Finishing Touches

I decided early on that I would lay hard wearing carpet in the observatory as it would both improve the general insulation from the ground and also act as a cushion should any eyepieces be dropped. One member of the Society (South East Kent Astronomical Society) jokingly commented that the carpet was better than they had in their living room!

An important moment - the tube and optics are brought down to the observatory for the first time.

 Tony (right) assisting with the fine balance of the system by making small adjustments to the position of the counter weights.

The telescope proved extremely sensitive to improper balance, as I initially had considerable problems with "backlash". However, several hours spent in fine adjustment of the two 40lb counter weights and worm block did improve things somewhat. While not perfect (there is still some backlash to eliminate) the scope is now very usable. In my humble opinion, the RA drive that comes with the system is sadly not really up to the job (it works but only just).

The black corner moldings were made from tongue and groove that has been routed. 

In total the observatory cost approximately £1,500 to build. This is more than I had originally intended to spend, but in return I have got a solid structure that hopefully will last for many years to come.

A high view of the observatory, looking west, with the roof and doors in their closed position.