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Observing Enclosure - Plan E


Merlin66

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This is not an observatory, nor a Visual set-up. It’s designed for remote operation of your fixed, polar aligned, telescope/ camera/ spectroscope in a secure back yard.

I use a C11 with 200mm f4 telelens/ ATiK16 electronic finder, Specta-L200 spectroscope with a Lodestar guider and ATiK314L imaging camera. Mounted on a NEQ6pro driven by AstroPlanner/ CdC/ EQMod with AstroArtV5 for plate solving/ guiding and spectral imaging.

We’ve recently moved house and Plan A was to remove the East part of the roof (3m) of an existing well built wooden shed (6m x 3m) and have a ROR configuration…due to water tanks this proved a VERY expensive solution (>$3-4k)

Plan B was to try the same at the other end of the shed where access is easier…..unfortunately about the same cost!

OK, on to Plan C – buy a 3m x 2.5m tin shed place some foundations and make it a ROR. The only location was close to a high hedge in the East, and the West is blocked by the house. Estimated costs came in around $1500. Hmmmm

Looking for a cheaper alternative, I considered mounting everything on a pretty sturdy 2nd floor veranda. Plan D was to find a suitable – something like the Telegizmo cover. Although the price was around $300, I had an unhappy experience when the ol’ outside chair cover I had used previously blew off in a recent gale and I suffered water damage to the power transformers!

We’re now on Plan E.
 

Two sheets of 8’ x 4’ 6mm Marine ply, some lengths of 19 x 42mm framing pine, 4 aluminium (19mm i/d) hoops – 1200mm x 600mm and a 6’ x 8’ UV weatherproof tarp from Bunnings Total cost <$200……

The ply is cut to make a 4’ x 4’ “cube” – one side removable as an access door. The 4 hoops hinged near the mid centre of the walls to make a “convertible top” hood covered by the tarp material which retracts back to the south side and exposes the telescope.

The total mid height is 1800mm – enough to enclose the telescope etc.

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This should give a weatherproof enclosure and allow quick access to the scope.

The material has just arrived….I’ll post some photos of the progress soon.

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If you are prepared to commit to going "totally remote", I now see (in retrospect!)

a mini-observatory (or whatever) for imaging / video astronomy is just the thing? :)

Having now solved the "connectivity problems" - Controlling mount, focus... Initial

star alignment etc., I discover you don't need a full-sized "garden shed" after all? ;)

Gives me hope that I can continue my astronomy (even further?) into my dotage!  :D

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...

OK, making some progress.....

The box frame has been painted, the hinge plates strengthened, the webbing between the frames fitted and the first "dry fit" of the UV tarp.

This has been cut and ready for sewing.....

Onwards and Upwards.

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