I am a bit overdue for an update on the construction progress of the new roll-off roof observatory started in March. Between weather (rain and heat) and resources being diverted to repair a flooded basement, I am happy to say we are nearing completion of the construction phase. The floor has been painted with epoxy paint, all the wiring is done, the metal rooftop is on, and the roof motor has been installed and is working!
What is left? Putting up the outside siding, installing lights, calibrating the motor drive, and painting the outside concrete with epoxy paint.
This observatory is very well built, thanks to Joe Farmer and his crew. Also, a big shout-out to Jeff and Rick at Dark Dragons Astronomy for all their guidance throughout this journey. I have a few photos to share, and you will see that this roof has all the safety precautions in place to prevent it from lifting during strong winds. It is divided into 2 rooms: a warm room, which is climate-controlled and will house the computer that manages the entire system, and the adjacent larger telescope room, which has the pier, mount, and telescope, all of which are the same as with the POD MAX observatory. The roof will slide back and forth through automation and be controlled by the image acquisition software (Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy or N.I.N.A.). You will also see that I kept the ‘Sky at Night’ linoleum floor pad that encircles the pier.
All in all, I hope to have the scope moved back onto the mount and begin connecting things up for a trial run in August. Stay tuned!
