Re: ATM Backyard Observatory

[andydtg@phoenix.net]

Robert Hansen writes:

>Great! But I need to house it in the middle of my 10 acre property. Any
>info I could obtain in this country town was scant. I want to build a
>roll-off roof type, but what base to put it on. I was thinking of a
>cement slab, but the heat it would give off ... then I thought maybe
>pavers!
>If someone could point me to some info on different types or share their
>own design I would be most greatful.

The 16' x 24' rolloff roof bldg for our 32"f4 alt-az has a poured concrete
perimeter footing, set about 1' into the ground. The building is framed
2 x 6 construction with 3' high walls. The floor is suspended above the
dirt interior of the bldg, which is covered by plastc sheet vapor barrier.
The floor joists are 2 x 10's, and 3/4" plywood makes the floor, covered with
outdoor carpeting. There is a cutout for the telescope slab/mount. 
The roof is a gambrel type (barn), stick built with 2x4's, ply sheathing and
asphalt shingles. It rolls off on L shaped tracks attached to the walls,
with ball bearing metal rollers and guides.

The entire south wall, which is about 7' tall, folds down with a winch
to expose the S horizon, & extends the floor space by 7' also.

Some advantages to this design-

- Low thermal mass (no slab)

- Floor well isolated from telescope mount

- Floor about 1' above base of mount, need a smaller ladder
  to reach the focuser

- less expensive than a full slab



Andy Saulietis / DTG Alt-Az-Fp Drive Systems
HDPE Worm Gears, Custom designs & Machine work
12617 Harriet Ln
Santa Fe, TX 77510 USA
409-925-8854 Voice/Fax
e-mail: andydtg@phoenix.net