It will take some weeks to prepare the area. This is the progress so far:
My back garden, site for observatory is on the left (where the planks are) tucked behind the shed. Can't be down the end of the garden as there are too many trees. This will give me access to more sky than I currently have from the patio (where the house is in the way).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp964d757b_0f.jpg)
Viewed from the other direction. (Remaining plants and compost have now been relocated).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpd709752c_0f.jpg)
Today 25.2.2010
My son in law has installed the base of the decking which is what has been recommended by the makers of POD. The pier will be cemented in. Photo is a bit dark as it was raining (see rain drops on lens).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpe480e2b7_0f.jpg)
looking good.
you'd better make sure it's level. Fay'll come round and check for you...
Today's progress:
Most of the joists are in and the template for the Pier has arrived.
Quoteyou'd better make sure it's level
note the spirit level sitting on the top.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp35cec561_0f.jpg)
N.B. my lawn is starting to be in a very similar state to Stairs Farm!!!!
would it have been easier to dig the foundations for the pier first?
Only you now have to dig out the pier foundations through the hole.
Mac
QuoteOnly you now have to dig out the pier foundations through the hole
The small hole :-?
Unless the joists can be removed from the hangers ;)
Quotewould it have been easier to dig the foundations for the pier first?
Only you now have to dig out the pier foundations through the hole.
If I had been doing it I would have done it that way, but as I am not, my son in law decided this was the way he wanted to do it. I think he wants to be able to lay/kneel (or whatever on the decking rather than the muddy ground) and he's also made some sort of temporary template.
He seems to know what he's doing, he's certainly making a substantial job of the decking and has mugged up about Piers on the internet (as I had been trying to impressed upon him the importance of the depth and how the pier or concrete of the pier must not touch the decking etc) and assures me he fully understands the principal of how it works and vibration etc. We're also going to be putting a membrane underneath to stop the weeds growing through the decking and he's going to wire it up for me.
I think I have to leave it to those doing the job, just so long as the end result is correct.
Carole
Ian, chairman or not, I will not rise to the bait! ;)
To dig a hole the size you are going to need is going to require a spade not a garden trowel. There is no way it can be done through that hole. Certainly not one to the depth require to make your pier stable.
Carole, If it helps I have one of these that you're more than welcome to borrow...
(http://www.prosupplydepot.com/catalog/images/QPIPostHoleDigger92380.gif)
It's the only way other that a soil drill you'll be able to manage to get that hole dug.
Robert
QuoteUnless the joists can be removed from the hangers
Yup, apparently that is what he is going to do.
Robert, I think that tool will be very useful. My son was going to borrow an implement from work (possibly similar), but I have a feeling it's not going to be here at the right time, so yes please. Can I pop over this weekend and borrow it and also have a look at your observatory while I am at it.
I'll need a reminder of your address etc.
Mike, the people supplying the Pier said 2' x 2' x 3' deep. Template sits in the top 1'.
Carole
Carole,
If you are having trouble, you can alway hire a petrol auger hore borer (page 7) with a 400mm auger, and there are a couple of Brandon Hire shops in West Wickham, or you may find it cheaper if you look around.
http://www.brandontoolhire.co.uk/downloads/directory_2007/13.pdf (http://www.brandontoolhire.co.uk/downloads/directory_2007/13.pdf)
Good luck.
Tony G
I notice that Brandon can also hire you a lawn scarifier. Certainly I think this would keep the birds away but why not use an old fashioned scarecrow instead?
:lol:
Quote from: MarkS on Feb 27, 2010, 19:17:58
I notice that Brandon can also hire you a lawn scarifier. Certainly I think this would keep the birds away but why not use an old fashioned scarecrow instead?
Er, Mark, I think you might get an official visit if you're caught removing birds from your lawn with a device that's basically a motorised rake! :lol:
The lawn will recover (eventually).
My son is a gardener and scarified it for me last year.
Yeah yeah, I get it SCARIFY THE BIRDS.
Husband had a bit of a shock when he realised how much space the decking is taking up, it's because of the bays that it's so long.
Carole
oh I don't know. It's got to be better than breaking a tooth on lead shot.
Quoteoh I don't know. It's got to be better than breaking a tooth on lead shot.
Ian, your sense of humour escapes me sometimes, I've no idea what this means.
Please explain :undecided:
should have quoted Phil. I just had an image in my mind of Mark running up and down the lawn with a scarifier collecting small birds for dinner...
