Queensland Astrofest 2013

[acropolite]

It's getting closer, HRH & I are planning another road trip but we need confirmation of the dates for 2013 quickly as there are specials on the pond crossing. As there has been some confusion in the past over dates, can we have confirmation, by an entity associated with the innermost circle, (2-13 August????) for Astrofest 2013 please. :D

[acropolite]

I just got an email from Wendy Colvin, the dates are 2-10 August.

[allan gould]

See you there Phil.

[batema]

I'm in.

[jjjnettie]

:) I'm in too.

[thunderchildobs]

I believe the dates on the astrofest website are wrong.
The 10th is a saturday. Emailed Diane Hughes who said the last day is Sunday 11th

[Davros]

Cant wait *happydance*

[jjjnettie]

It's going to be interesting. :P Got ya back buddy. :D

[h0ughy]

I have no brownie points - hopefully i will be there with my favourite astrobuddy

[mozzie]

be there this year..

can,t wait!!!!!!!!!!!

[peter_4059]

me too!

[Grimmeister]

I'll be there, first time last year and now I got the Astrofest bug :)

[astro_south]

I am planning to be there for most of it ... that would make two years in a row :) Would be great to catch up again Phil :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

ok when is signup date!!?

[AstroJunk]

Traditionally three months to the day before the opening which makes it May the 2nd :thumbsup:

[Davros]

THe race is on to beat Houghy to the sign up form.

[h0ughy]

:rofl: past two years i have beem first ;)

[acropolite]

The boat fare is locked in, hopefully I'll be @ astrofest 4th until the end.... looking forward to this one; it's been a while.:D

[mozzie]

see you on the visual field phil !!!!!!!!

[h0ughy]

remember your passport:rofl:

[Nortilus]

i hope to be there again this year...had a ball last year...and learnt so much

[firstlight]

Missed you last year Peter. Be good to catch up with Phil and Liz too.

[acropolite]

Wendy says the website is up, but registration won't be up until late April/ early May.

We're looking forward to catching up with everyone, it's been too long between trips.

[Zubenel]

Getting excited.:D Hats off to the committee for all the hard work that makes this World Class event such a success :thumbsup::)

[acropolite]

Van is booked 4/8 till 11/8......100 more sleeps.... but who's counting..... :whistle:

[stanlite]

i vow as god and time lords are my witness i shall register before Houghy this year... sadly i am not yet sure if i will be able to go for the full event given its end marks the start of the 2013 federal election (issue of the Writs) and my current employment with a member of parliament (which may necessitate my absence during the week).

[h0ughy]

http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/index.php/registration go on press the button:wink2::evil2:

[citivolus]

Online registration is now open :)

Offline registration via mail will be available at a later date.

[citivolus]

Sadly my wife has informed me that I can't go this year despite my being on the committee, as she had dibs on the dates for a girly trip down to the Gold Coast. Someone has to look after the kids :(

[h0ughy]

the login doesnt work - captcha?

ReCaptcha plugin needs a private key to be set in its parameters. Please contact a site administrator.

[citivolus]

Hmm, I'll have a look. If you sign up during the registration process I don't believe it asked for captcha.

[h0ughy]

ahh its done and payment made

I paid for myself and Alan Meehan (who is a retiree pensioner) but i couldnt work out how to get his name in? over all i didnt like this years version of registering?

[citivolus]

Capthcha key fixed, thanks.

[citivolus]

I may be able to get some fine tuning in.

The old registration system and web site was a bear to maintain, hence the move to Joomla and a commercial shopping cart package. Unfortunately it isn't easy to do a discount that applies to one person on one order, and not the other. Wendy should be able to issue you a refund for the discount amount.

Regards,
Eric

[h0ughy]

So Grady you registered yet?

[h0ughy]

LOL so was i the first guinea pig:lol:

[acropolite]

Plus one for the dislike of the new process. Having to add each day etc one item at a time has flies on it.

I've tried to register, but don't seem to be receiving a confirmation email needed for registration and checkout. :confuse3: Perhaps the electrons take longer to travel to the deep south, or I've stuffed up somewhere, or both.

[h0ughy]

yep i found it a challenge - but then i am rather challenged

[acropolite]

Just ran part way through again, prices were cheaper.... I'll clear my cache and start again, maybe next time it'll be free...:D:

[ashcb1]

I wonder who was first this year?
I have registered and payed for not sure if I liked the overall process but done now might be easier next year.
I would have liked a remarks or note field added to add additional information or special request.

[allan gould]

Still waiting for my activation email. Looks a hamfisted way of registering and havnt got to the secret cave for paying as yet!!!!!!!!

[citivolus]

I have had to temporarily suspend registration while I sort out an issue associated with early bird registration. My apologies for the delay.

[acropolite]

Tried again, this time creating an account, didn't work of course, because my chosen username is lost somewhere in the aether. Plus I ran in to the dreaded captcha, personally I'd like to find the idiot who designed the mostly indecipherable captcha graphics and make him write the correct spelling of capture legibly on a board a thousand times.

Ric, you posted as I posted, can you check my registration, it will be the only one from Tassie I expect and work out where my confirmation went. If you could PM me that would be best. One can't checkout without confirmation.

