-
Posts
396 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Events
Blogs
Posts posted by Odd Thomas
-
-
Callisto, That looks like a fine set up. I was contemplating doing the same as you have with the bolts sunk into the concrete, but I decided on drilling into the set concrete at a later date.
- 1
-
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!
- 2
-
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.
- 7
-
-
-
-
Swoop1, I'll be mixing it myself. I've got a dumpy bag of sharp sand and half a dozen bags of cement left over from another job. Cheers for the good luck, I think I'm going to need it!
-
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.....
- 5
-
malc-c, yes you can easily loose an hour or two doing that!
If I go the route of a wooden floor, I may well land it on a dwarf wall. The field where its going is on sloping ground and can get a bit squelchy in the wet.
-
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.....
-
One for each.
malc c, is the grey material insulation under the floor?
DaveS, thats a good point.
I hadn't thought of the cold issue, something to take into consideration definately.
-
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.
-
-
That Moonraker is Fantastic!
-
I bet Richard Day took a deep breath when you commissioned him to build that bad boy! Who makes the lens? is it Televue like with his 4" f/15's?
Chris, the objective is a rare, coated Jaegers (USA) item. Most of their offerings were uncoated. It's a beut!
- 2
-
That there Mk iv mount doesn't seem to be struggling either.
Fullerscopes used to sell a 6" f15 on the mark 4 so its well suited.
- 1
-
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.
- 1
-
-
Come on, don't be shy. We're all friends here.
- 2
-
Thank you. No I'm not joking Chris. It's on a Fullerscopes Mk1V deluxe. There is a picture of it somewhere on the board,
- 3
-
-
-
-
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
Muggleswick project
in DIY Observatories
Posted
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.