Ahhh!
Got it now.
Carole
Quote from: Ian on Mar 01, 2010, 10:16:04
..... Mark running up and down the lawn with a scarifier collecting small birds for dinner...
only way to do it if you gonna have enough for a decent meal
The hole was dug today. I also got stuck in moving all the soil. It wasn't so bad until we hit the clay which was VERY sticky, and thank goodness we borrowed Robert's tool (see earlier post)). My son in law dug out while I scraped the sticky clay off the tool when it came out and relayed wheelbarrows full around the garden. Managed to get rid of most of it, but that last lot of clay will have to be disposed of.
Joists removed for digging hole. Apparently he wanted to make sure it was central which was why he put the frame work in first.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpda83599c_0f.jpg)
Although it doesn't look it from this image, this is 3' deep (see measurements on rule) and 2' x 2'.
Took half a day to dig out.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpb315058c_0f.jpg)
He's now busy mixing concrete.
Template for the Pier (upside down).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp288a5ec7_0f.jpg)
Sunk into concrete, viewed through the rafters of the decking above. The frame built around it is not touching any of the decking.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp9ef50d76_0f.jpg)
silly question i know,
But have you polar aligned the pier roughly before you set it in concrete?
and are the bolt holes in line with the base of the pier?
Only it makes life a lot easier. (Less adjustment required)
Mac ;)
Hi Mac,
a) I haven't got the Pier yet, was sent the template by the people providing the Pier. I assume the Pier will be coming with the Observatory.
b) I discussed orientation with AltairAstro and this particular Pier has 360 degree adjustment so doesn't matter which way the template faces so long as it is level (which it is). See the two plates at the top, you can adjust level and orientation.
Image from their site
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpcb79f432_0f.jpg)
Quotes from the website:
QuoteIt's the easiest pier to install, period, and the special adjustable pier-head saves you set-up time. Pier levelling and rotation can be adjusted AFTER installation on the base! (This is the most innovative pier on the market and the first to sport this feature).
QuoteWhat's the benefit of post-installation adjustment? The pier head can be locked in any position, at any time. That means there's no need for perfect North alignment of the base bolts, and even if you get the base levelling slightly wrong, you can still ensure your mount is perfectly upright and aligned North/South. That means you don't have to be a DIY expert to install it!
Carole
QuoteI discussed orientation with AltairAstro and this particular Pier has 360 degree adjustment so doesn't matter which way the template faces so long as it is level (which it is)
Thats going to save you a lot of time and swearing then.
So long at the holes line up on the pods. ;)
Mac.
QuoteSo long at the holes line up on the pods
Yes you never know what lies ahead. I joined the POD Forum and there is one member who is having nightmares trying to assemble it, although no-one else seems to be having any problems.
Decking is now finished, just waiting for the POD and Pier to arrive.
(N.B. Hose is inserted ready to pull the electrics cable through later).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp9c658585_0f.jpg)
Quoteelectrics cable
Which reminds me. I want to put a small dim red working light inside, any suggestions?
I guess I mainly need it to shine on the laptop so I can see which keys to press in the dark. Or maybe a dim generalised red light. So it could be on a bendy neck like Mac had at DSC, or fixed to the wall above, maybe even a strip of Red LED might be OK.
Carole
Less grass to cut, Carole.
Rose.
Blimey Rose, that was quick, I only just finished the post and was just tweaking it.
Actually it's not taken much grass away, as that area was mostly flower bed, so less flowers and weeding to do.
Carole
Quotesmall dim red working light inside
Cheap and cheerful - any old light with a low wattage bulb/tube tin of red spray paint for the bulb - Done
You really need a low wattage bulb around 25 watt otherwise the paint will cook
You could always ask someone who works in Soho, for advice!!!!! :lol: :lol:
Photographers used to have ordinary red lightbulbs for their darkrooms. Do these still exist I wonder?
QuoteYou could always ask someone who works in Soho, for advice!!!!!
:lol: :lol:
QuoteInsert Quote
Photographers used to have ordinary red lightbulbs for their darkrooms
Hmmm, I know some-one who has a dark room, might ask him.
