One thing to not gloss over about the SkyShed observatories is that they are made from plastic which makes them low maintenance. No repainting the outside every few years. No wood rot. No insects to damage the structure. A great thing to have for a club. The astronomy club that I am a member of purchased a used SkyShed observatory a few years ago. The owner even let us take the wood deck he made for it. From your video, I did not know about off-centering the dome on the pier. That is something that we should have done with the club observatory. We use the observatory currently for visual astronomy during public star parties. Prior to the pandemic, we've had up to 6 adults inside the observatory at once. Thanks for the tour of your observatory; it looks great!
You are the one who inspired me to get into this hobby after one of your videos showed up on my feed. A year and a half later after doing a ton of research and learning I have begun to take pictures. You have been such an inspiration to me and to have your signed RASA would be nothing short of a dream come true. I am sure whoever receives this will feel the same. Thank you for all you do for this incredible community!!
I do HVAC during the day. Bubble wrap insulation works awesome for fighting condensation and can be made Esthetically sound very easily. ductless mini split system for conditioning the space also. Clear skies.
Trevor, I've been with your channel for a long time, back to when you got your first post-80mm refractor and used mount and shooting with your Rebel and getting a light pollution filter. So I've seen the changes in your gear and post processing over the years and how your results have improved. I think it might be interesting for your other members to have you go over your history with astrophotography, the pieces of equipment you bought and used, or stopped using and replaced with something else. I think it would be a great education for the beginner to intermediate astrophotographers out there.
When the contractors made a screened in area in my deck they put screen under the floor to prevent bugs and spiders from coming in…not sure you can do that now but FYI for anyone else. Also the hole of the pier could be sealed with screen too!!
So true about spiders and observatories. Almost got tagged by a Black Widow last night in mine. Too close for comfort. Love the new setup. Will make your life sooooo much easier.
Nice setup! You might want to reconsider bolting the pier to the deck. If you do that, you'll get vibrations and possibly even movement when you're walking on it. Better to mount it on a cement base in the ground and then cut a hole in your deck that doesn't touch the pier. That's the way I did mine.
Your videos are such an inspiration Trev. I've been watching for a few years dreaming of the day when I could join in on this crazy AP journey. Yesterday after much dreaming I was able to purchase a WO Z73 and a Skywatcher EQ6-R pro and can't wait for first light and imaging. Thank you for providing such inspiring videos and photos.
Amazing picture. One of the best I have seen outside of Hubble. The colors and fine detail you can get with mono is astounding. And from what I can tell, 10 hours seems to be the sweet spot for most images. 4-5 hours looks pretty good, but 10 hours usually tips the scales on the side of absolutely gorgeous images.
As a former astrophotographer getting back into the hobby after a 16 year hiatus, I can't thank you enough for your excellent and very informative videos Trevor! Love your backyard observatory! I have some equipment on the way including the Sky Watcher 100 mm ED APO that you image with. You mentioned a focuser that you use with this scope by Optec. Can you post a link for that? Thanks for all of you contributions to this hobby. You've saved so many of us time, $$$ and frustration!
At NAU, we use the same program(TheSkyX) for our campus observatory telescope. Super cool to see it being used in a backyard observatory. I absolutely agree though, it feels dated, but it certainly gets the job done.
This week's sponsor is Tim Horton. The best coffee for keeping Canadian astronomers going. We need some of that coffee down here in the states. Love the setup. I hope that some day I can move to a place where I can build something similar. My wife doesn't go outside as much as I do, so maybe I could bring the outside to the inside and she would apricate the observatory. Maybe? Clear skies!
I would LOVE to have an observatory, but my backyard is very thin and between the trees lining the back and the walkout basement profile on the house, I need to be able to reposition the scope constantly. Fortunately my second level deck has a pretty good view of the south and southwest skies.
Are you allowed to build a small tower at your area? Tubular structure, spiral staircase, observatory top mounted. It would give you near 360. When fully automated, you'd only go up for periodic maintenance. It seems it would be worthwhile, given all the time and energy you've dedicated in the last years to Astronomy.
