For those with
neighboring lights, the POD Visor allows you to
temporarily turn your Clam Shell Dome into a Slotted
Dome, in about 3 seconds. Provides slightly more wind
and dew protection as a fringe benefit.
Lightweight and low cost, the POD Visor is a great addition to your POD for those in urban settings.
SkyShed POD
is the the
most configurable observatory on the planet.
Permanent or Mobile, Slotted Dome, Clam Shell Dome,
Slide Off Dome, All In One. Choose the configuration
that suits your location, your object, or your mood.
Click On images
below for larger resolution images.
We
perfected a method of filling the POD walls with hardened Ecomate foam insulation. Not only does this make the
already strong walls incredibly strong, it
cuts out IR waves, UV waves, and light.
The thick
insulation helps keep outside hot and cold temps on the outside
in extreme environments. Only adds 8 pounds per wall
panel!
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.
For those who want easier zenith
access with some scopes we have developed the new PZT. How about slewing through zenith from
horizon to horizon, and not having to move the dome all night? The
PZT needs no motors, no chains, no need to interface the dome and scope.
No problems. Way more time for imaging.
Longer duration images.
The PZT
sits flush with the bottom of the primary dome flange and the
outside Wall/Bays. Whenever you want, simply and easily slide the
entire open dome onto the
PZT.
POD Meets Roll Off.The Best of Both Worlds!
Replacing the dome bracket screws with Quick Release Brackets means
the brackets come off easily by hand, no tools needed. QRBs are
included in the PZT Hardware Kit.
The PZT is 30" deep, meaning with or without any mount offset,
you get a full and clear view way past zenith. In any scope type. From Horizon to Horizon!
You can also move the dome around on the PZT, or secure it to
the table. Polyethylene is almost "self lubricating". This means it
slides great on finished plywood. The POD chamfered, double walled
flange, makes it slide easier than trying to plane into the wood
like a single wall dome might.
PZT is made from stackable pieces.
It may sound radical to some, but those of us with roll offs are
used to rolling off our roof. In that case, a long way, and a much
greater weight. By easily sliding your POD dome back a couple of
feet, you have way past zenith and still get
lots of wind protection with the dome slid off in the direction of
the prevailing wind. Kind of like a motorcycle windshield. You may have to use your
scope dew heater a little
more, but your equipment will be fine in the Bays, or inside the
wall. It's a small trade off for the views that are available.
Using the PZT
you have all the advantages of the innovative POD dome design for regular
observing and photographing, PLUS the ability to image for
hours through zenith, with about 30 seconds of preparation and
little effort. The table can be used from time to time when you want
to focus on targets which slew through zenith, or, seasonally, rarely,
or nightly.
The PZT Hardware Kit is Now Available in the POD
Checkout System!
Order
Now
Industrial strength, vinyl dome cover.
Made of the same material that's used to cover steel carrying flat
bed trailers, large outdoor vinyl banners, and boats. Available in a
range of colors.
The material used to make POD
is rated to last for decades, so why cover it? Even though the material used to make
your POD will last longer than any added cover can, it doesn't mean
that acid rain, pollen, leaves, bird excrement, and other
atmospheric
matter won't build up on your POD dome, making it dirty.
You can use a mop and warm water with mild soap to clean your POD
once a year. Or just as you cover your classic car, BBQ, pool, etc.,
why not keep you observatory investment looking like new for many
years? An industrial strength vinyl
dome cover creates a water/snow/ice/dirt/pollen/etc. shield. Plus it
passively lowers internal POD temps in high temp locations. After a
rain or snow/ice storm you can easily remove the cover to expose
your dry dome that's ready to go.
The cover blocks Infrared and Ultraviolet waves, protecting the dome
from the harsh sun, and cooling it at the same time in hot sunny
locations. It's designed in a "bucket hat" shape, so that it doesn't
block the ventilation gap between the POD dome and wall. This also
allows more air to circulate beneath the cover.
The cover is medium weight (20 lbs.), and quick and easy to use.
You add 6, 5"
X 3/8" eye bolts, and 6, 15" bungee cords.
Simple instructions are included.
Comes in your choice of White,
Light Gray, Medium Green, and Tan.
Rated to last 7-10 years. 1 Year
Warranty.
Ships 2-3 weeks after ordering. Shipping included in
price. Order via POD Extras in the
checkout system.
$399.00
Download Cover Usage Instructions
Comments
Here's
what experienced POD owners and esteemed astro educators are saying
about POD and the new enhancements -
Wayne, You da' Man!!! If someone had
told me last week that you could have made an improvement to the POD
that would stir up this much excitement, I would have found it hard
to believe. You've taken the one point that some folks perceived as
a negative and turned it into a positive. Nobody can complain about
the zenith problem ever again... Great job, Wayne and Group! John
I am still blown away with all of your great enhancements lately! I
am almost sure that you would have never imagined that you could
make the insulated dome at an affordable price. And, the PZT is
exactly what all these “zenith crazed” people needed to make their
PODs perfect! Who could ask for more from a product? It is
immediately accessible, simple to use, inexpensive to buy and
maintain, and the company head on down to the employees are all
wonderful people. DR
It belongs in the category "That's so simple I should have thought
of it myself". Well done! Garry.
With the changes (evolution) of the POD in the last few months POD
is just going to blow everything else away. As is not the case with
a lot of other manufacturers out there, Wayne and his group have
paid close attention to our experiences and suggestions for POD, and
made many changes. Thanks to Wayne, his associates, and the entire
user group for making POD the best low cost solution for every
amateur astronomers dream, an observatory. Dr. Mike.
All these improvements! I purchased my POD on November and I
absolutely love it; it is all that Wayne promised and so much more;
I am proud to be the only person in a 500km radius with his own
full-time observatory. I am going to name my next cat "Wayne Parker"
... Andrew
We
perfected a method of filling the POD walls with hardened Ecomate foam insulation. Not only does this make the
already strong walls incredibly strong, it
cuts out IR waves, UV waves, and light.
Using the 
