2017 observatory design and build

[iapa]

After a year or so watching observatory builds both current and historic, I have bitten the bullet, and started work on designing a roll of roof observatory 'pent' roof.

This is measured up to allow the CGEM DX with 200PDS to operate, although I did allow for me putting a 14" OTA on the same mount.

Optimum location in the garden for imaging precludes a deep (>2') base for a pier so have opted, for the time being, to have the mound on the tripod. The floor will be designed that it can be raised to dig a hole if deemed possible at a later date.

The area underneath where the roof will sit when opened will be a chicken coop - with suitable linings between the observatory room.

I have not yet added the base, or the roof detail yet. there is 2' allowance for the legs to be embedded in the ground to ensure stability for a solid roof, roof will be as light weight as possible - Onduline seem to make light weight corrugated roofing.

The rear and left walls are c3' from 6' boundary fence. I am considering having the elevated wall to the rear rather than left - for rain run off, the chickens may object if water runs off the roof onto them.

1st draft drawing:

 

[Uplooker]

Have I read your drawing wrong? Why still utilising the tripod?

[Pan Euro]

Ditch the tripod and dig the hole for pier. Worth it in the long run.

[iapa]

11 hours ago, Uplooker said:

Have I read your drawing wrong? Why still utilising the tripod?

 

10 hours ago, Pan Euro said:

Ditch the tripod and dig the hole for pier. Worth it in the long run.

Keeping tripod lets me know worst case scenarion

and as I noted, 

Optimum location in the garden for imaging precludes a deep (>2') base for a pier so have opted, for the time being, to have the mount on the tripod. The floor will be designed that it can be raised to dig a hole if deemed possible at a later date.

there are utilities running right under where I want to be.

Was looking something like this a while back. A recent thread prompted me to reinvestigate.

 

[iapa]

• The door faces WSW, in that direction as a nice bright LED street light so, having the higher edge on that side makes some sense. 
• Roof lower edge to the north will allow water to drip in when opening
• to the south, will drip on the proposed chicken coop.
• to the west will drip on me as I go in and out.
• the roof is angled to allow OTA edge to be at maximum height without hitting the roof - just in case if is tracking and the roof is on . Considering some sort of interlock so that if the roof is closed there is no power to the mount.
• flooring not shown but will have a 1" gap around the brick pillar
• the 1" gap will be insulated.
• the top of the single slab will be 2" below the lower par of the floor.

Updated ROR model, and location in property.

[MikeP]

Quote

The area underneath where the roof will sit when opened will be a chicken coop

I'm going in the opposite direction.  There was a chicken coop and run where I'm getting ready to build my obsy.

Quote

there are utilities running right under where I want to be

We have a fancy septic tank which discharges into a stream at the far end of the garden - sadly, I have no idea where the pipes run but I'm willing to bet money I will find one when I start digging.

[iapa]

2 hours ago, MikeP said:

I'm going in the opposite direction.  There was a chicken coop and run where I'm getting ready to build my obsy.

We have a fancy septic tank which discharges into a stream at the far end of the garden - sadly, I have no idea where the pipes run but I'm willing to bet money I will find one when I start digging.

we had chickens before, for about 5yrs, but the coops were too low over the years, and causing back pain when clearing out.

I used to be good with the bent fence wire and finding metals when I was younger - considering trying this again over known utilities to see if I can work out where the run though my property - yes weirdo stuff, nod not for further discussion here as most definitely 'off topic' LOL

[saac]

I seriously considered hiring a cable detector from HSS when I buried my obsy power cable last year. The trench was 600mm deep and I was convinced I was going to find a drain pipe or power cable. In the end I just took things at a sensible pace - no wild swings of the pick axe, cleared the depth with a spade first (trenching tool).  Really satisfying when it was all done but hard work too.

Jim

[iapa]

my daughter has just confirmed that the 5 slab + brick pillar is going tube stable for eat CGEM DX.

AND that a good resin can be used instead of mortar.

Expect to be able to start in the next few weeks - got some raised beds to move first