Tak Attack #2 - *** Now on April 28/29th ***

[Kunama]

With just 3 months to go until Tak-Attack 2017 at Yass, New South Wales, Australia it is time to start preparing your travel to the Southern Hemisphere's premier Takahashi event :D

Your hosts/contacts will again be Phil, Allan and yours truly at Phil's Dark Sky site north of Yass, NSW. Accommodation will need to be secured at the town of Yass nearby.

This very informal and enjoyable event will be held on the 24th and 25th of February 2017.

The event will be open to all interested this premier Japanese telescope marque.
There will be a great selection of Takahashi's finest for your viewing pleasure.

At this early stage we are expecting to field the following scopes:

Mewlon 300
Mewlon 250
Mewlon 210

TOA150
TOA130NFB
TOA130NS

TSA120
TSA102S

FS102
FS60

FC100DL
FC100DF
FC76D

There will also be the "Guinevere" 18" Reflector for those not shy of a ladder and we may also be fielding a Takahashi Binoscope ;) (but don't hold me to that one just yet)

The gathering is essentially a self-catering one with only a minimal contribution asked for to cover the cost of rented facilities...

Please post to this thread your interest in coming along :thanx: or send a PM to Phil (issdaol) or me

[Atmos]

I am planning to make it! DL and another scope (the sudo FSQ130 ;) ).

[JohnG]

Will there be power at Phil's Observatory this time.. :)

[Allan]

Let the excitement build. Only three months to go.

[Kunama]

We did a 'Star Test' there again last night, perfect clear skies, excellent seeing, no twinkling stars, smoking meteors, tracked some satellites and watched the Iridium32 flaring.....

Had the Mewlon 300 and 'Guinevere' going last night.... just a quick session this time set up at 8.30 pm and packed up at 2.30am :thumbsup:

John (G), Phil is working on some solar power setup, hopefully all running by then....

[ian fry]

I'll bring the FC-76 DCU F12.6 and FC-100DL along

[Kunama]

Only 83 days to go..... if you want to come and try some of Takahashi's offerings on 24/25 February please let us know your interest. Those coming from afar, Yass accommodation needs to be booked fairly early.

Mark&Karen, if you are planning an RV/Motorhome get in early.....

Phil has checked out some of the motels so get in touch with him for recommendations.....

This is what I will be bringing this year:

Takahashi TOA130NFB
Skywatcher AZ-EQ6GT
Synta GMT-128 Tripod
Baader BBHS 2" Sitall mirror diagonal
Baader Zeiss T2 Prism diagonal
Televue Binovue binoviewers
Nagler 31,22,13,11,7
Delos 14,10,8,6,4.5

Tripod features the 'Kunama' Spreader and a new centre bolt to replace the original spreader plate. Just added a new holder for the hand control today...

Come and test drive it !!!

Counting down the days.......

[MortonH]

My wife has a possible work trip over that weekend. Might not know for sure until the last minute.

So the FS-78 and I are 'maybes' at this stage.

[FlashDrive]

Would a ' Tak ' Sticker on my TV Genesis get me in the gate .....;)

Col....

[Kunama]

That will suffice Poppy ......... :thumbsup:

[Logieberra]

I only just saw this thread. Pls count me in. Will bring the FSQ106EDX3 again ;)

[Kunama]

We have ordered fine weather and clear skies with excellent seeing once again, see you there Logan. ( we might test the seeing tomorrow evening !! )

[SkyWatch]

I'd love to come, but unfortunately it is a bit far from Adelaide. :(
But just a question to Kunama though: what is a Tak Binoscope?
I am lucky enough to have Tak 22x60 binos, but I've never heard of a binoscope- or are you planning on putting two refractors together?

I hope the camp goes really well!

- Dean

[Kunama]

Hey Dean,
Wouldn't that be a nice 10 hours drive???
We have Mark&Karen coming from Florida,USofA

I am still in negotiations with the Financial Comptroller but the plan is to bolt a pair of Takahashi TSA102S OTAs into a cradle and hang a pair of Tatsuro Matsumoto's EMS diagonals off the back...... so far I have one TSA102S, the funds for the EMS and the plans drawn for the mounting system.... I doubt it will be ready for Tak-Attack #2 but should be done for Tak-Attack #3 at Coolah ;)

[SkyWatch]

Sounds great Matt: that would be a bino well worth a look! Effectively that is what Tak did with the 22x60's: stuck two apo tubes together. Hopefully your arrangement won't be quite as ugly ;) - and having the ability to change eyepieces and have diagonals would be fantastic.

