Part I The Roll-Off Roof Observatory
1The Benefi ts of a Permanent Observatory ........................................................................ 3
Pros and Cons: The Dome Versus the Roll-Off Roof ........................................................... 4
Roll-Off Roof Variations: The Sky Is the Limit.................................................................... 5
Observatory Kits and Complete Observatory Fabricators .................................................... 11
Other Types of Roll-Off Roof Observatories ........................................................................ 15
Observing Sheds ................................................................................................................... 21
2Observatory Design Considerations .................................................................................. 33
Size and Internal Space Required ......................................................................................... 33
Advantages of a Roll-Off Roof Observatory ........................................................................ 36
Questions to Ask Before You Begin ..................................................................................... 36
Overall Site Requirements .................................................................................................... 38
Zoning: The Surrounding Land Use ..................................................................................... 41
Zoning: Limitations on Your Own Property ......................................................................... 42
Ownership Versus Leasing .................................................................................................... 43
Comparison of Roll-Off Roof and Domed Observatories .................................................... 44
The Prestige of Ownership .................................................................................................... 45
3Options for Foundation Types and Laying Out the Observatory “Footprint” ............. 47
Slab Footing Versus Sono Tube Footings ............................................................................. 47
Preparing the Site and Orienting the Observatory ................................................................ 48
Measuring and Squaring the Building Footprint .................................................................. 49
Note ....................................................................................................................................... 50
4Fabricating the Telescope Pier ........................................................................................... 51
Combining a Concrete Pier Footing with Upper Metal Pier ................................................. 53
Full Length Concrete Pier ..................................................................................................... 54
Notes ..................................................................................................................................... 61
5Preparing the Footings and the Observatory Floor ......................................................... 63
The Concrete Slab Floor ....................................................................................................... 63
The Sono-Tube Footings Floor ............................................................................................. 68
Observatory Floor Framing ................................................................................................... 71
Combining a Poured Cement Observatory Floor with Sono-Tube
Footings Under the Gantry .................................................................................................... 73
Converting the Gantry Section into an Outdoor Patio .......................................................... 73
Installing the Floor ................................................................................................................ 74
6Framing the Walls ............................................................................................................... 77
Constructing and Erecting the Walls ..................................................................................... 77
Choosing, Locating, and Installing a Door ........................................................................... 81
Installing the Metal Pier Top ................................................................................................. 84
7Framing the Gantry Section .............................................................................................. 89
8Fabricating the Track and Base Plate ............................................................................... 93
Installing the Track ............................................................................................................... 95
Alternative Track Designs ..................................................................................................... 97
Track Ends and Stops ............................................................................................................ 98
9Framing the Roof ................................................................................................................ 101
The Assembly Process .......................................................................................................... 101
Construction of the Caster Plate ........................................................................................... 101
Calculating the Rafter Lengths ............................................................................................. 102
Framing Sequence (Layout of the Rafters on the Caster Plate) ............................................ 103
Further Reading .................................................................................................................... 109
10Applying the Steel Roofi ng ................................................................................................. 111
Tools and Equipment ............................................................................................................ 113
Applying the Sheet Steel ....................................................................................................... 113
11Applying Exterior Siding and Interior Wall sheathing ................................................... 117
Exterior Siding ...................................................................................................................... 117
Gable Vents and Fan Systems ............................................................................................... 118
Interior Wall Sheathing ......................................................................................................... 120
12Final Luxuries ..................................................................................................................... 123
A Winch System for Opening and Closing the Roof ............................................................ 123
Comfort Items ....................................................................................................................... 124
Part II The Dome Observatory
13Dome Design Materials and Construction Methods ........................................................ 129
Design and Construction Considerations .............................................................................. 129
Commonly Used Materials and Construction Techniques .................................................... 131
An Outstanding Dome Design .............................................................................................. 139
The Warm Room Addition .................................................................................................... 141
Overall Site Requirements .................................................................................................... 144
14Commercial Models and Kits............................................................................................. 149
The SkyShed POD and POD MAX ...................................................................................... 149
The Pulsar Observatory and Technical Innovations ‘Home Dome’ Observatories .............. 156
15Plans and Construction Steps Toward Building a Dome Observatory .......................... 165
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 165
Basic Observatory Parts List ................................................................................................. 166
Fabricating the Metal Pier ..................................................................................................... 167
Site Preparation, Pouring the Concrete Base, Pier and Floor Slab ....................................... 169
Framing the Cylindrical Base, Walls, and Pre-hung Entry Door .......................................... 172
Fabricating the Track and V-Groove Caster Assembly ......................................................... 176
Preparing the Dome Framework, Roller Bending and Welding Requirements .................... 184
Assembly of the Dome and Applying the Aluminum Panels ............................................... 186
Construction of the Slot Door Frame, Slot Door, and its Wheels ......................................... 195
Construction of the Elevated Observing Floor ..................................................................... 204
Lifting the Dome onto the Track, Securing the Dome, and Adding the Skirt ....................... 211
Weather proofing the Structure .............................................................................................. 216
Final Luxuries and Interior Fixtures ..................................................................................... 217
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 223
Appendix ...................................................................................................................................... 225
End Notes ..................................................................................................................................... 229
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... 233
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 243
