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FEATURES:
8.5 foot diameter
This baby really saves astrophoto's! When there is wind during the night, my ST-4 autoguider will typically register errors half that of telescopes exposed to the elements!
The frame is made entirely of 1-inch PVC tubing and connectors that are available from most any hardware or plumbing supplier. The cover is made of fabric reinforced plastic or rip-stop nylon that resists tears.
Assembly and disassembly takes about 20 minutes and requires no tools. Apart, the whole shootin' match stuffs into two army duffel bags and fits into the back seat of my '86 Cavalier.
The Construction Manual takes a step-by-step cookbook approach to building the parts and putting things together, giving advise and tips so it's exactly right the very first time!
Great for SCTs and small to medium Dobs.
Reduce dew formation.
Block wind. Top rated wind speed is unknown. The observatory is intended to counter light breezes, but I have done photography successfully in up to 25 mph winds. Astrophotography is what motivated me to come up with this design to block those annoying little puffs and breases that come along seeking out your telescope as soon as you open the shutter.
Block stray light. I've had several people build these for use in their backyard to block nearby security lights.
TESTIMONIALS:
- For quite some time, I'd been desirous of some sort of outdoor shelter for my astronomy equipment. It was proving too much of a hassle tearing down and setting up my equipment night after night, especially if the mount had been tweaked for astrophotography. Keeping out the wind and extraneous porch light wouldn't hurt, either. A permanent observatory was not possible. Commercial products, such as the Kendrick observatory tent, were not what I had in mind. Other possibilities were way too expensive. I finally found a small company called CoverYourAstro.com offering plans for exactly what I had in mind: a portable unit made out of inexpensive, easy-to-find materials.
- On my first night out with this portable observatory, it took me 25 minutes to set up. I found that it was best to leave the slot and top open at all times. The unit turned with ease. The really big deal was that all my equipment stayed dry! Also, it was nice to have that 'inside' feeling too! The wind was up that night, but not felt in the observatory. I believe it was warmer too.
- Since my primary observing site is in my driveway, with interference from various neighbor's security lights and a very bright streetlight right across the street, I needed some kind of shelter, mainly to keep out the stray light, but also some kind of protection from wind, cold, and moderate dew. Since I have no spot on my property that would lend itself to a permanent observatory (too many trees) and desired something I could use at remote sites, I also needed something that was portable. I found the perfect answer with plans from Michael Schwartz. Although I had to make some modifications from the original plans to suit my purposes and materials availability, it worked out very well. It took me about 1 week to build it (most of the time spent was making the covering). It takes only about 15 minutes to assemble it in place, and when I'm done for the night, another half hour to take apart and pack away. Some of the details in this section are better understood if you review Michael's plans on his website. Thank you, Michael. This project would not have been possible without your plans. Very well researched and thought out.
Questions? Write to me at coveryourastro@hotmail.com
If I'm online, feel free to ICQ me at ICQ# 214523..
The Portable Observatory Cookbook Construction Manual
$24.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling for each manual.
Texas orders will include 8.25% state sales tax.
Allow 7 - 14 days for delivery in continental United States, up to 30 days overseas.
Paypal orders and email inquiries are personally acknowledged usually within 24 hours.
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and
Clear Skies!
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