Pier and roll off cover, mostly pics

[Petrol]

Packing up is a chore I could do without. All comments welcome

Usual stuff, hole... My daughter helped me a bit

Fill with concrete

Plate for top of pier

Galvanized scaffold pole to go inside the plastic tube was centralized like this

Then fit top plate

Connector panel glued to pier

Sprayed "200 SX" red cos I had some paint

I need an adapter to fit my EQ6 now

Thanks for looking and all comments welcome

[Gina]

Looking good - well done

[Petrol]

Looking good - well done

Thanks, I saw your obsy build and learned a lot Also made this connector panel

[Gina]

It's looking a really professional job

[r3i]

Looking very good indeed. What will all the connectors be used for?

[Petrol]

Looking very good indeed. What will all the connectors be used for?

Power

12V 4A PSU

USB Hub

Laptop

12V XLR type connectors

Dew heaters X2

EQ6 Power

Atik 314L+

[spaceboy]

Looks like someone did a nice bit of gas cutting on those steel plates. That pier sure isn't going any where soon, a nice solid job but what dose the wife think to the paint scheme

[Petrol]

Looks like someone did a nice bit of gas cutting on those steel plates. That pier sure isn't going any where soon, a nice solid job but what dose the wife think to the paint scheme

I bought the plates from here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290623949243&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:GB:1120

It is a bit in yer face but she’s the one that wanted a red car! The rest will be painted this much more subtle metallic blue

Paint is expensive so I’m using what’s left from the restoration of these two Nissans

[Gina]

Those steel discs are the same as I got for my pier

[Petrol]

Slight change of plan with the top of the pier. Instead of bolting a pier adapter onto the top plate, I have bought one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TELESCOPE-PIER-ADAPTER-PLATES-BRAND-NEW-/320893929396?pt=UK_Photography_Telescopes&hash=item4ab6c4c7b4

Since it's the same diameter as my bottom plate and has been machined to accept the EQ6, it will be more rigid. Graham who makes these is kindly supplying one without any mounting holes so I can drill it to suit my bottom plate

Poured the concrete pad-stones for the floor joists

[Gina]

Looking good

[Petrol]

Thanks Gina. Finished the groundwork today

Built the base & started on the floor

[dtr42]

ah

i see you use the famous tea cup leveling method

[ncjunk]

ah

i see you use the famous tea cup leveling method

thats an expensive way to see if your teacup is level.

Nice looking build and a very impressive paint job!

[laser_jock99]

Looking good.

[Chris]

Looks great, very professional!, I would be interested to know how you cast the concrete pads? did you use wood shuttering?

[spaceboy]

Looking the part now. Will this be for imaging only? I assume the same sort of principles could be used for housing a dob if all on one level ??

[Petrol]

I can’t work without a brew and usually end up knocking it over. Thought it would be pretty safe up there

I did use shuttering I dug a hole about 400mm deep but slightly smaller then the shuttering. I then hammered in lime stone chippings to support the shutter to the correct height and level. Poured the concrete and left it 3 days before removing the shutter. As you can see in these pics, I also built up around the outside of the shutter to support it

If you try to remove the shutter by pulling it off, you will damage the pad. It’s best to dismantle it -

The rig is only used for imaging but for observing, you would definitely need more floor space around the pier. As you can see I am a bit stuck for space and the step has made it a bit of a challenge

Thanks for the comments

[Chris]

Thanks, that info may well come in handy:)

[JamesF]

Looking very neat so far. Useful pointer for the mount fittings, too.

James

[Petrol]

Looking very neat so far. Useful pointer for the mount fittings, too.

James

Graham from Astotec has mailed me, EQ6 top plate should be with me on Friday. I think this is a much better setup than my original plan which was to put a "billetparts" EQ6 adapter on the top plate

Less is best

[Petrol]

Fitted the wheels

[JamesF]

I can see the sense in putting it somewhere nice and warm where there's easy access to power, but I'm not sure how you're going to get to see any of the sky.

James

[yesyes]

I like those wheels and track. Where did you get them from?

[spaceboy]

An interesting thread petrol and one I'm sure many will benefit from. I agree with Chris that system looks good and I would be interested to know where yougot the idea from.