Mini observatory project

MINI OBSERVATORY PROJECT - UPDATE Based on some of the questions I have received, I thought I would post that this project was undertaken as my time is limited (as I'm sure is true with many of us). And I wanted to clarify my thought process behind a small box instead of a custom shed. Being new to the hobby but a lifelong devotee, I found so much time and effort being spent during setup, spot shower rolling in, tearing down...rinse, repeat, etc. Learning curve for all the AP equipment, etc. etc. Funds were somewhat limited and I had to do all the work myself. Bless whomever invented wood clamps! I wanted to create a situation where on a friday night, I could go out, take my time and PA the mount, get all the balancing and calibrations done with Starsense, then guide scope, then practice with all the gadgets. Then when I'm tired, I dont have to tear down anything, but simply walk out, power down the gear, close the roof, then go to bed. The next night, all i have to do is open the roof, power on the gear and play some more. If the weather will be clear for several days, no need to tear down. Just close and lock the roof. If nasty weather is in the forecast, I may bring the OTA and electronics in. Maybe all of it, maybe none of it if the construction remains sound thru bad weather (sideways rain, 80mph winds, etc. We will see. It's been more of a personal project than an attempt to design the perfect mini observatory. All will be controlled from inside the house. So the physical size of the observatory is only relevant to ensure the scope OTA is clear and can rotate freely. And be rigid enough not to shake at less than 20mph winds. Only the future will tell how it get adjusted and redesigned. But to me, that is all part of the fun. MINI OBSERVATORY PROJECT DAY TEN - CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE With the exception of some more strategically placed wood treatment, some better door latch hardware, and anything that comes up during use to make it better. This construction project is done. For never doing any wood working other than hanging a shelf or two, I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out. I'm chomping at the bit to load up the AVX, 8se, and the rest of the gear, but need to wait for all the treatments to dry and the compacted earth to settle so I can do final levelling. If anyone is interested in something similar, here are the materials used. Six 4'x8'x3/4" sheets of plywood Eighteen 2"x4"x8' boards 1lb 3" wood screws 1lb 1 3/4" wood screws 48" industrial grade drawer slides Door Hinges Door Latch Leveling feet One bundle of shingles and underlayment One gallon Wood Defender Stain About 40 hours of labor. Just me. No plans or design other than what was in my head and changed on the fly. I hope y'all have enjoyed my postings and I didn't overdo it. Hopefully my next postings will be of things in the heavens instead of my garage and backyard. Clear Skies All!