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[Al Degutis]

I've been going stir-crazy for the last few months. Thanks to the weather (i.e. clouds AND sub-freezing temps) and a busy work/family life I've not set up my telescope outside. My wife suggested we take a star gazing vacation next winter to an astronomy bed and breakfasts and/or resort. Instead, I'm considering taking the money we'd spend on that trip and extending my deck, adding a permanent pier and "housing" for my 8" SCT. That way, I could go out and be up and running in 10-15 minutes instead of 30-45 minutes it takes me now to haul it all outside and set up (not to mention the take down process).

Last year I saw an article in (I believe) Sky and Telescope about a shed that was set up to roll up to (and around) a deck mounted telescope. Since my property doesn't have a good spot at ground level for an observatory, a deck location makes the most sense. Looking online I found the following:

www.noomoon.com/noomainastroOH.htm

BINGO.

As the spring thaw arrives (eventually), I'll be researching this project to make sure it'll work (e.g. the septic tank isn't right where I want to dig out the base of the pier, etc). I saw a post on the Cloudy Nights forum where a gentleman did the same thing and post updates as he went along. That thread has a lot of good info on what can go wrong.

So, since many of you are in the Chicagoland area I may be asking for volunteers to help with the manual labor. Plus I'd appreciate those skilled in putting up a deck, working with cement, etc. I'll provide the food, refreshments and dark skies if we're not exhaust.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. More on this later.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Al,

It's great that you are planning that observatory that you have been thinking about for about as long as I have known you.

Considering schedules of course, I will certainly lend a hand in constructing the project.

We have one building his own 12.5 dob, another building an observatory and at least three members getting or received new telescopes.

The Chicago Astronomers are on the move!

[Al Degutis]

During the last month, I've been working on the plan for the deck-top observing station (named Stargate by my wife). The general plan is:

• Extend the deck another 12' eastward
  
• Since the deck is 8' off the ground, I'll need to set a concrete pad in a hole that is 42"x42"42"
  
• The telescope pier extending from the concrete pad to the bottom of the deck will be made of stacked chimney blocks reinforced with rebar for added stability
  
• Attached to the lower pier will be a wooden pier to hold the telescope
  
• A shed-type structure will be build on casters to enclose the telescope which will be rolled away when I want to access the scope.
  

The details, images, sketches, etc here:
skyinsight.net/r/?a=myobs

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Great that you have it all planned out and set up on your site so that we all can follow along as the project builds.

I have my own hole digging projects too now, but none of an astronomical nature. How are you going to dig the 4x4x4' hole?

[Al Degutis]

Chicago said:

I have my own hole digging projects too now, but none of an astronomical nature. How are you going to dig the 4x4x4' hole?

I'm contracting that out. I estimated the cost of mixing and pouring the cement myself at around $500. I got two quotes from recommended contractors and one will dig all three holes (using a bobcat for the 4'x4'x4') and pour the concrete for $800. The $300 difference is more than the medical savings of me throwing out my back trying to dig that hole. And this contractor was recommended by a neighbor who is also a fellow astronomer.

As for your holes, I don't think you'll find gold on your property.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Lol...

Where I'm at now, was the city of Chicago's western boundry in 1834.

What I have found in the past were: Turn of the century shoes, lots of pottery, alcohol - cologne - medicine & food bottles and canisters, coins, animal bones and a lot of my old forgotton childhood toys closer to the surface. Lots and lots of marbles.

And your right...No gold....

[Al Degutis]

We officially broke ground on the project on May 17, 2005. The footings for the deck extension and the foundation for the pier were dug out and concrete was poured:

Pictures:
www.skyinsight.net/wiki/index.php?title=Lower_Pier_Foundation_and_Deck_Footings

Entire project:
www.skyinsight.net/r/?a=myobs

Weather permitting the deck extension and the lower pier will go up Memorial weekend (5/28/2005 - 5/30/2005).

[Maddad]

Quite a project you've got going there, Al. Color me impressed!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

It is certainly fortuitous that your contractor is also an astronomer. He will make sure that all is just right for your scope, and give that extra time and precision.

It is a great endeavor you have undertaken...quite cool!... ;D

[Al Degutis]

I bought the lumber yesterday and the 16 foot decking boards that wouldn't fit in my pickup truck are going to be delivered today. I have the rest of the lumber so we (my brother and two nephews) can begin working on the deck extension. All that lumber and the 12 bags of 80# concrete mix for the telescope pier made my pickup into a low rider... at least for a few hours.

More details on the project to follow this weekend. Stay tuned...

[stargazer]

Post pics as you go. We would all like to see it.

Becky

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I like the smell of fresh cut lumber, the sound of the circular saw and the embrace of a tool belt around my waist. Not too long ago, I was hauling 80# bags of concrete for the foundation piers to my garage. Arrgh!

Al is on his way! What a cool project. Gonna write your initials on the cement? I usually press our handprints in it and date it.

Becks, visit Al's site, as he has the progesss pics posted already...along with the plans.

[Al Degutis]

Here's the latest info on the StarGate project...

Lower telescope pier completed:
www.skyinsight.net/wiki/index.php?title=Lower_Pier_Construction

Deck extension started but ran across some instabilities so I had to break it down to add a few additional footings.
www.skyinsight.net/wiki/index.php?title=Constructing_Deck_Extension

Hopefully within the next week I'll reattach the beams, add the joists and lay the decking. We've scheduled painters to come and paint the entire house and deck on starting on July 5th so I have to have this completed by then. Believe me I want to have it done as soon as possible.

