I'm still waiting for engineers to get back to me with quotes on aluminium bases and I am a little tired of waiting, so... looking through a real estate website I noticed an advert. for modified shipping containers. It seems to be a cheap alternative for events, pop up business ventures etc. (leaving aside council approval requirements of course). A few years ago on another forum, there was a fellow who wanted to move to the central part of Australia and set up house / observatory in several 40' containers. Never did find out if he achieved his goal though. But to cut to the chase, why couldn't a container be used as an observatory?
1. OTAs and imaging equipment are placed on the roof - tripods or piers.
2. metal frames for security could also be adapted to hold wind breaks if required
3. below a control room, storage space, workshop area
4. power could come from solar panels / batteries
5. these days such conversions have insulation, air conditioning, ventilation and lighting already installed
6. costs are cheap - relatively speaking. A container (20') can be purchased from
Au$2500 and then make your own modifications. To go the renovated route that takes the price upward a few more thousand depending on what is desired or needed. A 10' container all set up for storage is
Au$3500 with roller door access.
I realise that for many who live in the suburbs or outer zones this would not be possible, but for clubs, those living in a rural environment or simply with larger properties? Of course, also easy to transport if one has to relocate overseas.
So, problems?
1. require levelled ground, stable.
2. clear horizon
3. ability to secure the premises (obviously
OTA's could be stored in the container after each session - a pain and somewhat dangerous taking down stairs.). Probably better would be a roll off roof system looking like a Swiss chalet type.
. I have seen something like this, Italian made I believe but I can't find the website I saw it on.;(
4. purchase of a suitable block of land, or lease?
What are some other concerns or advantages be? I would appreciate opinions as it seems to be a more direct route rather than fiddling around waiting for responses from various vendors, awaiting supplies, then having engineers do their thing and so on. This can be an easy done deal (with appropriate research of course.)
Refractor - APQ 130 Reflector - Meade SCT Au coating. Mount - AYOMaster (on order)
Cameras - Blads, D70s, D3300, Lunar and Planetary Cameras (2)
DIY Glass - German military and opthalmic sourced items, AGFA AVIPHOT DIA C