To varying degrees all are true. 1. If your scope is centred in the POD, zenith is blocked. Offsetting the mount helps with this. My mount is currently offset SE by 16" or so. There will always be a patch of sky that is inaccessible, but for most users this is a minor issue, as we simply plan around it. For those who want full access, the Zenith Table option is available, so you can slide the whole dome off. I have considered building one, but I like that the dome acts as a wind block.
2. I don't have my POD in a light polluted area, so I am not as familiar with this problem, but the visor accessory was produced for this purpose. 3. My POD is first generation, and I know some things have changed, and it now comes with much more in the way of weather stripping, so rain prevention is much improved. With mine, I just line the pivots up so if water comes in there it just runs out through the deck. I just don't leave any accessories under the pivots, and don't worry.
Unfortunately, the burglers in the UK would be in that Pod in seconds. It would have been great when I lived out in the country, but in my now urban situation, I would need much stronger security. That said, the Pod seems very well constructed and I have heard reports of them surviving hurricane force winds. I would definitely want one, but would have to make additional security features.
@Jazzinthecountry It's pretty stable, most of the time. The pier is sunk 3.5' down with cement at the bottom, but in the spring the ground can be a bit soft and I have to brace it to prevent wobbling (I just pound some wedges in alongside the pier). Being off the ground on a deck it gets good air flow, so I don't really have a moisture problem.
With a GEM more so than my old fork mount. There is an add-on accessory that lets you slide the dome off entirely, if you want. So far it hasn't bothered me enough to get one, I just plan around it.
Very slick unit. I love your pier, it looks like adapter unit would be quite easy to fabricate to any mount. How stable is this set up? Also how is the pier anchored or set in the ground? And just one more,how does the pod handle dew and moisture? Thanks great vid
I'm investigating various observatory options as I'm planning on putting together my own and I've read that the SkyShed POD is nice but there are 3 "complaints," for lack of a better term. 1. Because the Dome retracts in the way it does it blocks the Zenith. 2. If you're in a more light poluted area it's not as effective as a slit type observatory for blocking light and 3. I read one review where the reviewer was complaining about leakage when it rains. Have you had any of these issues?
