Announcement: IISAC2007 - IceInSpace AstroCamp

[iceman]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/iisac2007-web600.jpg (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac)

This is the official thread for IISAC2007 - IceInSpace AstroCamp.

All questions and discussions can go in there.

IISAC2007 is a star party being held over 3 nights (Thu/Fri/Sat) from January 18th-21st 2007 at Lostock, in the Hunter Valley of NSW.

All IISAC information, including dates, where it is, how to get there, sponsors, lucky door prizes, agenda, guest speakers, things to know, things to bring, rules etc, can be found on the official IISAC page:

IISAC2007 - IceInSpace AstroCamp (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac)

At time of writing (13th September 2006), not all details are finalised so the page has some placeholders. The page will be updated as information comes to hand, and this thread will be updated as well. So please keep checking back for more announcements and information.

Lucky Door Prizes

Thanks to the generous sponsors of IISAC2007, we will have the following up for grabs in the Lucky Door Prize Competition: (list will be updated as more sponsors come on board)

An Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer - sponsored by Wildcard Innovations (http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/) (valued at $599)
A SkyWatcher 880 10" dob, sponsored by MyAstroShop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au) (valued at $1000)
An FLI DF-2 digital focuser (http://www.fli-cam.com/digital_focusers.htm), sponsored by Finger Lakes Instrumentation (http://www.fli-cam.com/) (valued at $1400)
A pair of Optex 20x80 Giant Binoculars - sponsored by Astronomy Online (http://www.astronomyonline.com.au) (valued at $795)
A copy of STAR Atlas PRO - Advanced Edition (Level 3) - sponsored by SKY Lab: Astronomy Software (http://www.skylab.com.au/) (valued at $149)
David Malin prints - sponsored by David Malin Images (http://www.davidmalin.com/)
2 copies of Deep-Sky Planner software - sponsored by Knightware (http://knightware.biz/dsp/about.htm/)
3 copies of CopyToDVD software - sponsored by VSO Software (http://www.vso-software.fr/)
2 $50 gift vouchers, sponsored by Jump Internet (http://www.jumpnet.com.au/) (valued at $50.00 each).
2nd hand (mint condition) copy of Observing handbook and Catalogue of deep-space objects, sponsored by Gecko Optical Classifieds (http://www.geckooptical.com/) (valued at $30)
Bauer Deluxe Laser Collimator, sponsored by Astro-Optical Supplies (http://www.astro-optical.com.au/) (valued at $129.95)
Set of Bintel Superview Eyepieces, sponsored by Bintel (http://www.bintelshop.com.au/) (valued at $199)
3 sets of Australian Sky & Telescope Magazine 1-yr Subscription + S&T Pocket Sky Atlas, sponsored by Australian Sky & Telescope (http://www.astmag.com.au) (valued at $85 each)
A 13mm KK Magellan widescan eyepiece, a gift from Remus Chua and his Singapore friends! (valued at ~$220)



Agenda

IISAC2007 Agenda (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-Agenda.pdf) (45k pdf)


Guest Speakers

The following guest speakers have donated their time and will give talks at IISAC2007 (list will be updated as it is finalised):


"Darkroom Magic to Digital Manipulation" by David Malin
"SETI and Radio Astronomy in Australia" by Noel Welstead
"Building a Large Aperture Dobsonian - some secrets revealed" by Peter Read
"What's it like to be an Umbra-Holic" by Dave Gault
"From Wide Eyes to an Astrograph - the making of an Astrophotographer" by Mike Sidonio
"Importance of Thermal Cooling and Building a Cooling Mirror Cell" by Anthony Wesley
"Wolf-Rayet Stars" by Andrew Murrell
"What's in the sky at Lostock" by John Bambury


Forms and Policies
The forms, policies and maps for IISAC2007 are now online, including:

Light Use Policy (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-LightUsePolicy.pdf)
General Field Policy (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-GeneralFieldPolicy.pdf)
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-AcknowledgementDisclaimer.pdf)
How to Get There (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-HowToGetThere.pdf) (other broader maps are available on the IISAC page)



Rules

Please ensure you read the very important rules regarding IISAC2007, including rules regarding the swimming hole, payment details, late payment and cancellation fees. The rules are outlined on the IISAC2007 page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac), before the location pictures at the bottom of the page.