I have the MYT mount . I have no place to put a POD. I have to set it up every night. I mount it on an old CGEM DX tripod. The tripod stays outside. I just bolt on the mount when I'm ready to use it and go. I mounted an adapter from Paramount onto the tripod. The base of the mount is square so it's easy to return it to it's previous position. I haven't had to polar align in a few months. There is a learning curve for SkyX Pro but it's worth it in the end.
Great job. I'm actually just getting into observing. My wife got me a Celestron Star Sense explorer DX 130AZ. Just set it up and waiting for the skies to clear over central Georgia. Love your channel.
An observatory would be wonderful; however, I've got too many tall trees. I'm limited to a friend's property that offers views in all directions except the SW and S. Like you, I have the passion to grab this light polluted property and limited views to image those wonderful narrowband targets. Keep up the good work, and really enjoy watching Rudy. Waiting for and EQ6r which has been on backorder forever. Clear skies!!!
My SkyShed is home to the relentless spiders too. Also, the mice love it. I recently found seeds inside my EQ6-R Pro mount that a mouse was storing away for the colder months ahead.
Spiders are our friends 🙂 I can relate to your remark about the waking in the morning and wondering if I hear raindrops on my roof... hasn't happened yet.. great image again and thanks for sharing your observatory with us. It truly looks like a game changer for the hobby.
I want to have a personal observatory in future..!! It was my DREAM from my early age. I Love Cosmology so much. Thanks a lot Trevor for this amazing video..!!
Trevor you are the biggest inspiration to me. You got me started in astrophotography and are the reason I am doing my university capstone project as researching and building an environmentally friendly and sustainable observatory. Keep making great content, I keep coming back (previously with a different account). Not to mention this is probably the most positive community I have ever seen. The RASA is pretty awesome too and would be a great upgrade and help for the observatory so I am for sure entering.
Great Image. If you put the biggest setup you have on and swing it around you'll be able to find the sweet spot for the dome. Having the open floor lets the spiders in (and dew). I plan on updating my scope next year so I will have to modify/re-build my scope room then to fit. Wish I had the cash for a mount like that.
Wonderful Pacman shot!! Thanks for the grand tour! Congratulations on reaching 300k and getting everything working so smoothly! I totally agree about TSX looking outdated and ugly. I only use it to control the MYT and use SkySafari for everything else. If you’re interested, SB’s RUclips channel has a helpful tutorial on PEC training the mount. I got mine down to sub arc second accuracy (+- .7”). Looking forward to your next video!
You have a beautiful set up and having a observatory in your yard is awesome!! I have a 16x16 roll off roof type and it makes a big difference in enjoying the time under the stars..
An observatory rocks just for the reasons you state. Mine is 10 foot x 10 foot and the roof rolls off to the west about 2 foot past my western wall in the observatory. I still occasionally bump my head being 6 foot tall. Maybe it should be called "Wat' Chur' Head" observatory.
Hello, this is a great setup. Could you pls guide if I want a similar Observatory setup in my backyard, what should be the approach and the next steps ?
Okay I don’t comment ever on RUclips but wow what an incredible giveaway! Especially considering all of the things going on globally right now it really is a bit of a break away even just thinking one of us is going to win, so thank you for giving us all a little bit more considering you already do so much for all of us!
Wow! That set up is sweet! Love how you continually invest in your work and bring it up to the next level. Just need a heated mat for Rudy in the observatory! Great stuff Trev. Dr B from Manitoba
Hey Trevor, spiders are a BIG problem on sailboats as well. I can't tell you how many times I've unfurled a sail and have 5 or more drop on me. You might be able to find some solutions in that direction. I leave them on the boat since they take care of the other bugs but in an observatory.....no lol. You could try a more natural route, some say essential oils such as tee tree oil, peppermint, etc you could try moth balls and if all else fails you could treat the interior with spider repellent. Another idea would be a cover you could create a tight seal around the pillar to at least prevent them from webbing the mount or scope. There's also natural landscaping you could try around the deck to repel or act as better cover for them so they don't wander into the pod. That might backfire though and attract more lol. All else fails hand held vacuum to suck em up lol
Congratulations Trevor. You are like a kid at Christmas. With all this new gear, I can't figure out how you went through a lull inexcitement. Clear skies.
