TheSkySearchers

Observatory or a glorified storage box, that's up to the beholder. I just need to store my mount + OTA shielded from theft and weather to save myself setup and polar alignment time. It is small in box mode: 1.15 x 1.4 x 1.4 m, but wide enough to allow all scope motion when opened up (I simulated it in Scilab). This is for my G11 with the 12" Newt astrograph on top.

It will have one hinge at the rear, and a lid on top. Because it is so small it will be easy to take the lid off and open it up. It will be anchored to the ground with ground anchors on the inside and locked from the outside with padlocks (4 probably). It may have triplex flip-up boards on the inside for extra light and wind shielding.

It is small enough that I can put it up on my driveway without annoying the neighbors. If I screw it together I can take it apart in panels and store or transport it. I was thinking about fiberglassed triplex but to be done quicker I may just get some boards from Home Depot.

I think it could be classed as both Henk, and why not.

It looks like a great construction, and if it works for you then it seems ideal.

Portability is a bonus too. Being able to take it with you to other areas for observing, without being complicated to put together and take down is excellent.

Good job.

Looks good to me.

Actually if I set the home position like this then the size reduces to 1.0 x 1.2 x 1.5 m. That means that I can use 4x8 boards without having to patch two boards together. Hmm... now I have to try to see if I can cajole my mount into doing so. I mean, mechanically it can, I just need to check the electronic/firmware limits.

Looks good Henk! Let us know how it will turn out.

That's a great idea Henk!

Nice and simple solution. I like it. Thanks.