorted to gaffer tape to secure the sections if I am away from home for more than one day.  I forgot to mention two other critical things you will need - perseverance and patience.

[A. Viegas]

I have had my NexDome now for going on 2 years.  I was the first shipped with the new shutter system but there were no instructions on installing that, nor did it come with all the required parts to begin with.  It took about two months but I got them to ship me for free the older single rail shutter system and it was relatively easy to install.   

I assembled it with my daughter.  Together with her and another friend we lifted the dome onto the walls.  So you will definitely need a helper for that step.

Rain, hail, snow, wind... so far so good.  Apart from my makeshift slab bleeding from the ground up, no water gets into the dome or on my equipment.

I dont use it that often given the weather and time, but it works fine.   I have issues with the alignment issues with rotation but that is mostly my own doing as I have a dual scope rig and so measurements and all are tougher, but my solution was to install IP cameras on the scopes and I can move the dome remotely to line up with the scopes so it works fine for me.

As a once in a while use I think its a good product for the price.   It is not 'observatory' class in as far I would rely on it for 100% remote use.  

Caveat emptor

Al

[speedster]

Having used both, you might want to avoid any of the roto-molded or thermo-formed units and save a little more money and buy one that is fiberglass.  World of difference.  https://homedome.com/robodome/

[SkyShed]

I can tell you that we're getting very happy reports from owners assembling PODs and POD-S units daily. They love us, and their PODs.

 

Join our Groups.io discussion group and see for yourself.

 

I'm here as needed.

 

CS!
Wayne

Edited by SkyShed, 16 September 2024 - 02:23 PM.

[gundark]

I can tell you that we're getting very happy reports from owners assembling PODs and POD-S units daily. They love us, and their PODs.

 

Join our Groups.io discussion group and see for yourself.

 

I'm here as needed.

 

CS!
Wayne

You rock, Wayne (literally!). Great customer service. 

[SkyShed]

You rock, Wayne (literally!). Great customer service. 

Your success is our success Glenn!

[Taylor]

I can tell you that we're getting very happy reports from owners assembling PODs and POD-S units daily. They love us, and their PODs.

 

Join our Groups.io discussion group and see for yourself.

 

I'm here as needed.

 

CS!
Wayne

I wish my HOA would allow a POD-S, that would have been my first choice. 

 

But any structures have to match the main house, so a RoR was my only option, and they begrudgingly allowed that. 

[SkyShed]

I wish my HOA would allow a POD-S, that would have been my first choice. 

 

But any structures have to match the main house, so a RoR was my only option, and they begrudgingly allowed that. 

We might have been bale to help you with that Taylor. Many of our owners have to deal with HOA's. I would have directed you to our friendly discussion group, to hear how other owners have dealt with them and
 "won". 

 

All the best with your Roll Off!

 

CS!
Wayne

[peculiar_polar_ring]

I've had both a Nexdome and a robodome from TI. I wouldn't wish the Nexdome on somebody I hated. I love my robodome.

I've no experience with a sky shed, but I have worked with Wayne (hi Wayne, I see you in this thread), for a pier and he's been fantastic. Really stands behind his product

[Omeganon]

For what it's worth, I have 2 Nexdomes and quite like them at this point. Yes, some DIY, yes some design alterations particularly with the new shutter system, but overall very happy with it and no regrets. I have fully automated imaging runs from start to finish via NINA. Set it to go before bed, wake up with images.

 

Certainly nothing comparable for the price when I got my first one in 2021. I think that's still the case.

[Inkie]

I erected my NexDome with my contractor/builder brother.  We had it together in a day.  Yes, it requires some jiggling, using dowels or large screwdrivers in holes to lever things together....it's not like you've paid $20K for a precision 10' dome and shelter.  But we found the instructions to run at a B+ grade, not great, but not so bad.  All the fasteners were there, nothing missing, all packaged well.  The one trick in assembling the structure is in plumbing and circling the outer walls.  Get them vertical (!), and do ensure the track for the bogey wheels attached to the upper walls will travel well inside of the dome's grooves. Where there is a misalignment, you'll get the rubber wheels working their way inside of the dome's lower rim and doing nothing for support.  Also, consider using silicone spray to ensure the wheels want to stay put and not climb out. Other than that tip, my structure works as any reasonable person would think it should, and went together the same way.