Hi,

I'm new to the group. I recently bought a used, homemade fiberglass dome (8 foot) for $200.00. The dome looks much like an explora dome. The person I bought from was not the original owner, so I do not know much of the history. It is fiberglass over wire mesh and plywood ... has rubber wheels that are guided with a plywood ring. The dome shutters slide open left and right (not up and down like the exploa dome). If anyone is interested, I'll post a couple pics.

I've started building the new Observatory in a wheat field of the Horse Heaven Hills in south eastern Washington. The pier is in concrete, most of the lumber is up in the Horse Heavens, the dome and plastic transition pieces (I bought from Exploa Dome) are in my driveway. The building will be 10 x 10' and 8' tall. I'll be using pole construction. The plan is to get the corner posts in concrete this weekend. All suggestions are welcome Wish me Luck Mopman

By all means, post pics! Thats what we're here for...

One question... Why make the walls 8 feet high. Are you planning a raised platform? Most people doing the ED are using 4 foot walls. Just tall enough were you can stand inside and use the scope without a ladder or platform.

Thanks, It's nice to be here. Why the tall walls? Well the original OB did have 5 foot walls and I found it a bit uncomfortable. I'm attaching a photo of the OB as purchased for $200.00. It measured 8 x 12 x 5 ft high. It even included a pier, but I couldn't leave well enough alone ... the new OB will be 10 x 10 x 8 feet tall. Because this is located in a wheatfield in the middle of nowhere (actually the Horse Heaven Hills of SE WA) I want the siding to be fire resistant, and I want the dome up off the ground enough to deter vandals from breaking in through the dome. I'll be using 4 x 8 sheets of Hardie cement board siding that reach clear to the ground. The Explora Dome Transition pieces (very slick PE plastic) will make the roof difficult to climb up on. The actual floor of the OB will be a couple feet above ground level, but I'll still need a ladder for my Newt on a EQ mount.

Couldn't figure out how to edit the first one, so here it is again.

Thanks, It's nice to be here. Why the tall walls? Well the original OB did have 5 foot walls and I found it a bit uncomfortable. I'm attaching a photo of the OB as purchased for $200.00. It measured 8 x 12 x 5 ft high. It even included a pier, but I couldn't leave well enough alone ... the new OB will be 10 x 10 x 8 feet tall. Because this is located in a wheatfield in the middle of nowhere (actually the Horse Heaven Hills of SE WA) I want the siding to be fire resistant, and I want the dome up off the ground enough to deter vandals from breaking in through the dome. I'll be using 4 x 8 sheets of Hardie cement board siding that reach clear to the ground. The Explora Dome Transition pieces (very slick PE plastic) will make the roof difficult to climb up on. The actual floor of the OB will be a couple feet above ground level, but I'll still need a ladder for my Newt on a EQ mount.

Ok ... Here is the Horse Heaven Observatory (H20 for short) so far. The 9" OD, 8" ID pier sticks up 5 foot above the ground and sits in 3/4 of a cubic yard of Concrete. This photo is looking south into Oregon. The plan this weekend is to get the corner posts in concrete. Mopman

Hey RICH.....can you give some direction along the path of righteousness to Mopman in the finer art of posting images???
Thanks Rich....DONE! THANKS>>>>>>


Mopman....sounds like a plan, and I LOVE a good plan!!! It will be fun watching it come together.....ain't the internet grand!!

Steve

Steve,

Maybe on of you the mods can right click, save it, size it a little smaller, then edit the post and reattach it. When I get home I'll see if I can set the forum to limit the maximum width. You can use your left right arrow keys to scroll

It not that they are too large, it's that all I can see is this, and I quote...

" HH_pier_2_small.jpg ( 72.69k ) Number of downloads: 0" and when I clik on it I get the dreaded "pink" error message.

Me

Mopman:
Here's a link to the page here on OC that covers the topic of posting images:
"How to post images"
I hope it's clear and helpful. If not, explain the trouble to me and I'll edit the post for clarity.
Rich

Hiya Mopman,
I was following your posts on CN, glad to have you aboard OC!

Sounds like you have a nice project going on. Please post as many pix as possible. One of the best things about this forum is we can follow your progress with pix & text. As well as, it's a great way to share and learn from others.