Rasa is my dream scope! had just bought my first dedicated astrocam the asi533, didnt like it, saved up and got the 2600mc. after I got it, I was gut punched when I realezed I could have bought a RASA instead with a bit of money left over!
That is a great prize could put that to good use myself I am getting ready to build a 15 foot dome observatory in my backyard this will be 2022 summers project just put in my order for a plane Wave telescope and mount 👍🏻
I've never won anything but I applied anyway. I'm definitely going to get this observatory once I upgrade from my xt10 to a real AP setup. Keep up the amazing videos Trevor, beginners like myself cannot thank you enough for the knowledge you share.
Another great video from your backyard.well produced..I've just recently got a new modest mount, with 72ed on top. Your videos have encouraged me to stay out late, while wife,& daughter fast asleep,capturing a great photo of DSO.keep it going 👍bro
Congratulations, a well done project. Nice to see it up and running. NGC 281 is excellent, the processing makes it very “3D.” Remember spiders are our friends. The reason they are there is food. Spiders or many times more insects in the dome with you, your choice.
Hi Trevor I thought you liked refractor telescopes more a different type of scope system seems like a big change in direction any reason for the big decision.
Finally Trevor, you are tasting the sweet sweet lazyness of a permanent setup!! Once the focuser arrives... There will be no turning back :-) Your well rested body after a good night's sleep will thank you!
@@SkyShedPODTeam Woohoo, thanks guys! Now if only I could build a dome on my roof balcony, while making sure it doesn't get ripped off when a typhoon strikes... :-)
Congratulations on 300k. I’ve been following you for several years and purchased your Astrophotography guide. It really helped. I hope to construct an observatory soon.
Did you take this with you when you moved? What was the final review of the product over a year? I hear they now have a SkyShed Pod S that has a more conventional dome style opening. Have you seen that? These supposedly allow you to see an object at zenith.
Trevor, I’m really surprised you’re not using NINA. It does absolutely everything and the developers are on the Discord channel ready to help with any enquiry. I think NINA totally rocks! (Very very jealous of that gorgeous mount btw)
One thing to not gloss over about the SkyShed observatories is that they are made from plastic which makes them low maintenance. No repainting the outside every few years. No wood rot. No insects to damage the structure. A great thing to have for a club. The astronomy club that I am a member of purchased a used SkyShed observatory a few years ago. The owner even let us take the wood deck he made for it. From your video, I did not know about off-centering the dome on the pier. That is something that we should have done with the club observatory. We use the observatory currently for visual astronomy during public star parties. Prior to the pandemic, we've had up to 6 adults inside the observatory at once. Thanks for the tour of your observatory; it looks great!
You are the one who inspired me to get into this hobby after one of your videos showed up on my feed. A year and a half later after doing a ton of research and learning I have begun to take pictures. You have been such an inspiration to me and to have your signed RASA would be nothing short of a dream come true. I am sure whoever receives this will feel the same. Thank you for all you do for this incredible community!!
11:57 One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. This is breathtaking. Thank you for your hard work!
This channel was an inspiration a few years back, it has become just a reseller gallery.
The channel still makes great content. The world is full of capitalism and consumerism, it's just the way the modern world is.
I do HVAC during the day. Bubble wrap insulation works awesome for fighting condensation and can be made Esthetically sound very easily.
ductless mini split system for conditioning the space also.
Clear skies.
Great setup - makes such a huge difference to imaging time having a permanent setup. Fantastic image at the end also.
Trevor, I've been with your channel for a long time, back to when you got your first post-80mm refractor and used mount and shooting with your Rebel and getting a light pollution filter. So I've seen the changes in your gear and post processing over the years and how your results have improved. I think it might be interesting for your other members to have you go over your history with astrophotography, the pieces of equipment you bought and used, or stopped using and replaced with something else. I think it would be a great education for the beginner to intermediate astrophotographers out there.
A big ❤ from India🇮🇳🇮🇳
When the contractors made a screened in area in my deck they put screen under the floor to prevent bugs and spiders from coming in…not sure you can do that now but FYI for anyone else. Also the hole of the pier could be sealed with screen too!!
I keep spiders and other insect critters out of my dome via a fine mesh insect screen between the deck frame and deck boards and it really works.