I reckon you should get rid of the craptcha, IMO it serves no useful purpose, out of 5 tries I only managed to guess what it was after once.

[citivolus]

Registration is open again. The registrar will be in contact with the two people whose orders went through prior to the early bird discount being sorted out.

Compound discounts of pensioner and early bird were messing with the system. They properly apply now.

[citivolus]

I would check your spam filter. Activation email tend to get grabbed by this type of thing.

[acropolite]

Just checked my ISP webmail, as I expected, nothing in the spam filter. I've also sent myself an email, so my email appears to be functioning normally.

I'm not entitled to a pensioner discount but by the time I get through the checkout I may be...:rofl:

[Grimmeister]

Not sure about everyone else, but registration was a breeze and worked first time :) Different but not bad by any means :shrug:.

Thanks to all those on the committee (and others behind the scenes) that make Astrofest happen :thumbsup:.

Can't wait for August now :) See you all there.

Cheers

Anthony

[h0ughy]

yes you might need it;)

[h0ughy]

yes its the countdown now, cant wait, wonder who the two were that registered?????

[allan gould]

Paid and registered for the whole shebang.
Woooo Hoooo !
Can't wait

[h0ughy]

thats great Al - now where is Grady?

[CJ]

I've not been to one of these before. Do I have to register beforehand or is it ok to just turn up on the day if circumstances permit?

[allan gould]

Now that you mention it -with the right hat he could be "where's Wally".

[allan gould]

Depends if you want camping or bunk accommodation. If the latter I would register or at least let the organizers know when you might be appearing.
Allan

[citivolus]

I have added user comment fields to the individual days as well as an overall one for the order during the checkout process. Hopefully that will help.

As for registering on site, this is fine for day visitors but if you are planning on staying over night or going to the Astrofeast, you run the risk of there not being any openings left.

[acropolite]

Still no confirmation email, I have registered a second time with a different email and username, still no confirmation email, I've tested both email addys from a third account with a different service provider with no problems.

How long did your confirmation take to arrive Allan?

[Grimmeister]

Hi Phil,

My Activation and confirmation emails were less than a minute to get through to my email address but my email domain is private not an ISP email domain like user@bigpond.com. Not sure what issues your having there??? :shrug:

Regards

Anthony

[acropolite]

I don't believe I have any issues my end. Both the addresses I tried were @netspace.net.au my guess is that either I happened to register when something was being amended on the website (but both times unlikely) or the send server that the registration site is blacklisted by netspace or iinet (can happen if that service provider has had significant spammer activity).

I have also sent two test emails to the netspace addresses from a third unrelated hosted domain email address, both arrived within a minute.

[CJ]

Thanks Allan & Ric. :thumbsup:

[allan gould]

Took about 5 minutes and then I found it in my spam folder, but the accomodation and meals didn't stick so I had to do it all again. The registration page with all is details should be on the first page and not buried half way into the darn thing as I found.
And a note saying that the confirmation may wind up in the spam folder, as my wife had pleasure in suggesting to me.
Allan

[AstroJunk]

I can't come this year because I'm too stoopid to get reCapture to work :(

See you in 2014.

[h0ughy]

but you have to come!!!

[stanlite]

Grady has been informed that his attendance might not be allowed by Her Majesty government :-(

Damn elections

I will inform you at a future date as my attendance ... But i will have you know i was ready to book i tell you i was ready.

[stanlite]

Oh Allan you don't need to get me a hat that is too kind of you ... I might have to get you this

http://www.laserglow.com/GSD?gclid=CPDozdfNgbcCFQxepQodvTQAP Q

you know to calabrate you imaging camera on the first 6 nights. i think pointing it straight down the OTA should do it hey??

or maybe this ... might also be useful for meals and passing strangers that nudge your mount

http://www.wickedlasers.com/torch

[acropolite]

Ric, still no joy with the confirmation emails, please check your PM's

Thanks.

Phil

[acropolite]

Yes, I've tried yet again (for over an hour) to re-register but can't get past the ReCaptcha.

Really Qld Astrofest guys this is rediculous.

Looks like I won't be coming either, re-Captcha doesn't like me.....

[h0ughy]

phil try something different - dont login jus t click on the bunk house option then go through the motions again but only use the person information on the right? thats what i did last night and i never had to use the recaptcha again?

[allan gould]

I really don't understand the introduction of the recapture, just seems a paranoid action but then I may be wrong. Can't this be dropped so that the registration is a bit easier?
Allan

[mozzie]

tried to book and setup login,still awaiting conformation e-mail to continue :shrug:

[steve000]

$40 a night? is that correct

[mozzie]

haha phil i can get past re-captcha but still awating conformation email to kick start my account...

[allan gould]

No, $20 per night minus early bird discount.
Allan

[mozzie]

tried to login and i'm blocked out or not activated my account :lol::lol:

[acropolite]

You've done well out of probably 50 tries I only managed to get it once. No matter how I interpret the letters it says I've got it wrong. I had to laugh, I listened to the audio cue, (from what I could hear martian of chinese descent) even worse than the visual, perhaps I need a babelfish to translate....

Re the account, no activation email, no login.

