1.       How does the dome rotation work?  How is the dome moved, and how is it fixed in its new position?

The dome portion rotates 360 degrees through brackets attached to the uprights of the lower cylinder of the AstoGazer. There is sufficient friction for the dome to remain in place of its own weight, but it can be moved with one hand.

2.        Pictures of the AstroGazer make it appear that the observing slot is crossed by the bowed frame. Is this the case, or is the observing aperture clear?

The frame does not cross the observing port. The hemispheres are secured by PVC cross pieces which are locked in place by a quick connector at each end. This allows them to easily be removed which then gives you a clear view - 32" wide from horizon to zenith. The cross-pieces are replaced when you are done with the nights observing, to provide maximum strength against wind.

3.        How is the observing slot secured in the opened and closed positions?

The port rolls up, we provide a PVC dowel to make it easier to roll. Velcro along the side of the port cover allows you to open the port as much or as little as you wish. You can open both sides and even remove it completely if you wish.

4.       What sort of door does it have, and how is it secured?

The cylinder covering folds back at one of the sections between the uprights, giving you an opening just over 60" wide and 48" high. It secured by a grommet that goes over a pin, with Velcro down the entire seam.

5.     Can it be fastened to a deck or to the ground for longer term use?  For example, can it be left up for a couple weeks and not have to worry about rain getting in?

When we originally designed the AstroGazer the concept was that it would probably only be up a week or so at a time. At this point all of our customers are using the AstroGazer in what I am calling the semi-permanent mode. They are leaving it up for months at a time. Most are saying from March to Oct. Some all year 'round. We also have our demo unit up at star parties and we erect it at our home when we are in town. It should be staked down (stakes are included) or secured with some type of bolt into wood or concrete. When staked down the dome has weathered winds of over 60 mph. Our demo unit has been through more than 60 days of rain. The seams are heat sealed rather than sewn, so no leaks and no maintenance.

6.     What is the size of the bags into which it fits, and how much do each of the 2 roller bags weigh?

The support structure and ½ of the material from the lower (cylinder) portion pack into 2 roller bags which are 60” long X 10” x10”. Each roller bag weighs 50 lbs. The material from the upper portion (dome) fits into a duffel bag which is 40” X 30” and weighs 40 lbs.

 7.       Is there a floor?

There is no flooring. We recommend a piece of indoor / outdoor carpeting (without backing). This is what we use for our demo unit.

8.       What types of materials are used in the construction of the AstroGazers support structure?

The weight bearing frame is made of Aluminum Schedule 40 pipe. The nominal dimensions of the pipe is .84" O.D., .622" I.D., Wall Thickness .109". The PVC used for lateral support is 1/2" Schedule 40 pipe.

9.       There seems to be quite a few individual pieces to put together, am I going to find it to difficult to put together?

We have put a lot of thought and effort to make the AstroGazer simple to put together. Any pieces that are not interchangeable are color and number coded. Almost all the PVC pieces are “captured” to the support structure. This means once the aluminum support is in its proper place the PVC is positioned properly and will have only one place to snap to. Most customers after assembling the AstroGazer for the first time tell us that it is very intuitive in assembly and that they had no need to refer to the instructions after the first time. Generally the first time you should allow about 1.5 hours for assembly.

10.  I am going to be using my AstroGazer on very soft ground, are the stakes you supply going to work?

The stakes we provide hold in most types of soil. But if you soil is very soft or sandy we recommend using “dog stakes”. These are stakes that look like a giant corkscrew. They can then be attached to the AstroGazer by a bungee cord or rope to the uprights that form the lower cylinder.

11.  How soft is too soft?

If you can easily push the stake in the ground with your hand or pull it out then the corkscrew type stakes are recommended.