The observatory, it consisted of the hexagonal base, plus several odd bits and pieces of PVC tubing along with what was left of the canvas dome. It was pretty rotted out, but there was just enough left that could be used as a pattern for a new one. Also the green staining helped me reverse engineer how the PVC tubing was supposed to be assembled (this was before I came across the manual a few years later).
A few weeks into the millennia I received the tarp covering and was ready to complete the dome as best I could in the winter. At that time I had a large 8"-f/7.5 scope that didn't fit too well in the dome. Shortly afterwards I purchased a Meade LX-10 which worked much better.
Once spring arrived I was able to build a proper floor for it, and I even gave it a new coat of paint.
In retrospect, I am glad I ended up with a dome as opposed to a roll-off roof type observatory. The wind can be quite severe here and of course the winters can be cold with temperatures a low as -25 C. The dome provides a great windshield (unless the wind is coming from where you want to look). I had many great observing sessions in that building on nights where I might not otherwise venture out.
This observatory served me well until about 2003 when the tarp material deteriorated.
Once spring arrived I was able to build a proper floor for it, and I even gave it a new coat of paint.
In retrospect, I am glad I ended up with a dome as opposed to a roll-off roof type observatory. The wind can be quite severe here and of course the winters can be cold with temperatures a low as -25 C. The dome provides a great windshield (unless the wind is coming from where you want to look). I had many great observing sessions in that building on nights where I might not otherwise venture out.
This observatory served me well until about 2003 when the tarp material deteriorated.