Come on Ric, where the hell are ya...the natives are getting restless....:P

On another note it's really good that the recaptcha is there after all we wouldn't want spam bots (or anyone else for that matter) signing up, paying then expecting to turn up at the event....

[mozzie]

still waiting for my e-mail...:shrug: i can't do another user name or account as it recognises my current e-mail address ..bugger can't do anything..

lets go back to the old way...

[acropolite]

Mozzie, what's your ISP, mine is Netspace, which is also iiNet, I'm of the opinion that there is some sort of problem with the email interface on the Astrofest site. I've seen similar problems to this before, I've just sent an email to the old registrar address asking for a resolution.

[mozzie]

hi phil,have a mac and use safari....
geez if we can't register you'll have to spend a week here:lol::lol::lol:

[Tandum]

I can't register either, let us know when captcha is fixed or removed or I'm keeping the trophy :)

[acropolite]

I just managed to register for a third time via the checkout process, it looks as though the captcha process doesn't work if you use the stand alone registration. At this stage there is no confirmation email to my hosted domain address either.

Update. I did eventually get a confirmation email at my domain hosted address and have managed to book and pay under one of my alter egos...

NOTE TO Astrofest web admin. There is a problem with emails sent to @netspace.net.au addresses, there may also be problems to other ISP addresses, Mozzie also didn't received a confirmation email. I suspect also that there is a problem with the stand alone captcha process, the one via checkout seems to work if you're lucky enough to guess it.

[citivolus]

Hi all.

For those experiencing missing registration email, I am working on the issue. My mail server ended up in a relatively new IP block list of which I was not aware, and I am working on getting it removed. This is impacting most notably Bigpond and Netspace users, as well as some corporate servers. This should be fixed tonight if the time estimate on the removal web pages can be believed.

On the other issue, you will be happy to note that captcha has been blown away. I'll only bring it back if we get abuse issues, but for now hopefully people and bots will be well behaved.

2 less things to grumble about, only 43 remaining :rofl:

Regards,
Eric

[Tandum]

captcha is still there for me trying to create an account.
Do I have to create an account?

[astroron]

If you computer guys are having trouble, what chance has anyone not so versed in the computer arts got:shrug:
I think people will wait till it ius sorted out before trying to book,I know I will :confused2:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

i ended up not but i did fill out the details when booking

[Tandum]

So the login is if you want to change something?
I'm confused, but it doesn't seem to take much these days :)

[citivolus]

Hi Robin.

Captcha still remained if you attempted to log in directly via the log in form, rather than create an account through the checkout. I have disabled it in both places now.

Also, Bigpond and Netspace users should now get their email. I'm still working on people who's mail server uses senderbase.

Regards,
Eric

[Tandum]

Yeah it works and I got an email. I have my own mail server though.

[edit]
All booked, working for me now, thanks.

I don't have an image for this years photo comp so someone else will be taking home the trophy this year.

[mozzie]

i,m still buggered...no e-mail and can't register.....

[acropolite]

Send a PM to Ric Mozzie.

[AstroJunk]

The death of reCapture has let me come this year - Hurrah :)

[mozzie]

eric sent an e-mail last night..and very sorry for the problems said everything was up and running but still no e-mail...it just wont let me register...

well i just don't think those qldeer's want use to come up :lol::lol::lol::rofl:

[mozzie]

and use bigpond....

[mozzie]

won't be able to stay at your place jonathan...recapture hates me...

i could go and sleep down next to the river.....

[AstroJunk]

I've tunnelled past the barbed wire so we're alright - I can sneak you in under the covers of my account if Eric can't rustle up a false passport and set of civilian clothes for you :P

[allan gould]

Bugger. If you snore again it's the old plastic bag in the night for you.
Good to catch up, again.
Allan

[mozzie]

:lol::lol::lol::lol:mate park that van down near the bridge and i'll sleep it there :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[acropolite]

You'll be right at home, probably a lot of mozzies down there.:rofl:

@ RIC, I notice that we get a booking notification, do we get something to confirm that booking and shows it as paid???

[AstroJunk]

Ah yes, the great "Cloudy One Night, Hungover the next" evening that only some of us can remember. Thankfully I'll be bringing the new Winnebago which is very well insulated :rofl:

[jjjnettie]

:) Oooh a Winnebago. How posh.
After getting the tour of your old camper van I've gone and bought myself a converted VW Transporter. :)
No more bunk houses and no more crazy german ladies for me. :) .

[mozzie]

all sorted registered know !!!! thanks ric for fixing my registration......
well i wont be sleeping down the river know :lol::lol:booked in for the last 3 nights with my boy lachlan...and he's not so small know....

see you all there :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

looking forward to it.

[mozzie]

were both excited david as we missed last year with work commitments...not this year.

[lacad01]

Trying to swing things to get the week off and come up with my better half and youngest daughter.
Some dumb questions as I couldn't quite make out from the web site:
- is there any mains power available to the tent-camp sites (powered site?)
- if the tent sites are non-power, are there outlets available where one could recharge batteries during the day?
I should find out hopefully by end of today whether it will be a goer or not :prey:

[OneCosmos]

Finally, I have got around to making a booking - and it was breeze - looks like I missed all the fun with Captcha :).

