Portable Observatory Review

[@thomasfrank367]

Another great video, you've really takin this hobby to the next level! love to see it.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks man! Really appreciate it!

[@dortheacarter4681]

I think you are the first person I know who could put something back in the original box 😮

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hahaha! I sped up the footage showing that part. I think it made it look easier than it really was. It was a struggle! Lol. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@stresspro4085]

Putting it back sucks. I can never get it.

[@RagnarRocks]

I think this is the most unintentionally perfect portable campsite bathroom I've ever seen, space for toilet and shower! My son has some toy tents that fold up like that, I can never figure it out, such a pain! Great review on this product! Looking forward to seeing how it holds up!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I too am wondering how well it will hold up. I’ll let ya know! Thanks for commenting.

[@AdirondackAstronomy]

I do astronomy sketches with a Dobsonian and I'm considering getting one of these to protect from the wind when I'm out. Great video, thank you very much for sharing!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting! When you use the word "sketches," are you meaning photographs? Or actual drawings by hand? I assume you mean drawing, or sketching, just as the word describes. That is above my skill level! Would love to see one!!!

[@gregorymckenna6609]

I would like to hear how it does in moderate and high wind. I suspect it will flex and hit the scope. Then again perhaps it is only meant for light winds. Great review!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I suspect you are right. I am going to do a follow-up video where I use the tent in a remote place where wind is an issue. Stay tuned . . . and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Hermoist]

​@@adventuresofshadowdogAny updates?

[@gregb5149]

Like the kick-stand solution!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah, I use them all the time and they work great! There are so many people far more advanced than I am in the field of astrophotography, and I've learned so much from many of them who post on youtube. So if I can contribute anything, even if it is a simple thing like the kickstand support, it makes me happy. Thanks again!

[@rickwilliamsphotography]

Son of a gun! I used to ride and I never thought about the kickstand pucks!! LOL! I used those all the time for my bike! So, 3:45 into this and it's one of the best videos I've watched all week!! LOL!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey Rick! Thanks for commenting. I learn so much from others who publish videos on KZbin and are way more advanced than I am in their pursuit of astrophotography. So when I have something to contribute, even if it’s just a tip about kickstand pucks, it makes me happy. Really appreciate your comment! Thanks again!

[@rtpman1953]

Nice video and I wish you the best with it. I'm an astro imager and I purchased an astronomy observing tent very similar to yours. Mine had two weak points: 1, It wasn't tall enough which meant I only got minimal wind protection. That was true even if I had the tripod as low as it would go. 2) The tent pieces including zippers and stake-downs pulled away over time from wind and wear. I hope your success is better.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for the comment. My first thought in reading your comment is that I bet my experience will mirror yours. I definitely will be buying better stakes. The stakes that came with it are worthless. Another viewer commented that a good hunting tent is better. I'm not real familiar with hunting tents, but I'm going to look into that as well. Thanks again for commenting. Really appreciate it!

[@jeffbrennan5394]

It appears that it may save time and energy set up the telescope first and then build the structure around it. Thanks for making this video. This will be something I will be adding to my wish list.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I agree and came eventually to the same conclusion. Really appreciate you watching and commenting. Thanks!!!

[@bakerfx4968]

The kick stand plate things are such a good idea lol. I work mainly in video production and I’m going to use this when we film wedding ceremonies lol

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I’m super glad you found that little tip helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@johnmacdougall4545]

The kick-stand hack is great...

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks John! Really appreciate your watching and commenting. I’m a true amateur in the field of astrophotography and I’ve learned so much from others than have posted tutorials and reviews on KZbin. So it makes me happy to contribute something in return, even if it is a simple kick-stand hack. Lol!

[@freddypoiret6252]

Bonne vidéo très bonne idée 💡 pour les vacances pour faire de astronomie en camping ⛺️ 👍un petit coucou la France

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I am so happy to see a comment from France! I love France! It is such a beautiful country and so rich in history and culture. And then, of course, there is the food!!!!! I have been fortunate to have visited France many times. I hope to visit again. My brother lived in France for several years and speaks French very well. I like to go with him because my French is not very good. But I do try! Lol. Thanks again!!!

[@fande...Angelina]

@@adventuresofshadowdog Hi; I am frech too, in Normady, I appreciate these comments ! Question, is there a roof on the other part for humidity ?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Yes, there is a tarp that comes with the tent that covers the entire setup. I probably should have shown that.

