TenChain Hill Resumes` [Archive]

lazjen

05-04-2014, 04:24 PM

Peter, perhaps your return will signal the weather changing - Brett's right, it's been so cloudy with barely any rain to make up for that inconvenience.

I'm trying to sort out logistics for my first visit, maybe this month. When the New Moon is during the middle of the week, what weekend do you normally pick - before or after (both? :) ). The next New Moon is Tue 29th April.

pmrid

06-04-2014, 11:23 AM

Both, to start with. The one before would be slightly better moon-wise but the difference would be marginal. So it will come down to weather in the end - surprise, surprise!!

Peter

RickS

06-04-2014, 02:07 PM

Welcome back, Peter! How was the trip? Did you do some widefield imaging?

Cheers,
Rick.

pmrid

06-04-2014, 03:17 PM

Now there's a story. I also took my kayak and bike - they each got about the same amount of use. 'Nuff said?
In between the Victorian and SA bushfires and howling winds all along the coasts from Ceduna to Eden, there were 2 nights when I managed to set up the gear but each time had to put it all away again before doing anything productive.
The kayak did get wet - just. The bicycle travelled 9000 kilometres but cycled only about one.
Still, it was fun.
Peter

RickS

06-04-2014, 03:54 PM

Glad you had a good time even if there was no imaging :thumbsup:

RobF

16-04-2014, 11:51 AM

Sounds like an adventure even if not exactly as planned :)

Do you expect to be "open" Fri of Anzac Day, and/or the Sat 26th Peter?
I think I'll have forgotten how to get to 10Chain:confused2: :rolleyes:

pmrid

17-04-2014, 09:24 AM

Hi Rob, it's certainly been a long time between drinks hasn't it? I'm sweating on the weather ATM but assuming it is OK, I expect to be making the most of this new moon period including the Friday and Saturday of the 25/26. The following weekend should also be roughly the same so barring acts of war and pestilence, I'll make the most of that too.
Peter

Spookyer

21-04-2014, 10:16 PM

Hi Peter, I will come out Friday night, not sure about Sat as I have a wedding to shoot but might come out afterwards if I am not too hammered.

Cheers
Brett

pmrid

22-04-2014, 06:39 AM

G'day Brett.
Just took a look at BOM and SKIPPY for Friday/Saturday and now I wish I hadn't. I wouldn't start packing gear just yet.
Peter

lazjen

22-04-2014, 07:42 AM

I've also been tracking SkippySky and yeah, not looking the best. :(

RobF

23-04-2014, 07:44 PM

I wouldn't write Fri night off yet.....

http://www.cawcr.gov.au/staff/ljr/projects/Forcs/ani_a.html

pmrid

23-04-2014, 08:32 PM

No!!! I was just looking at Skippy a moment ago and then saw your post and the link to that terrific animation. Wow! I haven't seen that before.

So, yes, Friday looks workable up to the early a.m. when ground mist would probably put us to bed anyway. So hope springs eternal, as the saying goes - and I would venture to suggest it might, just, work. Saturday remains a bit dismal.

Peter

lazjen

23-04-2014, 08:51 PM

Friday is definitely looking like the better night, but I can't make that one anyway. So, I think I'll call it now and pass on this weekend and try for the next time instead.

RobF

23-04-2014, 10:59 PM

The BOM Access models are a fantastic resource, particularly the 4km SE Qld chart within 24-36 hours of the night in question. Phil Hart flagged these some time ago. What's good enough for Phil works for me :thumbsup:

http://www.cawcr.gov.au/staff/ljr/projects/forcloops.htm

Anyway, will keep my fingers and toes crossed. Moon will be up around 2am Fri night anway even if clouds/fog appear.

RickS

24-04-2014, 10:11 AM

I've been on a roll collecting narrowband from home most nights for the last week. Unless the weekend starts to look really great I'll hang out here and see if I can add to the 40+ hours of data I already have...

pmrid

24-04-2014, 11:09 AM

Sounds like aperture-induced inertia is setting in. Hope we get to see the results soon.
Peter

RickS

24-04-2014, 11:56 AM

I would like to get out and attack a galaxy in LRGB but that needs at least two nights.