IISAC2007 T-Shirts

Information about the IISAC2007 T-Shirts, including sizes available and costs, is now available on the IISAC2007 info page.
T-Shirts can be ordered with your IISAC2007 booking, or even if you're not coming to the event you can still order some t-shirts by filling out the booking form on the IISAC2007 page. The t-shirts will not be available until late november/early december.


Booking/Registration

The registration form is now live! Please see the IISAC2007 page for costs, and click on the registration form link to submit your booking!
Bunkbed spots are limited, so register early to secure yours!
Special Offer!!! - If you book and pay by the end of November 2006, each attendee in your booking will receive an extra ticket in the lucky door prize draw!!
Offer ends at 23:59 on the 30th November 2006, AEDST.


IISAC2006 was an amazing event enjoyed by all who attended. It's expected that IISAC2007 will be just as good, if not even better! I hope to see you there!

Feel free to ask any questions or make comments about IISAC2007 in this thread.

[iceman]

As with IISAC2006, there will be IISAC2007 T-Shirts available.

You'll be able to pre-order on the booking form, but there will also be some available at the camp. It's recommended to pre-order using the booking/registration form, as you'll be assured of securing the sizes and quantity you want.

It also helps to make sure I get enough made up!

Thanks to Alan Meehan for providing and printing the great looking t-shirts.

The logo for IISAC2007 was designed by mojo and myself, modified from the original IISAC2006 design done by Theo Atalasidis.

The attachment shows a mockup of how the shirts will look. Cost is expected to be approx $20 each, but is yet to be finalised and is subject to change.

You can see how the IISAC2006 shirts look by clicking on the 2nd attachment, showing me at Lostock! Photo by Paul Mayo.

[[1ponders]]

Not sure if I'll be able to make it next year Mike :sad: but I'll sure try. I definately want one of those shirts though.

[matt]

Yep. Definitely put me down for one of those T-Shirts. They look great!

[ving]

i'll go a t-shirt! :D

I get looks from all the girls in my 06 one :P
damn sexy it is! ;)

[iceman]

I hope matt and dave are actually coming to the star party too, this time!! :)

[h0ughy]

I hope Dave brings Astrobelle;) we need some one to eat the grass and draw away the bull:rofl:

[ving]

i dont know how to break this to you houghy.... astrobelle is an internet only cow. :P

[wavelandscott]

Not sure if i can make the "event" (I've got some overseas travel around that time) but I can agree with ving on the 2006 shirts...

As a recently self proclaimed "fashionista" (or is the male version a "fashionisto") and all around "metrosexual" (and all that implies) I can say with certainty that no self respecting fashion conscience amatuer astronomy should be without this accessory this viewing season.

I'll put my form in for a couple of "full figure" t-shirts for sure!

Cheers!

[h0ughy]

with the drought conditions it will probably be virtual grass anyway:D :P . But more importantly are you coming:thumbsup:

[ving]

crikey! you going to give me a chance to discuss it with cheryl first???? :P

[David]

Like the T-shirts, Marked down the Date & hope to be there!!

[matt]

All sounds/reads great.

Mike - I'm pretty sure I'll be there. So make sure that rope swing over the water's fully functional!!:lol:

[rogerg]

Wish I could be there.. but to be honest I'd prefer to put the air fare towards new astro toys :) I'll have to wait until there's a WA IISAC :)

Roger.

[iceman]

Well you need to rope in some more WA members for IIS then ;)

Shame you can't make it! You'd love the dark skies! :)

[Sausageman]

Roger,
I agree with Mike.
Get more WA members then you can all charter a flight and get a big discount.:thumbsup: :rofl:

Mike.
Those new shirts are "Astronomical":rofl:
Love the new design.
Save 2 Mediums for me.
I will frame one each year, then maybe in ten years I can sell them on Ebay.

Mike

[rogerg]

Yeah that would be great guy's... more astronomers in WA ... but with only one astronomy shop and no explosion in population evident any time soon, I don't like our chances.... :)

Roger.

[[1ponders]]

Roger maybe you can start organising the inaugural AAIISAC (All Australia IISAC) for somewhere in the center of Australia. That way everyone has equal distance to travel ;) . I'd be in it.

Maybe one every 2 or 3 years :)

[iceman]

The first post in this thread has been updated with the following information about the Lucky Door Prize Competition and the Guest Speakers.