Booked for the whole time as usual - my fourth now - how time flies. it will be great to catch up with everyone and hopefully I'll be in the EQ (EQModless!) gang :shrug:

Can't wait - but this damned English weather needs sorting out!

Chris

[OneCosmos]

PS Just in case you didn't all spot my posting in the General forum; http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=108384

Chris

[Tandum]

I'm guessing you'll have a concrete block chained to the laptop this year :P

[OneCosmos]

Oh, I thought I would just tether it to the EQ8 - should be jus as immovable. :rofl:

[allan gould]

JJJ
You leave my little liebhaber alone, she can still come in "handy".
Allan

[jjjnettie]

You're terrible Muriel. LOL

[AstroJunk]

I have to admit. its all a bit luxurious indeed. Not massive on the Winnebago scale, but probably a little on the large side to 'tuck-in' like I usually do!

Looking forward to the tour of your new waggon :thumbsup:

That photo was taken on a trip to visit Mozzie. Had to make sure he was coming this year...

[h0ughy]

whats your ride look like JJJ. after knowing and seen alans Scargo lol

[mozzie]

yes johnathan that's one nice setup..looking forward to catching up..

have the 16" out at the moment ready to have a look through :( but the rain hasn't stopped

[jjjnettie]

This is my Astro Van.
If I'm setting up for a few nights I have a tent that affixes to the side giving a heap of extra living space.
This pic was taken on an overnight road trip that Ron and I went on, trying to get away from cloudy skies so we could eyeball comets Lemmon and Panstarrs.

[allan gould]

Sweet looking set up there JJJ. Should be good at Astrofest.
Allan

[Tandum]

If that wagons rocking, the shockies are stuffed :)

[astroron]

It was a good trip all the same JJJ :D
Could you please send me a copy of the pic JJJ
Cheers:thumbsup:

[stanlite]

JJ is this the designated meeting area for afternoon refreshments and refined discussions about the evening imaging plans of the darksiders? Yes I have named our group of miscreants the darksiders, it was either that "Allan's Frauen" or "the terminally afflicted astro images" TAAI for short.

[jjjnettie]

Astrofest is booked and paid for. :)
The countdown is now on.

[jjjnettie]

You are all invited to high tea at the Ritz. :)

[h0ughy]

nice campsite JJJ

[acropolite]

Hmm High tea, should I bake some cheese scones in advance....:P

[astroshot]

Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Will be my first time south of the equator to check out the southern skies.
Hopefully there will be some solar observing equipment in the crowd too.

[jjjnettie]

You HAVE to bring your new piece of rock with you for show and tell. :)

[astroshot]

Yea, I can imagine the discussion at Border Control...
:-)

[OneCosmos]

I have exchanged a few emails with the managers of Duckadang and whilst they may transport a piano there if it were going free, there is little incentive to spend money on acquiring one.

If any kind of musical entertainment involving a piano is to happen therefore it would mean transporting my digital piano there (which is do-able) but I would only do that if there were other musicians attending wanting to do something.

I had a few replies on my post on the General chat forum but so far nothing concrete. So, one final appeal to anyone with serious musical interest - surely there are a few violinists, flautists, Clarinetists, etc out there amongst the astro community?

Chris

[Nortilus]

Well my 2nd year is all booked and paid for. Now to save the money for the trip :D and my girlfriend Susan is the most amazing girl ever...

[Sirius1066]

Hi All

Was just checking out Ice In Space as it has been a while since I found the time to do so.

When I saw this thread I thought I should comment, after all I am on the Astrofest committee...

This years preparations are going very well. It is a significant year for Astrofest, 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of this great Star Party. To mark this milestone we have limited edition polo shirts for sale and a special display planned.

Places are filling up quickly so if you are thinking about coming you should make your booking very soon. If you haven't already go checkout the new Astrofest website and book while your there. http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/

Also we have setup a Facebook page this year so go freind us. https://www.facebook.com/QLDAstrofest

Lets hope for clear skies

[acropolite]

Earl, it would be handy to know how to order these most coveted of polo shirts, particularly for those of us who have already booked.

[Sirius1066]

Ah yes sorry... They are available on the website. Events Registration then merchandise section.

[h0ughy]

I have ordered a tent - that 5xl polo should fit i hope

[acropolite]

Ordered a medium after doing battle with the website...

[h0ughy]

so is the clairvoyant going to predict the weather:P:D

[acropolite]

The weather will be good, the medium has assured me... I needed a medium to work out my username, after the registration fiasco where I used 3 different emails before one worked (remember the blacklist saga).

Perhaps there should be Astrofest Tarot cards and Ouija boards available on registration to help sort out the ethereal jumble that is the Qld Astrofest site.....

On the plus side, I now know who I am, or at least one of my alter egos...:P

[jjjnettie]

I'm bringing along some Astro Tarts. :)

[Davros]

Yay, payment sent through. And no i am not one of Jeanettes astro tarts :p
I will be there from the Friday to the Friday. Cant wait.
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thum bsup::thumbsup:

[Nortilus]

month to go...pretty much...getting excited...

