Re: Can my roof hold the weight ?


On 8-Nov-2005, dthompson4389@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (DT) wrote:

> Exactly. any roof is WAY too bouncy for a telescope mount, and your roof is
> very lightly built by roof standards, with only 2x6's on 24" centers. Look
> around the web for home built scope articles, they all use large concrete
> foundations.
>
> If the roof is the only suitable spot for viewing, you will need to add
> something like vertical posts embedded in concrete and mount the platform on
> top of them to isolate it from the building. Of course, then you give up space
> in the garage due to the posts.

You need to isolate the platform from the building so that the building
doesn't have to carry the high loads. It is also a good idea to isolate
the telescope pier from the platform. I know folks that have built a thick
pier for the telescope and separate columns to hold up the platform. The
platform, dome etc are not connected to the pier except through the
foundation/soil. The telescope pier should be well damped to avoid
vibrations.

If you're going to put up a fiberglass dome, you will eventually keep
adding telescopes and other gear. The weight adds up fast.

If you are going to go to that much trouble, I would caution against
actually building the dome on the existing building. Thermal effects
will mess up your seeing - better to build a stand-alone telescope
dome if you have the land.

Mike
.

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