The Observatory should really be called "The Toybox"...that's what it is. Click on the pctures for a larger version.
Yes, I am the proud owner of a 10" LX200 GPS SCT made by Meade. It is a fine example of precision manufacturing still available in the USA. No, I still don't have a picture of it.
A look inside the toybox. Your roving eye might notice the lights are LED tail lights! Good idea from a friend. The red ones have two brightness levels and the white ones are not blinding when you turn them on. Low power comsumption and no heat! A cheap stereo hangs on the wall so I can listen to a little jazz in the dark.
Power distribution. I have 12V for lighting generated by the little converter below the breaker panel. There is 120V juice on two walls in outdoor receptacles. Scope power is generated by another 12V converter plugged into 120V. The separate light switches control the two brightnesses for the tail lights and the whites.
Even I use a little software...AstroPlanner by Paul Rodman is inexpensive and loaded with features I find useful..especially the local horizon function. This is a screenshot of the working page. If you want more, you can download a trial version and test it out. A small charge gets you access to all the features and catalogs available
This little guy is a 4.5" Orion StarBlaster. Very cheap, very portable and very good optics! I split the double double at Astrofest with it. Pretty good for a little guy. Well collimated right out of the box. I got it on Priority Club points...didn't cost me a cent! Would make a great first scope for anyone and a handy second scope for many.
More coming as I get pictures and time!