Carole
Maybe a couple of these.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/AABH100RED.html?ad_group=AA+BH100RED&source=adwords&kw=red%20bulkhead%20light&gclid=CLi75eXWpqACFZJr4wodGwQjag (http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/AABH100RED.html?ad_group=AA+BH100RED&source=adwords&kw=red%20bulkhead%20light&gclid=CLi75eXWpqACFZJr4wodGwQjag)
Tony G
Tony that would work well, you could stick them on a dimmer so you can brighten it up for "entertaining" ;)
The photographers dark room lights can be expensive if they are pukka "Safe Lights"
Thanks for the suggestions every-one, will ponder over what would be best.
Carole
why do you want a red light?
Its only you imaging.
I use a small desktop lamp when im outside. (White light)
(http://www.lowemfoffice.com/images/bad_desktop_lamp.jpg)
Mac
There are some ultra-bright brake light replacement LEDs on this page:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?menuno=12047
They could be too bright at full power, but if run at a lower voltage might well give the sort of light you're after and would probably last for ever.
I don't believe it!!!
I orded the observatory at Astrofest beginning of Feb, and the order only got put in on 24th March by Altair Astro. Apparently they have to wait for a "Shipping slot!!" as it's being made and shipped from Canada!!!
Oh well, with the weather we've been having, couldn't use it anyway!!!
Hoping to pick the pier up when we go up to Kelling Heath, so should be able to get on with that while I'm waiting.
Carole
Quotethe order only got put in on 24th March by Altair Astro
Sounds like BS to me :-?
Are they suggesting that the Pod makers won't accept an order until they've got a shipping slot :roll: - Another mob to put on the never use again list :(
Anyway, there's bugger all you can do about it now
QuoteAnyway, there's bugger all you can do about it now
Quite.
I'm not sure if there's another UK importer of PODs, there might be one, but I'd have to start all over again anyway. I do think that there is some truth in the Shipping slots though as I have joined the POD discussion group and see other posts on there. But they could still surely place the order and it comes with the next available shipment!!!
I find them very slow to reply to E mails on some occasions, and there's never any-one on the end of the phone. I think they are probably a small company with little manpower.
Having said all that people on the UKAI Forum were complaining about the same company Fay had problems with and stated the companies that were reliable. AltairAstro were one of the companies they recommended thank goodness.
Oh well. Keep on waiting. I think there's a shipment due in at the end of April.
Carole
Any update?
did you get any joy with Altair Astro, only im also having problems trying to order an EQ6 mounting plate.
http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=5978.msg35774;topicseen#msg35774 (http://forum.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/index.php?topic=5978.msg35774;topicseen#msg35774)
Mac
I've not chased them up as I'm not expecting anything before the end of April.
They are going to be at Kelling Heath, is it the adapter for the Pier you are after?
Carole
Quoteis it the adapter for the Pier you are after?
Yup it's the adapter for my Pier.
I saw your other post after I had replied to this one. So have Altair Astro got one for you?
As I said they will be at Kelling Heath so could collect it for you if it's any help.
Carole
its in the post. Apparently.
Your post prompted me to ask them if they had an update. This was the reply on the POD Forum:
Hi Carole, we've sent your order to Wayne and we're waiting to hear back on a shipping date imminently. Nick
So, almost a month has passed.
Any updates.
I've looked into the pods, and probably should have ordered one at Astrofest.
It seems that they manufacturers only produce a run when they have a large order to reduce costs.
oh well. I'll order mine when i move.
i'll probably get the 3 bay one.
Mac.
Hi Mac. This was the post I was replying to when my monitor died on me (see PC section).
No progress, still waiting for Observatory to even be finished/dispatched from Canada. Looks like every-one is in the same position. I think they wait until they get a large enough order so the factory can do them all in one batch, then they have to wait for a shipping slot.
Very frustrating, but it's not really as if I am missing much in the way of imaging at present but it would be nice to get everything set up. I picked up the Pier at Kelling Heath (as Altair Astro were there). I think this is being installed soon. Would do it myself except my son in law has to organise the hole in the decking around it so I'm letting him do it.
Carole
Well I've been told my observatory is on a ship on it's way over to the UK.
Carole
Its not called the Titanic is it?
Let's hope it doesn't get hijacked by pirates.
:police: :police: :police:
My goodess this is slow progress. The POD is in the Warehouse and am just waiting for a delivery date.
In the meantime my son-law installed the pier last week. I have not yet put the top plates on it, as I thought I'd wait for the POD to arrive.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp785bfabc_0f.jpg)
He has made a wooden plate around the pier to cover the open space but big enough to put my battery on it (leaving a small gap so there is no vibration).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp7edf729d_0f.jpg)
C
I wonder how rusty it will get before the "Pod" arrives ;)
Sorry, the voices made me say it :oops:
thats a tube not a pier? shiny though....