Lucky Door Prizes

Thanks to the generous sponsors of IISAC2007, we will have the following up for grabs in the Lucky Door Prize Competition: (list will be updated as more sponsors come on board)

An Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer - sponsored by Wildcard Innovations (http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/) (valued at $599)
A copy of STAR Atlas PRO - Advanced Edition (Level 3) - sponsored by SKY Lab: Astronomy Software (http://www.skylab.com.au/) (valued at $149)
David Malin prints - sponsored by David Malin Images (http://www.davidmalin.com/)



Guest Speakers

The final agenda will be posted when available. The following guest speakers have donated their time and will give talks at IISAC2007 (list will be updated as it is finalised):


"Darkroom Magic to Digital Manipulation" by David Malin
"SETI and Radio Astronomy in Australia" by Noel Welstead
"Building a Large Aperture Dobsonian - some secrets revealed" by Peter Read
"What's it like to be an Umbra-Holic" by Dave Gault
"From Wide Eyes to an Astrograph - the making of an Astrophotographer" by Mike Sidonio
"Importance of Thermal Cooling and Building a Cooling Mirror Cell" by Anthony Wesley

[astronut]

I'll see if I can corral some M.A.S. members to make the trip.
Do we have to watch out for "shady" characters like the one on the earlier posts.:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Omaroo]

Jenny will probably be working (busy in the camping industry over summer) I'll be there with both bells on.

Could I impose upon you to reserve two t-shirts (medium) please Mike?

Thanks!
Chris

[iceman]

You'll be able to place t-shirt orders in the next few weeks.

Thanks!

[ving]

:ashamed:
not talkin bout me are ya!! :P
:lol:

[ausastronomer]

Mike,

The skies are darker in Western Australia than they are in the Eastern States.

Northern parts of Western Australia (Kimberleys etc) have some of the darkest skies in the world along with some regions of Africa. Some parts of New Zealand are also very good. The West Coast of the South Island North of Haast is very dark. The very southern part of the West Coast of the South Island around Dusky Sound, which is not accessible by road, is very dark also. That having been said, in terms of absolute limiting magnitude, the skies at Lostock were certainly good, particularly so considering the close proximity to Sydney and the Central Coast (I can't drive to Dusky Sound in 2 hours :) ). In addition, the seeing was superb on 2 of the 3 nights. It is rare to get pretty dark skies, good transparency and good seeing combined together, Lostock excelled in this regard.

Roger would be better travelling North than East if he wants dark skies. Of course we would welcome him in the East for the social side of things to add to the festivities :)

CS-John B

[cahullian]

Looks like things are moving along smoothly Mike.
The T-shirts look awesome. Can't wait to get on on my back early next year.

[33South]

I just checked the lat & long of Lostock IISAC on the info page, seems way off to me at least for GPS navigation.

looks to be about 32.3128°S and 151.4280°E

Google Earth bookmarks attached had to zip em as .kmz files not allowed.

[iceman]

The lat and long was taken from Brendan's handheld GPS while we actually on site (if I remember correctly).

I'll double-check.

[Odlaw]

I am a definite maybe, The wife will decide soon I hope,

But I will be wanting Shirts.

[iceman]

Hi all

The signed prints from David Malin arrived this week - they look fantastic! Printed on professional quality Kodak paper, they're huge! and they're signed by the man himself.

Below is a quick picture (apologies for the compression artifacts).

There are 8 in total, so winners of the lucky door prize competition will have the option of choosing from the prints as part of the prize pool.

[Odlaw]

I am now a difinite....

2 XL Shirts and Book

[iceman]

Thanks Oddy, there'll be a booking form in the next few weeks when you'll be able to register for the camp and/or order t-shirts as well.

[iceman]

Hi all

I've updated the first post in this thread, as well as the IISAC2007 info page - please take a look at the changes to ensure you're up to date.

Updates include:
- Forms and Policies, Maps
- Picture of the David Malin prints
- Rules (including Swimming Hole, payment details, late payment and cancellation fees)
- T-Shirt prices and sizes

Please pay attention to the swimming hole rules - event insurance will not cover the swimming hole so you use it at your own risk. Children must be supervised by their parent. These strict rules are in place to minimise risk, so we can still allow the swimming hole to be used.


The registration page will be online in the next week or two, once registration fee is finalised.

Please be sure to ask any questions if something is not clear.

[Octane]

All,

I am so excited about attending again and am counting down the days.

Last year was fantastic; conditions were great, the people were great, the workshops were great.