I'm chasing two NB targets. One is pretty bright and I probably have enough data. The other is bloody dim. 16 hours of O3 and still noisy as...

Hope you get some decent weather, Peter!

Cheers,
Rick.

RobF

25-04-2014, 11:40 AM

I'm planning to be up around 5 to 5:30pm Peter if still ok
See you all then

pmrid

25-04-2014, 12:27 PM

No problem here Rob. Fingers and toes crossed.
Peter

RickS

25-04-2014, 12:28 PM

Good luck, gents! I'll be narrowbanding again.

pmrid

25-04-2014, 12:48 PM

Have fun Rick.
Peter

Spookyer

25-04-2014, 03:00 PM

Hi all, was looking forward to catching up with everyone this evening and sampling Peter's dark skies after a drought of many months but I have had to work today and my wedding tomorrow is starting earlier than previously planned due to a late venue change so I won't make it out there tonight.

Next weekend might be a possibility if you are opening up Peter? Hope you get some clear skies tonight, looks like it might be good till 3am or so anyway.

Thanks for the link for those BOM graphs Rob.

Cheers and look forward to seeing some images from you blokes.
Brett

ozstronomer

25-04-2014, 03:13 PM

Hi Peter,

I won't be up this weekend, I will see how the weather is for next weekend and try to make it then.

Hope it clears as it isn't the best here ATM.

Cheers Geoff

pmrid

26-04-2014, 07:47 AM

A good night!! The weather on the ground was a pretty accurate reflection of that animation which Rob showed us - cloud moving south and north of us but not closing us down - in fact it was a bad back that put me top bed about 1 and ground mist that put paid to Rob's efforts some time after that.

I'll start looking at the weather again in a few days and see what the prospects are for next weekend.

Peter

RickS

26-04-2014, 08:15 AM

It clouded over here around 10:30pm with a few drops of rain so I packed up. By the time I finished it had cleared again :mad2:

DavidTrap

26-04-2014, 08:22 AM

Good to hear you got some time in Peter. I imaged til around 11:30 from home, then called it quits. Was clear when I woke up this morning, but there's high wispy cloud here now...

DT

Spookyer

26-04-2014, 08:46 AM

Glad to see you guys got some clear skies.

brett

RobF

26-04-2014, 11:15 AM

Thanks for the hospitality Peter.
I called it quits about 2 when too tired and the mist closing in.

Really enjoyed getting some 10Chain sky again.

Rob

lazjen

30-04-2014, 10:21 AM

What's the current guess for this weekend? Skippysky seems to have a nice "hole" for Sat night at the moment.

Spookyer

30-04-2014, 06:46 PM

Yeah, it almost looks promising:question:

pmrid

01-05-2014, 12:33 AM

Had a look at Skippy and I can see the hole mentioned. I'll keep an eye on it but ..... Boy oh boy it's been bad hasn't it?
Stay tuned.
Peter

lazjen

01-05-2014, 03:25 PM

Noooo, the hole is closing up a bit :(

pmrid

01-05-2014, 04:09 PM

Gentlemen, I do believe this may be a weekend for contemplating catching up with the reading list, reprocessing last year's images, fixing the kids bikes etc. It's not very cheerful news but that's just how it goes. See you in June - perhaps.

Peter

lazjen

02-05-2014, 09:24 AM

I think I'll be able to get some time in on Sat night from the backyard, but I don't believe I'd currently risk the drive, etc for this round.

pmrid

03-05-2014, 08:28 AM

Well ladies, it's BACK. The dark hole from down under! Despite the rumors, it seems that the skies will clear over us tonight. I, for one, will be rugged up and making the most of it. Temps last night were in single figures too. Skies were brilliant in the wee-smalls and tonight should be the same from sundown onwards. Feel free to try your luck.

Peter

ozstronomer

03-05-2014, 03:13 PM

Hi Peter, I can't make it this weekend, hope skippy is accurate with cloud cover as it doesn't looks good here.

Catch you next new moon

Cheers Geoff

RickS

03-05-2014, 07:39 PM

Hope you're getting a great night, Peter. Not too bad down here in Brisvegas. I'm chasing a bit more narrowband data. According to 7timer we have three good nights in a row which would be enough to wrap up a couple more targets if I'm lucky...

