From: Mark Gaffney <markgaffney@mac.com>
Date: April 5, 2009 6:54:23 AM MDT
To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] shed observatories...
Hi Ray, Astro Domes, the other Australian mob I priced this time last year are even more expensive- at $14,524 AUD for the cheapest option! I`m still waiting on Explora Dome (they`ll still be cheapest I`m thinking)-about shipping- it`ll be Sunday morning there now I expect. It`s looking like I`ll have to be satisfied with a new base to start with. (be it concrete or decking I don`t know yet). I`ll get myself a Telegizmous scope cover (at around $265 AUD) in the meantime & rely upon GEM 4.16 & "All Star" for polar alignment if I have to move the scope, again. Then I`ll have to start saving! I want a new Intel Mac Mini this year too! I have a CG-5 mount & the new southern hemisphere fixes have recently been posted with GEM 4.16. I haven`t had a chance to use it yet because of rain ( apart from checking the basic slews are right, now- inside) & still another week of rainy weather is forecast here at least! Thanks for the link but I think 2246 pounds is going to be $4600-700 AUD without postage even if they will ship here!? Mark.
On 05/04/2009, at 9:07 PM, Ray Byrne wrote:
Hi Mark,
Yes it was Sirius, Wow they're pricey I see why you're looking at Explorer Dome. The dome I'm getting is demonstrator from the showroom of the Astronomy & Nature Centre, I work as their design and marketing bloke so they are doing me a deal. It normally costs £2246 but I'm getting it 1/2 price although I'm paying £200+ for delivery and installation. Here's a link to the spec on their site I don't know if they deliver to Aus they probably do
<http://www.pulsar-optical.co.uk/prod/observatories/2.1metre-options/full-heightnewdesign.html>
On 4 Apr 2009, at 21:45, Mark Gaffney wrote:
Hi Ray, It`s not Sirius is it? I priced their basic dome & runners at $4,180(2.3m home Model) & $7,320 for the basic Home Model with walls (without motors etc.) (that`s AUD). The basic dome from Explora is $1414 USD or around $1977 AUD & the dome with 8' round building is $2467 USD or $3450 AUD (motors etc extra). So you can see it`s $3450(Explora dome) compared to $7320(Sirius Home Model) for a walled structure in Australian $. Mark.
On 05/04/2009, at 5:44 AM, Ray Byrne wrote:
Hi Mark I'm sure there is a really good manufacturer of observatory domes in Aus. I can't remember the name off-hand but their domes look really first class. I've got a dome coming in about 3 weeks I'll tell you guys all about it!
On 4 Apr 2009, at 18:54, Mark Gaffney wrote:
Hey Dale, I just looked at your observatory design & construction. That`s an interesting movie of the dome tracking the scope! I`ve emailed Explora Dome to see if they`ll ship to Australia. It`s Sunday morning here so I guess you guys are still in the middle of your weekend. Pouring cats & dogs here again..! Mark.
On 04/04/2009, at 1:37 PM, Dale J Martin wrote:
Mark,
Have you looked at the ExploraDome <http://www.explora-dome.com/>? Take a look at my DIY observatory design here.
Your mom might like aesthetics and it doesn't break the bank!
Regards,
Dale
On Apr 3, 2009, at 7:21 PM, Mark Gaffney wrote:
Hi Milton, I`ve sent that plan for a roll top shed to my brother Luke
who`s currently building a $2,000,000 shed in Innisfail north
Queensland! He`s obviously the guy to talk to about it & has promised
his help when he`s finished this monster shed in July. The problem now
is persuading my mother it can go in the garden out the front. Maybe a
colourbond or zinalum one in a nice colour?! She was quite sold on the
Sirius Observatory for aesthetics. I`d have to mortgage my life for
the next 3 years to afford that, though! Here`s the page on my iWeb
site relating to the observatory..
http://web.mac.com/markgaffney/iWeb/Site/Photos%2010.html
I notice that design you sent was from Australia; Hunter`s Hill in
Sydney in fact where my grandmother used to live! Mark.
ATB
Ray Byrne
in4media | graphic and website DESIGN
T: 01793 435704
ATB
Ray Byrne
in4media | graphic and website DESIGN
T: 01793 435704