[@paulmurphy2583]

I am a novice stargazer, with a skywatcher explorer 150 package. Its not extremely heavy, but the motorbike kickstand supports are a great idea. Iam also tinnkering with woodwork and wood turning, so I think you have given me a project to make some for my tripod. I might also get a permanent north aligned position to set up on at home.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey Paul! We are all novices! And we learn from each other. Are you thinking of building your own observatory at home? I’ve been in several that friends have built or bought. It’s really nice to have if your yard will accommodate one. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. It’s nice to throw around ideas with fellow amateurs astronomers and astrophotographers. Good luck and clear skies!

[@paulmurphy2583]

@@adventuresofshadowdog Thanks, no my yard isnt right for that, too many houses and trees taking maybe 25% or more of lower sky views away, along with UK weather (frequent cloud cover), wont be worth the cost and effort. One day maybe I could have the roof converted and gain an extra room too, but its early days with this hobby right now. Will seek out dark sky sites, we have some but nothing like the remote areas you have access to.

[@shaunsprogress]

If you retract the tripod legs it'll sit a lot lower down, and you'll actually get the benefit of the wind break and light blocking.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting. You are correct. Also, I think this tent is more suitable for smaller scopes. I used a large scope in this video. But the reason I used a larger scope iis that the wind affects it much more than my smaller scope. Nonetheless, I can lower the larger scopes as well and improve the benefit. Thanks again for the comment!

[@krystlih]

Would be interested in seeing your long term review of it in less than ideal conditions on a mountain. Where I live I don't have any mountains (Florida), and it isn't the best place for astrophotography but I have fun doing it anyway. Having said that I have been eyeballing this for a few months as I would like something a little more closed in for my backyard as well as when I go out. Great content, definitely earned my sub, look forward to your future videos.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey thanks for the comment and subbing. I will definitely do a follow-up review. Another viewer suggested using a hunting tent. I'm not familiar with hunting tents, but I'm going to do some research on them. Good luck with your astrophotography. Love Florida!

[@ryanslosser877]

I was looking at this tent just a few days ago. Thanks for the review! Side Note: Harley Davidson calls them 'Jiffy Stands'.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Jiffy Stands! Of course! Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I think I learn more from viewers that comment than they learn from me. KZbin community is really cool that way.

[@erikswenson2659]

I'd say you are spot on with it not being tall enough. This would not block my neighbor's lights from my line of sight, even though I'm on the high side. Sure does not look like it would block wind very effectively either. Would like to see at least one of the compartments gain a zip over roof and some provision for using sand bags or weights to anchor the shelter when used on payment or cement pads.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thank You for watching and commenting. I was using a very large scope. I have a smaller reflector and the tent is more suitable for it. However, the wind doesn’t move it like it does the big Newtonian that acts like a sail in the wind. And that’s the scope I use the most. I’m going to make a follow up video using the tent out in the field and we can see if it helps or not. Thanks again!

[@John-of5sh]

Hahahaha! Yankee Ingenuity!!! Yes, I knew as soon as I saw those "pads" what they were. I had a Ultra Classic and carried one in the trunk. I solved that problem in 2011 by trading for a Tri Glide. Anyway I'll be stopping by the local HD dealer to pick up 3 more of those pads. I just got a 11" Celestron and the scope minus the tripod is 70 pounds. Definitely need something under the tripod. Thank You Sir for doing this video! I am currently stashing some bucks back so I can order one of those Go Observatory. Looks to be perfect for my needs. Again, Thank You Sir for the video and Thank You Sir for the tripod tip!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hello John! I’m very happy if the little tip on the kickstand pads was helpful. Astrophotography is a complex hobby and I have learned much from others. Thank you very much for watching and leaving such a kind comment. Happy Holidays and wishing you clear skies in 2024!

[@fande...Angelina]

The Benny Hill of Astronomy 😂 Good job

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hahaha! I’m not sure how to take that. Lol. I have to admit I loved watching Benny Hill! Thanks for watching and commenting. Really appreciate it!

[@joelsjaarda3807]

Thanks for sharing. I found your video helpful as I've been trying to deal with wind as well. Also, was that a painting of Christ behind you at the end of the video? I liked that too! Happy shooting.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hi Joel! Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, that is a picture of Christ. It is my favorite artistic rendition of Him. The artist was Heinrich Hoffman. The picture in my home is a cropped version of the original. The full picture has Christ addressing the rich young man. I love this particular artists rendition as he captured the profound compassion in the facial expression of Christ. Thank you for noticing and commenting.

