Low cost, sustainably sourced observatory

[Rusted]

Sheer genius to add a chicken coop to an ROR observatory run-off rails.

Nice bit of lateral thinking on several levels. 

[Whistlin Bob]

Loving this build- look forward to seeing the final result.

[bluemaxroe]

On 01/04/2020 at 12:09, Rusted said:

Sheer genius to add a chicken coop to an ROR observatory run-off rails.

Nice bit of lateral thinking on several levels. 

Thanks.   And a little company at night...even if they are asleep!

[bluemaxroe]

So have managed, between work, to get the mount on and the scope too.   It fits much more comfortably below the roof now.  

I am now trying to remember how to put all my kit back together.  And choose a guiding setup.   I am thinking the qhy and it's companion mini scope.  

[valefor]

Yes mate. Qhy5 ii and a finder guider should be all you need. You are doing a fantastic job. 

[bluemaxroe]

It on the scope now, and I found as many cables as possible tonight.    Thinking of wiring up tomorrow.

[bluemaxroe]

Ok so got loads more time on diy and the observatory today and yesterday.  Here are some update photos.  Mount nearly wired up....cabling needs sorting.   Going to polar align tonight.

[bluemaxroe]

Next update, roof now fully insulated.

There are a few panels I could fit a bit better.  But just managed to squeeze this work in before the good lady got over run by the kids.

[Alan White]

Looking great, that coop was an inspiration.

A question on your pier if I might, is the former tube plastic or steel pipe? and

Did the 3mm out issue get resolved ok?

 

[bluemaxroe]

2 hours ago, Alan White said:

Looking great, that coop was an inspiration.

A question on your pier if I might, is the former tube plastic or steel pipe? and

Did the 3mm out issue get resolved ok?

 

It's plastic with a coat of black paint.  Not sure what you mean by 3mm?  

[Alan White]

On 08/02/2020 at 19:30, bluemaxroe said:

Will take some picks tomorrow. Of after..as had a few issues with the pier  tube moving about 3mm at the top for some reason.  Hoping when set it stays put.  Otherwise it's a real ball ache to make some kind of concrete collar, or steel flanges at the base to keep it solid.  
And that is if it's not my soil type.  But i don't think it's that. 
The weight of concrete should not be that easy to move.  700x700x600deep.  6 inch dia pier tube.

The 3mm bit came from here...

Thanks for the reply

Edited April 20, 2020 by Alan White

[bluemaxroe]

1 hour ago, Alan White said:

The 3mm bit came from here...

Thanks for the reply

Ahhh yes.  Sorry, when I got up the next morning after concreting the movement had gone.  I was being "mildly" impatient...   what I am noticing is now any little knock does reveberate quite a bit, but I think that is because the pier is nearly 1500 from ground to mount plate. 

 

Nowt I can do about that.  However I used the observatory in true anger last night and it works wonderfully.  Took some experimental pictures all over the sky.   Sombrero galaxy, heart nebula, Praesepe and finally M101.   Tracking was good, and didn't use guiding until got to M101.  5x20min exposures.   Will see what that looks like when stacked later today.

[bluemaxroe]

Ok so first proper light from what in our family has become known as the Beehive Observatory.   

couple of snaps with no darks, bias or flats...so some horrible gradient etc ...   but hey last night was fun.

 

 

[bluemaxroe]

And the above image with all the usual calibration flats bias and darks.

 

[bluemaxroe]

and another clear night of 4 hrs of good seeing and guiding .....

[Alan White]

Nice to see that fine observatory being used and you getting such fine results.
 

[jgs001]

What an excellent Build and such a great idea to use recycled materials as much as possible.

[bluemaxroe]

On 23/04/2020 at 09:06, Alan White said:

Nice to see that fine observatory being used and you getting such fine results.
 

Thanks.  Yes Nice to have some clear skies too.