Upgrade my observatory

[Altocumulus]

Sketch-Up, I'll look into it - I think I discarded it 'cos it's online - but will have a gander.

I like your roof - that's definitely a roller!

[SkyHiker]

Sketch-Up, I'll look into it - I think I discarded it 'cos it's online - but will have a gander.

I like your roof - that's definitely a roller!

You can also use that Scilab code from the other thread about scope clearance. It will draw your scopes in 3D, and rotate them too if you like. It's a simple CAD program written from scratch. In the end all you have to do is enter the vertex coordinates of any walls, the wall and scope code graphics can be reused. If you are a programmer oriented person it should be useful, I think.

[Altocumulus]

Thanks, though my programming days are long passed!

I'll see how I get on.

At the moment I have both mounts up in part of the garage, trying to plumbline an absolute max size to whittle back.
It's just the two solar scopes that are long ones, so a southern minded orientation could reduce my overall size, knowing, at least, that polar aligning on polaris would be done using spotter scopes.

Just had first quote for shiplap/roofing boards - so things are moving - just not as expected as my 70th is this month!

[SkyHiker]

Thanks, though my programming days are long passed!

I'll see how I get on.

At the moment I have both mounts up in part of the garage, trying to plumbline an absolute max size to whittle back.
It's just the two solar scopes that are long ones, so a southern minded orientation could reduce my overall size, knowing, at least, that polar aligning on polaris would be done using spotter scopes.

Just had first quote for shiplap/roofing boards - so things are moving - just not as expected as my 70th is this month!

Have you budgeted for a crew to haul the trash, bulldoze and level the site and put in a concrete floor? If it were me, that is what I would do before anything else.

[Altocumulus]

Chuckles.
I'd have to bulldoze the house or at least the barn for access first!
One reason why I'm largely on my own with this.
Too much manhandling required....which is why I'm having
to assemble from pieces, rather than use ready made panels etc.

Probably not the right time of year, either!

[Altocumulus]

Okay, it doesn't put a mount or three inside, but I've found this useful if not just for how many pieces of
timber I need above the shiplap/roof/flooring.

https://www.diysheds.co.uk/wizard

[Altocumulus]

p.s.
Tripod or pillar through the floor, where does the damp course membrane go - or is it a case of relying on underfloor ventilation.

p.p.s.
Why do tripod feet have the adjustment at the base, when the spirit level is at the top!?

[Graeme1858]

Well, I forgot to put a waterproof membrane in! But I did put a dampcourse under the base section and a couple of air bricks in the base support walls. So it should see me out!

If I was doing it again I would cut a hole and put it partly up the side of the pier.

As for your pps, dunno! Good question though.

Graeme

[Altocumulus]

That's torn it.

I only ordered it yesterday!

Shiplap, flooring and roofing arrived this morning.

Suppose I've got to keep going!

Still waiting on timber, that'll be in the coming week.

[SkyHiker]

Have you changed your plan about a T shaped, 2 level observatory? If your rectangular sketch design is the current plan, I presume you are going to level the site first?

[Altocumulus]

Square definitely, 2.7 metre interior.
I am minded to consider the extra t-shape, even if it means long - but sturdy - legs, and partly floating and try
for safety sake a single level. I don't do much night stuff, but two stories might not be sensible.

I can't do a lot currently as the existing shed still needs removing - and if weather is correct it's due to
rain all Saturday. Only then can I really examine the site.

Lots to ponder on - but now I have the impetus.

[Altocumulus]

3 inch of rain in just over 2 days is a little annoying!

[Altocumulus]

Old shed removed.

Started on the pile of rubble and soil - probably take a month or two!

[Altocumulus]

Marvellous how much easier it is to remove soil, stone, brick, rock mixture from ground level and using a kid's sand-castle shovel, rather than normal spade/shovel!
At least one piece of old foundation is looking too heavy to shift - and awkwardly placed!

Another timber supply delivered.

[Altocumulus]

First double-check needed on whether I have enough space to the west, for the roof to slide. I'm going to need 6 metres and I may be a wee bittie short on current thinking. East is doable, but council will have something to say about two posts outwith the curtilage.

Size of warm room will depend on how much osb I have left after the scope room has been covered. Still not sure on whether to floor before or after the walls. Depends on positioning of two tripods.

[Altocumulus]

Mm!
Hinge and roll?
Even if the hinged area is only 0.5m it could be useful, also as a way to ensure height clearance of the scopes if it includes some of the east wall.

Waterproofing dependant, though!

[JayTee]

Well, I forgot to put a waterproof membrane in! But I did put a dampcourse under the base section and a couple of air bricks in the base support walls. So it should see me out!

My concrete pier sticks about 4"/10cm above the top of my concrete slab. The hole in my slab is 12"/30cm bigger in diameter than the pier diameter. This space is filled in by pea gravel up to the level of the concrete slab. I did not use any kind of membrane and rely on the gravel for both drainage and ventilation.

Cheers,

[Altocumulus]

I'll pop some photos on later, but so far so good(ish) - likely too windy today to do too much out of doors - but perhaps I can cut timber ready.

Ground somewhat levelled. I managed to heave out two large concrete blocks, origin conservatory floor - very heavy, 3x4 feet and 6 inch thick with rock embedded in the base. Two large boulders and a goodly supply of bedrock for pond liner coverage!
I was getting a little concerned the stability of what was left might be compromised - it's well settled and stable. One concrete block, though is well bedded in and that has meant the site can't be sensibly lowered more. (I have to remember my age and a couple of hernias!)

Base of 6x2 has been laid with 5 inners to the base - very stable - without serious levelling it's not far off - but needs that final tweek that'll include the need for feet on a couple of places.
Laid on various concrete blocks - many of at least 20kg in weight - they shouldn't move. I plan for the bottom line or two of shiplap to be screwed on, so if necessary I can correct any settling.

Internal scope room dimensions working out as 2.5x2.5m - warm room of 2.5x1.7m may give me a little art studio as well.

Next stage is the final level of the base, and then the N, E and S walls - the roof is planned to run off to the W over the warm room. I've got another rail which I'll cut to 1.5m to add to the existing pair of 3m; have to work out how to use the existing wheels - 4 should be enough, each is rated to 150kg. Floor is waiting until I can be sure of where the tripod legs can stand.

[helicon]

Wow that's some progress to be sure, Good luck with the project!

[Altocumulus]

Thank you.
Held up last couple of days by rain and gales.
Plan to start the individual walls, assembly in the garage today & tomorrow.