Good luck !
Ken

Corner posts are set in concrete. I'll take some photos next time I'm @ H2O. Thanks for the interest and encouragement! Mopman

Mopman I grew up around that area where exactly are you? Kennewick I would presume. I grew up in Hermiston Or and live now in Hillsboro. I don't know where you found a dome for $200 but you have the find of the century. You also have some of the best skies in the country. If these other guys found out how good your skies are they would all be jealous. I on the other hand just take my observatory where ever I feel the need. I was above Pendleton in the Blues last year for a long weekend; outstanding skies. We do a star party at Mt Bachelor every year you should try to make it this year. Nice clean bathrooms, nice parking lot to set up in, and if you don't want to camp you are only thirty minutes from some nice hotels and resorts. One weekend is MBSP and the next is OSP this year. Two weeks of star parties and great viewing at both. What a life! Nice to see you joined the group maybe the next time I'm out that way I'll look you up. Keep up the pics and ask all the questions you have. Someone here will have the right answer.

Clear Dark Skies
Magic Man
Star Shooter Mobile Observatory

Hi Merlin, I live in Richland, but the Horse Heaven Observatory (H2O) is being built near Prosser WA (about 30 miles West of Kennewick). When is the Mt Bachelor Star Party? And forgive my ignorance, but what and where is the "OSP" (Oregon Star Party ???) Sounds like fun! I like your Observatory on Wheels ... I mean SSMO! I'd like to see it in person one of these days. Where abouts in the Blues were you observing? We have land near Tolgate in the Blues. I'd love to find a great site near the cabin Thanks! Mopman

Mopman MBSP is Aug 8-12 at the sunrise lodge on Mt Bachelor followed be Oregon Star Party above Prineville the next week. The two parties make an interesting comparison. OSP is on top of a mountain in the middle of a large dry meadow. The skies are great but the area will remind you of Mars. A lot of fine red dust. The wind blows a fair amount and the dust gets into everything but there is a large group of fellow astronomers and vendors and it makes for a good camp out. MBSP is everything that OSP is not. The group is smaller, about 200 people or so. There is a paved parking lot we set up in. There are real bathrooms and a lodge where you can get food. The down side is there are few vendors, and for some reason the weather doesn't always cooperate. The skies at both sites are great.

By the way I was up above Meachum at an old WWII radio site I found while hunting. The skies were good and the weather was great. I may use it again.

Man this is a small world. H2O, and the Star Shooter...
I was planning on MBSP this year, since my mother lives in Redmond..
But, since I recently began building Gold Mtn Observing Center, I have my own permanent Observing Center. I will be holding RSP star parties there, with the local astro groups.
Parties at GOMOC. Dark, secure, private skies.

Good to see you guys here.

Rob
GOMOC

I wish I had private skies. For some reason Northwest Airlines and everyone else thinks they can fly around in my skies. The nerve of them!

Well I guess that can be interpreted several ways....
The way you interpreted it...meaning I own the skies above my OB Center, or...
Meaning, there is more then 50 acres of wilderness in all directions around my OB Center, and all that land is private.

The real neat thing is the airlines approach SeaTac from the East, so they never to rarely pass above.

I do have them there pesky sattolite thingies always looking down on me though..

Rob
GOMOC

No work on the H2O today ... Rainy day. But I did get a picture of the corner posts. I hope to get a wall or two up tomorrow if the weather cooperates. Thanks, Mopman

That is a beautiful open location. You are very lucky!

Thanks Ron! The more we go up there, the more my wife and I like it!

How much property did you say it was???

And how far is it from your home???

Rob
GOMOC

Actually, It is not my property. A fellow stargazer has graciously allowed me to "visit" for awhile. The location is about 30 minutes from where I live. Dry land wheat farms are huge! Eventually, I hope to relocate to the Blue Mountains near Tolgate Oregon (near Walla Walla, WA and Pendelton Oregon) where we have a cabin. It should be a bit darker and much higher, but at 100 miles from where I live, it's too far to run up for the evening. When I retire though ... Gold Mountain looks wonderful BTW! Mopman

Thanks...I will be putting in irrigation this weekend..For about an acre, and a half of grass field..

If you are simply *visiting* will you have to leave the OB, when it's time to move on??
Are you coming to MSHSP this June?? Maybe you can come and visit my Center, when you have time this summer. Lots of room for RV's Tents, and I have a room available in my office, if need be.

You're doing great on your OB, and thatnks for posting pix...

