Observatory Update: Powering Up the Observatory!
Date: Dec 23, 2024
In this update, we talk about pouring the concrete floor!
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NOTICE!
This post shares details for the construction of my Roll-Off-Roof Observatory.
I make NO representations regarding the fitness or soundness of the designs and design decisions discussed or the suitability of the construction details shared.
Use this information at YOUR OWN RISK!
If you decide to build your own version of this project, YOU ASSUME ALL LIABILITY for your efforts and their results.
Earlier Posts in this Series
I have been thinking about building an observatory for a while now. Below are previous posts that have led up to where I am today.
Observatory Update: Roughing In the Electric and Pouring the Slab Floor! Dec 2024
Observatory Update: Building the Structure! Nov 2024
Observatory Update: Laying the Foundation Nov 2024
Observatory Update: Custom Telescope Piers Part 3 - Painted and Complete! Sept 2024
Observatory Project: Breaking Ground! Excavation Complete! Sept 2024
Observatory Project: A Final Update Before We Break Ground! Aug 2024
Observatory Project: Opening The Roof! Aug 2024
Observatory Project: Final Roof Track System Hardware Selection July 2024
Observatory Project: Designing Custom Steel Piers - Part I June 2024
Observatory Project: Galvanic Corrosion and a Change in Track Selection! June 2024
Observatory Update: Designing the Roll-Off-Roof Track System! May 2024
The Move is Complete, Now Pivoting to the Observatory Project! April 2024
An Observatory Project Update: Success! We Just Bought A Property and Will Be Moving! Nov 2023
An Observatory Project Update - One Year In Feb 2023
Goals for my Observatory Project March 2022
Cold Weather
Cold weather and snow have arrived. While this is often welcomed for the Christmas season, it is NOT welcomed when trying to finish off and observatory project!
We ran into a snag: The door to the observatory was 3 inches shorter than desired. Given that I am 6’6” tall, having the tallest door I can fit matters, so I asked that it be replaced. It has been reordered, but it will take about 3 weeks to arrive. The weather will also affect this.
So, the intent is to get the door, wait for a break in the weather, and mobilize the team to finish the project. This will primarily consist of replacing the door, installing the drive system and manual lockdowns, and installing the vinyl siding and trim.
I don't know when that will happen, but the electrical work could continue despite the weather. I was told that they could do the trench and power feed in the snow, and the interior installation was under a roof, so again, it was no problem.
Electrical Planning
As a reminder, below is the plan for the electrical installation:
Since the roof would roll off and there could be heavy dew or even rain, circuits had to be waterproof and GFI-protected.
Run 100 amp service from the house 170 feet to the observatory
Run 3 Ethernet Cat6 lines from the house to the Observatory - one would be used, and the other two would be redundant spares.
Install a Power panel in the observatory
Run one 15 amp circuit to the four piers under the slab
Run a 20 amp line to the NW corner for the roof motor
Run a 20 amp line to the NW corner for the Heater or dehumidifier
Install three switches by the door
One to an outside porch light
One to an LED Red strip light socket
One to an LED White light light socket
Install two four-gang outlets at countertop height on the north wall.
Run one outlet each on the West, East, and South Walls.
Run one outlet on the outside of the South Wall.
Here is the floor plan with the power installations marked with red boxes. The blue box is for a mesh WiFi router node.
The Video
The best way to review the work done in this phase it to go over my YouTube video on thi,s which can be seen here:
Stay tuned for the next progress update!
In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
