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I
first built an 8' x 10' platform over the original 6' x 6' platform around
the pier. It is isolated from the pier, which is a deeply buried piece
of 6" iron pipe filled with sand and oil.
The
walls are framed, and half the siding is in place. The 6' high walls allow
me to see down to an altitude of 20°. While there might be occasions
to look lower, this instrument is primarily for imaging, and I prefer the
wind shielding to the ability to take bad images at low altitudes.
The
roof rails are in place for the roll-off roof.
The
roof framing is in place. The wheels have been installed, but at this point
the roof is sitting up on blocks to make it easier to work on. This is when
the giant winds came and shut down construction for a few days.
The
winds have passed. The galvanized steel roof panels have been installed
and the gable siding is in place. There is a little hinged section at one
end to allow the roof to clear the telescope when it is opened.
The
roof is in its open position. All that's left is to put some paneling and
carpet inside, and some stain and trim on the outside. I guess a door would
be a good idea, too.
All
done. The door is open and the roof back. That's why you can see all those
clouds coming...
All
buttoned up. That little doohickey at the end of the roof rail is my all-sky
camera.
View
through the doorway of the 12" LX200 on its pier. Wires from the scope
are passed under the floor through a conduit to a computer desk along the
back wall. The observatory has power and a network connection back to my
lab in a separate building. The scope and imaging equipment can either be
operated from the observatory, or remotely from my lab (very nice in the
winter).
Detail
showing the Meade Superwedge on top of the pier.
My
workstation inside the observatory.