MOWS: Mobile Observing WorkStation
After MANY years of frustrations of not observing as often as I wanted to because of all the 'THINGS' I had to 'LUG' outside each time, I designed and built the MOWS. What I have is a spiral booklet with photos, drawings and descriptions for building your own.
It could be best described, without seeing the photos, as a movable lectern with many, many features for the observing amateur backyard astronomer. It has a dew protected, writable cover for various star charts at convenient sitting or standing height. It has a power strip and voltage meters to plug in your clock drive, other accessories, several intensity controlled red lighting systems for everything from hands-free star chart use to setting circles, and an electric 'flashlight'. It contains a large large narrow drawer for the largest star charts, several drawers with custom partitions for all your accessories, and a larger storage compartment for larger items used for viewing or photography, plus many other features.
I sell this booklet for only $20.00 US (cash, money order or bank cashiers check), and for the next 30 days I will send it postpaid. After the reproduction costs and color reprints, there is only a nominal profit. I essentially sell it for cost and shipping. I will extend a discount for clubs, schools, etc. depending on the number ordered. Please let me know quantities for me to quote. If you would like to receive a copy(s), please contact me for further information at this email address.
These would make an excellent, inexpensive Christmas or Holiday gift for other fellow backyard astronomers. It will essentially hold everything but the telescope, unless you own a Questar or other 3.5" table top scope, and in that case, it would even fit inside. There are a number of ways to easily customize it from the original plans and photos if you desire. I hope you decide to order the booklet, I'm sure you will find it an interesting and very useful winter project, and the cost is very nominal for the materials, many of which you may already have around the house or apartment. Hope to hear from you soon.
Also, if you are an avid amateur astronomer and are tired of 'lugging' all your observing charts, accessories, cameras, equipment, etc. each time you want to observe, call or email me for plans to build a Mobile Observing WorkStation (MOWS) and spend you time observing, not making a dozen trips to the yard with your equipment. The MOWS holds everything but your telescope, and provides variable red lighting, setting circles light, and a source of power for your telescope - Everything in one place, easily wheeled outside, and a place for everything - too many features to list here. Booklet available for building your own WorkStation. Write or Email today - enjoy your nights under the stars - observing, not transporting!
Jim Stitley
Links
MOWS -- Mobile Observing Work Station