[allan gould]

You leave my Frauline out of this JJJ

[Intergage]

Sweet, the place it's being held at is less then an hours drive :D

[Davros]

Already compiling my target list. Cant wait, its going to be a blast! Might be bringing an electric blanket this year!

[jjjnettie]

You won't need the electric blanket if you sleep in your freezer suit. Those things are really really warm.

[Davros]

And i have to think of something to bake, savoury scones? choccy cake? hmmmm thinking cap on.

[GTB_an_Owl]

yep i can vouch for that Jeanette

i do it all the time when i'm camping in the cold weather

open up your sleeping bag and throw it over the top of you as a doona

geoff

[astroron]

NOT 25th year,it is 20th year anniversary
Started in1993.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[astro_south]

Yeehah - all booked and paid for - first Saturday to the end :thumbsup:

I think I have spent too much time on the cusp of the imaging field as this year (along with my dob) I will be bringing a recently acquired EQ6AZ. Yes it has goto ... but I am only using it for tracking purposes I promise ;) . I am also looking forward to seeing how my 400mm f2.8 lens performs under some dark skies.

Is it essential to bring along home baking this year?

See you all there! ... is it to early to start packing? :D

[jjjnettie]

It's never to early to start making packing lists and sorting through what you are going to be taking with you.
I'm backing the camper out tomorrow and fitting it with block out curtains and double checking all the camping gear is in order.
All I should have to add then is food, astro gear and clothes. :)
I've also been busy making weather proof covers for the mounts at well.

Home baking is optional :)

Looking forward to catching up with you Andrew.

[h0ughy]

curious - what product are you using for the weather proofing?

I had this amazingly stupid idea of somehow making a fold down dome that you can erect up over the scope in seconds and the main part is pegged to the ground in a semi circle and then you fold out up and over the mount in one go, its ribbed in several "slices" with fibreglass fold down poles and had a vent on 4 sides with a Velcro flap over it. its all in my head but I cant seem to get it out. could even act as a wind break with a few extra poles etc. its in my mind - will have to draw it up and get it costed to manufacture. thought about the camping replacement poles and make up a few arches and see how it goes. probably need a floor?:question::help: so the grand purpose would be to cover it up after a session and also be fully waterproof in case of rain and even heavy rain

[h0ughy]

LOL you could set up near me, I wont influence you a bit;):lol: that's peters and JJJ's job

[jjjnettie]

I'm using the heaviest grade silver tarp and simply folding it over and sewing both ends down, leaving the bottom open. I fold the bottom of the tarp back over to the other side and use anodized snap hooks to keep it in place. Works a treat. My scope and mount were outside in 90kph winds and everything stayed dry and in place.
I have made customised cotton covers for the scopes too to keep the dust off them.
ATM I'm working on making "skirts" to cover the tripod legs too, for extra protection.
I'm making sure it is all very easy to put on quickly and securely.

[astro_south]

Looking forward to catching up with you too Jeanette and hearing first hand about your travels ... so long as you can share some of what goes on tour ;)

[acropolite]

I'll have mine as well, 2 luddites (or maybe 3 if we all set up near Sir h0ugh) are better than one....

[h0ughy]

that will be great, i will be travelling light this year:rofl:

[astro_south]

Sounds like a plan Phil :thumbsup: ... though I will still need some room to swing the dob around as well :)

[Nortilus]

As soon as I read this I had a flash of exactly what your talking about and it is a brilliant idea..I have a friend that used to sew canvas stuff as a living and could probably help in this idea...i will shoot you an idea later on of a concept drawing and see if this is what you were thinking as well...

[h0ughy]

yeah was thinking of something like this? or a similar LOL wouldnt that start a new trend - i took the first portable dunny to astrofest many years ago - now it looks like mushies after a storm

[Nortilus]

yup...my flash was sort like that...but have walls and that ontop...cause that would be a pretty big clam shell structure...

[Nortilus]

sorry for my poor drawing but this is the concept i thought of..

[h0ughy]

thats very far away from from what i thought

[Nortilus]

i do like the clamshell concept thing...would be really fast once setup...

[acropolite]

We could call it "The Escargot", I seen to remember seeing some pool covers being made like that. Made from rip stop nylon, using removable battens like a sail, a few less segments as well, it wouldn't be expensive to make.

Just had a thought, perhaps a beehive model would be better, concentric hoops to collapse down flat.

[batema]

I'm booked for the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday night and then the inevitable drive straight back to school after my final all-nighter. Been there and done before. I pitty my kids after viewing all my images. See you there.

Mark

[peter_4059]

Just finished booking. Will be there the whole time again - can't wait.

[jjjnettie]

Yay!!

[h0ughy]

well I have come down with flu like symptoms, have been off work all this week and have not even started to pack. I may not take much gear this time, feeling this "great" this close to the event is not good. After all my wife really understands - honest? On a bright note i think the kids have bought me the star wars blue ray set and a blue ray player for tomorrow's solar systems big event..... ;)

[acropolite]

I'll believe that when I see it, if you have to cut back make sure it's not Al.

[AstroJunk]

My Astrofest has just dwindled away to nothing. UK Familly visiting and going back on the morning of Sunday the 13th - Its over.