So true about spiders and observatories. Almost got tagged by a Black Widow last night in mine. Too close for comfort. Love the new setup. Will make your life sooooo much easier.
Holy Shit!! What am i looking at.. Really, My god this was 99.9% perfection man! WOW. Thank you for all you effort to make this videos for us Trevor!
Nice setup! You might want to reconsider bolting the pier to the deck. If you do that, you'll get vibrations and possibly even movement when you're walking on it. Better to mount it on a cement base in the ground and then cut a hole in your deck that doesn't touch the pier. That's the way I did mine.
A dome for looking at a dome nice ^^ i also like how they put stars in the dome....
Your videos are such an inspiration Trev. I've been watching for a few years dreaming of the day when I could join in on this crazy AP journey. Yesterday after much dreaming I was able to purchase a WO Z73 and a Skywatcher EQ6-R pro and can't wait for first light and imaging. Thank you for providing such inspiring videos and photos.
Amazing picture. One of the best I have seen outside of Hubble. The colors and fine detail you can get with mono is astounding. And from what I can tell, 10 hours seems to be the sweet spot for most images. 4-5 hours looks pretty good, but 10 hours usually tips the scales on the side of absolutely gorgeous images.
An Observatory has been a dream of mine for a long time, And now with an accident, my Celestron 8" is cracked. Uhg! Baby steps all the way.
As a former astrophotographer getting back into the hobby after a 16 year hiatus, I can't thank you enough for your excellent and very informative videos Trevor! Love your backyard observatory! I have some equipment on the way including the Sky Watcher 100 mm ED APO that you image with. You mentioned a focuser that you use with this scope by Optec. Can you post a link for that? Thanks for all of you contributions to this hobby. You've saved so many of us time, $$$ and frustration!
At NAU, we use the same program(TheSkyX) for our campus observatory telescope. Super cool to see it being used in a backyard observatory. I absolutely agree though, it feels dated, but it certainly gets the job done.
This week's sponsor is Tim Horton. The best coffee for keeping Canadian astronomers going.
We need some of that coffee down here in the states.
Love the setup. I hope that some day I can move to a place where I can build something similar. My wife doesn't go outside as much as I do, so maybe I could bring the outside to the inside and she would apricate the observatory. Maybe? Clear skies!
haha I agree. If you want some Tim Hortons in the states though, come visit us in NY. We have 228 locations.
Wish you a lot of CLEAR sky. Nice observatori.
Well, I entered, but I'm the unluckiest person you'll ever meet, still, worth a chance. A RASA 8 would be bloody awesome!!!
I would LOVE to have an observatory, but my backyard is very thin and between the trees lining the back and the walkout basement profile on the house, I need to be able to reposition the scope constantly.
Fortunately my second level deck has a pretty good view of the south and southwest skies.
Are you allowed to build a small tower at your area? Tubular structure, spiral staircase, observatory top mounted. It would give you near 360. When fully automated, you'd only go up for periodic maintenance. It seems it would be worthwhile, given all the time and energy you've dedicated in the last years to Astronomy.
Awesome I saw one of the these obs out in the back of nowhere in Scotland.
I have the MYT mount . I have no place to put a POD. I have to set it up every night. I mount it on an old CGEM DX tripod. The tripod stays outside. I just bolt on the mount when I'm ready to use it and go. I mounted an adapter from Paramount onto the tripod. The base of the mount is square so it's easy to return it to it's previous position. I haven't had to polar align in a few months. There is a learning curve for SkyX Pro but it's worth it in the end.
Absolutely amazing man! That shot is GORGEOUS!
spray peppermint mixed in water around your openings - works great to reduce the number of spiders
Goodness I am convinced now, I have a yard, and SCT, i could totally do this one day!! Thanks for the thorough tour Trevor
Great job. I'm actually just getting into observing. My wife got me a Celestron Star Sense explorer DX 130AZ. Just set it up and waiting for the skies to clear over central Georgia. Love your channel.
An observatory would be wonderful; however, I've got too many tall trees. I'm limited to a friend's property that offers views in all directions except the SW and S. Like you, I have the passion to grab this light polluted property and limited views to image those wonderful narrowband targets. Keep up the good work, and really enjoy watching Rudy. Waiting for and EQ6r which has been on backorder forever. Clear skies!!!
