[AZ-Observing] Re: Mobile Observatory
- From: "Richard Harshaw" <rharshaw2@xxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:38:49 -0700
Troy, most of the mobile (and "solid") observatories I have seen are built
on utility trailers with sturdy jacks at the corners so the base unit can be
leveled firmly on the ground. But even then, the deck will tend to flex with
movement and so star images will dance a lot before the vibration damps
down.
I have a Pier Tech in a permanent observatory and wish it were mobile, as it
is a dream to work with! I suppose one COULD mount a P.T. pier on a large
steel plate (say, 24" x 24" x 1/2") and power it with a DC/AC converter, but
you'd still need some way to level it in the field.
I even saw one "mobile observatory" at the Nebraska Star Party in 2002 that
consisted of a 4-foot DOME mounted on an old converted ambulance (think 1/2
ton cube truck, not the "Ghostbusters" vintage Woody wagon). Looked cool as
all get out going down the road, but it too suffered from floor vibration.
Then, of course, there is the famous photo of an 8-inch refractor mounted to
the body of a 1940's era sedan as shown in Leslie Peltier's autobiography.
I really don't know how you could make a truly solid mobile observatory for
equipment this large short of spending several thousands to stiffen a stock
utility trailer.
Richard Harshaw
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Troy Atwood
Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2014 4:31 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Mobile Observatory
Hello,
I have a 16" LX200GPS that needs a home besides its shipping crate. After
some thought I have decided to investigate a mobile observatory option.
Unfortunately the Pier-Tech folks do not have any competition, not
surprising as it is a niche market, and they want some hefty dollars for
their product. So I am open to suggestions if anyone knows of a mobile
observatory owner in the area I could talk with about their setup please let
me know.
Or.....someone who wants to upgrade big time could make me an offer I cannot
refuse................
Troy
Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent and reboot. Order shall return.
73 from WV0V
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