I feel I'm a better imager now than I was this time last year, and am eager to exploit the dark skies.

If I can bag a modified camera between now and then, I'll be stoked.

Regards,
Humayun

[I.C.D]

Mike ,
The direction to the space camp from Singleton to me is a little bit hairy fairy .If you are coming from the North I would suggest that you take the off ramp just over the Hunter Crossing bridge turn right at T inertsection (if you miss the off ramp keep driving down highway untill you come to the traffic lights near MacDonald turn left then turn right at the next T that will be Queen St) then follow the road (Queen St) out of Singleton you will cross the Hunter river again ,the road you are on now is called the Gresford or Glendon Brook road depending from were you are from . Just follow the sign and you will end up on the inerstection of the Gresford and Loststock roads .The Mitchell flat road turns off the Gresford road just out of Singleton
If need any more info give me a ring 0412998031

[David]

Mike,
My Brother has the time off so I have transport, so I will be there all I need now is a bunk and 1 of those great T-shirts

[Gef_Dintsonian]

I'm looking into the cost of coming from Rockhampton. Looks like it might be way outside my budget, but just for the sake of dreaming, lets act like it's not.

Just to get a rough figure to work with, what did last year's event cost (for the full three? nights)?

Does an 8" Bintel Dob in the orginal box fit in a Toyota Echo (or similar)? What about two 8" Dobs?

How much did people spend on extra EPs to keep up with the Joneses? (lol)

...Geoff :D or more approrpiately :rolleyes:

[iceman]

Ian, thanks for that. I'll try and make the directions more clear.

Geoff, the cost last year was $22/night, so $66 for 3 nights, which included dinner each night.

Petrol would cost way more than that :)

This year, the per night cost will be higher, because as you can imagine, costs of pretty much everything have gone up. Catering is costing more per head, and insurance is not cheap either.

Dinner will still be thrown in each night for the cost, and there'll be (homemade!! yummy!!) sausage sandwiches for lunch each day.

I hope you can make it down! I'm not sure about fitting a dob in the small car.. hope someone can help you there.

[iceman]

All,

The IISAC2007 page has been updated with costs for the event, and i've updated the first post in this thread with the following info below:


IISAC2007 T-Shirts

Information about the IISAC2007 T-Shirts, including sizes available and costs, is now available on the IISAC2007 info page.
T-Shirts can be ordered with your IISAC2007 booking, or even if you're not coming to the event you can still order some t-shirts by filling out the booking form on the IISAC2007 page. The t-shirts will not be available until late november/early december.


Booking/Registration

The registration form is now live! Please see the IISAC2007 page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac) for costs, and click on the registration form link to submit your booking!
Bunkbed spots are limited, so register early to secure yours!

Thanks!

[iceman]

Great to see John Bambury (ausastronomer) and Chris Wakeman (33South) first off the bat with their registration!

Thanks guys!

[Odlaw]

Sorry about this, but I am unable to come now. But that could change... I will still be getting a shirt though.

[iceman]

This post is to start listing who has booked.

I'll update it over the next 2.5 months :)

Great to see some people booking already, and thanks to those with superfast payments!


