Skyshed POD

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Very soon after I started my astrophotography journey I knew I wanted some sort of observatory. An observatory would allow me to setup once and hopefully leave my gear in place and in a weather tight area.

After researching for quite some time I went with the Skyshed POD. I really liked the great reviews from around the globe, the easy and quick opening and rotation of the dome and finally the support received from the PODs creator, Wayne Parker. Wayne and his team are highly respected and active in the astro community and I would highly recommend you check them out if you are interested in a backyard observatory for your astro equipment.

Deciding on the Skyshed POD was the first step in a long journey. Next I had to sort out where it would be placed allowing for the best views of the night sky as well as maintain some sense of security. So I know where I will put the POD but put it on what? Shoud I pour a pad for it out of concrete or build a raised floating deck? Either option has it’s pros and cons and in the end I settled on the raised floating deck.

Setting the location for the platform and the POD. This took the most time to decide
Digging the 12″ diameter hole for the sonotube that would eventually become the concrete pier
Setting the rebar
2″ soil then 22″ rock…not fun
Sonotube braced for the concrete and the bucket I used to fill it
Thank you Jon for lending me the mixer!
Didn’t have to but I made sure everything was level as it went
Sonotube topped off with concrete
let it set just a bit before I set the template in place with the 12″ long j-bolts for the pier adapter
You can see the template and the bolts here with the pier adapter in place
After a day I removed the sonotube and template
Getting the leveling nuts in place to finally set the pier adapter once and for all
Kept checking for level and looking good
After 3 weeks of letting the concrete set I put the EQ6r-pro on the adapter
Once done with the pier I started on placing the posts for the 12’x12′ platform that the Skyshed POD would eventually sit on
Joists and bracing being set
Checking for level again and again
Once all joists and bracing were in place I set bug netting over it and beneath where the floor boards would be to try and keep the POD as pest free as possible
Looking like it is all coming together
Slowly but surely
All deck boards on and now time to move the POD over
Didn’t get pictures as I moved the POD and put it together but here it is all set and bolted down
Sealed the gap between the pier and the platform to keep critters out
Of course had to get power out there
Adelaide approves
GT71 in the POD

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