Bizibilder's Roll off Roof Observatory

[tom.yates]

Great job you will enjoy not having to set up and rip down your kit every time you use it

[Bizibilder]

Another couple of pics and info on Obsy building.....

[Bizibilder]

I've updated the "Blog in the Sig" again with progress - The doors are being rather troublesome, to say the least!

[Bizibilder]

Well.. I've started to sort out the door problems. A few new pics...

[Bizibilder]

A mini-update on the door construction is on m'blog.

[ncjunk]

Good blog but I have to deduct you 1 point for the Hasp joke!

I have had a door day today as well, I found the leak I was looking for happens when the wind blows from the south, the rain hits the glass, slides down and seeps in! I thought it was coming in the bottom and completely sealed that.

Neil C

[Bizibilder]

Phase one complete!!!!!!! - hence the cloudy skies - sorry!!

The Blog reveals all!!

[Bizibilder]

I feel a bit guilty!! I forgot to mention another source of inspiration for my observatory build!! Here it is:

CMHAS - PutlandsObservatory

Sorry Putlands!!

[Bizibilder]

Not much to update in this weather but I have just bought some LED Xmas lights to use in the Obsy. Has anyone else tried these? Do the do the job or would I be wasting my time?

[Helen]

Yep, the string lights work really well. I put a dimmer switch on mine.

Helen

[Bizibilder]

Thanks Helen - Do you know (or have a link to) a dimmer switch circuit?

[Helen]

I just use a dimmer switch plug (from lidls I thnk) - plug the swith in the socket, plug the lights into the switch (which has a dial on it)

Helen

[Bizibilder]

My lights run on 2xAA batteries! I assume yours are mains - even if through a transformer?

[Helen]

Ah! Mine do just havea standard plug...

Helen

[Bizibilder]

Update to Blog again - This time some details of the fabrication and machining of the pier and mount adaptors.

Merry Christmas.

[Bizibilder]

A bit more engineering done - on m'blog.

[Bizibilder]

The pier parts of the project are now off with the welder - should be ready by Saturday!! Then its just paint and assemble and align and adjust and fiddle about and......... I hope!

(Tiddly bit more on Blog)

[Bizibilder]

The welded up pier has been collected from the welder - just paintin' and decoratin' to do!!!

As usual pics on m'blog....

[NickH]

Fantastic...brilliant

[Bizibilder]

I forgot!!

Cost of the pier:

Steel tube, strip and plate for the top (x2) and bottom AND welding £50

Lump of steel for the pier adaptor approx (as I had it in store!) £4

Paint £10

TOTAL £64

Not bad!

[Bizibilder]

More pier assembly pictures AND an exclusive video of a truly exciting part of the build process! At the "Blog in the Sig" - see below.

[Bizibilder]

The Pier is finally in the observatory - Just Polar alignment to do IF we ever get some clear skies!!

[Bizibilder]

A few odds and ends added to the blog in the sig. I am starting to construct a website about the Observatory (and other Astro bits as and when) to try and get things in a more logical order and add more photos and details - good idea or not??

[ncjunk]

I follow they same cheap brush buying rules...i do feel guilty that its not very friendly to the environment but its sooo hassle free!

[Bizibilder]

Nearly a month since the last post here! There has been some progress with the obsy and a few bits and bobs have been made. The next stage is the installation of the floor and painting the inside of the walls. I have had to wait for the warmer weather as silicone sealant and paint will not work properley at temperatures below zero!