Did you get the Skypod?
Why do you need a battery in an observatory?
Mike, I think there is some confusion here, its not yet an observatory.......
Exactly, it's a tube sticking out the ground so far. So why the battery ?
Yup, it's currently a tube the lower part of the pier
QuoteI have not yet put the top plates on it, as I thought I'd wait for the POD to arrive
see Post 24# for what it will look like.
Quote
So why the battery
My mains adapter doesn't work properly and I've got in the habit of using the battery for everything except the laptop. The mains adapter works on the ETX, but when I use the CG5, as soon as it starts slewing it cuts out.
I guess I need to get another one, but haven't got around to it.
QuoteDid you get the Skypod?
Yup.
QuoteI wonder how rusty it will get before the "Pod" arrives
You don't know how true your words are Mick.
Despite the carrier failing to get in touch with me 3 times last week when he was supposed to, Altair Astro finally told me they could deliver it today. I said it was not convenient as I was giving talks at schools today with the Outreach group and asked them to arrange another date. But they text me back and said it would have to be today (I foolishly had said my husband would be in as a last resort).
Well I wanted to be here to make sure everything was as it should be and to ask any questions if need be, so I arranged for Doug to take over the talks with Ken as a back up and delivered copies of the talks to them over the weekend. Doug is a newbie at these talks and it was Ken's first time.
Blow me down if I don't get a text from them this morning at 7am to say the driver had injured himself and gone to A&E.
I am sure this is BS after all the previous experience, so am STILL waiting for my Observatory.
P......d off or what!!!
Mac, I think there are other people supplying PODs now, I suggest you shop around.
Carole
Why don't you cancel the order and get it elsewhere?
QuoteMac, I think there are other people supplying PODs now,
I had noticed that, but i was wondering if they were going to be the same
in that the delay seemed to be in the shipping from the supplier.
i.e. they waited for a container to be filled. to save on costs.
Or was that down to who you ordered it from waiting untill they had a container full, before placing a bulk order.
Either way I think its a bit cheeky.
I'd ring them back and tell them when you want it delivered and if its not delivered tell them you want your money back.
Or start asking for compensation.
Mac.
QuoteWhy don't you cancel the order and get it elsewhere?
Can't cope with starting all over again. I've already had to pay in full and all the hassle of trying to cancel and get the money back, plus having to wait another 4 months for it to be made and shipped.
QuoteOr was that down to who you ordered it from waiting untill they had a container full, before placing a bulk order.
Not sure.
QuoteI'd ring them back and tell them when you want it delivered
Trying to speak to them on the phone is impossible, it's always on answerphone. Only contact seems to be via E mail and now by text (now I have his mobile number).
It seems from the PAIG website that there is some-one else in the same position as me who got the same text as me this morning. Now since I live about 3 1/2 hours drive away, each way (7 hours), I can't see how the same driver was planning to do two deliveries in one day. I am getting more and more convinced they have a courier problem.
I have sent them a suitable p....d off text this evening and if they don't sort it out in the next few days am going to hire a van and drive up there and collect it myself.
Carole
If it was me I would cancel it. it would be worth it just to piss them off and show them they can't treat people like that.
At the least you should be demanding some kind of money back for the inconvenience and poor service.
You should post about the poor service on the UKAI website too so others are warned about them.
QuoteYou should post about the poor service on the UKAI website too so others are warned about them.
Was planning to do that, but just want to get the goods first.
Carole
Just got a new delivery date (E Mailed to me at 23.18) for Tuesday 22nd. The Owner of Altair Astro says he will deliver it personally that day if necessary.
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Jun 16, 2010, 23:30:20Just got a new delivery date (E Mailed to me at 23.18) for Tuesday 22nd. The Owner of Altair Astro says he will deliver it personally that day if necessary.
That's good news. Lets hope he does. Then, when its fully delivered, you can thump 'im :twisted:
I've already told him he's damaging his reputation as lots of my Astro friends know what is going on.
Carole
Phew!
It's finally arrived 4 1/2 months after ordering. Driver was very helpful and said he only got my details yesterday and did not injure himself last week (see post on 16th June), and also said he is frustrated because he can never get hold of Altair Astro on the end of the phone (ditto). I thought it was all BS.
