"R. A. Greiner" wrote:

> Wayne Watson wrote:
>
> > I'm considering the purchase of a 10' 6" Ash dome. It has an option
> > that allows the dome opening to be covered by what is called a Lanphier
> > shutter.
>
> I have been considering this option as well. At first glance, it is a bit
> expensive, but when you consider that only one room is necessary and the
> instruments are always at essentially the same temperature, it becomes very
> attractive.
>
> I have tried to get more information on the principles and design of this dome
> but have found nothing. I have to assume that Ash knows what they are doing.
> I would build a rectangular building which is large enough for everything and
> then put the dome on the flat roof at one end.
>
> I have a rather extensive discussion of observatory considerations on my web
> site.

Yes, thanks. I've read through it several times. I tracked down the owners of
Charles Lanphier's original dome. It's at a private school in Michigan (UP, I
believe). They have his original papers and design notes. I did not ask them for
the material. Lanphier was the owner of guess what?
(a) heating company
(b) toy balloon factory
(c) air plane business

Well, if you selected (a), you are right. He died in the 80s I believe. His
business was in Springfield, IL and I believe his original observatory was in
Wisconsin--anyway somewhere where it was awfully cold.

>
>
> I really think you should get one right away and tell us all how it works. It
> sounds like a great idea. If you don't like it you can always smash out the
> glass. :-)

I don't think so! :-) I might consider taking it out and using it an undersea boat
for tourists someplace in Lake Tahoe or use it in a window in our house. All
kidding aside, you do bring up an interesting point. What if I don't like it? It
can be removed, but I'm not sure the remaining shutter will cover the vacated
area. Well, maybe duct tape would fill the void.

>
>
> Doc G

--
"Few things are harder to put up with than a good example."
-- Mark Twain

========== Wayne T. Watson ==========
When having fun, which is a lot, you'll find me on the internet pursuing my
hobbies of amateur astronomy and science. When I get serious, I consult in C,
UNIX, C++, Java. See my web page.

Web Page:
http://www.sirius.com/~mtn_view (Updated 3/30/99)

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