Cheers,
Rick.

lazjen

03-05-2014, 09:04 PM

Quite a temp drop, but definitely a good night in Brisbane.

pmrid

04-05-2014, 03:23 AM

What a cold clear night. Wow. That sneaked up on us didn't it?
The trouble with having so few decent nights is - apart from the obvious - that you don't get the time/opportunity to work out those bugs in your optical system that depend on it.
I'm trying to get this RC8 I picked up collimated and it's proving to be very elusive- even with a Tak collimating Scope.
Does anyone in this group have any experience with collimating an RC?

Peter

ozstronomer

04-05-2014, 03:36 AM

Sorry Peter, I can't help but I expect Rick will Have a few Ideas on collimation.

Skies have been looking great all night, on to second target so I hope it holds till dawn

Geoff

RickS

04-05-2014, 08:28 AM

G'day Peter,

I have collimated my RC10 on a few occasions. I used a Tak collimation scope to get it about right and Al's Collimation Aid to get the rest of the way with a real star. I only ever adjusted the secondary and didn't ever need to adjust the primary (saw you asking questions about the primary screws the other day). If there's anything I can do to help let me know.

Seeing wasn't that great last night but I did get another 9 hours of data and we takes what we can get :D

Cheers,
Rick.

pmrid

04-05-2014, 10:21 AM

Thanks Rick. Using the Tak Col Scope, it seems to me that the primary and secondary are both bank-on. A defocused star brings some secondary adjustments but nothing gross. Problem is that there seems to be serious tilt remaining and so it seems now it becomes a process of elimination. There is a slight Y-Axis droop in the CCD-to-focuser connection. It's a slide-in no a screw-in job. The focuser is a FeatherTouch so I'm not looking there yet. Having said that though I did notice one of the 3 grub screws in the flange is missing.
I finally did a Bahtinov mask test last night - focus accurately in the centre then move the star to the 4 corners to check focus AND then, rotate the mask 90 degrees in each corner to see if there is an X-Axis shift. In fact I'm guessing it is a bit of each. And there was - pronounced on the left side and mostly on the top.

I adjusted a little for that X-Shift and it seemed that on the Bahtinovs at least I had eliminated it. But a 10 minute sub later showed I was wrong about that. So I'm back on a tilt but somewhere else. The last candidate is in the CCD sensor. It's an Apogee Alta U8300 and OUGHT to be right. Trouble is that there's no adjustments in those cameras. I may have to see if I can get hold of a tilt-plate from somewhere. I Think Teleskop Xpress in Germany sell one for the RC10.

Peter

allan gould

04-05-2014, 11:09 AM

Peter
I have a 10" GSO RC and used Al's collimation aid to get stars sorted out ie to be totally circular in the frame. I then use SGP to do my focusing for me as I have found this is the only way to make sure I'm in the CFZ for my scopes. I have found that reliance totally on a Bahtinov mask can put stars on the edges out of the CFZ and get elongation. I also have a 10" SCT that I use Al's collimation aid to ensure that it's properly collimated. Don't have a Tak collimation scope as my RC was almost bang on when I got it and it just needed very small secondary tweaks to get it right. It's held it's collimation for over 12 months now. The collimation screws were really tight from day one.
If you still have tilt I would recommend that you get the tilt adjuster from Bintel. I have one but have not needed to use it.
Allan

allan gould

04-05-2014, 11:24 AM

Peter
The tilt adjuster for the 8" scope is different from the 10" in diameter.
Bintel has it here for the eight inch
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Collimation/Bintel-GSO-RC-Focuser-Collimation-Ring--RC8-/1771/productview.aspx
Hope this helps but Al's collimation aid is the best thing since sliced bread for collimation and takes all the guess work out of it when used on a star.
I have astigmatism in my eyes which makes it difficult to judge a clean circle. ACA takes care of that and I've never had a problem since.
Hope this helps.
Allan

pmrid

04-05-2014, 11:44 AM

Thanks for that Allan. I'll give Als routine a try tonight before I tweak any more.
cheers
Peter

RickS

04-05-2014, 11:55 AM

Peter,

I have one of Gerd Neumann's heavy duty camera tilt units if you ever need to borrow it. It requires a male A-P 2.7" thread on both sides, IIRC.

