Air spring system.

I have added an air spring isolation system to the top of the pier.  Between the pier and the steel band there is an inch thick sheet of Sorbothane which has substantial vibration dampening properties.  The band is tightened to compress the Sorbothane by 15-20% which optimizes the dampening from the Sorbothane.  Air springs placed at ninety degree intervals around the band attach to right angle brackets bolted to the observatory floor.  The air springs are inflated through a pneumatic system that can be regulated from 0 to 100 psi.  I will have to experiment with this system to see if it is useful in dampening any pier vibrations or whether it transmits structural vibrations to the pier and makes it worse.  This is certainly a bit of overkill here but I did for fun and to experiment.  I think things are plenty stable without the air springs but the strong prevailing winds could present a problem at times I suppose.

A 2 inch layer of Sorbothane dampening material will also be compressed between the cement top surface of the pier and the metal undersurface of the Pier Extension Base Plate.  This should help to reduce any "ringing" that the metal pier extension might have.

The white material encircling the pier is foam rubber and serves as insulation, preventing any air currents from entering the observatory from the house.  The raceway is also insulated around the pier at the first and second floor levels.

The wood frame over the top of the pier supports the false floor which is about 18" above the true observatory floor.  The frame supports removable floor panels which allow access to the space between the floors for cabling, power supplies, etc.  The white PVC to the right of the picture drains the condensate from a combination heater/air conditioner unit mounted in the northeast corner of the observatory.