I hope the financial controller and yourself come into agreement. Maybe some new shoes/clothes could come into the mix as "compensation"? (I got my TV76 by re-building the laundry!) :D

I used to do the Canberra/Adelaide run regularly when I lived in Canberra and was much younger and could cope with no sleep, but alas that was long ago...

All the best,

Dean

[Allan]

I just got my roster, and am happy to say I'll be at Tak Attack #2. Looking forward to catching up with everyone again, and looking through some beautiful Takahashi's.

I'll drive down and stay at Yass on Thursday night. We should plan to catch up for lunch again, either Friday or Saturday?

[Kunama]

Good news Allan, look forward to catching up. I too have checked my roster and am free that weekend (and every other weekend in 2017 and beyond)..... :D

I think lunch on Saturday may suit more people so that they don't need to arrive so early if coming from Sydney etc. but I am happy to go with the flow..

[Allan]

Great news you managed to get that weekend off. I'm good for a lunch on Saturday.

[Atmos]

I'm just going to take it off of work hehe
I will be fine for a Saturday lunch, just leave at 5 am or something.

[issdaol]

Will be great to see everyone returning .....hopefully we get everyone back and a few more visitors as well :-)

Lunch on Saturday sound great.......There is a new place in Yass which is meant to be excellent .......although a bit more expensive than the club......but if everyones up for it I can see if we can get a group booking??

Some of my kit to look forward to attendee's getting a chance to test out for themselves in your own scopes (or mine):

Almost the Full Range of Takahashi LE Eyepieces: LE 50, LE 30, LE24, LE18, LE12.5, LE7.5 & LE5

Televue Eyepieces: Nagler 31, Nagler 22, Nagler 17, Delos 10, Delos 14, Delos 6

Other Eyepieces: Pentax XW10, Masuyama 20

Scopes for Attendee's pleasure:

Takahashi Mewlon 300 (Original).....now with field removable conversion to F9.1 with the Mewlon ED Flattener & Reducer via an adaptor........I will also hopefully have the back plate replaced with a Takahashi original backplate with active cooling fans......thus making it a fully field convertible Mewlon CRS (just without the computer focus)

Takahashi TOA150 with and without the Takahashi TOA67 Flattener adapted to visual use.

Takahashi TSA120 with and without the Takahashi ED Extender.

All driven by the following mounts:

-Takahashi EM400 with IPAD and MacBook GOTO control
-TREX on a Avalon TPOD130 Tripod motor driven (with GOTO if I have my new Android handset)
-Vixen SXW with Starbook and IPAD & MacBook Pro GOTO Control

People that are considering buying Takahashi are encouraged to attend to see all the kit in action for themselves prior to buying.

Also the Attendee purchasing discount which will be offered again this year for those that do come to the event :-)

[Atmos]

I'll be bringing a FC100-DL and a Sky Rover 130mm (not the best visual scope) which will be hiding away photographing the sky for several days.

For eye pieces I have a full set of Meade HD60s, 35mm Pan and a pair of TV 20mm plossyls. Pair of 8.5mm Pentax (they be coming home Matt!) and pair of 9-40mm Vixen NLVs.

As for mounts the ASA DDM60 will house the Sky Rover as the DL is almost not heavy enough for it! Haven't decided between the HEQ5 (original black) or EQ6 yet, whether I want to deal with GoTo or just simple tracking... probably basic tracking as the EQ6 is a power guzzler!

Will probably also bring a swag and roll it out in some inconspicious corner or in amongst the scrub.

[Kunama]

Looking forward to it..... I can't bring the Nagler 22 (because Phil snuck off with it while I wasn't looking.... ) but with many thanks to Anthony Wesley, I have a mint condition Ethos 21 and a few more eyepieces that will be available for testing in either the TOA130NFB or the TSA102S......

[issdaol]

Nagler 22.......My prescious .......That'll learn ya !! Heh heh heh

[issdaol]

Nice :-) look forward to it :-)

[Atmos]

I'll bring up the Coronado PST as well for some solar :)

[Allan]

Isn't it supposed to be a Takahashi Star Party? ;)

[Atmos]

The DL gets me in the door ;) Plus, Tak don't make solar scopes!

[Kunama]

Only 45 Sleeps to Go !!!

[LewisM]

Well, I can finally say I WILL be there, and with a Tak :)

[Steffen]

I have a Tak 1.25" prism diagonal, can I come? :lol:

[LewisM]

Sell it back to me, and I'll let you in Steffen

[AG Hybrid]

Ill bring mine as well. We can bino scope them!:rofl:

[LewisM]

Spec-TAK-ular idea Adrian [insert groan gif here]

[issdaol]

Not sure that will get you in Lewis :lol: :rofl:

[Steffen]

Hah, I actually bought it from Claude, at full price :)

Is he going to be there, BTW?