I hope Peter turns up with the 30, otherwise big dob corner will be empty this year as Bryan is a no-show too. :sad:

[acropolite]

12 more sleeps and we're on the boat, 22 sleeps and we arrive @ Duckadang, planning is almost complete, a trial pack next weekend to make sure everything fits in FOO (the car).

In past years I took some RJ plugs, crimping tool, soldering iron etc, I'll do the same this time.

[jjjnettie]

Maaaate, that's terrible!!!
We'll miss you, we really will.
Sure you can't talk the rellies into coming along for a few days?

[AstroJunk]

I'm going to see if I can sneak away for a night earlier in the fest - I won't bring a scope, but I have heard that there is a new batch of Astro-Port being brewed up so won't need one!

[allan gould]

Try for at least one night as it would be good to catch up.
Allan

[mozzie]

bugger....hopeing to catch up and have a look through the big scopes......

[mozzie]

are you coming up the pacific hwy phil...

you can camp the night in the van here plenty of room..2 mins of the highway around 6-7 hours then to astrofest..

[astroron]

No Astrofest for me this year,cant get the van in for second Friday,only Wednesday and Thursday.
May come down for the day on Saturday,just see how I feel.
May I say the website is a conglomeration.
If I don't see ya Saturday, see ya next year.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[AstroJunk]

I have my van booked in for thurs, fri and saturday and know that I can't come those days - so there is a slot if you want it! I haven't told Wendy formally yet..

[AstroJunk]

Tell me about it Mozzie. Grr.

[acropolite]

Thanks for the offer Mozzie, but we're visiting relatives on the way up, we have family stop overs in Victoria then Newcastle, Ballina and finally Kids & grandkids in Brisvegas so accomodation isn't a problem, we'll be in Brisbane for a few days before going to Astrofest. HRH Liz is only coming on the last couple of days, I'm there for all but the first couple of days. Looking forward to catching up with you at Astrofest.

@RON, I think you should come anyway RON, of course we could organise a press gang to come and collect you.....:P You're right about the website and on line organisation, I hope that's not a sign of things to come.

[OneCosmos]

I hope you're feeling better soon, the event wouldn't be the same without you there.




What Houghy means is he'll leave the spare tripod at home:rofl:



Jonathan - you'd better make it for at least one night - I'll keep a coldie on ice for you.



Hey Ron, that's a shame, I was looking forward to meeting up.

I am booked for the whole time, as usual; in fact my fourth AF now. My gear is coming together, the final bits arrive this week then a couple of weekends to test it all out before the fun begins. Too excited to concentrate on work now:P

[adman]

Hi all

I am thinking about making the trek to Astrofest this year, and will have up to three kids in tow. I will probably bring my little pop-top camper trailer. I currently have no scope/mount to bring, but might try to get a small tracking mount to stick my camera on for a few happy-snap widefields. So I guess I would need to be on the imaging side of the camp.

What are the options for accommodation. Are there any sites left for a small trailer? What about the dormitories?

Cheers
Adam

[jakob]

:D
Just booked for Friday to Tuesday!
Looking forward to (clear) dark skies.
:eyepop::eyepop::eyepop:

[OneCosmos]

Hi Adam, there are always plenty of people on the 'visual' field who have seen the light and find themselves imaging from the same location these days:rofl:

[jjjnettie]

It will be great to catch up again Jakob. :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

Jakob - i want photo's of Jeanette in her freezer gear

geoff

[h0ughy]

i'll be sure to geta photo Geoff, maybe even a group shot of all freezer suit wearers if you like ;)


only taking one mount this year - the EQ8. its untried be cause of weather and health so no better way to test it out eh? also be taking the C11 and the hyperstar setup and a solar scope. I will bring the little meade i bought last year as backup, but no mount for it. will take the polarie and the losmandy starlapse for some widefields. there thats it!! travelling light


Oh BTW i just bought a Celestron Nightscape CCD to use on the hyperstar, hope it fits and doesnt need any adapters? more new software and new gear - i will be a complete newbie this year ;)

edit - just found out i do need an adapter for the nightscape - just orderded it from starzona today (16/07/2013) - hope it arrives before 31 july

[LAW]

Hey guys, I'd like to come out and have a look or a night or two, its not far up the road from me so I won't need a campsite or anything, do I need to book in? (I tried the website but it keeps crashing on my phone).

[GTB_an_Owl]

yes - a group photo as well would be great Dave

geoff

[Nortilus]

Getting close now...im getting excited...

Still need to get myself a ensuite tent as this is the trendy thing to do. and looks better than a box with garbage bin bags taped to it...LOL

[stanlite]

i am going to try and sneak up on the first weekend. No promises but here is hoping... if i do come will come up Friday night, attempt set-up in the dark, fail, go into Allan's tent for some remedial massage then set-up Saturday for an all nighter Sat night then pack up Sunday...

If i come i will be bringing my new toy... QHY9 mono with 7pos SX filterwheel with Baader filters and OAG >_>

probably be my first outing with it <_<

oh and a small thermo nuclear computer possibly lol :P

[Nortilus]

Nice bit of new kit mate...be good to catch up again.

