Construction
Observatory 2.0
Conceptual design of octagonal observatory.
Selected site before construction, looking south. Cowles Mtn visible due south on the horizon
The ground is mostly decomposed granite. Electric jackhammer is tool of choice.
The concrete footer base is 30" x 30" and 30" deep to hole bottom.
First section of pier was poured. The top half of pier has not been poured nor made vertical yet.
Octagonal footing with rebar installed.
The foundational stem wall complete.
Installing the floor joists. Note the two pair of sistered 2x10s straddle the telescope pier.
1.25" Conduit provides 120 volt electric
3/4" pressure treated plywood for the subfloor.
Corner detail using stubs.
1st wall ready to be raised.
Layout for wall with small (12" x 36" rough-in) horizontal window.
Three walls completed.
Interlocking of the two layered header plates.
A giant compass was constructed to measure the footprint of the dome ring on the header plates.
The 12' 2x4 will support a smaller radius arm to make a compass.
Built-in desk for desktop computer to control telescope, cameras, mount, focuser, autoguider and rotator.
Entrance completed.
Framing complete with Technical Innovations 10' Home Dome base ring in place.
Exterior OSB siding installed.
1st dome quadrant installed. Notice the 12' 2x4 supporting the quadrant.
Two dome quadrants installed.
Third dome quadrant installed.
Vapor barrier and flashing the window.
Drywalling around desk.
Vinyl flooring install.
My almost finished desk
