TheSkySearchers

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

It looks great! Good job. Now you just need clear skies. Have fun.

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!

Thanks for the update. I'll be interested in reading your first light report.

I might need a better monitor. I thought the pier hole was a loaf of bread at first.

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

looks so nice, i'm getting over wraping my scopes in waterproof tarps ..

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.)

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

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

Well done Kerry!

Awesome project Kerry!

Very well done! Looking forward to future updates!!

Dave

Very nice work!