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There are several observatory structures available to the amateur astronomer. Most advertisements for domes and roll-offs that show prices, run from $3,000 to $5,000 and up, depending on size (plus shipping/packing charges). We have seen all the types, and nearly all the brands and models, with the possible exception of the research-level University grade which would invoke a requirement for a Federal grant to purchase. For a backyard situation, a roll-off roof arrangement has an edge over a dome structure in that it offers ‘visual freedom’ and the absence of a thermal ‘chimney effect’. And although a rounded dome is proven to withstand sustained high wind gusts better than a flat-walled structure, we have yet to witness or be informed of a roll-off that was blown away in a storm. In general, we much prefer the roll-off type over a dome for a backyard structure. Besides – no matter what you try, there is no way a dome can be disguised as a neighborhood-friendly garden shed!
So what’s involved in building a roll-off roof observatory? Is it difficult? Are plans available? How do you know what materials to get? What size footprint is required for the entire structure? What if 6 feet by 8 feet isn’t big enough for your needs? Maybe you’d prefer a 10’x14′? What if you want two piers inside instead of one?
The folks at NorthSheds Roll-Off Observatories offer their versatile SkyShed as either a ready-made kit or as a project you build from their plans on a CD-ROM. Price for the Plans-CD is $59.95 USD.
What’s included?
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Isolated view from CD animation |
To start with, there are six complete sets of plans, for structures of six different sizes, from 6’x6′ to 10’x14′. All the plans are adaptable to roll either left or right to suit your taste or situation. Another option offers instructions for either end or side-entry. In addition, there are over a hundred step-by-step construction photos with text overlays to explain the entire build-process. An included utility called an “eDrawing viewer” allows you to rotate, pan, zoom and print any construction detail or feature. Everything is augmented with tons of color photos showing major or tricky construction details. Of course there are also printable step-by-step instructions in .txt format (i.e., notepad). A complete list of materials and lumber sizes is included for each configuration, plus tips on what types of hardware to look for, and which to avoid.
NorthSheds also manufactures telescope piers of outstanding quality. Included on the CD are plans for these excellent piers, which you can print-out and take to a metal-fab shop. You will then have a sturdy, no-nonsense, high caliber observatory pier. We really liked the included eDrawing utility. It was merely a fun-thing at first, but it soon revealed itself as a powerful tool for displaying details, and for viewing featured steps or panels from all angles. You won’t be left wondering how something looks “from the other side”, or what you’ll drill into if you decide to install a light switch, a fan port, or a thermostat.
Naturally, they’ve included a plentiful supply of tips and hints to smooth your way through the process, and just to ensure that you don’t miss out on any updates or modifications, they give you a password for access to downloadable upgrades for life! These upgrades will include additional plan sets, general information, and tips passed along by other owner/builders like yourself. Plus, you get a company Newsletter/periodical e-mailed to you on a regular basis that updates you on what’s new, what’s happening, and what’s interesting.
Special features
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3D graphics |
A picture is always worth at least a thousand words. A THREE DIMENTIONAL picture is priceless! We especially appreciated the 3D graphics that the viewer renders in animated sequence (similar to a pricey CAD program). There is no substitute for illustrations or examples, especially where questions like “How does it fit?” or even “How does it LOOK?” are concerned. With these plans there are no doubts. There’s a toolbar across the top of the screen which includes (among other things) a Zoom feature. You can see things here about as well as you could if you were holding them in your hand. The 3D feature alone is worth the price of admission, and within a format such as this, the advantage is clearly unparalleled.
Final analysis
We have seen plans that were pretty good. We have seen a few that were a notch above the rest. We have even seen some that were less expensive and nicely rendered. Until we obtained this CD, and until we saw these plans, there were a few that could be rated as Top Choices. In fact, we regularly utilize a structure that was made using one of them. But in the final analysis, there are clear advantages offered by the SkyShed CD plans, not the least of which are the ease of viewing them and the stark simplicity offered by three dimentional graphics. Skills required? Basically, with these excellent plans, if you can drive a nail straight, and you can read a tape-measure and a bubble on carpenter’s level, then you qualify as a Roll-Off Observatory builder. There is another ‘advantage-point’ to the SkyShed product line of which we regularly make an issue. It’s called “Customer Support and Satisfaction”. We give the people at SkyShed extremely high marks for these attributes. SkyShed co-creator Wayne Parker has been a veritable workhorse with providing support and fostering friendships on the astronomy scene and in the industry. His unique approach to answering questions, and providing cordial guidance to past customers as well as to potential buyers earns him a level of respectability that’s an essential requirement for the advancement of any successful product.
The SkyShed Plans on CD is a definite Top Rated product, not only on our list of Bang-for-the-Buck items, but also in the category of World Class quality. Their website is full of useful information, and is a great example of ‘quick information’ and effortless navigation.
If you’re thinking of building a backyard observatory, or if you’re just ‘plinking’ at the notion, we recommend the SkyShed plans, even if for nothing more than browsing for ideas or knowledge. And if you do decide to build, then this handy set of plans, along with its useful tools, will provide a highly accurate resource from which to accomplish it. There are lots of ways that you can spend sixty bucks. Very few of them would get you more for your money.
theBelmontsociety
Filed under: Astronomy Software
