Eric's Astronomy

HOME EQUIPMENT OBSERVATORY
If you haven't already, please visit eSmithOnline.com.
Last Update: April 22, 2005

My Portable Observatory

Contact coveryourastro.com for an excellent set of plans for this observatory.
Special Note:
Don't try to do this without the plans from coveryourastro.com. I was surprised once I received the plans because there were several items I would have never considered. Plus, because coveryourastro worked this out, they deserve your support.
Here's the finished unit with the door covered. For viewing above the slot, you can just remove the piece on the top. The original plans call for three tarps to cover the frame. I live in a town with literally hundreds of carpet mfg plants; so, I used fabric that is used in the mfg process. Its 12' wide and I got 56' of this FREE!

With the door removed, you can get an idea of the space inside. You can see my shelf unit, chair, and my tripod for the ETX 90EC. Diameter is about 8' and height is 7'+.
A closer shot of the inside.
This shelf is 36" +.
I hung the shelf like so.
Here's a shot of the pins that screw into the back of the shelf. These just hang in holes that I drilled into the uprights of the frame.
Because I used this 12' wide fabric, I was able to wrap the whole frame. To tailor the fit, I used a sewing machine to run these two seams. One is verticle, the other is just above the horizontal part of the frame.
The fabric is held to the frame by these really nifty clips made from PVC.
A close up of a clip.
The frame without the fabric cover.
Frame partially completed.
The whole frame starts with this rolling base. This is as cool as forty whizzes! Want to look at another part of the sky? Just turn the whole unit! The plan called for 6" wheels, but Lowes had 7" for the same price.

My First Night Out

On my first night out with this portable observatory, it took me 25 minutes to set up. I found that it was best to leave the slot and top open at all times. The unit turned with ease. The really big deal was that all my equipment stayed dry! Also, it was nice to have that 'inside' feeling too! The wind was up that night, but not felt in the observatory. I believe it was warmer too.
I made a bag from the same fabric. This bag holds the whole sha-bang. I placed the mallet so that you could get a perspective of the size. I'm not sure this is the best way for me to store this. The plans suggested two army duffle bags. I think two bags will be better.