Outdoor Telescope Shelter Advice

[Matt Steele]

Dear All

Its been ages since I posted anything on SGL, and I hope this finds you and yours well.

To increase my chances of using my CPC925, I am in the early planning stages of constructing an outdoor shelter to store it in, and 'deploy' from, with minimum fuss.

To elaborate slightly, my home is built into the side of a small hill and 'garden-level' astronomy is severely restricted by mature trees.  My intention is to build a raised deck (from 'normal' garden decking) at road height, which is approx 20 feet above ground level: think decking on 20 foot stilts. The CPC925, HD Pro Wedge and tripod will be kept in an enclosed shelter (as small as possible, i.e. not an observatory as such), and wheeled into position on a yet-to-be-constructed, DIY dolly.  Clearly, given the height of the decked area, a concrete pier is impractical, hence the dolly/tripod combo. The size of the shelter will allow me to keep the decking area free for other use.

I would welcome any feedback with respect to the construction of the shelter (e.g. material, temperature/humidity/ventilation requirements), whether I should protect the 'scope with a Telegizmo 365 cover etc, or any other pertinent advice. I am uncertain whether I would leave the 'scope permanently outside, but I think a few months at a time would suffice to make the project worthwhile.

This is just a planning exercise for now but, seeing as my partner is currently concocting 'Project Horse', I am trying to stay ahead by a nose!

Thanks for your consideration and clear skies.

M