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Observatory

Discussion in 'General Astronomy Chat' started by JohnStar, Oct 21, 2015.

Observatory

Started by JohnStar on Oct 21, 2015 at 4:14 PM

6 Replies 2015 Views 1 Likes

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  1. JohnStar

    JohnStar New Member

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    JohnStar, Oct 21, 2015
    #1
    I am planning an retiring in a couple of years and relocating to an area with great night skies. I want to build an observatory for my 12.5" Dob on a Poncet Mount. The problem for me to decide on what style to build. There are a number of options and I was hoping to get some feedback from others who have dealt with building their own observatory.
     
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  2. Frank Dutton

    Frank Dutton Active Member

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    Frank Dutton, Nov 30, 2015
    #2
    I am in the process of building a ROR type. I did look at a dome but the cost in the UK was much higher and the company supplying seemed to have a price adder for everything.

    The ROR suits my needs is easy to open up and unlike a dome does not attract the unwlcome attention of potential thieves. It does not scream 'I'm an observatory...come and rob me.' It looks like the average garden shed...except with a sun-roof.

    The ROR also allows more room for the size I want than a dome. I can also store a spare mount in a corner..no cormers in a dome.
     
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  3. george

    george Developer

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    george, Nov 30, 2015
    #3
    @JohnStar maybe @Crow Haven can chime in about her ROR observatory looks like she might have some extensive experience on the subject based on the profile we did on her a while back. I believe at the bottom there are 2 sites of hers that also have additional photos of the observatory building process.
     
  4. JohnStar

    JohnStar New Member

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    JohnStar, Nov 30, 2015
    #4
    Thanks for the response. I have considered a ROR, but I am concerned about wall height and the possible interference with viewing. The Dob I have is just over 6 foot tall and cradle pivot point is around 20 inches above the floor. The walls might have to be around 4 foot high or less for decent viewing angles. I am not sure how that would work out for me. I have thought about using a ROR with fold down walls, but now the design and the fabrication become significantly more difficult (but I am not ruling it out).

    I am open to any other suggestions, because I am a couple of years away from moving to our new home.
     
  5. Crow Haven

    Crow Haven Well-Known Member

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    Crow Haven, Dec 3, 2015
    #5
    Sorry to be late in a reply but JohnStar is right to be concerned with wall height using a dob. The scopes I use at the observatory are either refractors or maks and the eq. mts. put these up high enough to use with the wall heights in my observatory design. I do have a 10" dob but I use that outside the observatory and at other locations. A partial fold-down wall could be a design worth looking into.
     
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  6. clintwhitman

    clintwhitman Well-Known Member

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    clintwhitman, Dec 5, 2015
    #6
    Depends on what and where you like to look, but I would tend to agree that with a short dob a roll off might not be the way to go. Fold down walls add to the setup time quite a bit of hassle. Might look for a used dome of some type especially if you in cold wet country...



    StarOak Observatory is a 10 X 16 with some unique features. Most Unique is the 228mm Astro Physics Refractor.... and Byers Series II mount. Check out the 12 X 18 roof that weighs 220 pounds total. Welded it all out of EMT conduit a labor of love! pushes with one finger My advise is to take your time and design something you love to be in, it will pay you back 1000 fold...
    IMG_5125 Looking down .JPG
     
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  7. JohnStar

    JohnStar New Member

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    JohnStar, Dec 5, 2015
    #7
    Thanks for the video of your ROR. It looks like you did a great job. I suspect that I am going to have to think about a design that will be specific to my needs. At least I have a couple of years to come up with a design.
    Thanks all for your feedback and clear skies to all.
     
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