Pent Shed Observatory

[cosmic dave]

I have found a 7 x 5 ft pent shed for £181 online I think I could make this into a nice observatory/home for my scopes. Do you think this would be big enough ?

[barkis]

I would think it will suffice. How big is your scope, and is it on a tripod, or are you contemplating a pier for it. It's just that a tripod can have a large footprint, and you don't want to be tripping over one of the legs. Especially if you are imaging. You could always add a warm room to it later.

Ron.

[NickH]

8ft by 6ft is fine with a pier for the C11 and a SBS refractor setup, but agree totally with Ron that if you're actually going to sit in the obs with it, be aware that 7x5 may be a bit a squeeze...

[cosmic dave]

Its for my 200mm reflector which is on a pier mount. Im thinking of making a removeable roof for the pent.

[Helen]

I'd go a bit bigger if you can, that'll give you room to move around and some storage space too, as well as covering you should you decide to upgrade in the future.

Helen

[Roy]

Hi ya mate,

I use a 7" x 5" pent for my obsy and as most have said it is a bit of a squeeze at times but I do all right from it, having said that if I was to start again I'd get something a bit bigger.

I should mention that I only use a couple of small refractors which helps.

I also made a roof that I can lift off as I was on a budget at the time and the original was way to heavy, one day I'll have a proper roll off job

[cosmic dave]

I'm going to look around for something a bit bigger I think. Thanks for the advice everyone. Not sure if the other half will let go much bigger in our wee garden !!

[Helen]

But remember to sell the fact that if its a bit bigger you can store more in it and free up room in the house.... well it worked for me!!

Helen

[NickH]

8x6 will give you, if you work out the shelving and off floor/wall mounted storage, quite a good compromise...

[Coco]

Mines a 6x4 but its a remote set-up back to the house

I have a CPC800 on pier and wedge. works ok and keeps the wind off. I was restricted by location so had no choice, its better than lugging the scope around and having to re align it only to have cloud and drizzle come in

Guy