Alan White

Water main was new 15 years ago and is the other side of the property by a good 200m from the pit. Drains also on other side of property , but we are on a treatment plant to a soakaway system in the garden, but a good 30m+ from this location.

I am in the Essex Alps, I sit about 22m above sea level. No stream nearby, but a 'sealed' Water Reservoir / Tank about 600 m away.

Very interesting report Mike, the detail keeps coming. I tried to observe on the 5th, but local conditions would not support higher magnification and I was thwarted for once. Last night was a plan to observe, but it is my virtual astro club night and I over ran so no observing done sadly. All I can say is 333x was a wow, but 500x that's amazing, now wonder you were muttering unmutterables!

I was so wrong, that layer is not solid at all!! I have taken time off work to complete the Khazi and foundations for the pier, Khazi all now done bar one or two small bits. BUT.... The hole when I jumped into it was far from solid, no water has leaked in, it's been fully covered. The Clay has turned liquid and upon investigation to a further 300mm depth is even more liquid, it literally flows as you dig at it. I have never seen soil or whatever behave this way. So a big problem? I just don't know but assume that it truly is. I have put a call out to my brothers mate who works in civils, but he is not available at present. Does anyone on here have 'real' experience of civils or similar that can advise me on the pier. I have tried to tread the base down, its liquid in reality and been open for more than an hour or two. The liquid clay / soil was running out of my hand as I photographed it. I have to say my bigger concern is the house 7m from this location, what is it sitting on, its old Victorian build, so the explanation of the many cracks the house has may lie in the ground conditions under it. All very worrying on all fronts.

Well after a couple of days 'rest' and some painful back stretch exercises that the Physio gave me a while back, I am working on the pad and Khazi again. The Khazi now just needs some shelving cutting and fitting and we are in business at last. The final panelling, battons to hold the shelves hidden inside walls and electrics done. I have some very nice hardwood shelves to go in, a very old and stored workbench top. Its been scrubbed clean and it will do the job well. Follows the use as much available material in this build. The Khazi, all in with electrics has cost me £150, which I think is very reasonable indeed. The pier and foundation is the next big job, the hole as you know is dug, the materials await the big mix and pour. But no due time on the pier yet from @FLO, but that's not an issue at the minute anyway. Very happy today indeed.

And your a Lancastrian, sounds like Yorkshire thinking that. You missed the 'Hamlet' bit out Jeremey....... 'The Hamlet Baader MaxBright DZ' as is befitting a gentleman observer such as Mr Dnight 😉

Interesting point from all on this thread as usual. This thread just feeds my want monster for a binoviewer and getting started. But sadly at present the Observing Pad is killing my funds and amount is still needed at some point. So BV is very much on the cards, but will miss the Mars extravaganza this year 😥

John is quite correct, you must ask them nicely to adjust said light away from your bedrooms and perhaps a polite ask about the timings etc. for Astronomy at the same time, but make sure the 'real' complaint is due to sleep disturbance! Then contact the Local Authority, Environmental Health Team and put in a complaint about the light into bedroom causing severe sleep disturbance. Please note my wording! Good luck with this, don't get fobbed off.

Well not a lot to show today, but a lot done. All internal batons in and wall boarded on each side internally, all frame sealing on edges done so fully watertight. Glad I have as it rained this afternoon although forecast said it wouldn’t. Had a look at the mixer and spent rest of the day sorting it out as the control box had been damaged while stored, all good now and ready to run next week for the big mix. My back is protesting vigorously so will leave alone for a few days now. Work will take care of that next week, working remote I am busier than ever, so the Astro project is a good weekend distraction. Bank holiday on Friday, so 3 day weekend on its way.

I can see why you did this, it’s what I would have done. Hope it works out well, looks like it will.

When I had SLV’s the only reflections I saw were from my own eye ball.

Thank you. She says it was because I was flushed with success 🤣 now the name has stuck. I am even promised a WC sign for the door!

'The Khazi' is complete, well outside it is. The Observing Office gained its new name earlier, I can see how to be honest. My back is killing me, off for a soak in some Radox in a minute. The basic door structure, built it in the garage last night and the pit being let to air and dry from all the recent rain, was just damp not full. Then membrane added. Then clad in Feather edge boards, done to match the fence it includes within the structure. Fully clad, it became 'The Khazi' as Mrs. W has kindly named my structure. But to be honest, it does look like an Outside Toilet. So very pleased with the build, it is straight, has not fallen down 'yet'. For a complete Wood Butcher, quite an achievement. I think I might make Mr Ballance proud yet!

@Doc a true Gentleman's eyepiece case, sits well with that mount. @Ags a true Ladies eyepiece case too, Ouchy finger, oh dear, at least you have another 7 in one bit!

@Doc very nice box, but how about a picture of it as fitted out now please 😀

Sadly Shane has not been on SGL for sometime, I truly hope he is OK and that the project continues.

I am so looking forward to this myself. Hence the drive to get myself all set up on my Observing Area.

I am sure you are correct, but my back might after the concrete job!

Pulsar Pier, Top plate and fixing kit on order from @FLO. Another piece of my jigsaw sorted out. Cladding, door build this weekend and maybe concrete, if not its a Bank Holiday next Friday.

How did anyone get to look at anything, I have been under cloud all day.

You will be up early tomorrow then I expect. I look out early on my way to the bathroom, nature calls about 3am. Get tempted, but, so does my pillow too. Good luck. Alan

Looks great Dave, look forward to your first light report with it. Is that another .965" sized one?

Thank you Brian, as you say going OK, I hope for big progress this weekend if it stays dry. After negotiations with the finance team, I have the funds for a steel one which is great, just need to decide which one now.

Very good Steve, now the tune has just changed words

So was I James. It would have helped with the Bowie song that chips into my subconscious everytime his name is mentioned.