Observatory out of planning stage, now in build stage!

[Neil27]

After getting clearance from SWMBO (aka the CFO) I have finally got the go ahead to order the observatory and start the build.

It will be based around the top corner of the garden, and will sit on a raised section of the garden that will offer very good views to the south, west, east and decent north views. As I live in a bungalow the house isn't too much in the way so i'm hopeful of good coverage of the sky.

So jobs for this weekend, clear the ground, remove the old slabs, and start the hole for the pier.

I look forward to sharing my journey and will be asking loads of (often stupid questions) of you all.

Once again thanks for reading,

[Neil27]

Where its going!

 

[Neil27]

Views around the sky:

 

[Alan White]

Good luck with the build Neil.

Look forward to the pictures and commentary.

[The storm fisherman]

Hi Neil 

Good Luck with build i am just slightly ahead of you i am just about to concrete the pier  if the weather this weekend is dry. 

[Jokehoba]

All the best with the build. Looks a good spot. Do you suffer much light pollution? Can't see any streetlights in your photos. Presume you are planning a roll-off roof type obsy?

John

[Neil27]

2 hours ago, The storm fisherman said:

Hi Neil 

Good Luck with build i am just slightly ahead of you i am just about to concrete the pier  if the weather this weekend is dry. 

Good luck with the pour, hopefully the weather will stay fine for you whilst you do it.

[Neil27]

1 hour ago, Jokehoba said:

All the best with the build. Looks a good spot. Do you suffer much light pollution? Can't see any streetlights in your photos. Presume you are planning a roll-off roof type obsy?

John

Hi John,

Light pollution isn't too bad, my village isn't that big and the only 'city' near me is Lincoln, which is one of the smallest cities!

I have a street light on the road to the back of the garden, but its a whole neighbours back garden away and one just down the road on the front of my house, so not too many. In the winter and at its darkest the milky way is a clear and distinct ribbon of light and I can easily discern andromeda and all of the little dipper (little bear)

Yes its a home observatory - roll off, after speaking to a few of the members on here, I decided on their design as for myself they offered good quality products at a fair price.

So hopefully I should have something to show by August if everything goes to plan - famous last words 

Update to follow over the weekend when the heavy lifting / digging begins - as long as it stops raining!!

Thanks for reading,

[laudropb]

All the best with your build. I look forward to seeing your progress. At the planning stage myself.

[Neil27]

Just a quick update.... slabs removed and ground levelled .... lawn cut! .......rain stopped play again.....

 

[Neil27]

And a hole slowly appears ..... back ache and wet sunshine stops play again ........ TBC next weekend!

Edited June 28, 2016 by Neil27

[Jokehoba]

Hmm. Remember doing something similar a couple of years ago myself! But it's well worth the pain...

Looking good.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Jokehoba

[Adaaam75]

Keep us updated with the photos please Neil!

I am a couple of months behind in starting my build and seeing the progress photos of fellow observation builders provides such a valuable resource and reference.

You must be excited!

[Neil27]

On 29 June 2016 at 00:13, Jokehoba said:

Hmm. Remember doing something similar a couple of years ago myself! But it's well worth the pain...

Looking good.

Yes know what you mean, I walk quite a lot with the dog and do some light pilates with the missus, but my body felt that I had moved nearly half a tonne of earth and also 40 odd slabs .... ouch.

But as you say it will be worth it 

Thanks for reading.

[Neil27]

13 hours ago, Adaaam75 said:

Keep us updated with the photos please Neil!

I am a couple of months behind in starting my build and seeing the progress photos of fellow observation builders provides such a valuable resource and reference.

You must be excited!

Will do Adam, just completed the hole and ready to put the shuttering up before the pour week after next, due to previous commitments.

Hopefully it should be all up and running by end of July, sorting out the electrics, ethernet, and a suitable computer / laptop.

Also modifying my pier to use the Altair Astro pier adaptor for my AZ6.

Just acquired a Nevada power supply from the good folks at FLO to run the mount with a clean power supply.

Also awaiting delivery of the ADM saddle adaptor for the mount also, as the original doesn't inspire much confidence.

So things are coming together at last.

Any help I can be over the coming weeks I will try and post any information, as they say 'a good supply of intel and information is required to make ill educated and stupid decisions' - 

Thanks for reading.

[Adaaam75]

I look forward to your updates. I'm going to repay the favour and publish step by step updates and photos for any future builder as reference. Members guides are invaluable and have already steered me clear of some now obvious no nonsense!

[Neil27]

Just a few more updates, managed to get the Altair Astro Adaptor drilled and bolted down to my current top pier plate and obviously couldn't resist plonking the mont on top to make sure everything fits together .........

[Neil27]

And the bottom pier j bolts arrived today that will attach the pier to the concrete pad .....

4 off 12mm x 200mm with 50 mm of thread ......

 

[Adaaam75]

A great design! Is the pier custom made or bought? I am strongly considering a concrete pier with bolt threads exposed to accommodate any bracket found. Any suggestions?

 

[Neil27]

17 hours ago, Adaaam75 said:

A great design! Is the pier custom made or bought? I am strongly considering a concrete pier with bolt threads exposed to accommodate any bracket found. Any suggestions?

 

Hi Adam, the pier is custom made, all 1/4 inch plate and very heavy. Whatever I hang off it this bad boy won't move!!

Not really researched a concrete pier, didn't even consider it - not because I don't think it will work but because I genuinely didn't think about it.

I would recommend searching cloudy nights forum they have a lot of good ideas > this guy may have something you may be interested in ...... http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/517592-new-observatory/     

 

Edited July 5, 2016 by Neil27

[Adaaam75]

Great advice on that link, answered some pothole issues I didn't even know I would come. Keep up with the photos!

Edited July 7, 2016 by Adaaam75

[Neil27]

Update, pad laid, great weather, so went without a hitch, pier to do next week, as work allows ............

[Neil27]

And a better picture of the pad .......

[Neil27]

And the hole is being prepared prior to filling ......

[Neil27]

Hopefully the concrete will be dry before the showers hit ....