My Observatory Build

[nytecam]

I'm warming to this one with your persistance. Good luck with project [against the 'do-it-my-way' doubters;)] - we're all eager so see how it pans out

[Macavity]

I think it (obviously) useful to isolate the scope from vibrations - See above. It is certainly possible (surprisingly so!) to shake the whole thing, if you jump up and down a bit! But, if I am observing visually, I tend to move around fairly quietly. VIDEO imaging (sub-10sec frames) presents few problems either.

As you note, in your blog, it ain't always TRIVIAL to optimise the location of the scope relative to the observatory walls - Especially with an equatorial mount! My observatory is on 2" flags, laid into concrete. I often wish the scope was "just six inches further south"? But then I didn't foresee my partitioned "warm room"!

Obviously GOOD to plan things properly, but projects <ahem> "evolve"? LOL. When I started my observatory, I'd just moved in and had no "contacts" ... Now I know the odd, tame builder / landscape gardener. My physical abilities (strength, skills) are limited. I suspect one of 'em might have access to a road drill...

[AstroMadBloke]

I've had a hard day of erection but it's finally up!

The Fochabers Observatory: Phase 2 Part2

and I like it. Roof plan to follow!! I have some new ideas mow.

[dtr42]

looks goood , well done

[AstroMadBloke]

Another busy day building the observatory. I hope Mr Murphy ,(my high school wood work teacher), is pleased to see that all those years of trying to educate me did not go to waste!

http://fochabersobservatory.blogspot.co.uk

[astrosphinx]

Thanks for doing the running blog Peter, I'm very interested to see how your design develops as I'm in the process of currently drafting up plans for my shed observatory. Spent all week clearing the groundwork and thinking through some design options currently, couldn't quite decide on a pier or not (due to budgets), and roll off or hinge so some of your decisions have been interesting to follow. Good Luck with your build, it's exciting to see it evolve.

[dtr42]

was wondering how you were going to hinge the roof but that is a simple but good way you've implemented .when you felt the roof won't there be a gap were the apex sits as it needs to open? or have you overlapped the roof

[AstroMadBloke]

Hi dtr42, yes there will be a gap at the top but I have an idea in my mind on how to solve that, I'll update that in due coarse.

[laser_jock99]

Mind your head on those doors- the lintel looks a bit low (or your very tall?).

[AstroMadBloke]

My latest blog update on the build, testing the water tightness of half the roof tonight, so pleased it's raining!

The Fochabers Observatory

[AstroMadBloke]

It's finished, and I'm pleased with the outcome of http://fochabersobservatory.blogspot.co.uk

Thanks for all the hints and tips everyone it all help overcome problems before they happened.

[dtr42]

pop out the bubbly

god bless it and all who sail[the sky in it:)] looks good mate well done on an excellent post and build .the apex might struggle on windy days if your at work why not have a length of wood across it that could be hooked down at either end of observatory,easy to unhook and would hold the extra flap down in most conditions.

[AstroMadBloke]

That is a plan I had in mind dtr42, also going to put some down the front and rear edges which will be held on by wing nuts for ease of removal. As I said just the tidying up stage left.

[AstroMadBloke]

I've added the finishing touches now, including the length of wood over the felt dtr42.

Looking good me thinks! The Fochabers Observatory