More SkyShed POD Info

POD Configurations Top
POD can be configured in a number of different patterns, from a standard POD with no add on POD Bays, to up to 5 Bays added. We offer package prices on a POD with three bays - POD XL3, and five Bays - POD XL5.

You are not limited to 3 or 5 Bays. You can add any number from 1-5 Bays to suit your needs. Click Here to view configuration drawings.

Glow in the Dark POD Top
POD is the first observatory to offer a glow in the dark option. Choose glow in two brightness levels and colors. They are ION Green and Ultra ION Green, and Neutron Blue and Ultra Neutron Blue. Pictured on the left is a Neutron Blue Glow POD as it would appear to dark adapted eyes. An Ultro Glow POD would appear twice as bright.

We have specifically chosen a glow pigment that fades quickly so that as your eyes become dark adapted the POD glow fades. Astro photographers who want maximum darkness should not choose the glow option as the effect will last all night at low level. Click Here to view a larger version with daytime color and night time glow color.

POD Assembly Video Online Version 2
For those of you who are about to receive PODs and would like to get a jump on the assembly video, you can view an online abridged version of the DVD you will receive with your POD.

You'll need a high speed connection and the video quality is bad compared to the DVD you'll receive with your POD. (DVD is 5.1 Surround). The video will also provide great information for those interested in purchasing a POD. View Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4 , Part 5 , Part 6 , Part 7 , Part 8 , Part 9 ,

Assembly Video Trailer View a two minute condensed version of the V2 Assembly Video. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the assembly video included with your POD.

Cooling POD In High Temperatures Top
Like any outdoor structure POD can come under tremendous heat from the sun. The material used to create POD can withstand temperatures into the hundreds of degrees. Your equipment inside may not.

Approaching the problem of temperature in a passive, "green", fashion is our first choice for cooling in temps above 100 degrees F.

POD's double wall provides up to 3" of air insulation between walls. In addition, the gap between the POD dome and wall creates passive "surround" ventilation. In extreme temps this may not be sufficient to provide adequate cooling for sensitive equipment. (See Insulation and Lining options below)

The easiest solution is to open the door or dome which will equalize the inside of the dome to outside temps within minutes. For unattended cooling, solar powered vents with fans, the type used on Boats and RVs, start at $29.00. They can lower temps to within 10-15 F. of outside temps and are easy to install. A link to a solar vent supplier and installation instructions in slide show format can be found on our Accessories page.

We've tested Krylon Fusion paint for plastic and had great results preventing IR intrusion, and heat build up in high heat environments. For less cost than adding optional Bay Lining, or panel insulation, you can spray Krylon Fusion in your Bays and onto your Primary Dome interior. This will provide excellent IR and heat build up protection.

View the Krylon Fusion commercial Here (RealPlayer) May take a moment to load.

If additional cooling is needed, 12V w/ solar, or 120V fans can be added, even air conditioners at the high energy end of the scale can be added for severe conditions like high temp desert locations. Many cooling solutions are available. Use your imagination. Think Green!

New Ecomate Insulated Walls and Primary Dome! We've recently perfected a method of filling the POD walls and primary dome with hardened foam insulation. Not only does this make the already strong walls and dome incredibly strong, it cuts out IR waves, UV waves, and visible light.

The thick insulation helps keep outside hot and cold temps on the outside in extreme environments. Click Here for more info and larger views.

New Black Lined POD Bay! A new black lined POD Bay is now available.

The lining is 100% virgin black polyethylene, heavily UV/IR resistant, and adds 15 lbs weight to the Bay, making the new Bay even stronger than the POD Bay currently available. The black lining is melded with the outer color and will not scratch off or peel over time. It will prevent IR waves from penetrating into the Bay, reducing heat from IR in extreme high environments, and also prevent more light from entering or leaving the Bay.

These elements, combined with the success we've had with applying Krylon paint to the dome interior, or insulating the dome and walls, will provide a high heat, high IR/UV solution for high temp environments. More...

Customers who do not choose the Bay lining option, or who currently own non-lined Bays, can apply Krylon Fusion paint for plastic to their POD Bays for a lower cost solution to lining. View the Krylon Fusion commercial Here
(RealPlayer) May take a moment to load.

NEW DIY Portable Zenith Table! or PZT For those who want easier zenith access with some scopes. How about slewing through zenith from horizon to horizon, and not having to move the dome all night? As with POD without the PZT, you need no motors, no chains, no need to interface the dome and scope. No problems. Way more time for imaging. Longer duration images.

More...

POD Colors Top

Choose the Dome/Wall/Bay color combination that best suits your location and lifestyle.

Dome Colors


Discovery White	Lunar Gray	Desert Tan	New Midnight Gray	New Forest Green	New Cobalt Blue	New Ice Green
Wall and Bay Colors

Discovery White	Lunar Gray	Desert Tan	Midnight Gray	Forest Green	New Cobalt Blue	New Ice Green

Night Glow Colors (Dome, Wall, and Bay)

ION Green Daytime	ION Green Night Glow	Neutron Blue Daytime	Neutron Blue Night Glow