Wayne, A roll-off is the way to go, at SPOC we have a dome only because we didn't have any other use for it and it rolls-off. I have a roll-off in my backyard, I spent about $8,000, I splurged on some things, like aluminum shingles to reduce weigth. A number of club members have roll-off roofs. Look on our website http://www.slas.us in the member profiles look up Jerry Foote, Mike Gubler, and my self Erik Hansen. I chose high walls to block out local street lights. My advice is don't scrimp on cost for the wheels and track. I had all the steel I used galvinized and used wheels that are rated for much more weight than they are bearing. Bruce Grim would be a good person to talk to about motorizing the roof, he did the bulk of the work at SPOC along with Patrick as they lived close to sight. $10,000 should work for completing the building.
Good Luck, Erik Hansen Hi All,
I have been given the green light to have built an observatory to house the 12" Nishamura telescope that was donated to Northridge High School last year. I've spent about 8 hours on the Internet over the last 2 weeks looking at various plans that can be ordered or even printed for free. Does this illustrious group have any suggestions of preferences on the best one to build? I've read the pro's and con's of domes vs roll-off roofs, but the Davis School District building department doesn't build domes, and they're probably out of the budget anyway. I'm guessing I have probably somewhere in the neighborhood of $10k to spend on the facility, although donated materials and labor may help me extend that somewhat. I'm hoping to build something about 12' by 16' in size, but may have to settle for 10' by 12' depending on cost estimates. I'd be especially interested in hearing from those who have recent experience with the SLAS roll-off roof observatory. Thanks, in advance, for all your kind help.
Wayne A. Sumner Math/Physics/Astronomy/Engineering Boy's Tennis Coach Northridge High School Davis School District (801) 402-8610
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