- Mike Salway (iceman): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Kate Salway (icemanswife) + 3 kids: Saturday night (PAID)
- Anthony Wesley (bird): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Tony Hitchcock (Itchy) + wife: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Dave Gault (DaveGee) + Karen + 2 children: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Chris Wakeman (33South): All 3 nights (PAID)
- David Rowland (David): All 3 nights (PAID)
- John Bambury (ausastronomer) + Son Jake: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Tony Buckley + Lachlan MacDonald: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Rod Berry (rodstar) + sons Jack and Noah: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Andrew Murrell (hector): All 3 nights
- Graeme Brown (gsb): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Chris Ruwoldt (barti) + 1: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Gary Kopff (gary) + Mai + 2: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Bronwyn Lee (charsiubau) + Ken McC: All 3 nights (PAID)
- John Gurkin (xstream) + Anna: All 3 nights (PAID)
- David Hough (h0ughy): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Shane Guy (merlin8r): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Petra De Ruyter (spacezebra) + David (unbeliever): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Dick Everett: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Lee Drury (plasmodium) + Jane Kitcher: Thursday and Friday nights (PAID)
- Mike Boggan (Sausageman): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Ed Roca (Orion) + wife + kids: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Simon Pannell (dobman): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Paul Mayo (PhotonCollector): Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- George Livanos (big george :)): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Guy Fleming (doomsayer) + 1: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Al Roca: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Norm Fong (Norm) + ACE + 2 kids: Saturday night (PAID)
- Andrew Wood (Gas Giant): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Hedley Thomas (hrt): Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Steve Mullahey (ColinBell): Saturday night (PAID)
- Ian Danks (Ian): Saturday night (PAID)
- Al Sheehan (sheeny) + partner + 2 kids: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Remus Chua (RayOfLight) + 3 friends: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Cynthia and Don Huggup (cyndon): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Ken Charlwood (Ken) + 3 family: Thursday and Friday night (PAID)
- Markus Billerwell (KISA): All 3 nights (PAID)
- David Malin: Saturday night (PAID)
- Chris Malikoff (Omaroo): Friday and Saturday night (PAID)
- Fergus Hancock (Feargal) + 2: Friday and Saturday night
- Graeme Auld (kyecat): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Peter Read (bigdobman): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Andrew Catsaitis (Rocket Boy): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Jason Novits (napalm): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Bob Jones (Bob Jones): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Paul Herrod (PaulH): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Bruce Smith (lxbruce) + David Trzecinski: Saturday night (PAID)
- Matthew Scott (circumpolar) + 1 child: Saturday night
- Alan Meehan (alan meehan): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Robert Clark (rob): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Gerry Aarts (gerry aarts) + Wanda Aarts: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Stan Duoba (stan) + Suzanne Duoba: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Mark Suchting (Mark Suchting): Friday and Saturday night (PAID)
- Sid Battye: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Andrew Bundschuh (Kal) + Werner Bundschuh: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Mike Sidonio (strongmanmike) + Riley (14yrs): Friday and Saturday night (PAID)
- Noel Welstead: Friday night (PAID)
- Geoff Byrnes (gtb_an_owl): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Scott Alder (tornado33): Friday and Saturday night (PAID)
- Evan Morris (Cimitar): Friday and Saturday night (PAID)
- Warren Norrie (Wazza): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Jakob Held (jakob): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Dean Yates (Deeno) + Amanda: Thursday and Friday nights (PAID)
- Graham Lewis (GRL): Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Bruce Little (Global Warmer): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Noel O'Connor (noelo) + Margaret: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Gary Perkins (cahullian) + Ron: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Paddy de Klerk + 3 others: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Keith Knight + Christine Knight: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Gerald Teyhan: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Alex Berkuta (VK2KR): Friday night (PAID)
- Peter Brooks: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Enrique Bustamante (enrique) + wife: Friday night (PAID)
- Rodney Moulder (Zenton): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Ian Maclean (gaa_ian): All 3 nights (PAID)
- Phillip Relf (prelf): Saturday night (PAID)
- Aidan McCarthy (Aidan Mc) + Anthony Nizetti: Thursday and Friday night (PAID)
- Prince Soundararajan + wife + child: Saturday night (PAID)
- Arthur Alchin (Arthur Alchin) + Debbie Alchin: All 3 nights (PAID)
- Vicki + Graham Bell: Saturday night (PAID)
- Lydia Macokatic (venus) + Tom: Saturday night (PAID)
- Narayan Mukkavilli (seeker372011) + other: Saturday night (PAID)
- Ian Dale (Eternal): All 3 nights (PAID)
- John Stathakis + 1: Friday and Saturday night (PAID)
- Michael Chaytor + Sook Lee + Duke Ermilio: Friday and Saturday night
- Antony Benjamin + 5 others: Friday night (PAID)
- Michael Lisser (shredder) + Eugene: Saturday night
- Richard Brown: Saturday night
- Gary Arnold: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- John Griffiths (griffo51): Saturday night (PAID)
- Andrew Rowland (aftermidnight) + Rena Nesti: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)
- Janine Fenton: Friday night
- Terry Kelly + child: Friday and Saturday nights (PAID)

[Outbackmanyep]

I wouldn't mind going to this, i have never been to one before, so is there going to be any retail goers there selling stuff...try before you buy...that sort of thing??

What things go on at these astro-camps, besides the obvious??

[gary]

Wildcard Innovations (http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au) will certainly be there and not only will you be able to see and use Argo Navis
Digital Telescope computers on one of the largest arrays of Big Scopes
ever assembled at an Australian star party, you can actually be in the draw
to win an Argo Navis by just registering for the star party and being there.