[Atmos]

They just need to be green or the new blue and they're perfect.

[LewisM]

That's just takky Phil.

:D

[LewisM]

I can now confirm attendance with my FS-102 after today FINALLY securing a home in Canberra.

The FS-102 will be set up on a Vixen SXW mount (or SXD if I get that too :P), and will do visual AND imaging (with the Tak flattener/reducer). EP's used will not be high-end niche ultra premium rare earth element ones made by a reclusive Japanese hermit mountain craftsman, but merely Vixen LV's and Japanese made Ultrascopics :P Maybe Matt or Phil will stick in an Unobtainium Lanthanate EP in it just for grins :) (but the FS-102 perfroms so damned well you could have great images with an Explore Scientific EP)

[issdaol]

Looking forward to seeing that finder mounted on my Mewlon 300 for the night :lol:

As long as the eyepiece barrels are made from ultra premium hand crafted exotica grade dairy farm stainless steel they should be fine :P

[LewisM]

All my EP barrels are 1.25" dark blue sonotube :(

[issdaol]

Must be Fake dark blue sonotube......

Real Exotica Dark Blue Sonotube EP Barrels are only made by specialist Himalayan Monk's

[LewisM]

Yeah, you are right - my sonotube barrels were simply toilet roll tube offcuts painted with chintzy epoxy blue paint (and badly at that).

I might have some dairy-grade stainless barrels turned up for me. Know anyone that works with supreme erotica udderly ridiculous cheese grade stainless?

(funny, being the grandson of a massive dairy farmer here in QLD (just a few thousand hectares...a few...], the stainless they used was no better than the stainless everyone else used. It must be Victorian Grade stainless that's superior due to the corrosive nature of the BS floating in the air)

UPDATE: my Tak diagonal just came in to complete the enchilada, so we can't deny Stefan and Adrian entry now :) :P

[hoverge]

Look forward to the sharing from this party. I hope I can join you guys someday!

[Kunama]

With just a month to go, could interested parties please indicate on this thread if they are still planning to attend and if they would like a lunchtime get-together on the Saturday.

As mentioned previously, this a self catering and very casual meet to spend a couple of nights doing some observing from Phil's bush block property. The only financial contribution is a voluntary one to share the cost of rented PortaLoo facilities for convenience.

Cheers, Matt

[Kunama]

Tak Attack II - 24/25 February 2017

Attending: (please copy, add and paste)

Matt (Kunama)
Phil (issdaol)
Allan (Allan Wade)
Colin (Atmos)
Lewis (LewisM)
John (JohnG)

[Allan]

I'm very much looking forward to our Takahashi get together again. Jordan and I will be staying at the Thunderbird motel from Thursday. Saturday lunch is good for us.

[LewisM]

There will be time for that? :rofl::lol::P

Real astronomers pee au naturel... :D

[LewisM]

Oh good, we can tell each other exaggerated aviation stories :hi:

[LewisM]

Any word if Claude is attending? I ask and he won't answer the question

[Octane]

An FSQ-106N might be able to make it, with me as a hanger-on.

H

[LewisM]

We can share a car if you like H?

[LewisM]

Are H and I to be segregated away from the Kewl Kids seeing we will be imaging while you lot drink unwooded Chardonnay, degustating on foie-gras and listening to Rachmaninoff whilst visually observing with EP's bigger than...well, just big EPs?

I guess we'll get the obsy seeing you lot won't need it.

[Atmos]

I'll be imaging with you :) Granted... not with a Tak!

[ian fry]

I'll be along on Saturday night coming with the FC-76DCU FC-100DL

[LewisM]

Gawd no! Not the Rejected Pom! :)

[ian fry]

[QUOTE=LewisM;1292767]Gawd no! Not the Rejected Pom! :)[/QUOTE

Someone has to keep a eye on you :D hope you don't sell the FS before the party:)

[LewisM]

I thought you wanted to swap it for the 100DL?

[Atmos]

I may swap mine for a fluorite FSQ-150 :P

[ian fry]

:lol::rofl::lol: TOA 130 maybe

[LewisM]

Just got word from Claude - he won't be attending.

[Allan]

Any Mewlon operators putting their hands up for the star party? Not including Phil that is, but I'm keen to have another peek through a 210 or 250. It's the only other Tak I will probably consider at some stage. Unless they come out with an FC-160, I'd be all over that like a rash.

[Allan]

I got word back from the Guinness World Records that they wouldn't recognise our first star party for the 'most Takahashi telescopes assembled in one place'. Even though I've been to some big star parties, our little party still has the highest streil rating across the field.

[issdaol]

Yes would be great to see an Assortment of Mewlon's on the field.

