Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Presents - Backyard Observatories With – George Barber Jerry and Kathy Farrar Steve Ratts Keith Schlottman Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

Vedeler Observatory Catalina, AZ (Used with permission of Chris Vedeler, Oct 2004) Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

In The Beginning 11/2/98 - 1/22/99: Selected observatory location and dug hole for concrete deadman. 1/23/99: Poured 1 cubic yard concrete deadman. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

1/24/99: Setup 12" diameter pier mold & poured concrete pier Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

1/30/99: Staked out the building location Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/6/99: Set footers, installed posts built structural skirting. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/7/99: Installed floor joists… installed subflooring. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

The Pier Plate 1/30/99: detail shot of pier bolts 2/10/99: Drilled holes for steel pier coupling Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/13/99: Built the walls Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/14/99: Poured footers for roll off roof support structure. Built stairs to raised floor. Tested polar alignment with scope on pier. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/15/99: Installed posts for the roll off roof support structure. Found the top of the walls to be out of square. Braced the North wall to bring back to square. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/20/99: Built roof tracks. Sanded and painted angle iron. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/21/99: Finished Roll Off Roof structure… Angle Iron and Roof tracks Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/23/99: Painted pier coupling black. 2/24/99: Painted the Pier White 2/27/99: Installed Ridge Beams and Roof Rafters Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

2/28/99: Built gable ends… Installed plywood roofing and siding. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

3/6/99: Installed roof shingles 3/7/99: Started painting interior dark blue. Dug 75% of 100 foot trench for power. 3/8/99: Finished painting interior dark blue. 3/9/99: Roughed in electrical. 3/10/99: Finished trench and laid electrical and data cable. 3/12/99: Worked on electrical. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

3/13/99: Finished Electrical. Connected power from house to observatory. Installed door. Installed carpet. Installed cabinets and countertop. 3/14/99: Painted exterior. Weather striping Installed telescope Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

3/20/99: Installed garage door opener for roll off roof. Painted door. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

The End…almost Finished cabinet installation. 3/21/99: Finished painting exterior. Finished weather striping. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

Post Construction Modifications: 5/30/99: Installed powered attic ventilation fan due to excessive heat buildup inside. Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences

The End Observatories November 2004 A Scientific and Educational Organization Dedicated to Astronomy and Related Sciences