My new found enthusiasm saw me out of bed at six and one and a half handed dragged out the old cameras, which took me ages to find, the old eq 6 mount ( what a hand full ) the old imaging set up, and all the cases ( four) containing EPs and assorted stuff.
Dust and grime everywhere and just cleaning will keep me going for a long while.
One problem with the mount...when I put it on a pier I cut the bolt that connects the accessory tray which can be welded back together but the tray which holds the legs apart seems to have been lost in moving the gear to Sydney years ago so I plan to fabricate one out of thick ply which thinking about it I am sure will be strong enough.
I plan to make sure the camera still works before sending it off for modification.
It is heartbreaking to look at all my stuff in such a shabby state but on the positive it will keep me occupied down here.
I no longer look after Dad 24 / 7 but he is now in care but my day revolves around visiting him and my world revolves around that visit so just cleaning will inject something else.
I tend not to do anything other than visit as my legs are a good excuse to lay back and do so little.
Thanks again to astronomy for saving me.
It was astronomy in 2002 that got me going again after the bush fires took everything and after I felt crushed , everything I had worked all my life and my little treasures gone.
So astronomy to the rescue again.
While I was away I read everything and surprised how many things had changed and really I seem to be starting again.
I have arranged to buy a new lap top from Country IT in Casino and although probably the most expensive way to do it the owner there is a true gem...if you have a problem and he can fix it on the spot he does not charge...so his great support I figure deserves loyalty. He said he will even load the software I need when I work out what I need which will be priceless for me.
I have only accessed the net via my phone for years now but the NBN is available here now so I will probably connect.
Above all I thank the iceinspace community for being there...I often say that it is my only connection to the world which folk can't probably appreciate. And I hope that explains why I talk so much here, often this is the only place I get human interaction.
My paw is better but I can't make a fist and still have to use my left hand and I think another week should see me back to normal.
The drive was not a problem fortunately.
Now I think I need a nap before I visit Dad this astronomy business is exhausting.
Sounds like a tough journey Alex, but you sound like you're doing your best to stay positive. I hope your heart will lift a bit once all your gear is sparkly again! All the best.
Matt you are so very kind.
I feel embarrassed I wasn't hinting I do everything alone so I didn't think.
But won't you need it?
Thank you.
I have a new PO box and I have to go up today and look at the number , I know which box but forgot the number...
Of course I am happy to accept your kind offer.
Let me get the box number and I will pm you later today all going well.
Do you know what it will cost so I can send money in advance.
Alex
Sounds like a tough journey Alex, but you sound like you're doing your best to stay positive. I hope your heart will lift a bit once all your gear is sparkly again! All the best.
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
I am OK.
I am a very lucky man I missed having to go to a wheelchair.
I feel great really.
Being in Sydney is not my idea of a good life but I am so fortunate to still have my Dad. He is a wonderful man and I am so happy I can be around for him I owe him everything.
Alex
Here is the spreader I made, along with the 100cm tubes I installed in place of the original ones.
Please excuse the gratuitous flaunting of the TEC and Ethos 21, a match made in heaven !!!
Here is the spreader I made, along with the 100cm tubes I installed in place of the original ones.
Please excuse the gratuitous flaunting of the TEC and Ethos 21, a match made in heaven !!!
I think you can be very proud of your effort there Matt I can imagine your modification is an improvement on the stock item.
Good work.
Alex
Hang in there Alex! You are an important member of this community. Your ideas threads are are inspiration.
Thank you Glen for your kind words.
I am OK I may sound a little worn out and maybe I have just let things overwhelm me since the back operation and I do worry about my Dad.
I feel guilty I can't take care of him personally but in truth I find it hard just to look after myself these days. Plus not being there for my daughter full time eats away at me but you can only play the cards you have been dealt as best you can.
I am off to see him now so will put off my nap for a while.
Thanks again.
Alex
Alex i wish I could give you a hand, however you said it would keep you occupied with something to do.
I am sure it will fill in your time between visiting your Dad, I know that can drain a person, we have been there with Alice's Mum
I am sure it will be back to it's sparkling self again soon.
Stay positive mate,
Thanks Leon.
I didn't mean to sound down I am really OK.
Good to see Dad he is real fit I should get him home so he can look after me.
He is a champion...whenever I say I am going North he offers to drive me, and he would, I haven't the heart to tell him I let his licence lapse six months ago.
Alex
Matt's ep tray and connecting bolt arrived yesterday.
Thank you again Matt.
With my paw still a little off.it took a while to unwrap it but that added to the excitement.
Got the legs up the stairs yesterday and this morning managed to bring up the mount head and put it all together.
Found a compass and got a ruff align and planning on doing a little solar and generally get things working.
Next is getting the battery up the stairs and setting up a solar panel, cause that's how it will be when I take the rig North...
Stuck my old 150 mm refractor on but noticed the mounting bracket is short but it will do.
Managed to observe some sun spots.
Sun came out from trees at 12 and went behind the trees at 1 pm
So an hour window , I think that is about 15 degrees I have of the sky.
Taking some shots now to try and refine alignment but 30 seconds is about it at 1600 iso.
Part of the house is in the picture and it looks as if I am shooting in daylight.
Not very promising.
Anyways going thru the motions.
Alex