Skies out at the venue cleared up between 8:30pm and 12:00 last night resulting in excellent visuals through the Mewlon 300.

Using the Nagler 17 resolving into the core of 47Tuc, crystal clear pinpoint stars on all of the smaller clusters with Jewel Box being outstanding and living up to its name.

Clear definition and contrast on Nebulosity across Orion, Tarantula and Eta Carina.

Used the Astronomic UHC filter to tease out additional detail and contrast.

Skies can only improve as so will be a great couple of nights to all that can make it :D

[LewisM]

We are allowing mirrors? Blasphemy

[Allan]

Back from LA today, and ready for two weeks off. Only a week to go until Tak-Attack swings into action, and I can't wait. Looking forward to catching up with everyone again and sharing some fantastic observing.

[Logieberra]

Apologies. I'm out of town for work :( Bugger.

[issdaol]

Looking forward to seeing you again Allan :thumbsup:

And everyone else returning as well of course !! :P:D

[issdaol]

You're just scared about me sneaking off with your Canon 6D :scared: :lol:

Sad to see you can't make it though :( though you could always do the Aussie thing and chuck a sickie :question::P

[Atmos]

I am hoping to hit up some 30 hours of perfect seeing on the LMC while I'm up there! If I don't I'll be very unhappy with your location :P

[LewisM]

The bolide I spotted last night coincidentally crashed into Phils observatory - freak accident - so Tak Attack is cancelled.

:) ;)

[Atmos]

We're all mobile so we can just setup around the crater haha

OH and I just looked at the forecast for Yass... currently looks like it's sunny coming up to the weekend!

[issdaol]

As to if I was there at the time .....

[LewisM]

Is that the wispy, smoking ghostly remains of the Robustanama observatory Phil? :)

[Kunama]

Tak-Attack 2017

As you may have noticed, the forecast for this Friday and Saturday evenings at Yass, NSW is not looking good for this most frustrating hobby of ours (insert sad face here)

Could those planning to attend please indicate if you still wish to make the trip (especially Colin, Allan and Ian & any other out of owners).

CloudFreeNight is showing moderate cover for Friday night and heavy cloud cover on Saturday night (another sad face here)

We (Phil and I) know that things at Yass can change very quickly and CFN is not always correct as far as Yass goes. That area seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to weather. We are still hoping for some change in the forecast and will continue to monitor the weather channels.

In the event that the forecast is correct, we are also happy to reschedule for the April new moon as it is generally much better in the area. Those of you attending last year will attest to that.

Please contact Phil (issdaol) or me and let us know your thoughts.

Cheers,
Matt


TAKS RULE

[LewisM]

Sick kids and wife permitting, I am flexible (since I am bumming a ride with Phil anyway)

[Allan]

I've just had 3 great, long nights at Coolah, and raced home this afternoon so I could get to Yass tomorrow. I don't know now, you local weather experts got an opinion?

[Atmos]

I won't be able to make Coolah, 2,000km round trip isn't overly appealing for a weekend :P Especially when it looks like I'll have clear skies at Heathcote!

[Kunama]

Due to the weather forecast for the next three days at the Launch Complex we have decided to postpone the Launch of the Takahashi II Attack ......

The Launch is now planned for the evening of the 28th of April 2017, this being a Friday evening 48 hours after the April New Moon. The weather conditions are generally cooler but much more stable in April so we expect to have a successful launch at that time.

We have taken this decision to avoid undue expenses to participants.....

WE here at Mission Control thank you for your continued support....

[Atmos]

Viewing the moon onto sunset... that doesn't sound so bad :P

[hoverge]

I hope there will be a similar event here in China in the near future... But tak men here are too diversified geographically across the country...

[ian fry]

Yeah Remember watching the moon set last time just setting behind the tree , See you all in April.:thumbsup:

[LewisM]

Ah well I have s pretty decent view from the golf course. Darned RWY35 CBR lighting and Bullscheiteropolis town lights bugger NW but still better than what I had in QLD by a Long stretch.

Getting the Yamamoto 60 out tonight for a peek at Orion

[Allan]

That's very disappointing as I was looking forward to this weekend, but hey, you have to expect that occasionally with this pursuit. I'm glad we made the decision early as it saved me all my motel money.

I won't be able to make the April party as I will be away working so I can pay for more Astro gear.

I'm happy to make my dark site at Coolah available for Tak Attack 3. It might get some Queenslanders involved, but I can see it's a fair drive from Melbourne.

[Kunama]

Colin can always do a stopover in Canberra Allan......

Lewis, watch out for the gopher holes....

