Road to Oracle Observatory

POD has Shipped!!!

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 21:04:25 -0700

The same day we moved into our new home, Friday, 26 June, I received an email from Wayne Parker at SkyShed that my GPOD XL5 had shipped from the factory!!! Thanks Wayne!

I have requested a slight delivery delay to ensure that I’m ready for it. Things are rather hectic right now, having just moved. I’ll update this blog when the POD arrives.

Two Steps Closer!

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:34:43 -0700

This past Saturday, the concrete was poured for the pathway from the house to the observatory pad. It will be nice having a smooth surface for moving equipment from the house to the SkyShed POD, especially at night. Of course, over time, there will be less equipment to move! But it will still be nice not to have to worry about tripping over plants.

For the latest on the house status and for more photos of the pathway, checkout the “Road to Oracle” blog.

My SkyShed GPOD XL5 is scheduled to ship next week! YIPPEE!!!!!

Move Date Established!

Thu, 28 May 2009 18:32:22 -0700

If you have been following the “Road to Oracle” blog, you may have seen that yesterday’s entry announced that a target move date has been established. If you didn’t see that entry, go to the blog and check it out! The clock has started!!!

Shortly after I ordered my GPOD XL5, I received a phone call from Wayne Parker @ SkyShed to discuss my order. He called from Canada and we spent a long time chatting. Thanks Wayne!

As a way to thank Wayne for all he does for POD owners, I would like to refer you to his other interest: music. Check out his band "Glass Tiger"!

Glass Tiger CDs are available on their web site. CDs and individual tracks are available on iTunes.

My tastes in music are for Al Hirt, Louie Armstrong, Tijuana Brass, Canadian Brass, Hearts of Space, and classical; so Glass Tiger is not exactly what I listen to. But if you do enjoy the style of music that Glass Tiger does, check them out.

Observatory Ordered!!!!

Mon, 4 May 2009 18:10:10 -0700

Today, I ordered my SkyShed GPOD XL5. It will be delivered in June, after we move to our new home. The photo above shows the color scheme I ordered. Last week, I selected the style and color of the concrete pad covering. The artificial turf will not be installed until the POD is set up.

Power at Pad!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:23:47 -0700

Today, the electricians completed the wiring of electrical power at the observatory pad by the installation of the outlets (seen above and below) and the circuit breaker (at the main panel). The outlets are moisture sealed and GFCI protected. The outlets are flush with the concrete pad floor.

So, now I have power for my telescopes and camera. Nice! No more external battery pack needed!

Our new home building consultant recommended that the outdoor carpet for the pad not be installed until after the SkyShed POD is assembled on the pad. That way, the bottom of the POD can be sealed against moisture and the carpet cut to fit.