fwm891

I hope you're not going to be using those 4 pieces of studding at their current length - very unstable arrangement

6 hours ago, JamesF said:

You sure it's not the Mk2 with the titanium shell and VTOL?

James

At just over 100 yrs old she's a little slow for any big offensive but likes to terrorise the dog when she lays down anywhere in the garden 

4 hours ago, Rusted said:

Excellent workmanship! Very impressive construction skills. 

One thing though: Train the dog to lie somewhere else. Its thermals will ruin the seeing!

Warm air currents a speciality - clear any room pronto 🤫

Trim added and surplus EPDM removed. Couple of small bubbles but at least it's waterproof now. Waiting on an electrician to fit an external socket on the house as a supply to the obsy. Work out just where I need storage for the link laptop, spare cables. As most of my sky is towards the south I'll fit the power supplies to the north side so the hot air from them won't pass in front of the scope. Fit LED strip lights for white and red output options. Oh yes - the 10" dob is to live in the obsy as I've been asked (read told) that now the obsy is built it doesn't need to be in the conservatory alomg with the Edge HD and...

The dog's a bit of a Sun worshiper and often seen in this position 

EPDM relaxing

Group enjoying the tour of the BT dishes

Well done Mark, superb event - I know you have at least one new member for Hereford Astro. Great final discussion on what the future may hold - perhaps different rocket power....

I've never owed a Meade scope but I have owned a few Celestron SCT style optics. Currently have an 8 inch Edge HD and every pleased with it. I use it for photography with its flat focal plane and cameras DX and smaller  formats.

Keep an eye on the classified section here and UKAB&S...

Few photos of the start of installing the insulation and internal lining.

I nearly got the shiplap to match across the door with the side panels. Also a shot of the door folded fully back against the end wall giving me full door opening access.

The final image shows the tracks. The nearest is removeable being held in position with the temporary metal pin. When the pin is removed the track slides outwards and can be stored inside the obsy. The rear track I decided to fix as it is against the fence and doesn't interfere with other areas. I've added a brace to maintain the track direction and stability. The near track has some flexibility when the roof opens/closes with the 'Vee' wheels engaged on the track.

3 hours ago, Gina said:

I didn't insulate my scope room (only the warm room which you're not having).

Doing it to even out temperature changes. Especially the roof as the edpm will absorb a lot of heat and the foil laminations on the insulation should reflect some straight back out.

Re the C5 cap - use Velcro rather than tape.

Insulation going in today, cladding as well if time permits.

27 minutes ago, FLO said:

Our first customer-return iOptron mount (a noisy CEM60) should be with us soon. Rob is delighted... 😏 

If he fixes it I know where it needs to go...…..😥

Mine....

Door made today. I've used a pair of deeper bodied hinges so the door will fully open and lay back onto the end panel of the obsy. https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/product/double-phosphor-bronze-washered-hinge-100x100x4mm-polished-brass-pair-734140

Need to sort out a lock and some internal hardware to secure the obs both closed and open.

Photo to follow...

Thanks ALL @ FLO. Mine has arrived too -- rock solid on the Tri-pier!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_astronomical_catalogues

Been away for a week so everything stalled but progress made today with the track supports enabling me to take the roof back to almost it's full travel. Still to fit some stop blocks so left it short by about 200 mm.

Few views of the basic structure as it stands today. Insulation, linings and a floor still to fit. Continue today firming up the track rails. The fence side I've made so it remains in situ only the  garden side is removed after each session or as required.

Photo 4 below shows the roof and tree tops from approx scope/mount position.

Weathered tree - Tarn Hows, lake District 2019. Panasonic Lumix GX80 12-32mm lens.

Mine still arriving Monday 😀👍

It moves....

Not far yet as I have no track extensions in place

Both end frames are now complete plus few more piece of shiplap added to the back end and one side. Try to get the remaining side and door end clad today...

1 hour ago, souls33k3r said:

Can i request a truck shot when my mount leave the HQ?

Tonka or otherwise 🤔

The wheel housing. The wheel sits inside a cut out from 100x47 (4x2) just bigger than it's profile. This housing then sits between two of the wall posts and held in place with a pair of heavy screws. If at some point I need to do any maintenance on the wheels I can just remove the housing without having to dismantle the obs to get at it. 

Pleased with progress this morning. I had most of the components cut out to shape yesterday, just had to cut the housings in the ridge board this morning so things could begin to get assembled. I joined the rafters to the ridge board in the workshop and carried that out as an assembly. Then built each of the side assemblies, carried them out, cl;amped them in place and lifted the rafters onto them.

The roof frame over the door is different to the others but that will only get done once the track and wheels are in position and I can fit the frame clearances to the build.

I'll try and cut the track and make the wheel housings later today as they can be done in the workshop should the rain return...

1 hour ago, Jkulin said:

... are you a skilled carpenter, as you certainly are making a very fine job of this?

I served a 4 year apprenticeship in woodmachining too many years ago to think about now before changing to photography. I like to keep my hand in with wood although timber of this size not often!