[LewisM]

What a pity Tak Attack was not last night. Simply spectacular even from suburbia near the airport! So steady seeing, and such perfect seeing with not even a hint of scintillation. LMC and SMC stood out as highlights for me, but I also observed M1 for the first time ever (rather than imaging it - in QLD it was never visible visually), the Jupiter PN was easily seen, as was M78. M42 was vast and I swear I was seeing colour. M88 was a nice vista but the Jewel Box just poured colour and little diamonds (once you put B-crux out of the FOV lol).

And now, today it's 8/8 scud and crud.

[Octane]

Last night was pretty damn impressive.

While the observatory build is on hold, I've got the 5D Mark III on the back of the FSQ capturing data. I've got something to work on when I have some spare time now. :)

H

[Atmos]

I would estimate that I had milli-arcsecond seeing last night... behind the cloud cover... and rain ;)

[LewisM]

Back to clear skies. ...11pm might be a chance for the heat to dissipate

EDIT: Narp, turned to full carp.

[Kunama]

Just 1 Month to Go

As you might have read we had to change the dates due to the presence of heavy cloud.....

SO we'll give it another try on the 28th and 29th of April at Yass. Arrangements are as before except the area is prone to get quite chilly in late April so bring your thermal base layer, mid layer, outer garments, gloves, beanies, hot packs and moon boots......

I will make no promises on the weather but it is generally much more likely to be clear and steady than our February attempt...

Please contact Phil (issdaol) or me for any enquiries. There is no requirement to own or aspire to own any Tak gear, all that is expected is to be of good cheer and enjoy the very casual gathering.....

Cheers,
Matt :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[LewisM]

Chilly is an understatment - you really need to take proper precaution! I was at Phil's late summer, and in the wee hours, it was uncomfortably cold.

[vaztr]

Hi All,

This could possibly be my first attendance at an astronomical gathering!!!

BUT I have a few questions so I can square things away with SWMBO

1) Will a 12" Bintel Dob be welcome, or will you all just laugh at my mirror ;)
2) I can only make it for one evening/night, which would be best (assuming the weather is the same for both
3) Are there any 'planned' activities as opposed to general sky gazing
4) Will you laugh at me more if I bring my 2 28mm RKE eyepieces to try in the binotak?

Thanx

VAZ

[Kunama]

Lewis, you need to toughen up, and don't touch any metal objects with bare hands :D

Andrew, Welcome :thumbsup:

1) Will a 12" Bintel Dob be welcome, or will you all just laugh at my mirror
Yes, there will be room for a 12" Dob, laughter is optional
2) I can only make it for one evening/night, which would be best (assuming the weather is the same for both
Friday is closer to the new moon which is during the week
3) Are there any 'planned' activities as opposed to general sky gazing
Stargazing is generally accompanied by some red wine, coffee or sometimes Champagne and a Saturday lunch somewhere in Yass
4) Will you laugh at me more if I bring my 2 28mm RKE eyepieces to try in the binotak?
I wouldn't mind trying the RKEs myself...

[LewisM]

Touch anything? My hands were firmly in my jeans from 2am onwards. Phil needs floor heating :)

[Atmos]

Thermals, gloves, ski jacket and pants, beanie, moon boots and maybe another layer or two :P You'll be fine Lewis!

[LewisM]

I'll drink lots of vodka - the ideal anti-freeze.

Or Scotch.

Might improve my imaging.

[UniPol]

Or with your tongue like Jeff Daniels did in "Dumb & Dumber" :eyepop:

[LewisM]

Phil wouldn't appreciate me licking his pier.

[Kunama]

11 days to go

With just a few more sleeps to go I am getting the Tak ready for some viewing :D

Unfortunately the "Little One" (FOA-60) will not make it to this years gathering, it is still in pieces in the Takahashi factory along with Lewis's FOA and K-Astec are still making the tube rings and dovetail plate to suit.... :sadeyes:

Our recent test run saw Phil, Lewis, Joe, Ross, Alex, Greg and yours truly attending at Yass to put the scopes through their paces on some Jupiter, Saturn and Lunar views. It was also my first chance to look through Ross's new CFF140 F7.5 scope as well as Lewis's FS102........

The evening had its ups and downs but I think we all agreed that binoviewers trumped single eyepieces on planets :thumbsup:

At the end of the evening (3.30am) everyone left for home, leaving me to a peaceful nights sleep in the MerCruiser until 7.00am when I too headed for home.

I finally told Jaycar where to put their unreliable power pack and bought the DryPower LiFePO4 kit to power the mount so I have a little wiring to do...
The TOA is now sporting the StarGPS Module, Baader SkySurferV Finder, Baader Zeiss T2 Prism, Televue Binovues or alternately the Baader 2" BBHS Diagonal and after my recent eyepiece cull the leftovers are either Ethos or Nagler eyepieces.