[@joelsjaarda3807]

@@adventuresofshadowdog Thank you very much for your detailed reply :) Take care!

[@kevingumfory]

I was just about to leave when the banjo and mandolin started ! Got me ! Im guessing you as a bagger rider ?! 2018 black bagger ? No shame ... im in a 2010 heritage.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

The older Heritage Softail is one of my favorite bikes! I owned one for years. Harley Orange with black leather seat and bags. I miss that bike! After putting 40,000 miles on it I traded it in for an Ultra Limited. Loved it too. Then moved to Southern Utah where there are so many awesome gravel roads. So I traded it in for the Pan America. The Pan America is perfect for the kind of riding I do now. I never met a Harley I didn’t like! Lol. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down!

[@kevingumfory]

@@adventuresofshadowdog at the risk of wearing out my welcome ... im about to order the heq5 pro. I am completely exhausted with watching the walking commercial youtubers ... I can't figure out what to put on the heq5 for a combination of observation and photography. 50/50 ish. Ill go now and and look at some of your other vids as you've likely addressed this already. I have a 2000 budget for the scope discluding accessories. Thnx man.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey Kevin! Sorry for the late reply. There are lots of things to take into consideration when picking a scope. I personally don’t think there is a right or wrong way to go about it. It just depends on your personal wants. For me, if I could only have one, I would have to say it would be the 190mm Maksutov-Newtonian. It’s an amazing astrograph. BUT, it’s big. I don’t mind that though. Mine is an Orion, but they are out of stock. There are others brands that make that same scope. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. Feel free to email me at: [e-mail].

[@AstroAF]

I just realized, I think, this was the first video I found you on when I was researching what eventually became my AFO dome lol. How’s things with the ES portable observatory now after some time? Is there a roof panel for it? Cheers! Doug

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey Doug! There is a roof. But the entire setup is pretty flimsy in strong wind and inclement weather. I like the concept, but what I really need it for is wind protection. This helps with mild wind, but it’s just not robust enough if the wind gets gusty.

[@AstroAF]

@@adventuresofshadowdog I’ve looked at those simple portable wind screens. They’re normally two-sided but cheap enough to buy a couple and zip tie them together. I’ve also seen that observatory dome tent which is around $300. I don’t think that one is a quick put up and take down thing though. Cheers! Doug

[@robvandenwijngaart1970]

Well...this is not for my. But now you put it up an take it down during the day. Did you did it during darkness too? By the way, I like the paining on the wall (the big one).

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hello Rob. Thank you for watching and commenting. I did the review just to share some info on the product. I’m not endorsing the product. That’s up to each individual to decide. But hopefully the review shed some light on the product and can help somebody. Thanks again for the comment!

[@illcaponesok833]

I might need this to protect my telescope from my neighbors lights lol. Also did you paint your mount or did it come like that? It looks really neat and I’ve never seen it like that before.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting. This particular mount is the Orion Atlas EQ-G and it comes in black. I also have a smaller Orion mount that too is black. I think Orion generally makes their mounts in black, where it seems most others are white. Hope this helps!

[@illcaponesok833]

@@adventuresofshadowdog Yes it did! I'm not a huge fan of the white and green from Sky-watchers mounts. Might be something to look into. Thank you!

[@GrnXnham]

Finding that perfect height tent could take some experimenting. If the tent is taller than the scope, it will block more wind but could also cut down on your views near the horizon and vice versa. Trying to find that perfect balance between your views and wind blockage may take some time.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I totally agree with you. Another viewer suggested I look Into a hunting tent. I assume he meant bird hunting. I’ll keep investigating and if I find anything better I’ll try to do a follow up video on it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@GrnXnham]

Instead of the kickstand supports I use the vibration dampening pads made by a few different astronomical equipment companies. This way it prevents your tripod legs from sinking into the ground and helps eliminate vibration as well. BUT, they may be more expensive than the kickstand supports?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Honestly I didn’t know about the vibration dampening pads. I will look into them. Appreciate the tip! And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-pi5xu7qs7n]

I use Black Fence Privacy Screen Windscreen with a PVC frame and bungie's. Takes mins to setup and has worked extremely well in winds around 11 MPH. I can send you a picture if you would like.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

That would be awesome! Please send to: [e-mail] Thank you very much and also thanks for watching!

