Helkit Observatory
Design
The observatory is still under construction at this point.The final design is a roll-off roof type observatory. The width is 2m and the length is 7m.
This will give a workable area of 2m x 3m for the telescopes.
There are a few changes to the plan above, namely the usage of angled braces instead of relying on uprights. The corner uprights themselves are 4x4, whereas the rest of the frame is 2x4.
The wasted space will also be covered as well, to provide a large shed area.
3rd September 2008 - Pier!
Heres the complete Imaging rig Polar aligned, and atop the new pier.
Here is the new naked pier made by Les Partridge. Its installed now, and the bolts have been sealed in using Epoxy Resin. Very Very pleased with this piece of kit.
Here is a close up of the EQ6 mounting plate, made by my friends bother-in-law, Les Partridge.
7th June 2008 - Power
We now have power and network hooked up, and the observatory is pretty much done.
Just a few finishing touches (like a pier) and some tidying up to do.
Thanks to all who have helped during the design and construction of the observatory:
Sam Hall
Gini Jarvis
Norman Walker
Owen Protheroe
Ian Langley
Ray Smith
Steve Dobson
Mick Palmer
15th April 2008 - Windows!?
Gini wanted some light in her half of the structure, so we decided to put some simple windows in. She did want an opener, but I don't think my carpentry skills are quite up to a free standing frame yet, so we have compromised. The blank panel is to have a solar powered fan fitted to provide circulation. It should be quite a suntrap in that corner of the shed - ideal as a mini-greenhouse.
The observatory itself is now pretty much finished - there are a few finishing touches to do, including putting some edging on the roof-felt on the rolling roof, and putting power and ethernet in.
When in the observatory now, you cannot even see your hand in front of you face without a light when the door and roof are closed!
26th March 2008 - Skirts Up!
The skirts are now on the rolling roof, and I've also clad the inside walls of the observatory section. Its beginning to look like a proper Observatory now! (About Time!!!)
19th March 2008 - Doors On
I've had a bit of a break whilst recovering from my operation on my wrist. Still its getting there.
The doors are on now, and the fixed roof. The middle wheels have removed the bow from the roof (thanks Norman.)
30th December 2007 - Felt On
The roof is felted now. Getting it back onto the runners took 5 of us!! Unfortuantly, there is a bit of bowing in the roof, not sure quite how to solve that problem :(
24nd December 2007 - Cladding On
3 sides of the cladding are now on. Just the back to do, and complete the roof (still!)
22nd December 2007 - Wrapped!
The undersheet is now wrapped all round the structure. I've started putting the shiplap cladding on as well. Meanwhile, the roof structure is completed, just need to lay the Obsboard on, and felt the roof.
9th November 2007 - Roof Base On
We have now completed 90% of the frame - the door uprights still need to be fitted. The roof base is now done, and is ready for us to start constructing the 'A' frame on top. We've fixed the rails as well, and tested that the roof slides easily.
6th November 2007 - Frame Almost Complete
The frame is almost complete. The arris rails are on and aligned (hopefully!), and all the braces are in place. The structure is now incredibly sturdy, and will support my weight easily (no easy task, that!) The next stage is to finish the rails, and build the roof frame.
5th November 2007 - Frame Bottom Up
Mick and I have got the frame half-up now. All the 6 uprights are in position and braced. We have made the decision not to use the 2.3 metre high double glazed door, because it is far too high to be practical. The doors will have to be constructed by us as well. Thanks to Mick (pictured) for all his help with this project!
14th October 2007 - Slab Down
25th September 2007 - Hardcore Down
The site is now cleared. We have moved the shed to the other end of the garden whilst this goes up. Just waiting for the materials before we lay the concrete slab.
22nd September 2007 - Ground Prepared
The ground is now prepared, ready for the hardcore.