I haven't paid the delivery charge (as the driver did not want to take it, said he'd already been paid), so I'm holding onto that so I have a bit of leverage if there are any problems.
I checked it all as far as I was able as some-one I have got chatting to on the POD Forum has had 2 left sided Visors delivered.
Anyway, this is the current state of play,. Next comes the fun of assembly. I must say it is larger than I remembered!!
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp86c12853_0f.jpg)
Are you sure that is going to fit on that base?
QuoteAre you sure that is going to fit on that base?
I flippin well hope so, I got all the dimensions from Altair Astro. There should be 6 inches to spare.
Carole
Best of luck.
Quote from: Carole...It's finally arrived 4 1/2 months after ordering....
Oh heck, that confirms it...tomorrow must be the end of the world :evil:
Sorry, Carole, couldn't resist......This is good and overdue news. Hope it goes together OK. :P
Looks like it just slots together so may be easy
It's going to look like a meringue base with cream topping - shall I bring some strawberries around ;-)
QuoteLooks like it just slots together so may be easy
I think the sides are fairly straight forward, but the dome comes in four sections and is slightly more complicated.
Quotemeringue base with cream topping
They do these in a number of colours, but I felt the brown would blend in with the brown fencing (ish) rathern than dark green, light green, dark or light grey, and they also do a neutron blue and Ion green glow in the dark models too.
Well sorry to prolong the crap weather we have been having, but you can't blame me for the past 4 or 5 months.
Carole
QuoteWell sorry to prolong the crap weather we have been having, but you can't blame me for the past 4 or 5 months.
So thats why its been bad. Just couldn't put my finger on it. :lol:
Oh well as Annie Lennox said.
" Here comes the rain again.
Falling on my head like a memory".
Looking on the forums, it seems as if you just loosely bolt them together first and then tighten them up;
Mac
Quoteyou just loosely bolt them together first and then tighten them up
Pretty much, but there are various plates and bits of gaskets and sealants that have to go on the roof. Having read some of the problems some people have had putting it together on the SkyPOD Forum, it doesn't look like the bolt holes always line up, so I'm not going to hold my breath in case I am one of the unlucky ones.
I've also ordered in addition a Visor which hangs inside the dome so you can convert it temporarily to a slotted dome, this also has to be put together and hung.
Carole
Today's progress.
Well we got the primary dome and the secondary dome assembled (each comes in two sections). Unfortunately the sealant has not dried on them even though we did them first thing, so can't do any more work on the domes until tomorrow. (More hardware to be screwed on so it runs smoothly).
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpaee6d998_0f.jpg)
Pull out shelves installed in the Bays. I sometimes need two laptops as the XP won't guide and the Vista won't work with the webcam.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp5702e055_0f.jpg)
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp871dada8_0f.jpg)
The door
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp8fc7cd31_0f.jpg)
Looking through the door to the inside (N.B. walls not positioned yet so pier not central.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp41278e26_0f.jpg)
No real problems so far except the sealant not drying. The last screw to the walls was difficult to get in and took a lot of force but this is apparently quite normal and screwing in the shelves was a bugger of a job.
Carole
Looking good!
Will you be bringing it to DSC?
Does it come with the shelves or did you add those?
QuoteWill you be bringing it to DSC?
Er, bit big, needs a big van and several hours to put it up. However I think you might have forgotten to put one of these on your post. :cheesy:
SkyPod actually advertise that you can take it to a Star party. ;)
QuoteDoes it come with the shelves or did you add those?
they're an optional extra.
Carole
Don't suppose any-one has got a staple gun I can wack over and borrow this evening (Wednesday). We'll need it for fixing one of the seals on the Dome tomorrow.
Thanks
Carole
Carole will rainwater run underneath into the pod?
QuoteCarole will rainwater run underneath into the pod?
Do you mean from the ground, or rain getting in the dome or sides.
It's sitting on decking which is 7" higher than the ground below, so unless there is a flood that should be OK. The dome has seals and sealant, and we're going to seal all the joins of the walls and bolt holes, so hopefully it should be rain proof.
Carole
i was thinking of it running underneath from the top of the decking
Isn't it screwed and sealed to the decking?
Quotei was thinking of it running underneath from the top of the decking
Hmmm never thought of that, as there are little grooves in the decking.
QuoteIsn't it screwed and sealed to the decking?
It will be screwed to the decking, must add some sealant as well, thanks for bringing that to my attention Fay.
