HDB roof access?

liuchang · Post by **liuchang** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 8:30 pm

Hi everyone! Newbie's first post

Got my first bino a few days ago, today finally got a (almost) clear sky night. As I live in HDB area (clementi), it hurts me how hard it is to find an open space. The view is blocked from every direction.. Am just wondering is there any building where I can have roof access? Any chance I can get on top of one of the HDBs? At least I'll have an open view there... Or even better, anyone has a suggestion of a observation site near clementi?

Thanx!

simranjits · Post by **simranjits** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:20 pm

Yea i'm wondering also is there any building that has open roof access? seems extremely rare in singapore unless u live in a special condominium or something

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:13 pm

It is usually not advisable to observe from rooftops as there is rising heat which will affect the local seeing condition around your scope. Some have observed from roof decks of Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) blocks. Rooftops of HDB apartment blocks are out of the question as they are inaccessible and unsafe. An open field would always be better. For Clementi, Liuchang can probably check with Liuming.

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:00 pm

And observing from there may invite the police..

liuchang · Post by **liuchang** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 12:49 am

So liuming, if you're reading this, any suggestions?

yanyewkay · Post by **yanyewkay** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:23 am

what about west coast park? It's not entirely blacked out like dempsy but I find the middle of the field sufficiently dark for some gazing

kayheem · Post by **kayheem** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:21 pm

climbing up to HDB rooftops is Vin's specialty! :-)

However, don't try this at home!

I recall a similar thread sometime ago. Do try a search.

Post by **VinSnr** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:36 pm

kayheem wrote:climbing up to HDB rooftops is Vin's specialty! :-)

However, don't try this at home!

I recall a similar thread sometime ago. Do try a search.

wah low....you still remember huh? haha

Well, Honestly I don't advise anyone to go up there. Anyway, most are locked, unless you go to those very new blocks and they haven't lock the top.

In any case, up there is not an open space. There are a lot of pipes and huge tall water tank. It is almost impossible to walk from one end to the other because of all the pipes and tanks. The only open space is at the top of the water tanks...you have a round space of around 3-4 meters (in diameter) only. But the problem is you need to climb up those vertical ladder to get on top of the water tank. Wind is also strong...not advisable for astrophotography. And if you fall off the edge of the water tank, then really bye bye.

Todate, I still don't know how I could bring a eq mount, a 8" SCT, accessories and even a 14" TV up to the top of the water tank. I don't think I want to do it again.

So please, don't go up there.

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:31 pm

wah low....you still remember huh? haha

Well, Honestly I don't advise anyone to go up there. Anyway, most are locked, unless you go to those very new blocks and they haven't lock the top.

In any case, up there is not an open space. There are a lot of pipes and huge tall water tank. It is almost impossible to walk from one end to the other because of all the pipes and tanks. The only open space is at the top of the water tanks...you have a round space of around 3-4 meters (in diameter) only. But the problem is you need to climb up those vertical ladder to get on top of the water tank. Wind is also strong...not advisable for astrophotography. And if you fall off the edge of the water tank, then really bye bye.

Todate, I still don't know how I could bring a eq mount, a 8" SCT, accessories and even a 14" TV up to the top of the water tank. I don't think I want to do it again.

So please, don't go up there.

Agreed. VinSnr is the rooftop obs specialist for both HDB apartment roofs & MSCP roofs, and his advice is very sound. As I was involved with a few HDB housing projects before, I can tell you that all he said is very true, ie, there are a lot of obstacles on the rooftops, don't go up there.

Furthermore, you have to deal with poor local seeing and building vibration on rooftops, and it is not worth the risk of dropping your precious 'glassware' from the access catladders! You also don't want anyu of the authorities to come after you for trespassing into restricted areas, or tampering with public property, or complaints from neighbours about intrusion of privacy. Someone obbing from the poolside of a condo already got complaint from a neighbour; hence people will feel even more insecure if your scope is at a higher elevation.

hommel · Post by **hommel** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:35 pm

I have access to the roof at my apt, but it is fully lighted all the while. If there's anyone who wants to view at my rooftop are most welcome, I'm at upp serangoon. But it is too bright to do any serious viewing, planetary will be fine.