Model 5500 Series

Model 5500
Features and Specifications

The Model 5500 Observatory; exclusively designed by Garry J. Boyd, provides a low cost, high quality observatory for the amateur astronomer. The architectural and mechanical design are functional and easy to use. The design is elegant and incorporates elements seen at Palomar Observatory in California.

This unique new product will accommodate most commercial telescopes on the market. The Observatory is supplied complete and ready to assemble. All door hardware, dome rotation wheels/hardware, dome hatch cam locks, and weather stripping is installed at the factory.

When your Observatory arrives all that is required is assembly of the base sections, to complete the cylinder base, on your cement slab or decking. We estimate it should take 3-5 hours to assemble the complete observatory with two to three average people. Upon completion of the base with the supplied hardware, you simply Silicone the exterior seams with the supplied, high quality, 3M Marine 101 Sealant. When you finish for the night you simply lock the hatch, lock the door and leave your equipment safely set-up and polar aligned for you next observing session. The inside cylinder walls are available in Dove Grey back gel. Domes are black back gell only. No other observatory company does this, at no charge to the customer.

Illustration:
(click to enlarge)

(Full 7 FT diameter)

(Click thumbnails to view full-size images)



	MPEG Movie Model 5500 Rotation & Shutter

Model 5500 Series Features & Specifications

Common:
- One or Multiple Piece, Fiberglass Dome
- Back-Gelled interior of dome is satin black
- Two, Three Person, fast and easy assembly

Telescope:
Most commercial telescopes on the market. Including refractors up to the common 6" f/9, all Schmidt-Cassegrain including the venerable Celestron C-14, and many other commercial and custom configurations.

Hatch Config:
Two piece hatch is standard. One piece hatch is available, at no extra charge, for added security.

Total Height:
103.0 Inches

Shutter Opening:
20.0 Inches

Base Outside Diameter:
88.0 Inches

Base Inside Diameter:
84.00 Inches

Cylinder Base Height:
66.0 Inches

Dome Diameter:
72.0 Inches at base

Door Opening:
27 x 47 Inches

Shutter opening past zenith:
11.0 Inches

Shutter:
Lockable inside with one spring cam lock. One or two piece shutter option.

Telescope Opening:
Max recommended tube length is 60.0 inches

Construction:
1/8 inch polyester impregnated fiberglass

Finish:
White Gel-Coat

Base:
Cylindrical four piece base

Dome Weight:
96 pounds

Cylinder Section Weight:
51 pounds each

Rotation:
Eight 3 inch diameter wheels

gjboyd@tir.com -- 810-749-9525 (voice)
57607 Broughton Rd., Ray Township, MI, 48096 (USA)

Copyright © 1999-2001, Boyd Observatories