The whole trailer thing is really cool, but I cannot imagine continuously
towing such a thing behind this giant motor home.
Many of these motor homes have motorized levelling jacks on the corners.
By cranking them down it might stabilize the unit enough that a scope on
the roof would be fairly stable, at least at low power and if you didn't
move around. But of course he wants high power views of Saturn with people
in the bus.
Maybe he should just get something like a Celestron 8SE that will
self-align, put it on the ground outside, with a bunch of powered USB
extension cables. With just one 15' cable the scope will be so close to
the side of the RV that it won't be able to see half the sky. Or he could
get a CAT-5 USB extender that uses CAT-5 cable in the middle with USB port
gizmos on either end.
Ted
On Mon, Aug 3, 2020 at 10:35 AM Mark Johnston <markj57@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Leah,
The problem is if the weight of the observatory is resting on tires, you
can't possibly have a steady image. You need the weight of the platform on
which the observers and telescope sit be on solid ground. With the
observatory telescope trailer concept
http://piertechinc.com/mobile-observatories/star-traveler-xl/ ;(an
example) you would have the trailer hitch on solid ground, then the other
two far corners would be able to have a support post winched down to take
the weight off the tires, so you're supported on a solid foundation. You
could also have the trailer just roll off the telescope down a ramp which
some people do too.
Mark
On Mon, Aug 3, 2020 at 10:13 AM Leah S <lphxaz@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Dear Mike and Mark,
thanks for your replies!
just to make sure I understand - are you saying that the telescope will
"jiggle" even when the RV is parked?
so Mark, you're suggesting an observatory trailer with extra support at
the corners to prevent that?
and Mike, you're suggesting to put the telescope directly on the ground,
with a camera mounted on the scope, and long cables so the user can sit
inside while operating it?
if I didn't understand correctly, please let me know. thanks!
best regards,
Leah
On 8/3/2020 8:26 AM, Mark Johnston wrote:
I have seen some pictures of observatory trailers that could be towed
behind the RV and then supported with jacks on the 4 corners to stabilize
the structure. That could work. Otherwise I agree with Mike.
Mark
On Sun, Aug 2, 2020 at 3:40 PM Mike <primefactory@xxxxx> wrote:
The scope would jiggle on top and be worthless. Any telescope needs to
be on the ground. Modern telescopes come with controls that could be used
inside with a camera attachment and long enough cables to the scope. A
commercial lift in the back of the RV would handle the biggest scope easily.
Mike Marron
President of the Phoenix Astronomical Society
PASAZ.org
------------------------------
*From: *"Leah Sapir" <lphxaz@xxxxxxxxx>
*To: *"PAS Members ListServ" <pasmembers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Sent: *Sunday, August 2, 2020 2:14:28 AM
*Subject: *[pasmembers] Fwd: Looking for some guidance
this question came into the astronomy-questions mailbox. does anyone
have suggestions for him?
I wrote back asking how far and how often he travels with the RV, and I
will send you that answer in a moment
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Looking for some guidance
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:36:57 -0700
From: Donald Jacques <theduck@earthseed.space> <theduck@earthseed.space>
To: astronomy-questions@xxxxxxxxx
I own a customised RV, and wish to construct a compact observatory on my
roof that can be operated from inside. As an absolute newbie, I'm looking
for assistance in planning and design, and any assistance, or referrals
would be greatly appreciated.
General specifications:
Rotating dome mounted on roof over existing roof hatch for access.
Compact Telescope capable of reasonable images of Saturn
Selected telescope, and or mount, should be able to handle regular
travel.
Thanks you,
Don "Duckie" Jacques
www.EarthSeed.space
