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Telescope shelter?


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I've been looking for a non-permanent shelter for my scope. One that I can leave in for say a couple of nights and spare myself the hassle of dismantling, carrying and the general huffing and puffing. I spotted this and was wondering if anyone would care to comment.

http://www.feelgooduk.net/39-motorbike-motorcycle-cover-bike-home-shelter-garage.html

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Well a lot depends on the scope, the headroom is limited. An SCT would fit, or a modest refractor, and ideal for a Dob. Should be wide enough for the tripod legs of the scopes I have. Full dimensions are given on their website. Mine has withstood some very nasty weather over the last month.

ChrisH

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Hi ChrisH, thanks for the info. There are various size available, all under £200. The above is the smallest. It could also act as a wind shelter when open for those nights when a breeze feels like a hurricane. Also, if it starts to rain it would be quick and easy to just cover everything up. Hmmm...I'm very tempted....

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i have one which also has a motorcycle in it but they great as a temporary telescope shelter too they clip together like a frame tent so can be packed up and put in a car for taking to a site.they peg down on the inside and obviously fold back when observing then quickly folded back over if rain threatens.hight wise it depends on your telescope i can fit a 12" dob in it or my astromaster 130 so could be a possibility for you

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Hmmm, I only notice one size for this cover. The cover depicted in the video looks much larger than the dimensions given, unless they are using a "very small" person to give the impression that the cover is larger than it is, kind of like in boating advertisements. I noticed they list motorcycles which will fit, but do not give specific sizes, or am I missing something ?   :icon_scratch:

Edit: I've looked at the video a few times now, and I got to say I like the Idea, I think it would work well for me.

Look forward to your review Rodrigol.  :smiley:

Edited by L8-Nite
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I use this polytunnel which I keep the tripod and mount in. The OTA stays in there for short spells if the weather is ok (so not often).<br />

I got hold of a spare one which I've covered it making a double skin.<br />

So far it's survived some pretty wild weather.<br />

<img src='http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/09/pa5a8a8a.jpg' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /><br />

<br />

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk<br />

<br />

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Finally the weather, especially the wind, have eased up for me to venture to set up the trike shed. I must say I was really worried about putting it together as I was convinced I would have to screw every little bit myself. I took some pictures that show how it came packaged and the setting up but before you go on I want to make it absolutely clear I have no relation whatsoever with the manufacturer or the seller of this shed (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310679302266). 

The shed comes in a fabric bag with two large handles. It is quite heavy (about 27Kg) and does not maneuver well around corners. It comes in a large cardbox box about the same size as as the fabric bag (I think about 180 x 50 x 40cm) in the picture below.

post-18051-0-13156400-1392568669_thumb.j

As soon as I started to take the bits out I realized most of the assembling had already been done :laugh: !

post-18051-0-37654300-1392569007_thumb.j

and the instructions were a doddle:

post-18051-0-46276500-1392569061_thumb.j

Below is the whole frame after assembly (about 10 minutes later)

post-18051-0-45246000-1392569139_thumb.j

I  start to put up the cover on the frame

post-18051-0-13470000-1392569223_thumb.j

Below it how the sched looks after the cover is attached with internal velcro straps to the frame.

post-18051-0-79887200-1392569356_thumb.j

This is how the shelter looks when open. It should work like a wind breaker when observing!

post-18051-0-41010200-1392569469_thumb.j

About 20 minutes since starting to assemble the shed. This is how it look almost finished. I have not pegged or bolted it to the ground. But I hope this gives you an impression of how large it is. There is room for a large picnic table, stool and importantly, my CPC800 on Adv. Wedge.

post-18051-0-97465500-1392569539_thumb.j

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Forgot to add: The missus was very alarmed when she saw to cardbox. Once the shed was assembled she actually said she was impressed! I said in the original posting this was for  temporary protection from the elements for a few days and this looks to have passed the acceptability test by my other half  :p 

I think the disassembled shed will fit into a large car roof box so it can travel to your observing site or star party. For the price I paid this is possible the best bargain observatory I've seen.

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That's the first time I've seen the larger version, it looks plenty roomy inside. I would beware of standing it on grass for any lengthy period though because the condensation formed on the inside will be enormous. If you can, then stand it either on a groundsheet or perhaps flags or anything impervious. The cover does have vents but that won't be enough to clear the moisture.

ChrisH

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Here are some quick photos (sorry for the poor quality) of the shelter with a picnic table, drum stool, TV monitor and CPC800 so that you guys can get an idea of the size/scale of this thing. I can fit standing up straight and I'm 180cm tall).

Shelter canopy in the fully open position:

post-18051-0-71704900-1392816278_thumb.j 

Shelter canopy in the half-open position:

post-18051-0-60078900-1392816322_thumb.j

The CPC800 covered with a full size telescope cover:

post-18051-0-78176800-1392816369_thumb.j

To fix the shelter to the ground I'm using ground screw tent pegs.  I just got them so I've not had time to put all but four:

post-18051-0-43931700-1392816404_thumb.j

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So it's been raining a lot, it was windy last night and is started raining now. I can report that, at least for me, there has not been an issue with condensation. I was expecting this as I'm not storing anything warm in the shelter and everything is 'at room termperature' but time will tell. As we approach warmer months we shall see if this is an all year round solution. The afternoon was sunny and I did some sun observing. That 1982 group is very interesting! If the weather allows I will try to do some video imaging tomorrow. Shelterwise: so far so good.

ps: Yes. it is big and you need to compromise with your other half!!!

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  • 4 months later...

These is the latest pic of this shelter project. It working well for me and helping a lot avoid further damage to my back :-) the view is restricted to the west but good north, East and South.

It now has a dedicated cement tiles surface and I've installed some rubber foam tiles to help minimise damage to falling eyepieces, etc.

ygu6y8u7.jpg

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