My SkyShed is home to the relentless spiders too. Also, the mice love it. I recently found seeds inside my EQ6-R Pro mount that a mouse was storing away for the colder months ahead.
Our SkySheds are next to a farm field and in the Fall we set mice traps. Get a few. Like any outdoor shed will get.
Spiders are our friends 🙂 I can relate to your remark about the waking in the morning and wondering if I hear raindrops on my roof... hasn't happened yet.. great image again and thanks for sharing your observatory with us. It truly looks like a game changer for the hobby.
Thank you, James!
Happy for you. What a great observatory.
I want to have a personal observatory in future..!! It was my DREAM from my early age. I Love Cosmology so much. Thanks a lot Trevor for this amazing video..!!
You have a pretty good voice. Like it pairs well with your genre.
Trevor you are the biggest inspiration to me. You got me started in astrophotography and are the reason I am doing my university capstone project as researching and building an environmentally friendly and sustainable observatory. Keep making great content, I keep coming back (previously with a different account). Not to mention this is probably the most positive community I have ever seen. The RASA is pretty awesome too and would be a great upgrade and help for the observatory so I am for sure entering.
I agree. He’s fantastic. I love his videos
The amount of envy is immeasurable and my night is windy.
Fantastic stuff Trevor! You sure know how to make such a build look clean and cozy.
Great Image. If you put the biggest setup you have on and swing it around you'll be able to find the sweet spot for the dome. Having the open floor lets the spiders in (and dew). I plan on updating my scope next year so I will have to modify/re-build my scope room then to fit. Wish I had the cash for a mount like that.
Got to say that photo of the pacman is really incredible
Very serious set up I'll be following you big time thanks guy .
Wonderful Pacman shot!!
Thanks for the grand tour! Congratulations on reaching 300k and getting everything working so smoothly!
I totally agree about TSX looking outdated and ugly. I only use it to control the MYT and use SkySafari for everything else.
If you’re interested, SB’s RUclips channel has a helpful tutorial on PEC training the mount. I got mine down to sub arc second accuracy (+- .7”).
Looking forward to your next video!
Incredible picture, Trevor! Amazing
That is just splendid. Thanks for sharing!
if you think the skyx is a little old then starry night 8 pro plus is a very good choose.
Gorgeous image result. Nice obs! Enjoy!
I am looking forward to when I can get myself a POD, will make such a difference for my imaging. Love your observatory and the name too 👍👍
Spectacular Pacman Nebula !
That's the coolest tool i've ever seen!
The image at the end looks awesome!
Excellent tour and a really great image of the pacman nebula! Well done.
Its just amazing
That mount looks amazing.
Sitting in the observatory at night must be pure bliss!♥
Yesterday I did took my first ok picture of the horsehead and flame nebula
Great intro to the BDO and what a payoff with a great image! Can't wait to see what's next!
Welcome to the dome club! And that Pacman image at the end was the black dogs danglies!
this is a really impressive set up. It would be way too much for me but it would be fun to play with one like this sometimes !
That is a fantastic set up you have there Trevor!
You have a beautiful set up and having a observatory in your yard is awesome!! I have a 16x16 roll off roof type and it makes a big difference in enjoying the time under the stars..
Really enjoyed the tour !!
An observatory rocks just for the reasons you state. Mine is 10 foot x 10 foot and the roof rolls off to the west about 2 foot past my western wall in the observatory. I still occasionally bump my head being 6 foot tall. Maybe it should be called "Wat' Chur' Head" observatory.
Hello, this is a great setup. Could you pls guide if I want a similar Observatory setup in my backyard, what should be the approach and the next steps ?
Okay I don’t comment ever on RUclips but wow what an incredible giveaway! Especially considering all of the things going on globally right now it really is a bit of a break away even just thinking one of us is going to win, so thank you for giving us all a little bit more considering you already do so much for all of us!
Incredible photo at the end. Nice setup!
It's gone forgood.
RIP "BDO" - Black Dog Observatory
Wow! That set up is sweet! Love how you continually invest in your work and bring it up to the next level. Just need a heated mat for Rudy in the observatory! Great stuff Trev. Dr B from Manitoba
RUclips’s been good to you the past few years I see.
