Argos 8 x6 tin shed option

[Merlin66]

I was going to build a "flat pack" octaDome observatory... You definately need something in the UK; the weather changes soooo quickly.
Saw Argos have an 8 x6 on special for 199GBP, which is what my material was going to cost!! So I've decided to buy one and make a run-off roof observatory for the LX200 12"

[Drane]

The only problem I could foresee regarding it being metal is that it would hold the heat during the day and would take an age to cool down

I suppose a wooden shed would also do the same but not to the extent a metal shed would do


Dave

[koootzz]

http://almiraobservatory.awardspace.com/index.html

some good tips on there about constructing one and a lot of links to other metal shed observatories. Dave's right about the thermal characteristics of the shed, the author of the site uses polystyrene panels on the inside to reduce the problem.

HTH

[Merlin66]

Back in the Eastern states of Australia, the tin shed is prefered; it looses its heat very quickly... condensation in winter is an issue.
Wooden observatories in Oz are quite rare due to white ants which can eat them out in a matter of months!!
I'll put a couple of thermometers in to see what actually happens....

[Roger B]

You can get heat reflective paint.   A friend of mine has it on the roof on his roll off.  He also installed a external fan what also helps reduce the heat.

Roger

[Nimbus]

Great minds must think alike I have also just bought a metal shed (which has yet to arrive) but to anyone that may be thinking of doing the same here is the link:

http://www.shedstore.co.uk/itemdetl.php/itemcode/2568
 
Hopefully I will post some pictures as construction progresses.  Regards Jim

[David Galvin]

What about this run off, would it suit?
http://ukastroimaging.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=40171.msg362740#msg362740
You will need to act fast Merlin, if you want it.

Failing that, you may find some useful information regarding the YardMaster Shed and how to convert it to an observatory at the following site..
http://www.linnhe2.free-online.co.uk/observatory/index.html

[Merlin66]

Very good links.. well worth checking out! Anything which would safely protect the LX200 from the weather and allow a semi-permanent set-up would be great.
Unfortunately my requirements are a little different from the usual solutions. We're here on assignment for the next couple of years then probably transfer to somewhere in Eastern Europe... so we live in rented accommodation and owners don't like it to much if you screw around with their gardens or put "permanent" fixtures anywhere. My temporary solution is wheelie-bars, but I've got a great bright street light immediately outside the driveway to add to the general light pollution. I was hoping I might be able to come up with something which could be easily broken down and transported to our next location... if not, It'll be up for sale in the next couple of years.

[Merlin66]

Well the shed arrived. Made in Canada!! This will be interesting: A telescope made in the States, used by an Ozzie, in a Tin shed from Canada, living in the UK!!!!

Glad I didn't order the timber for the roof/ supports. The gable end is on the longer side, to allow a double siding door access. So the roof will only have to slide forward 6 feet not the 8 feet I thought. Gives me a couple of options on positioning.
Looks big enough for the 12".... just need some clear weather to finish it!!

[michaelmorris]

Keep us posted with lots of pictures.

[Merlin66]

I'll post a couple of shots, but it still looks like a "tin shed".....
Measuring up, I'm thinking of only having a central support within the frame on each side; the roof only weighs about 20Kg- next to nothing!
Anyway, no surprises, looking good.

[Merlin66]

OK, main frame is up and roof trusses bolted together, just waiting on the 100GBP of 50x50 timber.( Jeez timber is expensive over here, like everything else!!)
I'm only going to have one rail post inside the shed and use a couple of 75x75 posts outside. The roof will run on 6 x 50mm castors three per side, on the 50x50 beams (If I can find some 25x12x1 aluminium channel I'll screw that on top as a guide channel)
The roof side seals and end seals will be 150 wide strips of 5mm waterproof ply.
As this must be "temporary" the frame of the shed will be untouched, and the shed can still be converted back to original.
To give a bit better seal along the bottom of the frame I've put strips of draft excluder foam under the base rails before screwing them to the patio slabs.

[michaelmorris]

The pictures are great.  It looks as though you're making good progress.

... If I can find some 25x12x1 aluminium channel I'll screw that on top as a guide channel ...

I wouldn't bother.  As long as you use rubber wheels you'll find that it runs perfectly okay just on the bare wood with a single piece of wood on the outer edge of each rail to act as a guide.

[quote ]
To give a bit better seal along the bottom of the frame I've put strips of draft excluder foam under the base rails before screwing them to the patio slabs.[/quote]

I just used a bead of silicone mastic.

[Merlin66]

The side guides from the 5mm waterproof ply is the fall back.
I can't use silicon etc on the base " It will leave a residue which must be removed completely, and leave no stains, to our satisfaction, before vacating the premises"
As I said it's got to be "temporary"
Just finished the framing... looking good.

[Merlin66]

A couple of shots to show the castors mounted on the 100 x30 side frames.
Note these are "offset" to the 50 x50 cross beams - to allow the outer edge of the 100mm to be 10mm outside the shed sides ( this is where the side seals will be set) A bit of trial and error to find a height which would give this clearance and still just "touch" the roof sheeting ( 6mm in my case)
Weather permitting should finish the roof etc tomorrow.