Rob
GOMOC

Wow Rob, Thanks for the invite!!! I'd really like to see Gold Mtn sometime! How's the irrigation system going? Sounds like a big job! I got a couple walls up today before it started pouring. Well see about tomorrow I'm using screws for almost everthing so I should be able to disassemble and relocate. I'm not sure about MSHSP ... I hope to try a large Star Party this summer, just don't know which one. Sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks again! Mopman

Hi Ken, Thanks, it's great to be here! I've been "going to school" on how you built your Observatory. Nice Job!!! The photos really are a big help. I was wondering, If you were doing it again, would you still skin the roof with Lauan? Thanks! Mopman

Mopman!
I see you got that Panoptic 35 on CN! Nice eyepiece! It'll do a nice job with large targets like the Veil, Perseus Double Cluster & M31! Add a HBeta filter and the California Nebula will rock! You're gonna have fun with that one!
How's the observatory coming?
Rich

Hi Richard, I couldn't resist the eyepiece I'm just getting ready to head up to the H2O ... I got two walls framed yesterday. I hope to get the other two up today. Weather has been slowing me down a bit; I live in the desert ... so what's with all the rain? I'll take the camera and post something tonight. Mopman

I ran out of screws half way through the 4th wall so only three walls framed this weekend. Shouldn't take long to finish up the last wall. Here is a picture from today 4-1-07. Mopman

Click to view attachment

Looks good and strong! What type of lumber is that? It looks different from the stuff at my Home Depot!

Hi Andy, You're right; Can't get those @ Home Depot or Lowes either I'm framing with recycled cedar 4x4 posts from the Highway Dept (originally used to hold up road signs). I bought a bundle of 100 for $250.00. Some were a little over 10 ft. Most were 7 to 9 ft. and about 20 of them are too junky for me to use at all. Still, a pretty good deal I think; the screws I'm using will end up costing me half what I paid for the cedar

The H2O is a bit overbuilt, but if I ever decide to add a 2nd story with short walls and make the base a "warm room", I should be in good shape. Thanks, Mopman

Yo Mopman.. I was wondering...what is the security like out there?

Looks like you *could* have some issues. Is the property gated? Fenced?
Or is the wide open spaces enough deterant?

I am seeding and laying down peat Moss today. All the irrigation is in. I had to create 3 sections, because the field is so large I couldn't get enough pressure to water it all at once. So I have 6 45" spread sprinklers per section.
It will be nice.....

Rob
GOMOC

Hi Rob, Yep, I worry about security ... I guess time will tell. I don't plan to leave much in the observatory.

Good luck with the lawn! Sounds like you could have a soccer tournament all on your own Mopman

Mopman I haven't seen any new pics lately. With the good weather we had last week you should have made some good headway. Lets see some more. As for the security I don't think you will have too much of a problem with break-ins. Probably more with gun shots from kids out tearing up the desert.

Hi Merlin, Good weather during the week doesn't really count because I have to work Yesterday afternoon was pretty blustery and it sprinkeled a bit, and then the clouds rolled in, and then it was foggy, wet, and dark. I did manage to get the last wall up though (photo attached) With it being Easter, I probably will not have much time today either. If I'm lucky, I might have enough time (and hardware) to start working on the roof. Have a Great Easter! Mopman

Click to view attachment

It's been a while since I checked in ... work is progressing but slowly. I have the 15* blocks ( I used 14" 4 x4s cut in half on a diagonal which works out to 14 1/2*) installed to support the ExlporaDome Transition pieces. I set the ED Transition pieces in place just to check things out. It looks to me like if you want a 94' OD ring on top, you will have a 3" over hang all around and not have to trim any plastic. This is a "good thing" I'll get some photos up to night.

I've been thinking I am now seriously considering adding a second floor to the H2O. The bottom floor will be a "warm room"; the top floor will be a cylinder 42" tall by 8 feet in diameter with the dome on top. The big question: would this be big enough for my f/4.5 13" Newt with pier in the center? Looking for comments Thanks! Mopman

Sounds great! You still got some of those treated timbers left..go fer it.
Put the stairs on the outside, wrapping around, so you have more room inside.

Throw a steel extension on that pier. Or what ever you have planned.

Hey don't forget to take a break, and come out to MSHSP on the 9th of June.

Rob
GOMOC(Opens on the 7th of July)

Just don't create a chimney of heat rising up to your shutter. That wouldn't be good!

Hey, I didn't even think of that one...

A warm room on the bottom, makes the observing room an exhaust pipe...

That is not a good idea.

Rob
GOMOC

If I seal the top and bottom floor off with a trap door that is open only long enough to allow climbing the ladder between the two, do you think there will be a problem?

I'm attaching a pic of the transition pieces just set in place on the roof.

Click to view attachment

I'm also attaching a line drawing of what my Observatory might look like w/ the 2nd floor. I actually purchased an 8 ft bale feeder today to act as the "super structure" that holds up the dome along the lines of Durrum's excellent idea. The Bale Feeders out west seem to be a bit more spendy though; I paid $210. The place that I bought from did say the price has been going up ... linked to the price of steel and fuel / transport cost. I'm starting to think about how I will adapt an 8 foot diameter dome to an 8' 2 3/4" OD tubular frame. I'm thinking of welding in tabs to the inside of the ring to bolt the plywood ring to. I will then need to widen the skirt on the dome a couple inches. The outside of the super structure will be covered with 3/8" thick fiberglass tube I happened across.