[@WobblyProductions]

You forgot to mention if it helped with the wind! Did the wind end up stopping before you started your Astro Photography?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hi Doctor Pony! I am going to do a follow up review very soon where I use the tent in a true remote area and see how it does with wind, etc. Stay tuned . . . and thanks for the comment!

[@area51xi]

This could be manufactured with a roll off soft type like for a convertible and you could automate the roof for a semi-permanent backyard setup.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Brilliant!

[@Zealor365]

Good video, the banjo can be played at a lower volume (as in background music).

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I really appreciate your feedback. I will keep that in mind in future videos. Thank You!!!

[@imzzaudae]

Who did the banjo work?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hello Ron! The banjo music is part of the music selection that comes with the iMovie on the MacBook. It can be used without copyright violation. I do not know who wrote or played it. I don’t know if this helped, or not, but it’s all I know. Thanks again!

[@imzzaudae]

Hello and thank you. Nice peace of picking. I'm a beginner star gazer. Mostly circumpolar constellations with binoculars and an 8" mead. Thinking about a tent. Thanks again for getting back to me. Ron

[@Luftbubblan]

Nice. Like the idea with the kickstand plates. What Harley do you have? :D

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for the comment. I've owned over the many years a Softail Heritage, Ultra Limited, and now the new Pan America. I've loved them all. For now, the Pan America is perfect because I go on a lot of gravel roads and to remote places exploring. I have one video, House Built of Agates, where I ride my Pan America and hit some really bad weather and go off road. You might enjoy seeing that one. Do you ride?

[@Luftbubblan]

@@adventuresofshadowdog Awesome :D Pan America looks really interesting. I Will check the video out. Yes i do ride a bit, been slowing down a bit and ride only custom these days. I currently have a small Sportser 883 -91 built as a bobber.(Its in parts atm) and a Dragstar Yamaha.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I never met a motorcycle I didn’t like! I love them all: Harley, Beamer, Honda, Yamaha, you name it . . .

[@jbreezy3146]

I was looking at something like this but the size diameter got my mind wondering if you have moderate winds the pressure is going to make the fabric push in a little bit concave and could potentially bump into the equipment resulting in vibrations during Imaging so for that alone I'll pass it needs to be bigger and more sturdier

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I tend to agree with you. Let me know if you find what you are looking for. Thanks!

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

Love your backyard! What state is that?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I live in Southern Utah. The weather is essentially the same as Las Vegas. The town is St. George. It used to be the best kept secret. But it’s been discovered and growing like crazy now.

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

That doesn’t surprise me. When we toured through Utah a couple years back and asked a few locals about good towns in which to retire, St. George came up more than once. 😊

[@AstroWhatForum]

Suggestion for those pads (and is what I did since I had several of them also) is to drill some holes through them if your tripod has the tips that extend downward. Drill the holes big enough for those "nipples" to fit through, and that will keep the tripod legs from skidding on the hard plastic.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

That is a fantastic suggestions! Really appreciate it! And thank you for watching and commenting. It means a lot to me.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Okay! You are way smarter than I am!!! Do you have your own 3D printer? Or do you send out the design? Either way, very impressive! Thanks for commenting.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

@tradde11 That would be awesome! Let’s connect via email. Please email me at: [e-mail]. Thanks!!!

[@leventimbenlast4971]

I am using one of these. The cardboard storage box gets damaged easily. I purchased a 29 inch bike wheel bag as a good solution.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

That is a brilliant idea! I am going to follow your lead and do the same. Thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@williamfleming1795]

A simple tip for folding those type of tents. Grab two adjacent corners and twist inward. It should fold in on itself fairly easily.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Now you tell me! Lol Seriously thanks! Any tip in folding these crazy things is appreciated. 😎

[@MrMrduke1975]

I wonder how a small propane heater would work with it?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I used a Mr Buddy inside it with me to keep warm. I take precautions so I don’t catch anything on fire. It works for me.

[@MrMrduke1975]

@@adventuresofshadowdog oh awesome! Thanks for quick reply!

[@patrickpat5277]

Where to buy and how much does it cost?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting. The tent is branded and sold by Explore Scientific and costs $279.99 ($280). I bought mine online: explorescientificusa.com I hope this helps. Clear Skies!

[@patrickpat5277]

@@adventuresofshadowdog thanks a lot

[@capturethephotons2078]

This tent is awesome. I own one. Just don't leave it assembled on a super windy day. Mine was destroyed and the metal structure was bent. I don't like the metal bar structure inside the tent material. I think they should have used some kind of pvc because it has a memory and gets literally bent out of shape. Clear skies

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I used the tent about a week ago and the wind blew pretty hard. I was worried about it. I’ll follow your advice and not leave it out in strong winds. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheGreatToastie]

Now I want it

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hahaha! I’ll use it a few times and let you khow how well it holds up and such. Thanks for commenting!

