Argos Tin Shed Obsrvatory

[Merlin66]

A couple of years ago now ( how time flies) I bought a 8 x 6 Argos tin shed and turned it into a roll off roof observatory for the 12" Lx200.

I see in today's paper they have an even larger 8 x 7 tin shed for under 200 pounds... if it's as good as the one I got, it'll make a great observatory!!

[lukebl]

I was think of adapting one of these myself, as a low-budget obsy.

Any chance of some photos to show how you've done it?

[Merlin66]

Argos 8 x6 tin shed option

Covers the whole story. Here we are almost two year's later and it's still 100%......

Ken

[Peter Drew]

I've got a largish Argos "tin shed" with pitch roof and sliding front doors which I keep my Kawasaki in. I mention this as I consider the shed to be well designed and finished. Also it has stood up to the rain and wind with no problems and that's saying something up here!

[GazOC]

That looks great Merlin. Not too complicated to build either.

[lukebl]

Argos 8 x6 tin shed option

Covers the whole story. Here we are almost two year's later and it's still 100%......

Ken

Excellent stuff. You've done a really good job there.

Although it occurs to me that it would work well with your fine setup of a big LX200 and a pier-mounted wedge, but the sides would be too high for my Newtonian + HEQ5 setup which is at a lower elevation than yours. If you get my drift.

[Breakintheclouds]

Luke,

At 8x7 feet floorspace I'd have thought you'd be okay with the tripod partly extended?

Ian

[lukebl]

Luke,

At 8x7 feet floorspace I'd have thought you'd be okay with the tripod partly extended?

Ian

Actually, I was thinking of going for the 8x6 option to save on space.

But I guess I just need to have a taller pier or, as you say, extend the tripod. Although a Newt on an HEQ5 is a bit more unweildy than a Wedge-mounted Schmidt-Cassegrain, so maybe I need a bigger shed after all.

[Bizibilder]

I would recomend the larger size. My own (see blog in the sig) is 6x6 and IS large enough for me and the scope BUT only just!!

[Rusty Strings]

Is condensation a problem with these tin sheds? if so, are there any ways to minimise the problem?

[Bizibilder]

Mine gets a little condensation on the underside of the roof which can safely be ignored. The only other place seems to be on the outsides - on the lower parts of the walls - again no problem. it survived last (awful 6" of snow etc) winter without problems.

[Merlin66]

If the temperature is equalised with the ambient there must be condensation.....

Not an issue for me so far...may need dew straps on the SCT and a Maplins 12V electric Doggie blanket for the laptop... but I'd still need them if I was outside....

Ken

[Bizibilder]

Sorry - I should have mentioned dewing during observation sessions! Yes - dewing protection is needed as Merlin66 points out. The good thing is that it seems inside/outside temp differences seem small - the walls are good conductors of heat (or cold!!).

[Rusty Strings]

So as the shed progresses from day to night the condensation on the inner surfaces isn't too bad?

[Merlin66]

Certainly never been an issue for me!

Remember if the dew doesn't form on surfaces with colder nightime temperatures, then the surface temperature is above the dew point; there's a temperature gradiant which in extreme can cause the seeing to deteriorate. With the ROR the whole work area quickly drops to ambient!!

Ken

[Bizibilder]

Like Merlin I've not had a problem so far - I suppose it depends on the local microclimate as well - I'm in rural Norfolk which is a comparitivly "dry" area. If you lived in the west or north I reckon that the "wetter" climate may cause more condensation problems?