Lance Hill Observatory

LHO Construction Details

In response to my article in the June 1998 issue of Sky and Telescope about QuickCam imaging, a number of people have e-mailed me asking about how I built my observatory, and if I had plans that I could share with them. So I have decided to include here some basic information about my back yard observatory.

First, I would refer anyone who is interested to Rob West's fine article in the May 1997 issue of Sky and Telescope - it was the inspiration for my project. The only significant departure from his design is the fact that my roof rolls off to the side of the structure. This is achieved by constructing two simple tracks, and by mounting the roof on four casters (two at the top, two at the bottom). See the photos below for a look:

This is a photo of the finished 8' x 10' structure. The lower wall to the front is about 4.5 feet high and faces due south. The back wall (north) is about seven feet tall, and the tracks supporting the roll-off roof extend to the west.

Here is a better view of the support tracks for the roof when it is in the open position. In its closed position (shown) four turnbuckles inside the structure lock down the roof from any movement.

This view shows the roof in the fully open position.

The casters are mounted within the frame for the roof, and ride inside a simple track made from galvanized steel.

The telescope is mounted on a 6" diameter steel well casing that is set firmly in a large concrete footing. A custom made steel plate is welded to the top of the casing, with appropriately spaced bolts for mounting my telescope wedge. A small hole in the center of the plate allowed me to fill the pier with sand to dampen any vibrations. The floor of the observatory consists of patio brick.

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