POD MAX

We're very happy to announce that the 12.5'+ POD MAX observatory is in development. (See 3D CAD images below)

The "12.5'+" designation is due to the fact that the standard model will measure 12.5' (3.81m) in diameter, while adding "POD MAX Bays" will increase the wall diameter, depending on the number of Bays, to almost 18' in diameter. The 12.5'+ sized POD MAX is designed primarily for serious astro photographers with large equipment, schools and public institutions, and for corporate research.

In comparison to the popular SkyShed POD 8' model, POD MAX will have a higher, thicker wall, tall steel door with deadbolt, motorization and internet interfacing from the ground up by Kendrick Astro Insturments.

Since its primary job will be for astro photography and research the dome design will be more of a traditional dome opening. The mobility concept will be carried over from the 8' POD design and you won't need a crane to assemble POD MAX. Just a friend or two. Best of all it will cost much less than any comparably sized commercial ob now available.

With thousands of SkyShed Roll Offs and SkyShed PODs in place around the world, owner feedback has provided us with a unique insight in what is needed for the "ultimate" 12.5' plus observatory, and work is continuing on its development. We're extremely excited about bringing the finest, affordable, fully conceived, observatory to astronomers around the world in 2012. Development and testing will continue through this winter of 2012.

If you are looking for the ultimate mid sized observatory you owe it to yourself not to commit to other designs until you've seen POD MAX. Watch for more info on the SkyShed POD website and in our Yahoo discussion groups.

If you would like to be added to the POD MAX Update list Click Here to send an email

New POD MAX Red/Blue 3D CAD Views!

Click on the images below to view larger versions. Images are Red/Blue 3D with blue on the right. They can be viewed in 2D without 3D glasses. For clarity they are in .bmp format and can take a few seconds to load.

The CAD images represent various POD MAX models from a standard Max with no Bays, all the way up to the XL6 with 6 Bays (although only 5 can be seen in the image). POD MAX is shown in educational/outreach/club, and private settings.

Some specifications are listed below the images. For scale, the telescope is a Meade type 16" SCT on a latitude adjusted pier. The adults manikins are 5' 9" and the child manikins are 3' 6". More dimensions below.