[h0ughy]

well Grady there is nothing like trying something new, for me it will be the complete hyperstar setup and eq8 - all from scratch so you are in good company ;):lol:

[stanlite]

we can invent new swear words together then ;) :lol:

[h0ughy]

yes we can learn a lot from the Scargo tent:rofl:

[AstroJunk]

Two weeks to go, and I thought I'd remind everyone of the power issues a couple of years back due to damp conditions and some sloppy electrical work in the field.

Well, its certainly been a wet winter and the dew levels have been very high. If you can run off a car battery plugged into a charger for your critical equipment - scopes and cameras for eg, you will probably save yourself from a lot of heartache as I expect that there will be some brownouts due to hairdriers and short-circuits!!!!

If you want to regulate your power from the battery, this thing works well: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3478

Oh and don't forget that this is your last shopping weekend :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

yes taken note and shall arrive with Chernobyl:thumbsup::rofl:

[allan gould]

Brave boy, young Grady. You will have to set up near Houghy so we won't have to swivel arond to get the full impact of your frustrations with the new gear.
Do you want scented oil and candles this year or will the old mood lighting from last year suffice in the Scargo?
Should have some fun with the new camera, and I do mean the QHY9.
How is the observatory going?
Allan

[AstroJunk]

I have to say, if there is one person I was confident would arrive well prepared :D

[acropolite]

Speaking of dew, might I remind you most prepared of gents that Duck Smuth has some nifty outdoor plastic power protection boxes as per this thread (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=105020). It's also worthy of note that these boxes will hold 2 of the az-EQ6 counterweights and so can double as a carry box on the way up. They even have Velcro!!!!!!

[Tandum]

Over the last few days, I've got the newt wired for travel and have even bolted on the robofocus which has been sitting here for months. Found a dud usb port on the laptop so had to order an express card to usb adapter off fleabay. I hope that fixes it. There once was a time when all this stuff was always ready to go ...

[jjjnettie]

I hate to post this. :(
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/long-range-forecast/28-day-rain/qld/brisbane

[Nortilus]

Shh nettie...its all a dream...

[mozzie]

starting to get the scope and bits and pieces together...
can't wait lets hope for clear skies..

[h0ughy]

LOL i prefer this link JJJ - looks more positive http://www.accuweather.com/en/au/nurinda/1072955/august-weather/1072955?monyr=8/1/2013 ;)

[stanlite]

The less said about the progress about the observatory the better lol. Just have had no time on weekends to do anything.

[earthlight]

Hi all

I am chasing a copy group photo for years 1996 and 2000.

Anne-Louise

[h0ughy]

update for you JJJ on the weather - looks more promising

[Nortilus]

Will be getting everything i need either washed or packed during the week. All gear almost ready to go. 1 or 2 things im waiting on.

[jjjnettie]

Will you be driving straight to AF or will you do the same as last year?

[Nortilus]

Not sure nettie.

[jjjnettie]

On Thursday the 8th of August. Phil Plait is giving a free lecture down on the Gold Coast.
I'm seriously thinking of booking a seat (its free) and driving down to attend. Is anyone else interested in going too?
It means missing out on one afternoon and evening of Astrofest, but it will be worth it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the talk he gave in May.

The lecture is from 6 - 7.30pm. So we'd have to leave some time after 3pm and we'd be back at camp well before midnight.

[Nortilus]

Yeah...sounds good, I'll tag along and help with fuel money :D
Book 2 seats..

[jjjnettie]

Joshy, I just realised, I'm going to be in my campervan at AF, and I'd have to pull down my annex and pack away everything to do the drive down. :(
So unless someone else is going to offer to drive down in their car, it's going to be a no go. sorry.

[Nortilus]

I will take my car then...I'll drive

[jjjnettie]

You can register here Josh. http://www.griffith.edu.au/science-environment-engineering-technology/news-events/bad-astronomy-public-lecture/bad-astronomy-registration

[Nortilus]

Registered nettie...excited for this too. Never get any things like this up here so it'll be exciting to get to goto this.

Still 2 more seats in the car for this. 3 seats if you want to be squishy...

[jjjnettie]

This was in todays local paper.

[h0ughy]

which bridge was that JJJ

[Nortilus]

I'm guess the one where we had to drive down that dip into the creek...I could be wrong.

[mozzie]

be a bit embaressing launching the vehicle into the creek :rofl::rofl: be the talk of astrofest..

[h0ughy]

mmm we couldn't have any gossip could we ;):lol:

[mozzie]

the usual david what happens at astrofest stays at astrofest :lol::lol:

[bojan]

Since this is too far away for me, I contacted Bridget from Griffith Uni re other Phil's lectures in Oz..
see below:

***
Aug 10, 5PM: Powerhouse Museum/Sydney Observatory, hosted at Fort Street Primary School in Sydney

Aug 12, 6PM: Science Alert Australia event, hosted at Powerhouse Museum in Sydney

Aug 14, 7PM: Royal Institute Australia/National Science Week, in Adelaide.
**
Well, this is also too far away for me, but someone else may be interested.

[OneCosmos]

Hard to believe that this time next week I'll be at Astrofest with everything setup in excited anticipation for the first night :Dwell I mean first clear night :lol:

Look forward to seeing everyone again.


