Observatory Roses

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mark.m
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Observatory Roses

Unread post by mark.m »

The weather might not be great for seeing stars, but it sure has been good for the flowers planted around the observatory; the roses are in full bloom.
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- Mark M
Mark M, AJ1B
Portsmouth, RI
Celestron 14" and Meade 10" SCTs
QHY268M + SBIG ST-9
GM2000 (10Micron)
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) observer code: MMU
Bruce D
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by Bruce D »

For a minute there I thought I was looing at the Trifid Nebula!
It looks like the 2 sides of your observatory roof swing open to each side. How does it work, there must be some weight to each side. How do you seal rain out on the ridge?
Bruce D
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mark.m
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by mark.m »

Yes, the roof flips open like a clamshell:
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I've been careful to keep the two roof halves as light as possible, and it's pretty easy to open and shut. There's a rubber gasket running along the peak that I have to replace every couple years, but does a pretty good job of keeping the rain/snow out.

I just wish I had built it bigger. That's a 10" SCT in there and it only has a couple inches of clearance.
- Mark M
Mark M, AJ1B
Portsmouth, RI
Celestron 14" and Meade 10" SCTs
QHY268M + SBIG ST-9
GM2000 (10Micron)
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) observer code: MMU
Bruce D
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by Bruce D »

So the roof's not framed out with rafters to save weight, as long as it handles the snow load. I'm planning on putting something up soon, I'm figuring 10x10.
Bruce D
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menardre
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by menardre »

Mark

Nice looking observatory. Your roses look really good too .... mine have not bloomed yet.

I started with an 8x8 observatory .... then added a 4x8 'office'...last year I completely revamped my observatory to be 12x8 roll-off roof with a 4x12 office/storage area.

Your split roof looks like it is easy to open, mine needs a winch. Do you have any issues with water intrusion when we get a driving rain??

Roger
Roger M.
Celestron CPC1100 EDGE, Stellarvue 130T refractor dual mounted on iOptron CEM120 on permanent pier mounted in Observatory. Imaging camera ZWO ASI2600 OSC, guide camera Lodestar or ZWO ASI290MM.
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mark.m
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by mark.m »

This is about 5' x 6'. (Way too small for any visual observing.) I've considered expansion a few times, but my property has deed restrictions that limit what I can do. (Plus, there are a number of neighbors quite sensitive to the whole idea of backyard "sheds.") This roof is probably near the upper limit of what you can do with a simple clamshell. It does leak a little with downpours, and I have to keep a dehumidifier running pretty much 24/7 to keep moisture under control. There really isn't enough structure to the roof (it doesn't have much of a frame, keeping weight down), and the ridge is no longer straight. I'll have to rebuild the roof within the next year or so, and will try adding some strategic angle irons to keep it more rigid without adding a lot of weight.

Fresh snow and/or ice is a real nuisance. As you open it up, any on the roof will slide down and fall right onto your head.

Those are the downsides. The upside is that it's quick to open/shut (less than 60 seconds).
- Mark
Mark M, AJ1B
Portsmouth, RI
Celestron 14" and Meade 10" SCTs
QHY268M + SBIG ST-9
GM2000 (10Micron)
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) observer code: MMU
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Paul D
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by Paul D »

Mark,

Have you ever considered using the heat cables used for preventing ice dams on your roof? The observatory is small enough where you could probably cover the majority of it with two sets (one set each side). Here is a link https://www.lowes.com/pd/EasyHeat-ADKS- ... le/3115537 they come in different sizes and wattage. No more snow falling inside or on your head.
Paul...

16" f/5 Night Sky Truss (Midnight Mistress)
10" f/5 Home built Dob with Parks mirror.
Pre-Meade PST
Celestron Skymaster Binos 25-125x80
Meade Travelview Binos 10x50

See that 16" in the sleek black dress? She is all mine. :)
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mark.m
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Re: Observatory Roses

Unread post by mark.m »

Oh, good idea! I see that they even offer short (12-foot) heater cables for keeping pipes from freezing. One of those for each half of the roof would be plenty and would make life much easier in the winter.
- Mark
Mark M, AJ1B
Portsmouth, RI
Celestron 14" and Meade 10" SCTs
QHY268M + SBIG ST-9
GM2000 (10Micron)
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) observer code: MMU
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