I would like to start the astrophotography hence i watch and read as much info out there as possible. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Hey Trevor, spiders are a BIG problem on sailboats as well. I can't tell you how many times I've unfurled a sail and have 5 or more drop on me. You might be able to find some solutions in that direction. I leave them on the boat since they take care of the other bugs but in an observatory.....no lol. You could try a more natural route, some say essential oils such as tee tree oil, peppermint, etc you could try moth balls and if all else fails you could treat the interior with spider repellent. Another idea would be a cover you could create a tight seal around the pillar to at least prevent them from webbing the mount or scope. There's also natural landscaping you could try around the deck to repel or act as better cover for them so they don't wander into the pod. That might backfire though and attract more lol. All else fails hand held vacuum to suck em up lol
Cool, thanks.
Nice treehouse with high quality star viewing
Congratulations Trevor. You are like a kid at Christmas. With all this new gear, I can't figure out how you went through a lull inexcitement. Clear skies.
Trevor, Congrats on reaching 300k and best wishes with the new dog house.
I don’t know anyone here wouldn’t want the honor of having your signature!
Rasa is my dream scope! had just bought my first dedicated astrocam the asi533, didnt like it, saved up and got the 2600mc. after I got it, I was gut punched when I realezed I could have bought a RASA instead with a bit of money left over!
That is a great prize could put that to good use myself I am getting ready to build a 15 foot dome observatory in my backyard this will be 2022 summers project just put in my order for a plane Wave telescope and mount 👍🏻
Awesome brother as usual.
I've never won anything but I applied anyway. I'm definitely going to get this observatory once I upgrade from my xt10 to a real AP setup. Keep up the amazing videos Trevor, beginners like myself cannot thank you enough for the knowledge you share.
Amazing image!
Another great video from your backyard.well produced..I've just recently got a new modest mount, with 72ed on top. Your videos have encouraged me to stay out late, while wife,& daughter fast asleep,capturing a great photo of DSO.keep it going 👍bro
I learned so much from this! Awesome video, and an awesome pacman! And you’re platesolving now!
Great setup. For the spiders get something that smells like white vinegar, mint and citrus. Try that and see if it helps.
Awesome set up. Awesome image.
Coolness gracious; question, I don't see a guide cam... how's that work??
Congratulations, a well done project. Nice to see it up and running. NGC 281 is excellent, the processing makes it very “3D.” Remember spiders are our friends. The reason they are there is food. Spiders or many times more insects in the dome with you, your choice.
I agree but a face full of spider web always creeps me out... always wondering where that spider went!
Hi Trevor I thought you liked refractor telescopes more a different type of scope system seems like a big change in direction any reason for the big decision.
Finally Trevor, you are tasting the sweet sweet lazyness of a permanent setup!! Once the focuser arrives... There will be no turning back :-) Your well rested body after a good night's sleep will thank you!
We're big fans of yours Cuiv! Thx for all the great videos!
To sleep, perhaps to dream…
@@SkyShedPODTeam Woohoo, thanks guys! Now if only I could build a dome on my roof balcony, while making sure it doesn't get ripped off when a typhoon strikes... :-)
Pretty amazing setup!
What a great setup,thx for the tour.✌️
Congratulations on 300k. I’ve been following you for several years and purchased your Astrophotography guide. It really helped. I hope to construct an observatory soon.
Great exposure !!! ❤❤👌👌
Great stuff, nice shots too!
Did you take this with you when you moved? What was the final review of the product over a year? I hear they now have a SkyShed Pod S that has a more conventional dome style opening. Have you seen that? These supposedly allow you to see an object at zenith.
Awesome image!!
This setup is sick man! Thanks for sharing.
That's great mount! Thanks for the tour.
So awesome
Trevor, I’m really surprised you’re not using NINA. It does absolutely everything and the developers are on the Discord channel ready to help with any enquiry. I think NINA totally rocks! (Very very jealous of that gorgeous mount btw)
it has a horrible UI though...just mho.
@@davepastern really? I think it’s wonderfully clear
What a great setup Trevor! Excited to finally see it.
Wow, what a great image!