Hopefully the Weather Gods will let us have some clear skies :welcome:

Bring you winter woollies, it gets mighty cool up here !!!

[LewisM]

Yup, downs for me...accompanied by nearly a bottle of red and a sore butt, but much sorer pride :P Then stood up again, only to fall down again 2 hours later. Memo to self - bring 200kg rated camp chair.



Not just planets - the Jewel Box central stars seemed 3D, almost as if they were juxtaposed to the rest.




Here's frozen fingers crossed. :lol: Though it was pleasant the other night, unlike the first time I went out...:sadeyes:

[LewisM]

IMPORTANT NOTE - BRING DEW PREVENTION!

We've had quite a few runs with heavy, instant dew out there, so be ready. Not slowly creep up on you dew - it's like clear one second, completely fogged and dripping the next. Even chemical hand warmer packs work well. (My dew straps arrived this morning, so I am set.)

Also, remember, batteries die fast in the cold - think big, or think about precautions. I run a 44AH pack, so might be able to share if you get desperate.

[glend]

A nice bottle of Port helps keep the chill off. Got your freezer suit or Aldi Onezee? Nothing like lazing in the recliner camp chair with a glass of Port, counting meteroites ( after your dewed out of course).:rofl:

[LewisM]

Long socks and track suit is enough - I have enough lipid insulation to brave the elements. Besides, I wouldn't be seen dead in a Onesee! Oh, quaint! :P

Army boots, army wool socks (knee high), shorts, trakky daks, long sleeve shirt and leather coat and gloves, plus a beenie. Done.

Onesee. Glen, for shame :) :)

[Octane]

Let me know if you guys get together for an impromptu meet. I'd like to tag along, if that is OK.

H

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Duuuude!
You haven't lived until you've experienced the Aldi One-Zee. If this had a Berghaus or Katmandhu label, it'd cost $600! What a Tak or Tec is to telescopes, is the 1Z to cold weather gear. It's multi faceted, multi functional ( mine makes coffee ) and an all round gem of an item.
Do NOT diss the 1Z! :D

[Waxing_Gibbous]

P.S
I hope some of you get good pics as there's no way my back can handle the drive to rural NSW. Also, I don't know anything about banjo playing, tabakky chawin' or cow tippin', so I'd feel a little out of place.
Have fun tho'!

[LewisM]

I'll buy you a pink one Peter :)

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Shoot. I thought for a second you meant one with Pink in it.:(

[Kunama]

Watching the weather forecasts at the moment..... Depending on which forecast you look at, it could be clear, clearish, cloudish, cloudy or anything in between.....

One site forecasts clear for Canberra but cloudy for Yass........

We'll keep monitoring it, hope you will too.

I am going out there regardless, either to enjoy stargazing or enjoy some fine red wine to drown my sorrows......

Everything is packed.....

[Atmos]

I've been looking at the forecast for Yass, it says partly cloudy but with quite low overnight temperatures which has me thinking clear skies.

[Kunama]

I expect it will be chilly as the chance of clear sky is much better, at the moment Thursday night is showing more promise than Friday/Saturday. But Yass can be a funny place that obviously hasn't looked at CFN or other sites. Often Phil and I get there to find the condition very different from predictions....

I plan to camp out there in the Merc again, just need an alarm clock that wakes me when the skies are clear......

[LewisM]

I guess if the WX is carp, we can light a campfire, roast some marshmallows and sing Kumbaya...

[Logieberra]

Hi Tak peeps,

Any chance of borrowing a cheapy Losmandy wide (non goto etc) alt az or EQ mount on the night for my FSQ?

[Kunama]

I am sure someone will have a spare mount available, if not, I can set up the second saddle on my AZ-EQ6 and the FSQ can be a counterweight :lol: albeit a very expensive counterweight....

[LewisM]

I'll bring 2 mounts Logan. You break it you buy it :) :)

You will need a Vixen bar though if anyone can help

[AnakChan]

Fingers crossed for you guys. Sorry I can't make it this year :(! But looking forward to your pix!

[Kunama]

Phil has a Tak 125mm clamshell with a Vixen dovetail on it.....

[Kunama]

:thanx: Sean, the weather is not looking too promising at the moment.....
I blame Phil for buying new astro gear in the week leading up to it :mad2:

I am still going to attend but it might be a camping weekend more than astro :sadeyes:

[Logieberra]

Cool. Thx. I may have a Vix bar. TBC.

[LewisM]

...and a TSA120 IN it :)

Phil CAN share, occasionally...