Carole
Well could be worse, have you ever walked on decking on a frosty night?
doesn't have to be frosty for decking to be a slipping hazard, just wet will do the job quite nicely. Are you considering some sort of floor covering, Carole?
I am planning on having floor covering inside, will have to think about something for the outside for when it's wet/frosty, don't want to slip over just as I am getting in as I have to duck anyway.
Carole
Quote from: Carole on Jun 23, 2010, 19:26:32
Don't suppose any-one has got a staple gun I can wack over and borrow this evening (Wednesday). We'll need it for fixing one of the seals on the Dome tomorrow.
Nasty! Stapling seals onto the Dome? That's nearly as cruel as clubbing them to death. Animal Rights campaigners will have a field day!
Quote from: Carole on Jun 23, 2010, 20:50:49
I have to duck anyway.
Two Ducks as well? What is this - a marine-life centre? I hope you're not stapling them as well!
:lol:
Well after another day of hard work we have got the POD up and working. How they can say you can put it up in two hours though, is ridiculous. I did the the assembly all on my own this morning and was joined in the afternoon by my son in law. Being probably the hottest day of the year so far it was pretty exhausting and I was glad to go to the meeting this evening for a break.
Anyway, here it is:
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpfe249622_0f.jpg)
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wpa084075c_0f.jpg)
With the Dome open:
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp865b63cb_0f.jpg)
and lastly, with the Visor installed drinking a glass of wine to celebrate. The visor is a new optional extra which is designed to turn the POD into a slotted dome should you so desire, especially to sheild you from stray lights and my neighbours sometimes do have a glaring light I need sheilding from. You can open and close it as needed.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp3abe76fb_0f.jpg)
Finally I put the top on my pier only to find the pier adapter they supplied does not fit the metal post from the Mount tripod, so I'm not able to use it yet which i am really miffed about. I am hoping the suppliers will sort it out very quickly.
Carole
I like the last picture, it looks like a bar :D
Wow - fully assembled at last!
It suddenly looks very big.
Mark
Well done Carole, it looks great! I am going to have to do a bit of badgering at home!!!!!!
I think it's called Dogging not Badgering.
:D :D :D behave Mike!
I have sent photos of the pier adapter to Altair Astro who I think have supplied me with the EQ6 adapter instead of the EQ5 which is supposed to fit my CG5.
As you can see the hole for the metal post from the CG5 Mount is much smaller than the hole it is supposed to screw into.
(http://carolepope.amateur-astronomy.org/_wp_generated/wp2738d8e8_0f.jpg)
Any-one is welcome to come and have a look (just give me a ring/E mail), but I am planning to have a little Christening do for it in a few weeks time once I have got everything moved in with drinkies and nibbles. You'll like that Mick
QuoteI like the last picture, it looks like a bar
Fay, you could bring your husband to see it, although it might put him off, my husband was a bit shocked at the size of it.
Carole
Can you please wait till after DSC week, I need to complete an image.
Chris
P.S. Nice colour....
Looking good.
I'll arrange a time with you later to pop round next week and get the bits.
It should have cleared up by then.
Might bring Rhonda as she wants to see the size of it.
Mac.
Quotemuch smaller than the hole it is supposed to screw into.
Quotemy husband was a bit shocked at the size of it.
Quoteas she wants to see the size of it.
Hmm there seems to be some truth in the "Size does matter" saying :o
It was a difficult delivery, but it looks like it was worth it :P
All you need now are some clear skies.... :evil:
Lots of funnies there, made me laugh:
QuoteCan you please wait till after DSC week, I need to complete an image.
Quotemuch smaller than the hole it is supposed to screw into.
Quote
my husband was a bit shocked at the size of it.
Quote
as she wants to see the size of it.
Hmmm, it's a wonder pampass grass hasn't been mentioned again.
Altair Astro are sending me another "metal post" which will fit the adapter and hopefully will also fit the mount, fingers crossed.
Carole
They have sent me a metal post instead of another Pier adapter which has arrived and is in fact a piece of bolt, which does fit the adapter. However the bit that the latitude screws has to screw on also has a thread. I have tried it and it does fit, but it is difficult to turn the latitude knobs. It turns part of the way, but not all the way as it does on the tripod.
