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| The observatory completely opened. Note that the roof design allows me to grow a garden within 3 feet of the observatory and still open and close the roof with (relative) ease. The open and closing mechanism still needs a bit of work as it gets somewhat out of alignment on occasion (not badly). |
The telescope on its pillar. I've changed mounts from the original Meade fork mount to an HEQ5 Syntrek mount, computer controlled via EQMOD. I've also modified the mounting system with a homebuilt dovetail system.
The original Meade scope has been replaced with an 8" f5 Newtonian. The guide scope is now a William Optics SD66 refractor and of course I still have my trusty 5" f5 Jaegers refractor (not currently mounted). I had to trim about 2" from the Newtonian's tube length in order to get focus with my camera. A small (1") extension tube for the eyepieces brings them to focus. The only problem is manuevering a stepladder around an 8' x 8' observatory! |
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| The observatory (largely completed) from the outside. It is a combination roll off roof and flip top roof. The roof sections roll down and then lay flat against the sides of the observatory. The gable end (on the south side) folds down to give a better view of the horizon. A preformed steel roof peak fastened to one roof section
covers the crack at the peak. The other side of the roof slides underneath it. The side walls are 5' 3" and the peak is 1.5 feat higher. The combination gives me good head room. I only have to duck when going in (I'm 6 feet tall). |
The folding gable end. It folds out. Note the latches to prevent it folding when I don't want it to! The rope holds the roof section against the side of the observatory without impeding the ability to roll the roof on and off. |
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| The pulleys. The standoffs prevent the cables from crushing the vinyl siding and help the roof lay flat against the side of the observatory. |
The counterweights. The roof sections weigh about 80 pounds each. The counterweights are about 15 pounds each (total 30 pounds per roof section). Remember your Newtonian mechanics!!! |
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| The folding gable from the outside. The hinges allow it to fold down. |
The telescope pier. Its an 8" concrete pillar seated in a 2 foot by 3 foot concrete block embedded in the ground. The Meade wedge has been retired. |