[Logieberra]

Thanks. The Vixens do sound fragile... :P I'm only used to operating Bisque and AP mounts. If anyone has an old Synta EQ/alt-az junker, pls bring her along :)

[LewisM]

Gawd Logan, if Phil can drive a Sphinx, anyone can.

I know, I know, the Sphinx actually works without the need for a trillion point T-point model, doesn't require a daily build update nor an obtuse power supply, nor does it require a Cray Super Computer to run, but I am sure you will manage :) :P

[pro.dev3]

Got a couple of days off, thinking of driving there with a friend. What time would be best for me to get there? Can anyone just show up?

[Atmos]

So, what do ya'll experts think about the weather up there this weekend?

[LewisM]

Cold

[Kunama]

Anyone is welcome, best to be in Yass before sundown, but the forecast at the moment is rather discouraging. Looks like it will be cloudy both Friday and Saturday :sadeyes::sadeyes:



In all honesty Colin, save the trip for a more promising weekend. Unless something drastic changes, ACCESS has a rather poor forecast for the weekend...... It is nearly as bad as Melbourne weather....:shrug:

[Atmos]

Saturday night almost looks promising but then again, so does my MUCH closer Heathcote dark site ;)
I was up there last night doing some wide field photography and even up there Melbournes depressing rain was effecting me. It wasn't the rain that was the issue as that was petering out before it got to me, it was the residual vapour hazing up my perfectly clear skies!

[Kunama]

Look like the clouds may have parted over Yass and a clear evening is now forecast ..... I will be heading out about 3pm.... be there by 5pm.

If anyone needs to get in touch, please call Phil as my VodaPhony doesn't work out there in the stix.....

Cheers
Matt

[Atmos]

I noticed that earlier today! Sucks that if I was to come up I wouldn't be able to make it until midnight :/
In 12 hours the forecast went from near 100% cloud to near 100% clear!

[issdaol]

Midnight might be a good startup time Colin ;)

[Atmos]

All I'll want to do is go to sleep :lol:

[LewisM]

After the pre-Attack Star Party at my place, the fact that I made my head cold MUCH worse being out, and the missus doesn't finish til 2230 tonight, count me OUT for Friday.

Maybe Saturday.

[Kunama]

Much like the biblical Moses who parted the sea, I pointed the Takahashi TOA130NFB to the skies early in the afternoon and the clouds parted !!!!

With only a few wisps of high altitude cloud occasionally passing through, the sky stayed clear well into to early hours. It was only the heavy dew around 1.00 am that caused the exodus back to a warm bed......

The gathering was expected to be small as a result of the earlier forecasts, but Bronwyn, Ken, John, Ross, Alex, Phil and I were treated to some fine views. Early in the evening all scopes were looking to the showpiece sights like Orion, Omega Cent, Eta Carina, Tarantula, Jupiter et al.

With apertures of 85mm, 130mm, 140mm, 300mm and 457mm available, we had a nice time discerning the advantages of both small and large apertures. At one time all scopes were simultaneously on NGC2070 (Tarantula) and it made for a great comparison.

The ISS even marked the event by making a spectacular -3.8 magnitude pass which was also able to be spotted through the 18" Dob, albeit very briefly (that thing really motors along..).

Later in the evening seems everyone was playing 'Spot the Galaxy' especially in the Virgo region but also including NGC5128 and NGC4945 both of which were impressive in the Mewlon 300 and the Dob.

The TOA130 sitting on the AZ-EQ6GT was set up in the middle of the observing area and kept an eye on Jupiter most of the night to allow everyone to view the GRS transiting and several dark spots and swirls in the NEB and SEB. Eventually the TOA shifted to track Saturn which, though still not anywhere near the best elevation, showed a good enough view that we were able to keep count of the brightest moons.

Ross's CFF 140 F7.5 showed that it is a fine scope indeed, I found the view of Tarantula through his Ethos 10 was mesmerising given its small (140mm) aperture. I would love to test the CFF on a tracking mount to be able to push up the power.

We rounded out the evening with a nice hot coffee and a chat after the dew had got to the point that everything was dripping wet....

Tonight's cloud forecast makes it unlikely that any viewing will happen..... (insert sad faces here .... )

For Joe : I spent an hour removing rocks along the track during the afternoon so your car should feel better when you next attend :D

Cheers,
Kunama

[Atmos]

Glad you had clear skies up there!
I went outside at 7pm in Melb and it was largely clear (getting pizza for dinner), got in the car and heard there was a forecast of rain in the evening. Went outside at 9:30pm and the ground was better than your dew ;)

CFN has been talking a clear night in Heathcote for the last 4 days but no more :(

[casstony]

Thanks for the report Matt, sounds like a fun selection of scopes to wander around and look through and the lines weren't too long :)

[Kunama]

I really liked the short queues Tony, my next event is a public viewing night at Mount Stromlo next Friday, expecting 1500+ guests to turn up there.....
I am looking forward to my new little Tak FOA-60 arriving in the near future.... The queues at Mt Stromlo are directly proportional to the aperture of the scope on display and I need a rest!

