Barrys home made observatory

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 12:07 pm

Kim, it all depends on your budget, materials available, and space that you have avilable. There is so much dependent on personal choice.If you go to the desert dome calculator, there are several templates to choose from. 1V to 6V from memory.

The calculator will give you the lengths of each triangle for a geodesic design, all you have to do is enter the diameter of your desired dome.

1V is not very attractive as the triangles are few and huge. 6V is very attractive with a very round shape, but a lot of triangles to join.

Its lots of fun though!

If you have a big bank account, then you can get it done reosonably quickly. I had a very small budget, and I work so I am restricted to afternoons and a part of my weekends.

It has taken me nearly a year so far, but I think that has been a blessing. I dont think it would have been as satisfying if I had it done quickly.

A man needs a project....

Baz.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:25 pm

Nah, my budget is very small. I just want the dome to be able to block the light from my neighbours. They just don't know about how severe is the light pollution to an astronomer. By the way, where can I reach the desert dome calculator?

Edited: I found it by Google Search. May I know what is the benefit with the increasing "V"?

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:00 pm

Kim, you could, for example, have a 3 metre dome in a 1V or a 6V.
1V means less triangles, but they are bigger triangles. This looks quite ugly in my opinion.
6V means a lot more triangles, they are a lot smaller triangles, giving a more "Round" finish or effect.
My dome is 3 metres in diameter and I used a 3V.

Baz

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 12:59 am

Thank you. A 3 metre diameter dome will be big enough for me to put everything inside. Your 3V looks quite good. I will go with this design as well. I have to do my draft now.

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 8:06 pm

Kim,
You are very welcome mate. I hope you know how to make things out of metal and wood yourself. If not, this is a good way to learn.

I am always here to help mate.

Let me know how you go and dont forget to take photos along the way!

God bless you and your efforts!

Baz.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:03 pm

Hey, I have an evil idea now. Is it possible to make a portable observatory? If possible, a foldable observatory.

My concept is that it is made of several of "solar panel" like panels and all of them are joint together using screws or whatever and under every panel, there are wheels.

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:05 pm

You can try a fold-up partition style that folds into a flat pack for transport and storage. Alternatively, you can use a standard car trailer, build high walls and a dome on it, make the floor removable so you can put your tripod on the ground inside, then bolt on four wind-down stabilizers, one on each corner.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 4:41 pm

Can you show me the "You can try a fold-up partition style that folds into a flat pack for transport and storage"? It's quite hard for me to get a standard car trailer as it's almost unavaliable here. Moreover, my garden is big enough for it.

Barry · Post by **Barry** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:29 pm

for example. four rectangular frames made of light aluminium or wood, stretch some lightweight black material over them and hinge them together at the sides with metal hinges or some sort of flexible material.

Up to you from there.

Baz.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:01 pm

Ahh.. I got you!

Is your dome observatory fully functional now?