Cheers,
Rick.

pmrid

04-05-2014, 02:23 PM

Thanks Rick. I've ordered one from Bintel. It's a PITA when these great nights come along so rarely and you can't use them to the full. I'll have to content myself with doing some widefields on the little BabyQ instead!!

Peter

Doogs38

04-05-2014, 05:23 PM

It certainly was!! It was a steady but quick drop to 4°C at my place (Walloon); my 14" mirror couldn't dump it's heat at the same rate and didn't get below 8°C - time to mod the mirror box for some fans! Regardless, enjoyed a night outside looking at all sorts of interesting things ... I can only imagine how nice (& cold) it was at 10Chains Hill. Alex

pmrid

04-05-2014, 09:12 PM

Tonight was supposed to be about the same but it's after 9 and still above 12C. And the seeing is not too flash. Maybe its the setting moon doing it - hope so. I'm doing widefields around M83 and it's a bit ordinary.
Peter

lazjen

04-05-2014, 09:47 PM

This: http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/isobaric/250hPa/orthographic=-213.28,-23.68,1601 might also show why the seeing is not great.

I'm taking the opportunity to get some darks as I have none for this temperature range.

RickS

04-05-2014, 09:52 PM

My guiding is better tonight than last night, but not fantastic. It was pretty good at the start of the evening but has deteriorated. Still, at least the skies aren't opaque for a change :)

Tandum

05-05-2014, 12:03 AM

I just snuk out for back yard piss and thought it looked pretty good.

Not a cloud in that sky.

Passed near 10 chain on the Italian Stalian today Pete. Did you here it :)
Of course not ... but my ears are still ringing :)
Got a buyer coming tomorrow :)

I'll have to wash it I suppose.

pmrid

05-05-2014, 02:41 AM

What's next. A big Honda Gold Wing with built-in Tv and en-suite?
Peter

Tandum

07-05-2014, 04:57 PM

Nope, a periodontist gets the lion share :rolleyes:
Still got the big green Beemer.

pmrid

27-05-2014, 02:08 PM

Well guys, I hate being the perennial pessimist but the sky gods make it impossible to be otherwise. Skippy says the weekend will be heavily clouded. We have had 3 nights in a row here of beautiful skies but that's no consolation to those hanging out for the Saturday. I'll revisit this forecast on Thursday but if it doesn't improve, I'll call Saturday night off and go do something else - something you can do indoors like sulk.
Peter

pmrid

30-05-2014, 01:46 AM

Well, that's that! The clouds are back and Skippy agrees with the BOM. This new moon goes the same way as the past 6 or 7 - down the celestial gurgler.
I'm taking the dog and going fishing instead of sitting here sulking. Hope I fare a bit better with pilchards than I have with telescopes.

Peter

Octane

30-05-2014, 07:38 AM

Bugger!

I'm out at Cainbable with the wife. Only have her 50D, 100mm macro and my Polarie. Was hoping for clear skies. :(

H

ozstronomer

30-05-2014, 07:22 PM

Thanks Peter, it was always touch and go this month :(

Well there's always next month...fingers crossed

pmrid

22-06-2014, 09:36 PM

Well, it's nearly new moon. Anyone feel like testing your Astrofest rig before it's too late?
This Saturday seems like a fair chance at this stage.
Peter

ozstronomer

23-06-2014, 05:43 PM

Hi Peter,

I'll be up, looking forward to a catchup

Geoff

RickS

23-06-2014, 06:54 PM

I'll be down south at Glen Aplin for a couple of nights if the weather behaves. Hope to catch up later in the year, Peter. Will you be at Astrofest?

Cheers,
Rick.

pmrid

25-06-2014, 02:36 PM

Hi Rick. No, not this year. Old bones and hard beds don't mix too well for me. Plus all my rigs are now pretty permanent installations.

THIS new Moon:
Guys, Skippy is a pessimistic blighter as far as Saturday is concerned but Friday is clear and so far at least looks the better night. Feel free to do a Friday instead of Saturday if that is your preference.
Peter