Ordering the Observatory Dome

October 2: I pulled the trigger, ordering an XL3 dome from Skyshed. I ordered the basic 3-bay model, one sliding shelf for one of the bays, and an insulated dome cover to help keep out winter weather.

There are a number of extra options available about insulating and blackening the walls and bays, but they seem primarily intended to manage heat in the dome in hot climates, and I didn’t think I needed them here.

It’s clear that SkyShed’s main market is US — their online ordering system has pre-calculated shipping costs for all the states, but Canadian orders have to write for a shipping quote.

Owner Wayne tells me I ordered at a good time since there is actually a factory run underway now of the colour I wanted, and I should be able to receive it in a couple of weeks. I hope this will enable installation before the ground is snow-covered — I’d like to have the dome in place to weather-protect the central pier and footing even if I don’t actually use the system this winter.