Posts Made By: David Cox

Hello all,

I've started looking into building a Home Observatory for imaging purposes.

I'm not in a tax bracket that allows me to do everything all at once "top of the line", so...

Is there a logical way to incrementally add pieces over time, or is it better to save and do it all at once?

What do you wish you'd known prior to building your own?

How much over budget did you go?

What is your experience with the Exploradome brand?

Thanks,
Dave Cox

Everyone,

Thanks for the great information. I really have to keep reminding myself to ask questions on these forums.
I have a tendancy to re-invent the wheel instead of learning from others.

I think that good sequence for a prolonged observation build is:

1. Put in a pier and power with a bag over it(after setting up my equipment as a test for locations)
2. Build a deck around it (plus temporary shelter)
3. Get a 8' round ED
4. Interior build out (computer, chair, network, cable, mini bar...)
5. Dome rotation automation
6. Shutter automation / cloud sensor / planning/automation software

Am I missing anything obvious? I know each of the steps has multiple planning stages, but as an overview what have I forgotten?

Thanks again,
Dave Cox

Your images are exactly why people get into this obsession. I still can't believe that this level of beauty & technical skill are obtainable from this pebble we inhabit. All I keep saying to myself is - he did it, so it’s possible.