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Thread: Water tank obs? Am I crazy?
- 06-04-2010, 10:39 PM #1
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Water tank obs? Am I crazy?
Has anyone ever tried to make an observatory from a cheap plastic water tank? The ones here are domed and white in color. I could cut horizontally and make parallel cuts to section it if I wanted. I could put it 1' in the ground and earth berm it a bit so I could step in. With my dob I would just remove the top but a person could make the top rotate with an opening for the sky.
Just seems easier for someone with limited time and absolutely maintenance free.
See any pros/cons?
http://www.astronomyforum.net/member...e1546-tank.jpg
Last edited by tglenn; 06-04-2010 at 10:40 PM. Reason: forgot picture
collimator...I hardly knew her!
Tracy Glenn
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- 06-05-2010, 12:40 AM #2
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I'm sure it has been done....The Exploradome started when someone who had converted one of their Calf shelters into an observatory... then another guy approached Polydome about actually manufacturing a dome...
The result is history...
BTW...No reason you could not do what you intend... I would be a little concerned about heat build up in the summer however..
Bob G.CPC1100 housed in a slotted domed observatory (Exploradome) 4 and 5 inch refractors for use from the lawn, a 8" Sct (NS 8i) for star parties...
I Hate the winter so I use heated Motorcycle clothing to stay warm while observing in winter
Retired, also have 2 other hobbies
1. tinker with older Corvettes (6 in garage)
2. make a heck of a lot of sawdust in my wood shop.
- 06-05-2010, 01:12 AM #3
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That's why I was thinking of sinking it and earth berming but maybe that wouldn't be enough. I would just remove the top and use it only to shelter my scope. Thanks.
Originally Posted by Bob327 
collimator...I hardly knew her!
Tracy Glenn
Billings, Montana
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Baader Hyperion 8-24mm MK III zoom
Don of the Zhumell mafia http://www.astronomyforum.net/groups/zhumell-telescopes.html
- 06-05-2010, 01:44 AM #4
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There was a guy on here a while back that posted a link to a group on yahoo about home OB's ..Cant remember the guy but there were some unusual ones on there ..Some guys used trash cans upside down , big converted tote tubs but the most popular was rubbermaid sheds with wither a flip up roof or a split roof .....I found it .... Flip_Top_and_Clamshell_Observatories : Welcome
16in Night sky Dobsonian F4.5 , 8in SCT 2000mm FL, 90mm mak 1250mm FL , 90mm refractor 1000mm FL , 90mm refractor 500mm FL , 90mm MAK 1000mm FL , Meade eye pieces with a few odd balls thrown in ...
If you cant stand behind the american soldier ,
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Please stand in front of one ...
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tglenn (06-05-2010)
- 06-05-2010, 04:09 AM #5
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Wow, thanks!
collimator...I hardly knew her!
Tracy Glenn
Billings, Montana
Zhumell Z12 Dobsonian
Baader Hyperion 8-24mm MK III zoom
Don of the Zhumell mafia http://www.astronomyforum.net/groups/zhumell-telescopes.html
- 06-05-2010, 06:16 AM #6
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If i ever get a big scope I'm gona make an orb out of something. I like that small building with the hinged roof.
Celestron C9.25. Atlas EQG mount. Canon 500D unmodded, Celestron ST80 guide scope, SSAG, Meade 6.3 FR, Thousand Oaks dew control with Dewnot straps. Zhumell 8/24mm Zoom, 2"Gso Superview 42mm, Meade 2"QX wide angle 30MM, Meade 1.25 EP and filter set. Tasco 10x50 Zhumell 20x80 bino and a few other odds and ends.
Now where did I put that clear sky button!
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- 06-05-2010, 02:05 PM #7
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Another quick AND CHEAP observatory is a Roll off building much like a Telephone booth (remember those) or an out house..
Mount the scope on a pier..and roll the building away....
Heat build up is going to be caused by IR radiation...painting the inside of the tank BLACK or lining it with Reflextrix (sp ??) will reduce the heat build up substantially...you just want to keep the interior under 105 degrees (according to Dr. Clay) a small solar exhaust fan will also help...
Bob G.CPC1100 housed in a slotted domed observatory (Exploradome) 4 and 5 inch refractors for use from the lawn, a 8" Sct (NS 8i) for star parties...
I Hate the winter so I use heated Motorcycle clothing to stay warm while observing in winter
Retired, also have 2 other hobbies
1. tinker with older Corvettes (6 in garage)
2. make a heck of a lot of sawdust in my wood shop.
- 06-05-2010, 06:30 PM #8
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Yes you are crazy! Go take your xanax and consult your shrink.
But people make observatory tops out polystyrene foam. Just make a wooden carcass and cover it with polystyrene plates (cut into required shape). that would insulate pretty well.Carl Sagan's fanboy.
- 06-05-2010, 09:07 PM #9
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While you're writing prescriptions please be aware that medical weed is legal here in Montana. hint hint Originally Posted by greeny Yes you are crazy! Go take your xanax and consult your shrink.
But people make observatory tops out polystyrene foam. Just make a wooden carcass and cover it with polystyrene plates (cut into required shape). that would insulate pretty well.collimator...I hardly knew her!
Tracy Glenn
Billings, Montana
Zhumell Z12 Dobsonian
Baader Hyperion 8-24mm MK III zoom
Don of the Zhumell mafia http://www.astronomyforum.net/groups/zhumell-telescopes.html
- 06-05-2010, 09:10 PM #10
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Lucky... holland is a bit far from where I live. I have to use hard liquor.
Carl Sagan's fanboy.
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