Building My Observatory

Here is the scope mounted on the wedge. the cable is for the electronic focuser.

Box pushed back to the observing position.

The altitude axis is a bit forward of the centre of the pier but this is probably not a bad thing as a large part of the weight is in the base of the scope.

Scope pointing south.

Box pulled round the pier with the slot cover in position.

Roof down, no problems with clearance.

Plastic cover over the scope.

Scope put to bed, box closed up and tied down with cargo lashing straps to prevent the lid blowing off in high winds and to make sure that the box doesn't move, even with the brakes on the castors in use. The straps are fixed to large staples screwed into the fence at the back and to expansion bolts set in concrete blocks at the front. The straps are tightened using ratchet tensioners. You can also see the silicone sealer used to stop rain getting in through the gaps in the box.