During the day, you can attend talks, swim in the river, chat to others,
walk around and check-out lots of other scopes and accessories, sit in
the shade and drink beer or simply catch-up on your sleep after a night's
observing.

We hope you can make the drive from Walcha and we would look forward
to seeing you there.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW 2080
Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[h0ughy]

written and spoken by the Gary kopff swimming party, minister of water resources, and water hole extraordinaire:D :P

BTW gary has his own spot marked so don't swim there;)

[iceman]

Gary's reply says it all..

I'm hoping some retailers will be there, but you won't need retailers there to try before you buy. The whole star party is a try-before-you-buy. I'd bet that almost every single person there will be happy for you to look through their scope - most people are very willing to share the views through their scope. It's a great opportunity to look through varying styles and types of scopes, as well as varying sizes of scopes.

There'll be scopes there from 2.5inches of aperture, up to 25 inches of aperture!

Also, if you've never been under dark skies before, even just the naked eye view of a sky full of stars will blow you away.

During the day, there'll be guest speakers, workshopsm, as well as a lot of informal chatting about astronomy and telescope equipment.

Hope you can make it!

[iceman]

The first post in this thread, as well as the IISAC2007 info page has been updated to include:

- Details of 2 new sponsors (Knightware and VSO Software) for the lucky door prize competition - THANKS to the sponsors!
- A new talk added to the list of guest speakers (thanks Andrew!)
- The Agenda for IISAC2007 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-Agenda.pdf) has been posted
- Night Sky tours every night by Andrew Murrell with his 18" and 25" Obsessions.

Momentum is building!

[wavelandscott]

Got my t-shirt order in...sorry I can't make the "real thing" but the shirts will be a small (but not completely satisfying) treat.

Let me know if you have any questions/trouble with my submission...No need to mail them I'll pick them up sometime at Kulunura (or other)...

[iceman]

Got your order, cheers Scott. I'm also happy to drop them off to you at work.

[wavelandscott]

No problem...we can figure it out whenever they are ready.

Thanks!

[iceman]

The list of people who have booked (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=160415&postcount=41) is growing, thanks for getting in early!

[Dobman]

Iceman, what program do you use to open the various files you've got links to regarding Lostock such as the agenda & light use policy etc. I dont seem to be able to open them once i've downloaded them,
Also, I'll be coming from Tassie and was wondering if any Sydneysiders were willing to give a lift from Sydney to Lostock?

[iceman]

Hi Simon.

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html) to read the PDF files.

Once you've installed it, just click on the link and it will open it in your browser.

Great to hear you're coming up! Bring David Pretorius with you ;)

[Dobman]

Thanks Iceman, got it . apart from hiring a car , are there any bus services that go to Lostock or close to? idont really want to fork out for a hire car on top of airfares if i dont have too especially if it will just be sitting there doing nothing most of the weekend. Any kind IIS members out there going that way?? from sydney airport :help:

[merlin8r]

I would love to help, but I think my car is just too small. I'm sure some benevolent Sydneysider will help!!

Clear skies,
Shane

[iceman]

Just a minor update..

The cancellation fee rule has been amended. Cancellation will now receive a 100% refund, less a $15 cancellation fee.

Also, Shane from Astro-Optical Supplies will be bringing some gear with him to sell at the vendors tables.

[merlin8r]

Yep, that's me ;)

[iceman]

He's also trying to convince his boss to donate a prize for the lucky door prize competition! I think that's fair ;)

[iceman]

Hi all

Some updates for IISAC2007:

Special Offer!

If you book and pay by the end of November 2006, each attendee in your booking will receive an extra ticket in the lucky door prize draw!

Offer ends at 23:59 on the 30th November 2006, AEDST.


The list of attendees at the top of page 3 (of this thread) has been updated, and includes notification of who has paid.


The list of guest speakers has also been updated to include John Bambury, who will talk about "What's in the sky at Lostock" - a guide to observing over the 3 days.

[iceman]

IISAC Update..

Jump Internet (http://www.jumpnet.com.au) have come onboard as a sponsor for the event and are donating 2x $50 gift vouchers for their services.

I've also updated the list of who's booked so far (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=160415&postcount=41), so check it out.

Remember, only 2 weeks left to take advantage of the special offer of getting 2 tickets in the lucky door prize draw for each attendee in your booking. You only have to book and pay by the end of November.

