That might be the most economical answer. In an old issue of Sky & Telescope I saw where someone put together a structure very similar to what I`m thinking of building. They had a 6" x 6" post extending to the floor of the observatory tied in to the 2` x 10" floor joists. A "6 diameter concrete pier was attached to the top of the 6" x 6" post. Now, I don`t know what kind of observing that gentlemen was intending to do. For wide field deep sky observing, I doubt that a highly rigid and vibration dampened mount is needed. However, I intend to use mine for astrophotography and later CCD imaging of both deep sky and planets.

I`m thinking of a metal post from the ground anchored in concrete with some sort of cross bracing not attached to the rest of the structure. I`ve got several schemes in mind that I`m going to experiment with.

Thanks again!

best wishes
Brett