Originally Posted by James Gort
Hi Kiwi,
I do have some experience making domes, so I'll try to give the best advice I can. Of course, you can do it (build 2 - 2m domes), but first, there's a few questions along with my suggestions.
1) Why do you want two domes? Do you have two scopes, and there's no space for an additional dome? Will 2m be big enough for your current or planned scopes?
2) In what direction is the longer (5m) side oriented - N/S or E/W? Because having two domes next to each other WILL cut off part of the sky visible from each dome. That's an important consideration.
3) What is your budget? You can buy two commercial 2m domes, but that's pretty expensive. It's much cheaper to make them or to convert a hemispherical dome (or silo).
4) Make sure you can make very stable bases for your mounts, well sunk into the ground, and isolated from the observatory floor.
5) Now, my experience. I couldn't afford commercial domes, so I bought a 3m and a 6.1m hemispherical (architectural) domes made from galvalume panels from a company here in Canada specializing in those items. Fairly cheap. Not sure if similar things are available in the Netherlands. The main difficulty was in constructing the bi-parting shutters. If you go that route, I would make sure you have access to welding equipment. "Up and Over" doors are probably easier to fabricate, but I like the look of bi-parting shutters.
So, good luck. Hope it turns out well for you.
Cheers,
James Gort
Kiwi
Thanks for mail James ... just like the idea to have 2 dome,s ... have a super beautiful 4inch telescope
off 102mm 1500mm,
my telescope friend is into old telescopes he says i have the nicest polarex telescope of the netherlands
yes think to make my self dome !!!! to keep the cost down, but I have expensive taste ,,,, hahaha ^_=
by the way you have a picture of your Dome
thank you James was fun and intrasand