SkyShed POD Dome Backyard Observatory
Shipping Not Incuded. A separate shipping quote must be determined for each POD
Please Note If you’re choosing wall insulation, you cannot choose Discovery White as your wall color.
In the last few years we’ve added more and more technology to our backyard telescopes, turning many into powerful scientific instruments. Unfortunately we’ve found that with all the added technology it takes a lot more time to get set up and tear down all that equipment.
With life becoming more hectic than ever, many astronomers report doing LESS observing than they have in the past. All this fantastic technology, and sizeable investment, sits unused in the corner of a room, or buried in the garage.
What’s needed is both a permanent and mobile solution to house and operate telescopic equipment at a moment’s notice, whether in the backyard or in the field.
The solution is SkyShed POD.
By using the same proven material that’s been used globally for decades, in agricultural products and outdoor structures, combined with an evolutionary patented design, SkyShed POD is the permanent or temporary observatory solution to house and operate the latest visual and photographic astronomical equipment.
POD’s low cost and high quality, along with its innovative design, make it the perfect alternative to much higher priced observatory solutions.
Cooling POD In High Temperatures
Like any outdoor structure POD can come under tremendous heat from the sun. The material used to create POD can withstand temperatures into the hundreds of degrees. Your equipment inside may not.
Approaching the problem of temperature in a passive, “green”, fashion is our first choice for cooling in temps above 100 degrees F.
POD’s double wall provides up to 3″ of air insulation between walls. In addition, the gap between the POD dome and wall creates passive “surround” ventilation. In extreme temps this may not be sufficient to provide adequate cooling for sensitive equipment. (See Insulation and Heavier Bays Option below)
The easiest solution is to open the door or dome which will equalize the inside of the dome to outside temps within minutes.
If additional cooling is needed, an oscillating fan can be added. Set it in a Bay with a timer to come on during the hottest part of the day.
Even a tower air conditioner can be added in a Bay for severe conditions like high temp desert locations. Many cooling solutions are available. Use your imagination. Find more info about coolling solutions in the POD Yahoo Discussion Group.
Ecomate Insulated Wall Panels/Heavier Bays Option
We perfected a method of filling the POD walls with hardened foam insulation. Not only does this make the already strong walls incredibly strong, it cuts out IR waves, UV waves, and visible light.The thick insulation helps keep outside hot and cold temps on the outside in extreme environments. Click Here for more info and larger views.
Ecomate® Awarded The IBEX Environmental Award!
In addition, since we can”t insulate the POD Bay, we add 15 lbs of more HDPE to create a “Heavy” Bay at 50 lbs when you choose the Insulation and Heavier Bay option. This makes the already strong Bay even stronger, helps keep IR waves out, and aids in cooling in hot temps.
POD Colors
Choose the Dome/Wall/Bay color combination that best suits your location and lifestyle.
Manual & Warranty
SkyShed Pod 1-Year Warranty
SkyShed POD Overall Dimensions