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Odd Thomas

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Posts posted by Odd Thomas

  1. Stephenstargazer, I have a selection of diamond core drills and feel fairly confident I can get an accurate result..........famous last words!

     

    Well after an horrendous week of weather, I finally managed to get a bit more done. With the help of Mr Pythagoras I got the outline of the obsy marked on the ground, the corner holes dug and the 4 mid support holes dug. More concrete next.

    marked out.jpg

    holes1.jpg

    holes2.jpg

    • Like 4
  2. Thanks for the votes of confidence, its nice to know other people are following, makes it all the more likely I'll actually get this project finished.

    We do feel lucky to live in such a nice area, but its taken a number of years to get the house refurbished.

    M40, I'm not planning to put any mains power in the observatory. Instead I'm going to use 12v battery power and attempt to modify a car alternator for wind power to charge it. (Stephenstargazer got it spot on)

    3 hours ago, maw lod qan said:

     

    I am always amazed at the rolling hills and all the stone fences along with the homes. Beautiful.

    This area of Florida, we are flat and have nothing but sand!

    My brother lived in Florida for a number of years, and I know it has other benefits!

    Next job is to dig 6 smaller holes for the main support legs and get the concrete in, but that will be a few days away, I'm still aching!

    • Like 2
  3. Next was the job I'd not been looking forward to most. Barrowing the concrete over the field, I figured this was preferable to taking the sand, cement, mixer and water over though. Took 8 barrow loads to fill the hole and another 2 1/2 to fill the pier pipe. I've not ached so much for years, but hopefully that will be the hardest job of the project.

    IMG_20220918_121134.jpg

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    • Like 7
  4. It was quite a struggle lifting it over the rebar as both me and my long suffering wife are somewhat vertically challenged! but after a few attempts and some choice words it was on and the rebar in the hole meshed nicely with the bolts on the pipe.

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    • Like 1
  5. This is the 10" water pipe I'm going to use as a pier. They were renewing the water main near us and I asked if there was any spare offcuts, nice one.

    I fitted 3 bolts at 120 degrees in 2 positions to give a bit purchase in the concrete.

    Pier.jpg

    Pier detail.jpg

    • Like 1
  6. Well I've finally run out of reasons why not too, and I've got round to starting the build of my little project. I've really enjoyed following other build threads on here so I'm going to post pics for anyone that may be interested in mine. Its not going to be a grand affair like some, but an exercise in using up some of the stuff that I've got laying around and clearing my garage so I can actually use it, and I'll be keeping the cost down as much as possible too. 

    I had to obtain planning permission from our council as the build is visible from the road and we are in an AONB and an SSI. This is now through and they've given me guidance on where it needs to be. I would have preferred it nearer the centre of the field but it has to go next to the western wall. I've got  pretty good 360  degree views with the house to the north and the moors to the south.

    I took advantage of the weather today and worked out the exact position of the pier and got the hole started. The standard 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet. I've also added rebar in the bottom of the hole and through where the pier will be.

    Next job will be the concrete which I'm not particularly looking forward to as its a fair old carry over the field.

    Apologies in advance if the pics and words don't tally, I'm not the best with computers..... 

     

    1087420_viewtosouth.thumb.jpg.a38525104e38d0c0dec42848ae5fa12e.jpg 

    view north.jpg

    hole done 1.jpg

    hole done.jpg

    rebar.jpg

    rebar in.jpg

    • Like 5
  7. All good info for a first time builder, thank you. Taking on board the above, I'm leaning towards a suspended wooden floor.

    We have the planning permission from the council through now, and I'm hoping to start the build around May. No doubt I'll have the usual questions for you all.....

  8. I know there are pros and cons for each, but I'm looking for input from those that are lucky enough to have their own observatory, regarding a wooden floating floor v a solid concrete slab. The pier will be isolated from either so this is not an issue. Have you laid a concrete floor and wished you'd made it wooden or vice versa? Access is reasonable for either so that is not an issue. any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

  9. The 60mm would make a cracking finder for it!

    Great job on the mount by the way, it looks perfect for the scope :)

    You must be strong to set this up and take it down!

    I've thought the same thing myself.

    Thanks. I'm really pleased with the finish.

    Ha! I wasn't before I got it! Seriously though, I need an obsy for it. It's a bit of a struggle as the tripod is just so tall.

    • Like 1
  10. Here's 3 of my Skylight family...

    Little brother 60mm f16,

    Big brother 4" f13,

    And cousin 102mm Apo. triplet, which is quite simply (in my opinion) the nicest scope I have ever seen never mind owned, I love it!

    Big daddy 6" f15 is shy and hiding in the shed.....

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    • Like 17
  11. Hi Mike,

    This is a common problem.

    If you take the hand controller from its holder you will see 3 small screws holding a cover in place. Remove these screws, take off the cover and you will see the altitude bolt. It will be a matter of trial and error as to how much you need to tighten it....be carefull not to overtighten though!

    Tom

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