[iceman]

So far, we've got 40 adults and 8 children booked.

Keep the bookings coming in!

If you intend on ordering shirts, it would be appreciated if you could put your order in within the next week before I have to give numbers to the printer. That way you'll be assured of getting what you order. I'll be ordering extra, but then it's first in best dressed.

Remember you can order shirts without attending the camp!

Thanks!

[RayOfLight]

Finally got the plane tickets settled. I am going, Mike!

[iceman]

Excellent news! Look forward to meeting you and your friends! First international visitors to IISAC ;)

[iceman]

Update

We now have 50 adults and 10 children booked so far.

It's now less than 2 months until the camp starts! Time flies around the end of the year - it will be January before you know it!

Only 5 days left to take advantage of the special offer - get an extra ticket in the draw for each of the attendees on your booking! Make sure you submit your booking and payment before the end of November!

Double your chances to win the great prizes on offer.

[iceman]

Update

I'm pleased to announce 3 new sponsors who are donating prizes for the lucky door prize competition. They are Gecko Optical Classifieds, Astro-optical Supplies and Bintel.

The IISAC Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac) has been updated to show the prizes.

The current list of prizes on offer is:


An Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer - sponsored by Wildcard Innovations (http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/) (valued at $599)
A copy of STAR Atlas PRO - Advanced Edition (Level 3) - sponsored by SKY Lab: Astronomy Software (http://www.skylab.com.au/) (valued at $149)
David Malin prints - sponsored by David Malin Images (http://www.davidmalin.com/)
2 copies of Deep-Sky Planner software - sponsored by Knightware (http://knightware.biz/dsp/about.htm/)
3 copies of CopyToDVD software - sponsored by VSO Software (http://www.vso-software.fr/)
2 $50 gift vouchers, sponsored by Jump Internet (http://www.jumpnet.com.au/) (valued at $50.00 each).
2nd hand (mint condition) copy of Observing handbook and Catalogue of deep-space objects, sponsored by Gecko Optical Classifieds (http://www.geckooptical.com/) (valued at $30)
Bauer Deluxe Laser Collimator, sponsored by Astro-Optical Supplies (http://www.astro-optical.com.au/) (valued at $129.95)
Set of Bintel Superview Eyepieces, sponsored by Bintel (http://www.bintelshop.com.au/) (valued at $199)


If any other sponsors would like to donate a prize for the lucky door prize competition, please contact me.

Thanks

[Omaroo]

Yay! Booked for Friday/Saturday nights. Can't wait to meet everyone :)

Mike - Jenny (my wife) can't make it at this stage, but in the event that things change, can I pay for her attendance either closer to the date or at the camp?

Cheers
Chris

[iceman]

Sure chris, no problems at all.

Great that you'll be there, look forward to meeting you (and everyone else!).

[iceman]

Update

68 adults and 10 children booked so far!

[iceman]

New Sponsor

I'm pleased to announce a new sponsor has come onboard..

MyAstroShop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au) are generously donating a SkyWatcher 880 10" dob (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-065)! RRP $1000!!

Many thanks to Steve Massey for donating the great prize!

[h0ughy]

Mike is Steve coming along to present this prize in person?:shrug:

[iceman]

He wants to come, but he may not be able to make it. He won't know until it's closer to the event.

When I go to pick it up next week, we'll take some pictures of him presenting it, just in case he can't be there.

[Rodstar]

Great news about Steve Massey's kind sponsorship. A great guy, and great service through Myastroshop.

Jack will be pleased to win the 10" dob scope, to keep pace with Noah (who won the 12inch dob last year)!

[h0ughy]

I will send you my photo:D , just wear it when you shake hands on receiving it:whistle: , like I am accepting the prize (like I will do with the winning ticket):P ;) :lol:

[iceman]

Another sponsor is coming on board, with a fantastic, exciting prize! More details in the next day or so... watch this space!

[Rodstar]

Yes, Mike.......the suspense is killing us.......

[iceman]

Details will be posted tomorrow morning, don't have time to update the site today :)

[iceman]

New Sponsor

I'm pleased to announce that Finger Lakes Instrumentation (http://www.fli-cam.com/) are donating a FLI DF-2 digital focuser (http://www.fli-cam.com/digital_focusers.htm), valued at $1400!!

Huge thanks go to Mike Sidonio (strongmanmike) for securing the prize, and Mike will be presenting the prize to the winner, on behalf of FLI.