Planning has already started to Tak Attack III (we just need to let Allan know that we will be at Coolah in 2018 maybe to view Mars at its closest approach)

[Atmos]

I think I'll need to take a week off of work for Tak Attack III :P

[Kunama]

As the forecast is for clouds, clouds and more clouds at Yass this evening with minimal chance of any astro taking place we are calling the evenings entertainment off........ ( and we will reconvene this time next year )

Thanks everyone :thanx::hi:

[multiweb]

Shame. Sunday looks pretty good with some decent seeing.

[Kunama]

Hello Marc,
Isn't that always the way :shrug: I still blame Phil for buying Tak equipment in the week leading up to the event :mad2:

Even I knew not to do that ......
:hi:

[multiweb]

:lol: Yeah... time to chuck a sickie for Monday ;)

[Atmos]

You have both Phil and Lewis doing the dirty deed. Even Heathcote has decided to cloud over tonight and I haven't even bought anything new! Nothing that has arrived yet anyway.

[LewisM]

Unfortunately, I don't have to chuck a sickie...gawd, it's snotsville in this house.

[LewisM]

I have never done the dirty deed with Phil, and never intend to. :rofl::lol:

[Kunama]

Phil and his LE40 did this:

[issdaol]

:windy:

Those look like weather patterns induced by FOA purchases not LE40 purchases
:P

[charsiubau]

Thanks Phil and Matt for a great evening last night. Ken and I enjoyed the views through all the Tak scopes and Matt's 18 inch, as well as the good company and the clear dark skies.

I'm really glad I got out my little TV60 though, as I had the best views I've ever had with it - the viewing was excellent for a while; everything was so clear and sharp and I enjoyed myself with it as much as viewing through the bigger scopes. (I love my TV60 - it is so small and light and it and the four or five eyepieces I use with it fit all into a tiny case. I use it for nature watching during the day and carry it easily in a small daypack along with a photographic tripod.) Looking through other people's scopes is fun, and I particularly appreciated Matt letting me drive the 18 inch; however it is also great to commune with the sky alone with your own scope.


We would love to join in again some time.

[Logieberra]

Thanks Matt. Look forward to 2018.

[Allan]

I'm glad you all managed some good observing last night. I had to satisfy myself with naked eye stuff as I crossed the Indian Ocean.

I'm happy to host Tak Attack #3 at Coolah. Considering Mars opposition is not until May 2018, and the fact TA #2 was a small affair, how about we consider running it at the end of this year? That gets us away from April skies which we've done twice, to a different observing season. Just a thought.

[Kunama]

I like the sound of that

Tak Attack III at Coolah, NSW on 17th/18th of November 2017 has a nice ring to it Allan. New moon is on the 18th (Saturday) so nice and dark skies.

Andromedids, Northern and Southern Taurids, Nov. Orionids, LMC, SMC, Orion would all be on the agenda :thumbsup:.

I just checked my roster and am still free for every weekend this year :D

[issdaol]

What about KFC Matt ?? :lol:

[issdaol]

Sounds good....might be able to drag up the TOA150 :)

[LewisM]

Nope, take the Mewlon and the EM400. Dare you :)

[Atmos]

So I need to get a Mewlon 210/250 by November... got it ;)

[issdaol]

You offering to carry it for me ??? :P

[LewisM]

I have a mule pack. Start back in Septemeber for the trek.

[FlashDrive]

What roster you talking about ...your free everyday of the year I've heard.
Oh....I know ... the Astro Roster.... every day is a ' free ' day :P

[LewisM]

Matt does night packing at Bunnings - it's how he gets the 5 finger discount pieces for all the DIY jobs :P :P :P

[Allan]

Sounds good to me. I do have to do a standby roster for 8 weeks, sometime between now and Christmas, so that may affect the November date. It would just mean moving it a month either way. Alternatively I could just send you the keys to the place.

I had 5 clear nights out of 6 last week, and SQM around 21.8 to 21.9. Lets hope for similiar for Tak Attack #3.

[Allan]

We need to see the TOA 150 and Mewlon 250 amongst all the contenders.

My 32" is in the delivery ward as we speak. So Tak Attack will probably be it's coming out party.

[Kunama]

Looking forward to the newborn.......

October is also good for me, new moon on Friday 20th.... which is the peak of the Orionid meteor shower..... I can also do December :D

Come to think of it, I don't actually have too many commitments for the rest of my life....