Neil27

15 minutes ago, Bizibilder said:

Can you not put your bolts and hasp/padlocks on the inside of the building?  Once the door is locked behind you no one can see your "security" and have no idea how good/bad it is.

 

This looks like a very good build and I've been following closely -well done, it will be well worth the work and expense.

Unfortunately not Roger, surprisingly there are few flat surfaces on the inside that will allow attachment of a hasp and staple. Also for me it can work the other way and 'displaying' security devices can also act as a deterrent ...... hopefully!

And thanks for the comments Roger, the Observatory is one of Home Observatories from Norwich, highly recommend these guys. It isn't cheap but as they say you only live once, so make it count!

Cheers,

Just found a simple security issue that I overlooked ..... the bolt at the top of the picture is the only thing securing the roll off, and also there are no internal hooks or security mechanisms inside.

The hasp and staple below now attaches to the main body of the observatory and also the roll off section, now securing both parts.

I may also fit a(several) securing bolts inside to add extra security just to be safe.

4 hours ago, martin_h said:

Counter intuitive I know, but I painted mine white, the idea being it would reflect the red light better, so as not to need such a bright light. I have no stray light entering from outside so not a problem there.

Hi Martin, already purchased this > fancied something dark, but not too dark > http://www.diy.com/departments/dulux-weathershield-exterior-oxford-blue-satin-paint-750ml/127643_BQ.prd?icamp=recs

Then I hope to spray gold and silver stars on the surface - I know very childish but it will amuse me and make me smile each time I step into the observatory  

18 hours ago, Charic said:

Quite a stunning build, well done.
I have contemplated many times to convert an old 6'x4' wooden, hand built shed, into a basic permanent hide, but due to my local street lighting ( I can see 5 lamps if I stand in the right position?)  I  gave  up on the idea, simply due to the suitability of the site and the  constant in your face glare from these lights, but I can move to other places in my garden,  where its possible to avoid most  of the street lights, where a temporary and  a tall  utility tent suffices.

The wooden shed got dismantled this week and presented to my neighbour, and during the rebuild, I noted the lack of directly visible street lights from the sheds new position, and amazingly a much better view to the South, with no direct street lighting hitting the eyes at all?
An  amazing difference  just a few feet can make.

I too have just posted a mention regarding rubber matting in Halfords on  another thread, looks like your one step ahead, although if burying cables, under any mat/matting, just ensure its not under a busy passage way, if you know what I mean, cables that are constantly trodden on can and may break down under the weight of human traffic. There is also another type of cable management that I have seen in offices, which is a rubber strip, strengthened with an underside channel that holds  a cable in its place and avoids the weight of human traffic, not that 100's will be flocking through every night.........maybe they will? 

You never know, and yes good shout about the cable management - should help reduce the slips, trips and falls statistics!!!

Yes it is amazing how you can walk a few feet and get a different perspective and line of sight. Fortunately where I am the only street light visible from my garden is blocked by my north facing wall and is over 100 yards away on the next street, so not too bad.

8 hours ago, Pan Euro said:

Halfords are selling 6 tiles 120x180cm for £10 at the moment. Maplins are £12.99 for the same thing 

Thanks already bought some off fleabay - interlocking and about 12mm thick. Will post pictures and share seller details when fitted.

On 2 August 2016 at 21:12, Gina said:

Deffo rubber floor tiles   About 2ft square and interlocking.

Thanks Gina, already on it and thanks for the advice.

Another quick question to my learned friends, thinking of buying rubber floor tiles.

More comfortable, saves dropped EP's from damage, and buries electric cables from becoming trip hazards.

Any ideas guys?

On 1 August 2016 at 05:57, Adaaam75 said:

I have already decided on black for mine but is that too obvious? I like the dark blue idea too, whatever you choose make sure you choose the right paint for the conditions as the cold and natural moisture in the air will affect certain types of paint.

I prefer very dark blue, just a matter of preference thats all Adam.

A question to anyone out there, what paint is able to cover bare wood - preferably one coat if possible, is matt and good quality?

On 1 August 2016 at 16:28, Adaaam75 said:

6 it is then! Cheers Dave. Always a need for an extra socket and I'm sure I'll find  a need for them too!

 

On reflection I thought 4 may be overkill, now I'm thinking I haven't enough ....... Neil rummages around for the mobile number of electrician ..... 

Thought I'd share my latest acquisition ..... a very nice example of the Explore Scientific ED102 triplet ..... tested last night for a short while, views are very clean and crisp, looking forward to starting imaging with this .....

My 'new to me' Explore Scientific ED102 triplet mounted and ready ........ fine tuning of polar alignment to continue when clear .......

Double layer weed membrane ...... secured with bricks for the moment ........ more bags of gravel to purchase over the next few days ...... 

Just deciding what colour to paint the interior walls, any ideas guys? ....... dark blue, matt? ......

Electrics ready for the electrician to connect - light switch and bulk head light / consumer unit / x2 double IP rated sockets ....... Electrician will hopefully provide power Monday ......

And removed and flattened the earth ready for slabs and weed membrane, when time allows .......

And changed the puck and saddle to an ADM, the original doesn't inspire confidence .......

Bolted down and in place ...... mount finally sat atop the pier ........ polar alignment to follow ......

11 minutes ago, Adaaam75 said:

Wow that is one fine effort. I do wonder what perfect observatory I could come up with if I had the finances, alas my better half will always have something more important for "us" to spend money on! Oh lottery win please come my way.

One thing I hadn't considered in my planning, is access to the Internet essential or just a luxury for the laptop/mount?

 

I know what you mean about finances Adam, I had to sell a motorbike to finance this bad boy!

Regarding ethernet cable, yes its nice to have for internet, but also a great way of communicating to any other computer or local hub, and it future proofs it as well.

For £25 for 50 metres of ethernet cable seemed a simple solution to me. 

4 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

Wow that looks pretty substantial Neil, a few firing slots in the side and you could hold of a red indian attack 

Dave

Your not kidding Dave, I'd say a tad 'over engineered' but in a good way.

Gareth from HOUK, went through a few numbers with me, 1.5 tonnes of timber, the actual cost of the materials in excess of £1500, 100's of 4 inch wood screws and bolts.

Believe me when I say this isn't going anyway ..... looks like I'm stuck here .......!

And yes it should keep the rowdy neighbours at bay 

A big thank you to Gareth, Nathan and Ray of Home Observatory UK, true gentlemen and they worked tirelessly.

After helping to lay 2.5 tonnes of concrete and assemble 1.5 tonnes of timber you have certainly earnt a few jars tonight gents.

If anyone is thinking of a roll off, I can heartily recommend these lads.

My hat has been well and truly tipped to you all for your efforts today, particularly in the wet sunshine here in Lincoln.

http://www.homeobservatoryuk.com

A few more jobs to sort out:

1. Finish off the electrics / ethernet cable runs
2. Bolt pier down and fit in place
3. Paint interior a colour not yet decided, dark blue or black
4. Fit interior floor tiles .... once the floor has dried out a bit ........ 
5. Fit security measures, cctv or dummy cameras, decent lock
6. Finish the front with slabs and remove the large pile of earth .... promise my dear!

And then enjoy ........

And finally tah dah ...... too tired to post any more ....... interior pictures to follow tomorrow ......

And the roof is finally on .......

And finally we get there ....... 

And the build continues ..... rain is trying to stop play but we are persevering .......