Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

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Kerry C. United States of America
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Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#1

Post by Kerry C. »


I thought I would give a progress update on my roll off roof observatory. First off this is not my own brainchild of using prebuilt resin sheds as a backyard roll off observatory. There are several videos on the internet of others doing similar things. But I just wanted to put mine out there as well.
I already had built my permanent pier mount over a a year ago and I am very pleased with it.
I bought a 6’x5’ resin shed from Costco and went to town with it. Assembly was straight forward then I started deconstruction of a perfectly good shed. I determined where to cut the hole, cut off the roof, reinforced as needed, added the supports for the rails, installed the rails. Then I built the support for the roof and put on the wheels that ride on the “V” track.
The first attempt at seeing if my measurements were correct and if it would work as envisioned in my mind was successful…woohoo! Then that wheel frame was installed to the roof. That completed assembly was then installed on the shed base. The 3 inch weather stripping was added. Everything worked so I moved the shed base to the final observation pad and put the roof on.
Another check to see that everything was working was satisfactory.
I now need to install the permanent supports for the track rails in the ground and a few other things.
Anyway, here is a photo dump of the last 2 weeks work.
Any question feel free to ask or suggestions don’t hesitate to add them.
Thanks for looking,
Kerry
Attachments
Costco Resin Shed $650.00
Costco Resin Shed $650.00
Hole for pier
Hole for pier
Cut shed to desired height
Cut shed to desired height
A7476449-306E-42C6-858E-567308C3A16C.jpeg
F18FE08C-E6B2-44F4-A780-F30A7D73352E.jpeg
3ADE9E27-686C-42A3-A54D-A1254DF0FCEE.jpeg
867AD2DD-5FCA-423E-AD1A-09D1515D2C67.jpeg
Added shed support and “V” track supports
Added shed support and “V” track supports
Roof support and rail wheels
Roof support and rail wheels
ED6E9EB6-5D40-4F4B-8466-7030BA27C280.jpeg
B6A9A2C4-AF86-471A-88E5-5A437A932D67.jpeg
Install roof support to roll off roof to proper height for clearance
Install roof support to roll off roof to proper height for clearance
Added 3” rubber neoprene weatherproof seal
Added 3” rubber neoprene weatherproof seal
282DE250-5DBD-4A31-B172-947ABB2D725F.jpeg
17120523-4967-4CAB-9F7E-8D677392233D.jpeg
D2205564-AA1E-45C2-ABB6-EF6F28264CDF.jpeg
Test run before moving to observatory pad
Test run before moving to observatory pad
Moved observatory to permanent pad
Moved observatory to permanent pad
It works…whoohoo!
It works…whoohoo!
7A916F9F-7B31-49A7-82CA-67A9583D9451.jpeg

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#2

Post by Michael131313 »


It looks great! Good job. Now you just need clear skies. Have fun.
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#3

Post by JayTee »


I love how you have a new satellite dish already installed on your ROR, or at least it appears that way!

I may have to look into that too!
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#4

Post by jrkirkham »


Thanks for the update. I'll be interested in reading your first light report.
Rob
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#5

Post by pakarinen »


I might need a better monitor. I thought the pier hole was a loaf of bread at first.
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#6

Post by Kerry C. »


Just a few update photos. I installed the permanent rail post supports in the ground and to the rails. I installed two latches to hold the rolling roof secured in the closed position and one latch when in the open position. I will eventually use magnets when in the open position but this will work for now. The mount/telescope parks in this horizontal position to facilitate the roof open/close action. When unpacked it goes to Celestial North. And finally some photos of my view looking south, east and north. I have a huge Maple tree blocking my western view.
I still need to build a few shelves and run an additional power line to some wall outlets.
I will eventually install a couple of fans to help dissipate the summer time heat.
I’m guessing there will be other things I’ll add as time goes on.
I do 90% of my imaging from inside my home. It will just be nice knowing everything will now be protected from the weather when not in use.
Kerry
Attachments
Closed up tight
Closed up tight
Open and ready for use
Open and ready for use
4A883923-3C1C-4AB5-A9EC-69B7181A07F1.jpeg
Roof open latch
Roof open latch
Roof closed latch
Roof closed latch
Roof closed latch
Roof closed latch
View looking North with finger tip daytime nebula in view…haha
View looking North with finger tip daytime nebula in view…haha
South view
South view
East view
East view

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#7

Post by yobbo89 »


looks so nice, i'm getting over wraping my scopes in waterproof tarps ..
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#8

Post by pakarinen »


Some people have argued that by the time you buy a resin shed, assemble it, carve it, reinforce it, add roof rails, and so on that you could build a wooden shed for the same or less cost and effort. Curious what you think about that, Kerry.

(I personally think resin would be faster and easier, but I've never attempted it.)
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Kerry C. United States of America
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#9

Post by Kerry C. »


pakarinen wrote: Tue Sep 27, 2022 2:37 pm Some people have argued that by the time you buy a resin shed, assemble it, carve it, reinforce it, add roof rails, and so on that you could build a wooden shed for the same or less cost and effort. Curious what you think about that, Kerry.

(I personally think resin would be faster and easier, but I've never attempted it.)
It really depends on the cost of the resin shed you purchase. I have seen the same size resin shed for 2 times the price.
This one I bought from Costco for $650.
The aluminum “V” track rails were $170
Track wheels $50
3” rubber seal $66.
2ea. 14’ 2x4. $38.
6ea. 6’ 2x4 $36.
4ea. 6’ metal “L” brackets to firmly tie in the flooring and walls $60.
Various fasteners/screws, latches, handles $50.
I already had the 4x4 posts that hold up the rails and post supports so I’m not sure what that cost would be, I’m guessing another $100-150.
So, if I added that up correctly this observatory cost me $1,120

With the cost of lumber at today’s crazy prices I don’t think a person could build this size shed at near that cost.
With the resin shed there is no need to paint so there is that savings also.
Several of the build threads I researched and watch were massively over reinforced with supporting 2x4 walls which is simply not needed.
This shed took 10 days from start to finish. I didn’t build it on the observatory sight because of lack of working room. I built it on my patio then moved it to where it is now. 4 men easily lifted and moved the bottom portion up over the pier and set it in place. Then we 4 men lifted and moved the rolling roof on top of the shed.
I’m guessing I have a total of 36-42 working man hours in this build.
Hope this helps…
Kerry

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
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Kerry C. United States of America
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#10

Post by Kerry C. »


yobbo89 wrote: Mon Sep 26, 2022 2:15 pm looks so nice, i'm getting over wraping my scopes in waterproof tarps ..
Yes, same here. I am looking forward to just rolling off the roof and start imaging, then roll it back on when finished.
I do 90% on my imaging from inside my home. Eventually I will motorize the roof. Then I won’t even need to track through the snow in the winter months to open and close the roof. But that project is a year or two down the road.
Kerry

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
Mount; Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
Cameras; ZWO ASI 2600MC Pro, QHY5iii462C, ZWO ASI224MC, Canon 600D DSLR T3i.
Guide scope; ZWO 60280 f/4.6
Guide camera; ASI290mm mini
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#11

Post by Bigzmey »


Well done Kerry!
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#12

Post by Juno16 »


Awesome project Kerry!
Jim

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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#13

Post by Unitron48 »


Very well done! Looking forward to future updates!!

Dave
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Re: Backyard Resin Roll Off Roof Observatory

#14

Post by chartram »


Very nice work!
Mike Chartrand
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