Click to view attachment

So, an 8 foot diameter circular room with an 6 foot long, 16" diameter newt on a Eq mount is doable? Probably only 2 or 3 people maximum on the second floor at any one time due to space. There will actually be a bit more room ... 10 by 10 ft for about a foot off the floor to store accessories.

Thanks for the ideas! Mopman

Sorry Richard! I didn't mean to mangle your name ... should have been Richard Drumm with the excellent idea to use a Bale feeder as a dome support.

A good seal on the trap door and some good insulation sandwiched in between the ceiling and the floor of the 2nd story might work. Your in uncharted waters now my friend! I hope it works for you!! Worst you can do is to have twice the storage space you were going to have!

It's all right, sometimes even I can't spell it right!
I hope you can figure out the bale feeder more quickly than I have. I'm thinking of adding stuff to the outside of the feeder to allow for the bulging "S" bars that the cows stick their heads through. These "S" bars stick outside the curved "plane" of the circular members a bit. 3/4" lattice strips should do the trick and provide a fairly sturdy base to attach siding to.
Still thinking...
Rich
"Molasses Observatory"

Thanks Rich, I'll have to check the bar alignment on mine ... seems like it was pretty much in plane. I bought some 2" square tube to make the weld-on brackets which will adapt the plywood ring that supports the dome. Probably will not get much done this weekend though. Hope it works Mopman

How about if you just beat the bars into submission with a 10 or 20 lb sledge? A little bit at a time, and the siding would cover marks left by the hammer??

Steve

That'd work, but it'd take a bunch of hammer blows to do even 1, much less the 11 of them that are there on mine. Mopman has 12 of them on his because he doesn't have a door (I cut one away for my door area).
Adding a bunch of 3/4" slats would be easier on my ears and arms, and would give me a solid base under the siding.
Here you can see where one of the "S" bars is sticking out a bit:
Click to view attachment
However, that said, I just might take the sledge to any spots that happen to stick up past the 3/4" material and get in the way.
I'd wear my hearing protectors and have at it!
Rich

I've been slacking the last couple weeks (actually too much going on all the sudden ). I got the 2nd story floor roughed in today though. I also hauled part of my cut down bale feeder up and set it in place just to see how it will work. I think the ring on the ED transition pieces will mount just fine inside the bale feeder. I have a fiberglass tube (you can see it to the left of the OB ... when cut in 4 sections it will be 3/8" thick ~ 3 ft tall & 100" diameter) that will go over the outside of the bale feeder. You can kinda see the effective wall height; with my 8" drop floor it will be ~44" which should work well with my EQ mount and still have reasonable head room.

Click to view attachment

Photo taken by my wife looking NE.

On the bale feeder ... I've made the 36 brackets that will adapt and attach the the plywood ring; just need to weld them in. In order to reduce the wall height, I cut the 4 vertical tubes in half on the bottom section of the bale feeder (in the photo, the bale feeder section is upside down). I will rotate the bottom 45* and then weld the resulting 8 vertical tubes back up. The result will be 11" shorter walls, and a stronger bottom section. Hope it works Mopman

Spent a couple days on modifying the Bale Feeder ... Chopped the lower supports in half and rotated 45* and rewelded resulting in about 11" reduction in height. Then welded in (36) 6 x 2" brackets to support the plywood ring. Here's a shot with the Plywood ring ... Click to view attachment

And here is a shot of us hauling it up to the H2O ...

Click to view attachment

We laughed about how far it would roll if it got loose Mopman

"Except for all the tabs on the ring, it looks like a bale feeder. Although it seems a bit short for one."

I'm sure there were folks along the drive wondering what it was. It does look good, and we are looking forward to seeing how it all goes together.

Steve

Looking good, Mopster! I'm looking forward to seeing how you have the rainwater drainage worked out with the brackets and all.
I'm drowning in video work just now and my bale feeder observatory is just sitting, so you're now inspiring me!

Your plywood ring looks different from everybody elses. Got any closeups?
Rich

Thanks Steve and Rich! Yes we did get a few looks going down the Interstate I'm looking forward in seeing how it all goes together too I haven't quite figured out the rain water thing The plywood ring came with the homemade dome. The boggie wheels ride around inside the raised section ... wheels facing out against the raised section, and wheels facing down riding on the plywood ring supporting the dome. I'll try to get a few pics sometime. I know what you mean about "drowning" I'm pretty much booked for the next couple weeks. Hang in there! Mopman