


| This is the goal. As you can see I'm light years from completion |
| Thank you for visiting Hillcrest Observatories roll-off roof observatory page. I am building a roll-off Observatory to be used for personal use as well as for astronomy outreach programs in the Suwannee valley area. As of now there are no astronomy clubs in the area so I've taken it on my own to make this happen. So far the construction that has been done with mostly recycled or reused wood and materials from our aviaries and donations from businesses and individuals(my self). Not easy to do when you are on disability and it's not a non-profit organization so donations are not tax deductable. It's easier to do it all my self than deal with non-profit status, accountants, taxes and all that jazz. The construction is being done with the help of friends and neighbors as I have materials to work with but I do get more done in a month than congress <---->. Big thanks to Bob at Gainesville Overhead doors for donating all of the track and rollers I'll be adding a business card link soon to the site for you. I have built two twelve foot beams that I've attached the rails to roll the roof on for the building side. As funds allow I'll build the out rigger beams and post. Then get friends and neighbors over to install them.. It's like an old fashioned Barn raising sort of.. Cheers David |
| The resident telescope is a 9.25" Celestron SCT on a CG5 ASGT Equatorial mount. Until I hit the Lottery and then I will get my Dream set up 14" Celestron Edge HD on a CG Pro mount. The observatory is powered by a 12 volt Marine battery. Eventually I want to be full solar powered with the grid as a back up |