I am not sure whether this is because the Mount sits into a recess which is about 3/4" deep and is fairly tight, but on the mount there is only a very shallow recess. (and therefore even if I had the right metal post it might still be difficult) or whether it is because this is not really the right thing for the job, and would it because it is threaded wear out my latitude control screws?
It's going to be difficult to do minor adjustments, but once properly polar and drift aligned would not matter, however I might have to use this mount for DSC.
I have told them I regard this as a temporary FIX and sincerely hope there is a proper Mount adapter for the CG5. If not, I've not been fobbed off with this adapter all along (they mentioned that other people have to use the above method).
I guess if all else fails I'll have to get my friend Ian to do some more metal work for me.
Incidentally Ian says if any-one needs any metal work doing he does do this as a side line, although I did tell him I thought most of you could do your own.
Carole
QuoteI am not sure whether this is because the Mount sits into a recess which is about 3/4" deep and is fairly tight, but on the mount there is only a very shallow recess. (and therefore even if I had the right metal post it might still be difficult).
Is this what is making it difficult to turn the knobs ?
If it is, there is very likely a build up of paint or other grot in the recess. Just run your finger round the inside of the recess to feel if its smooth, if it feels a bit lumpy sand paper should take care of it.
QuoteIs this what is making it difficult to turn the knobs ?
I'm not sure, will take a look at it.
Carole
Carole, the azimuth adjusters are probably made from something soft and this is why they bind on the bolt or studding they've sent you. As you now have an example of the correct thread it would probably be best to get Ian to chuck up a piece of 303 stainless and machine a proper pillar.
Went out last night and tried to do a polar alignment, but it was impossible. I ended up having to loosen the top of the pier and rotate it instead of using the latitude knobs. So I'd never be able to do a drift alignment. I think it is actually more to do with the tight fit of the Mount head into the recess.
I have told them today that I want the Pier adapter changed and if they don't have anything more suitable I want my money back and I'll either get one custom made, or take the legs off the CG5 tripod and somehow get that fitted onto the Pier.
I also this morning removed the VISOR from the POD as I can't get on with it, it is just in the way most of the time. Just hope I can sell it as it wasn't cheap.
Carole
QuoteI think it is actually more to do with the tight fit of the Mount head into the recess.
Sandpaper or oil may loosen it
I don't want to bugger about with it in case I am changing it.
I think I should be starting a new thread on this, so will continue on that.
Carole
If it is just excess paint in the recess, they will all probably be the same.
It will have been made so the mount fits inside the recess with a bit of space so it can move (what you want), then they spray it.
If the painter was a bit generous with the paint or there were any runs in the paint, the space will be reduced and tight fitting.
Perhaps you should ask your friend Ian to take a look - at least he should be able to tell you if there is an engineering problem or a finish problem.
I've had things that really will not go on & it was excess paint!
Any new posts re pier problem please onto new thread.
Ta
A couple more pictures:
I've had electrics and Network cables installed this week.
I've moved the Observatory slightly so the Pier is slightly offset to get closer to Zenith towards SSE.
I have now fitted rubber flooring, but my son in law won't fix it down to the decking yet as he wants me to be 100% sure this is where I want to keep it, so floor sealant not yet done, will have to do so before the winter sets in. Still have some rubber floor tiles left if I do decide to change it. N.B. Flooring not finished when I took these photos.
Pier was finally sorted yesterday only 5 1/2 weeks since the delivery! Altair Astro finally delivered a new pier adapter with a threaded insert that would fit my Mount latitude rod. Not without lots of chasing and being ignored.
The bay is big enough to hold all my (current) equipment.
(http://www.caroleastronomy.webspace.virginmedia.com/_wp_generated/wpb1bc343d_0f.jpg)
I'm running all the cables from the scope and Mount through loops on the back of my seat (which I won't move), so I don't trip over them. The power cable runs underneath the seat, as I need power in the bay and at the Mount. RCD Surge protector by Mount and Network cable socket in Bay.
(http://www.caroleastronomy.webspace.virginmedia.com/_wp_generated/wpedc115c0_0f.jpg)
And the fishing net is to catch spiders ?
:lol:
Something strange here.
I replied to Mick's post which posted OK and it's disappeared.
Anyway, to reply again:
QuoteAnd the fishing net is to catch spiders ?
Yes a temporary measure as I had one fall down on a thread in front of me when I was sitting at the laptop.
I now have a better gadget.
Carole
One of these ?
(http://blog.lib.umn.edu/boley011/architecture/flamethrower.jpg)