Chris

[jjjnettie]

7 sleeps to go. :)

[h0ughy]

well I should be put in quarantine but I will be there!! only having one mount this year ;) I hope to be over most of what i have, looking forward to recuperating with some photon therapy. have spent two the past three weeks off work crook - nothing like a challenge eh! BTW I haven't packed yet, and fast approaching a small panic attack........

many thanks to Lee for his help ;)

[Davros]

Starting my pack up tonight :D and writing a shopping list for everything i have lost or forgotten about.

[jjjnettie]

Houghy, so long as you don't forget to pack the EQ6 ;)

[h0ughy]

yes boss:thumbsup:;)

[acropolite]

Packed, on the boat last night and disembarked on the North Island, looking forward to the 4th....:D

[h0ughy]

looking forward to seeing you. ;):lol::thumbsup::D

[jjjnettie]

The first of the pilgrims to depart. :)

[Nortilus]

ensuite tent put up and tested this morning...now to start packing :D

[h0ughy]

well i feel a bit better and have been trying to prep the trailer and start the packing process. its a beautiful clam warm day today, but Wednesday we are due for some rain - which will hamper efforts for the final pack :sadeyes:

i must make a list of the things i will need - and wont. not many spares coming this trip. yes JJJ i will be packing the eq6 today;)

as you can see i have had to get the trailer lights fixed - so i bought a light set from Supercheap Auto - fitted that this morning. the other lights sort of work but it needed a complete rewire. cheap quick way to get roadworthy;)

I will be packing for some comfort this year:lol:;):D the "tajmyhut" just got a little bigger:)

[h0ughy]

so how long did you take to pop it up and then pack it away :rofl:

[Tandum]

Dave, I've been told that they have changed the law up here regarding ute/trailer loads. I've been told you will be fined per item for an uncovered load and most utes/trailers I see getting around now have mesh/netting over them. I'm guessing your's will be covered with a tarp.

[h0ughy]

Robin I take you haven't seen the trailer fully packed. I ratchet the load down after the tarps and occo straps and trailer nets have been coveredand then put a second net over it. to precious to loose;). been doing that since 2005

[Tandum]

No I haven't, your first in and last out aren't ya :D

I thought you had a van full of stuff last time :question:

The story I got about this load netting stuff was a builder had 2 open boxes of sicaflex (silicon) sliding around the back of his ute. They pulled him over and booked him $110 for each unsecured item. Two dozen tubes of silicon in this instance. The mongrels, anything to raise revenue.

[Nortilus]

Didnt take long at all. 5 mins up...5 mins down...barely even needed instructions :P

[stanlite]

i will have to unfurl the tent sometime this week at night... i will probably be arriving sometime around 8pm friday night and given i will only get that night and saturday night this year a night time setup is going to be attempted lol...

Did i also mention that i have to be back in brisbane now by 9am Saturday for an event that is being held so i will be gone all day saturday too back up by 4:30pm :( tested all the gear today on the laptop the QHY9 is aces with my equipment although i think i have damaged the Lodestar cable to the mount from the camera... does anyone now if you can do pulse guide like eqmod?

[peter_4059]

Grady - if you are using Gemini.net you can pulse guide through the serial connection however I found this pretty flakey so went back to the ST4 port.

[astroron]

Don't forget you will not be able to drive into the grounds after sunset,so unless you are camping down the bottom by the Tennis courts you are going to have to carry all your stuff to your camping and observing/imaging site from the road.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[thunderchildobs]

Could people please, please read the camp rules

http://media.qldastrofest.org.au/pdf/RegistrationBooklet.2013.pdf

regarding noise in and around the bunk houses, red lights, smoking and
children.

Brendan

[h0ughy]

the countdown continues..... I have part packed the trailer and have cut down on a lot of kit - heaps in fact!! only clothing and food to go......

looking forward to the adventure

[stanlite]

i have become well versed in setup in the dark ;) no headlamps here Brendan.
Also all my equipment is in role-able cases so parking in the night parking area isn't a problem.

everything is planed and ready to go. looking forward to kicking your new mount houghy ;) ... to test its stability of course >_>
<_<

[h0ughy]

better wear your steel caps:rofl:

[acropolite]

I bought a raincoat in Melbourne in anticipation of the deluge that is sure to follow shortly after unpacking the h0ughmobile.

I wonder if the new gear weather curse extends to recently sold second hand gear, if so Dave you may be better to leave the afformentioned EQ6 at home...:P

[h0ughy]

oh how i hope this is true

[Nortilus]

that's is looking good dave...hope the fog stays away too...and I have dew heaters this year so I'll be able to image past 11pm...haha

[mozzie]

that forcast looks beautiful david....the count down is on know !!!

look out queensland here come the nsw boys :lol::lol: and tassie

[h0ughy]

yep and if it changes now then its not my fault:rofl:

[GrahamL]

Have fun mozzie , coming out of tossing retirement to scoop the big prize again this year ? :)

[acropolite]

Southerners....:D

[batema]

The news channel says fine from this coming Wednesday on the Sunshine Coast through to at least next Tuesday so here's hoping.

[DavidTrap]

Mexicans?