Assembly of the
Sirius Observatory
I managed to get the
unit assembled with the assistance of some good mates, which is
always helpful.
So here is the story
of my dome assembly, in words and pictures.
Before I could put
the dome in, the circular telescope area had to be lifted, and
concreted back in. This was to provide a solid flat base, but
also allow the garden to be left in good condition should I ever
get the chance to move. Being as practical as a chocolate tea
pot, my friend Tim - The Stunt Astronomer offered to come and
do the base for me. I put reinforced tubing to take the LAN cables,
and telephone cable. In addition armoured cable was put through
to provide power to the dome.
....... 
The dome was delivered
to a friend of mine who runs a timber business up the road, he
was good enough to take it off the truck for me, and store it
overnight so I could remove it the following day.
....... 
Next day, armed only
with a screw driver, a started to dismantle the crate. There several
screws holding the crate together, therefore I would recommend
using an electric version. I didn't not a good move I assure you!
Bit by bit the contents
become visible.
....... 
Having managed to get
the bits out, I now had to transport them home. Richard had agreed
to give me a hand to carry them, but it was a fair way to my place.
Luckily Edward agreed to drop them down for us using his tractor
and trailer. Caused quite a bit of amusement as we drove through
the village with an observatory dome on the back.
....... 
Now all we had to do
was unload the tractor, and carry the parts down a three foot
passage way, over fences up to 6 feet high with overhanging trees.
Classic or what. I had already decided that it was physically
possible, but that I would need some further assistance. Tony
and Steve had agreed to muck in, and Richard managed to hang on
just for a little bit longer. Between us, we got everything in
there. All we had to do now was to assemble it before it rained.
........
With Steve and Tony's
assistance we made a start, and after a while it started to take
shape, progress was indeed swift.
....... 
As look would have
it we finished the main assembly at four o clock in the afternoon,
and got the front latch on just before the rain came down. It
was then we downed tools and went for a well deserved pint!
There was still some
final juggling to ensure all the panels were level, and then the
base was sealed on the outside, and the slabs, and gaps were sealed
with UPVA glue. This should prevent dust, and hopefully any water
finding its way in along the gaps of the slabs. A flat concrete
base would have been much better, but a wooden deck is also an
option.
....... 
In addition to this
a floor was then put in. Both to insulate the dome from the concrete
floor, and also to protect anything that is dropped from getting
damage.
.......
The electrics were
duly assembled by Dave, as he thought it would be quicker to do
it, than put my efforts right. I do not doubt him for a minute.
Suitably bribed by Guinness and a Curry progress was soon made,
though it didn't make for an early night. It all went together
at about 1245 am one night. I have a small garage type consumer
unit with two circuits and a RCD cut out for safety purposes.
...... 
All the electrics are
fitted onto the side of the pier which is bolted to a concrete
block 3 x 2 x 3 feet. Thanks for the drilling Lee, my drill would
still be at it! The pier is 48 inches tall and 8 inches square,
and fairly substantial unit which may need raising yet. A lot
will depend on the new mount due in November. Anyway a nice pier
Mr Rose, and Mr Rose, and Mr Rose!
Having done most of
the work, I have nowput in the mount, the PC, the refractors,
and an alarm system. So things are starting to come together.
Some more to do with regard to the actual software and operational
side, but it is usable. I have put a UPS in side of the observatory
as we are liable to power dips,and cuts quite often. The UPS should
mean that I can continue imaging without having to reset everything.
...... 
......
So that's where we
are for now, and it seems to take the scopes well. Even the view
from the road isn't too pronounced. That view is approximately
SSW. It will just have to do.
....... 
Well that is the story
of how my venture started, and hopefully gives you some idea of
how the home dome goes together.
Update April 2002
Following arrival of
my Paramount GT-1100ME & Celestron C11 OTA, I have now added
that to the Observatory.
......................
The next additionis
the 12.5" RCOS Truss tube RC, that should be interesting
- watch this space.
Introduction -
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Model Specifications - Motorising
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