Full project:
skyinsight.net/r?a=myobs

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I'm breaking a sweat just reading about it! A big project indeed, but when you are out there in your observation area on a rock steady perch, it will all be worth it.

And your wife must care a great deal about you and your project to get more cement.

[Al Degutis]

admin said:

And your wife must care a great deal about you and your project to get more cement.

Very much so. In fact, she's funding 75% of the project with her bonus. I'm very fortunate to have her support.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

In all of my significant relationships in the past, only ONE was as ethusiastic in astronomy as I am.

Too bad.

Fortunate are the ones who have found an astro partner.

[Maddad]

I may have. Was cleaning out my old email, finally deciding to actually read some of the 125 megabytes of mostly trash. I've been at it a week, whittled it down to a svelt 109 megs. Found a three year old message from a friend asking me to get back in contact with her. I called her up right away, explaining how I liked to be prompt and all. Turns out she didn't bash me over the head, and likes star watching as well. Claims to live near some dark skies in Oklahoma, far from any city lights.

[Al Degutis]

More progress over the weekend. I had hoped to get a lot more done but Saturday I was tied up helping move some furniture for my in-laws and got home just in time for the rain. I put in an exhausting 7 hours in the heat and humidity on Sunday.

Here's the latest update and pictures, including a slight wobble issue I need to address:

www.skyinsight.net/wiki/index.php?title=Constructing_Deck_Extension

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Good on the progress, but the wobble is disturbing.

Are those 4x4's holding up the deck? I think the additional bracing would be required...and I would do the additional post in the center, a 6x6 this time. It would anchor the deck and the posts on either side nicely. As the wood ages, it will shrink and what was once tight can become lossefitting. How did you attach all the pieces together? If you used lag bolts or bolt and nut combo, then you can "tune" up the deck eack season to coax it into a solid piece.

Bracing being the ugly beast it is, perhaps you can use the space under the deck as a tool/garden shed.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Here from the yahoo group "Roll off roofs", one member used oil to stabilize his pier...

As regards to dampening your pier. I had a phone
conversation with someone regarding pier dampening and the fellow in
question told me that he dampened his steel pier by not only filling
it with sand but filling it with oil afterwards.

With only the sand for dampening he said his pier had hardly any
vibration but after he was advised to use oil, he reduced the
vibration to virtually nil.

A 12" x 36" steel pier full to the top with sand had enough air
between the granules to still take 25litres of oil.

He reckons that as regards to dampening, this is the best pier he has
made to date.


I'm sure you read about this already, but it's certainly interesting.

[Al Degutis]

Approximately 80 labor hours later (60 hours for me, 20 for my helpers which included my bother, nephew and wife), the deck extension was completed over the weekend. Just in time too. The painters started yesterday so everything, the whole house and the deck, will get fresh coats of paint.

Here are some before and after pictures:
www.skyinsight.net/wiki/?title=Final_Deck_Pictures

Oh yeah, the wobble/sway/shear issue was addressed with the two additional supports at the end of the deck extention. A very solid extension.

Next up I need to work on the wooden pier for my wedge plus telescope. That will be followed by the telescope enclosure. I pray the telescope enclosure does not take another 60-80 hours.

[bmeyer]

Al,
Congrats on one heck of a nice looking deck and post. I can't tell you how envious I am. Envious of the deck and not the 80 hours of work and the cost in beer for the helpers . Now about that 24" SCT your gonna put there....

[Al Degutis]

Hi Bill.

Thanks! It was tough as at least half of the time was spent working on very hot and humid days.

I do appreciate your donation of the 24" scope. When are you going to deliver it? ;D

I've been spending a few minutes here and there working on the upper pier (the one the scope will sit on). It's a simple wood design (can't afford the commercial steel piers). Made good progress:

A few more and full-size pictures here:
www.skyinsight.net/wiki/index.php?title=Final_Deck_Pictures#First_upper_pier_pictures

Bill since you're in Arlington Heights, which is just an hour from my home, let me know when you want to enjoy some nice dark skies. Your 90mm will do well out here.

[Rocketman]

You did a very nice job there Al. Looks like you brought home half of Home Depot. Nice place you got there too.

Well done! ;D

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Al oleman!,

Look at it come all together!

Are those leveling bubbles I see on the pier?

Al indeed has a nice dark sky spread. I was fortunate enough to spend a great observational session last October there and still remember the experience. He had it all planned out for us, (about 12 Chicago Astronomers), and a gracious host.

Perhaps another one in the fall... eh Al?

[Al Degutis]

admin said:

Are those leveling bubbles I see on the pier?

Good work Eagle-eye Joe! Yes, I mounted the top plates, the wedge, leveled it, snapped pictures (with the bubble levels in place) and ran inside before being devoured by mosquitos. Thank goodness they're coming tomorrow to spray the blood banditos away!

I was fortunate enough to spend a great observational session last October there and still remember the experience.

Perhaps another one in the fall... eh Al?

It would be my pleasure! With any luck, my neighbor Dave will have his 18" Dob completed and be able to join us.

[Rocketman]

More gibberish above. Time to IP ban!