Astronut1982

That is a masterpiece!

Jeff

We've already discussed those Johnners.

For what they are, the prices are extortionate & not worth it IMO. Also, they are nowhere near big enough for either a 12" dob or for my Astro imaging rig.

I can buy a 3m x 3m pop up gazebo for £72 which will be perfect for me after removing the roof struts & cutting out the roof material which is about 1hr work. This seems to be the best idea so far as it gives the space needed & wind protection at a reasonable price.

Jeff

For what I need, the gazebo is more than rigid enough especially with the weights on the feet. It will not be a permanent setup so the wind won't affect it, if it's windy enough to damage the gazebo then it would be too windy to setup the scope anyways so I won't be using it.

It also seems like the best way to get what I'm after on a shoestring budget & with the least amount of hassle.

Jeff

The wind knocking down the gazebo wouldn't be a problem for me as it'll be taken down after I'm finished, it only takes a few mins to setup/take down so I don't mind doing that.

The gazebos Sam has linked to are around £50 which I'd be happy to pay to find out if it works. If not I'll try something else but for the time being, I think the pop up gazebo is the way to go for what I need all things being considered.

Jeff

IMHO I don't think any of the hides will be big enough in height or width for a 12" dob let alone a 12" dob & a person.

I'm in the same boat as Sam, I'll be using a 12" dob in mine or if I'm imaging, an 8" astrograph on an NEQ6 so if the pop up gazebo works which I think it will with a little bit of sewing & DIY It would be the best & cheapest option.

It has no ground sheet so you can set up your kit & then move the gazebo once this is done. You can adjust the height so it can be set lower for a Dob or higher if imaging on an EQ mount. They're available in various sizes so you can buy a smaller one to fit you & your dob [in Sams' case] or a bigger one so it can also house any other equipment you need like a laptop & other equipment for imaging [in my case] or, if you have have other people with you.

Add to that the fact that pop up gazebos are relatively cheap compared to the cost of a hide or dedicated mobile observatory which is a factor [certainly in my case it is lol!]. It's because of these reasons that I think I'll give the pop up gazebo a try to see if it is fit for purpose.

Jeff

Yeah I was thinking remove the metal parts of the roof so it opens up then just put the sides up to keep stray light out. I wouldn't remove all the material from the top however, if you leave a few inches all the way round the top, you'll be able to keep the corner coverings to ensure all stray light is blocked out & will also still be able to use the guy ropes to help strengthen it.

I doubt it would affect the gazebo too much structurally for our uses as if it's particularly windy, I wouldn't be using it in that case but you can buy weighted feet for the legs as well which would help.

You can purchase them with sides or there are companies who sell the sides seperately if thats all you need.

The gazebo you've linked to Sam looks a good size at a decent price, just cover up the windows with the material you remove from the top & it would be just the ticket if you ask me!

Jeff

Has anyone ever thought about converting a pop up gazebo?

I was thinking that if you removed the roof section, it would make a decent mobile observatory which would be quick to put up or take down & also give ample room inside. It is also height adjustable so you can adjust it to whichever is best for you.

If I can find a cheap one then I think it's worth having a go to see if I can convert it, if it doesn't work then there is no great loss.

Does anyone have any idea as to whether that would work or not?

Jeff