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Observing Deck Construction |
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Next Page: The Completed AstroDeck |
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Without enough room for a roll-off roof observatory, I opted for a dedicated deck built around a pier. For rigidity, the steel Astro-pier is anchored in a ton of concrete, and has leveling bolts at its base. I purchased a 6 foot pier because my deck is 2 feet above grade. The decking is isolated from the pier by 1/2" space to prevent transmission of vibrations from walking on the deck. |
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Walls around the deck are 6'8" high to provide shielding from neighbors' lights and protection from wind. I can see down to 35 degrees north and 25 degres south. |
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When I plan to observe or photograph for several consecutive nights, I protect the telescope and electronics with a roll-off shed. I got the idea from John Gillies, an astronomer in Southern Ontario. I purchased the Royal Yardmate vinyl shed kit from Lowe's, and assembled it in about 4 hours. The carpenter who built the deck added a 2x8 frame to the base, attached 4" casters, and cut a horseshoe shaped section for the pier.
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The Astro-Pier was pre-drilled for shelves and electrical power, and has hooks on the opposite side for hanging telescope controllers. The shed is double wall vinyl, keeping the contents well protected from the elements. Still, I remove the mount, scope and electronics to the house for storage when I do not plan to observe the next night, because moisture would ultimately take its toll. The mount holds excellent polar allignment when re-attaching to the pier, so that adjustments are rarely needed. |
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Here is the telescope, a 4" refractor, snug and dry inside the shed. I could probably fit up to a 5" refractor or a 9" Schmidt-Cassegrain inside the shed using my equatorial-type mounting. John Gillies uses the same shed to enclose a 12" Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain scope on a fork mount. I keep all accessories stored inside the house in a large rolling plastic tool-box than I can easily bring outside. |
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Skip to Tour of Astrophotographs
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Next Page: The completed AstroDeck |
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Music: Pianoman by Billy Joel |
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