[@woody5109]

Tip - gas the music 🙉 and those coffee coasters under your legs are much cheaper at the dollar store.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey, thanks for the tip! I really mean that. Trying to improve. The kickstand supports are actually really thick and tough. Everything "Harley" is expensive though. But they do work real well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@philpizzuto6427]

I think you are better off with a good quality tent with a custom window made up, I think a 15 to 20+ wind would ruin your night in that thing,,plus a good tent is warmer and safer??

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Hey Phil! You may be right. Another viewer suggested a hunting tent. I’m going to do some more research on options. In the meantime, I’ll give this a try. Thanks for watching!!!

[@riccardopolacchi]

What do you think of this about a permanent observatory in my backyard?

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

In all honesty, I don't think it would hold up for very long. It is a bit flimsy. I think it would be fine for a few days here and there. But I wouldn't trust it in strong winds or serious weather. It's truly meant for portability. I hope this is helpful.

[@riccardopolacchi]

@@adventuresofshadowdog thank you!

[@Nick-we7lf]

I really don’t see the benefit of this over some of the hunting tents out there with open tops. I think the hinting tents are better designed in fact and roomier.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I kinda was wondering the same thing. Lol. Do you know of any hunting tents in particular that you would recommend? Thanks for the comment. Really appreciate it!

[@graemesandstrom5654]

Thanks for that. Personally I think that it is poorly designed - firstly it’s too small ie it needs to be at least 2 metres wide. Secondly it too short. Thirdly the upper edge should be the same height all the way around. Fourthly you just need 1 section. Fifthly it should have a clip on roof for when you are not observing through it. 9:31 Good luck

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Graeme, thanks for watching and commenting. I too wish it were bigger, and I would be willing to sacrifice the two rooms and use the cloth and materials to make it larger. It does come with a tarp to cover when not in use. I failed to show that and apologize for that. I am going to make a follow-up review showing actually using it in the field and give my final thoughts. I’ll make sure to show the tarp covering the gear when not in use. Your comments are well thought out and make a lot of sense. Thanks again!

[@JVRost]

God .. on what small things people make money. The mount with the telescope must be placed lower, otherwise there will be no point in this protection from the wind. The main cause of fluctuations from the wind is the telescope, and it must be protected.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I think you are correct. And perhaps the telescope I used is too large for this tent. In any event, the only way to get the scope lower is to polar align first and then put the tent up around the scope. And even then this large scope may bump into the tent walls when slewing. So, either a smaller scope or larger, different design tent. Thanks you for watching and commenting!

[@JVRost]

@@adventuresofshadowdog And thank you for the content. I just once built a structure of two light hangers on wheels, a very mobile structure and adjustable in height and size, so I know what it's like. Hello from Ukraine!

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

@@JVRost That sounds brilliant! Do you still have it? Thanks for mentioning you are from Ukraine. My heart and prayers are with all of Ukraine and her people.

[@JVRost]

@@adventuresofshadowdog Yes, I still use it .. Somehow I shot for a colleague from Sweden how I solved the issue of wind protection on a budget and functionally kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmTNln5ooM5rh6M He has a channel Northern Panorama. Thanks for the moral support.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I watched the video. That portable wind blocking device is brilliant! Good job! Thank you for sharing.

[@apollohill6733]

Wind bends light

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Well, in a way it kinda does, to the extent it affects atmospheric distortion. But in relation to the tent, wind can move the telescope and that messes things up. So I guess your right! Wind bends light! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@danielbrowniel]

You know an observatory tent is totally doable. even with a roof there is no reason someone can't figure it out. You could make millions if you charge people thousands! lol It's the astrophotography way.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks for commenting! I agree. It can’t be that hard to design a good, sturdy, observatory tent. Maybe I’ll give it a try! Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@WiseOldOwl3]

Uh yea - it needs to be bigger or go home.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

I do wish it was bigger. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

I just learned not to buy this product! Thanks for the great review. I hope that you get to move to a house on top of a hill so that you can enjoy the hobby without travelling.

[@adventuresofshadowdog]

Thanks James for watching and commenting. Really appreciate it. I would love to have a little observatory out in a remote dark site somewhere. Maybe someday . . . Take care!