Check the IISAC2007 info page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac) for full details.

[h0ughy]

I might just come, just to win that prize:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Your making if very hard for me not to come Mike :(

[Rodstar]

Jaw-dropping stuff, Mike and Strongmanmike! :jawdrop:

What a coup to get that sponsorship! What great news for the starparty, and for the support of amateur astronomy in general.

[iceman]

Our singapore friends (Remus and others) had a few questions, which I answered, but I might post them here too just incase anyone else was wondering the same thing :)


Gresford has some take away shops, so you can buy meals there. You can also buy cereal or bread if you want to cook at the star party.


2) Green lasers are ok. They can be used up until 10pm no problems, after that as long as they're not on all the time it won't be a problem. As a "goto" type aid it should be ok if it's used sparingly after 10pm. Some people there will be doing astrophotography.


It will be very hot during the day (over 30-35° if it's sunny) and sometimes humid. Night time temperatures probably 10-15°. It can get quite dewey because there was no wind last year. The last night had a slight breeze which kept the dew away, it was perfect. It's not a windy place, but can get the occassional gust or breeze.


Yep, Gresford has a petrol station.

Thanks!

[RayOfLight]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply!

For the telescope owners: do everyone bring their own power supply? Are there inherent power sources at the location?

For the astronomy imagers: Is there a specified sub-location that the imagers will gather, so that the others will not "disturb" imaging-in-progress activities? Are there solar imagers planning to do hydrogen alpha captures in the daytime?

Pardon me for asking so many questions! This is getting all too exciting! :-)

[spacezebra]

Good news Mike - cant wait to get there (how many sleeps to go?)

Cheers Petra

[iceman]

IISAC Update

80 adults + 11 children booked so far!

Keep the bookings coming in!



Mostly people will bring their own power supply, however if you're close to the bottom house there will be 240v power available. Make sure you bring some long extension leads and maybe a power board. There may be quite a few imagers looking to share the power supply. Also i'm not sure what plugs you have in Singapore, so you may need an adapter of some kind?




Not specifically designated, however I would expect that most of the imagers will set up around the bottom house, for the reasons specified above (power). Plus, it means it's not intrusive to those doing visual observing, who will mostly be down on the lower camping field.




I reckon there'll be a few PST's and other solar filters for sure, and i'm sure some of them will be doing some imaging.


Just over a month away now, i'm getting excited too!

[iceman]

Update - New Sponsor

Australian Sky & Telescope (http://www.astmag.com.au) have come onboard as a sponsor and are donating 3 sets of Australian Sky & Telescope Magazine 1-yr Subscription + S&T Pocket Sky Atlas, (valued at $85 each) , as a prize to the lucky door prize competition.

Thanks to Greg and AS&T for donating a prize!

Details as always on the IISAC2007 Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac).

[bird]

Mike, is there power at the top house? I'm thinking that I might go up there this time so I don't cause light pollution for the others around the bottom house.

cheers, Bird

[iceman]

Hi Anthony.

Yes, there's power up there too. However I'm thinking that the whole bottom house fenced area will be designated as an imaging area, and that visual observers would be best to setup on the bottom camping field.

So you shouldn't need to be by yourself up at the top house. :)

[bird]

Ok, I'm cool with whatever arrangement you like - last year we (Marcus and me) caused quite a bit of light pollution that annoyed those around us. I'd like to avoid that this time.

I also wondered if the top house might be a bit further away from the fog etc coming off the river since it's a bit higher?

cheers, Bird

[Kal]

Well my father booked a flight down from Brisbane for that weekend so I thought it was about time I registered for IIS Astrocamp. Add 2 more people to the list! This will be my first time out to a dark site to play with my new 10" scope, I can't wait! :)

[iceman]

Excellent, Kal! I'm sure you and your father will love it!

[33South]

Mike, Im still concerned about getting lost using the lat & long on the IISAC info page.

Map attatched RED diamond marks position from info page.

On the other I hand I may already be lost.

[RayOfLight]

Does anyone know how long (approximate) is the drive to Lostock from Newcastle (Charlestown)?

Thanks!

[iceman]

About 2 hours.

[iceman]

We've hit 100!!

So far, we've got 89 adults and 11 children booked!

Get your bookings in!

[charsiubau]

Hi Mike
What time can people start arriving on the Thursday?

[iceman]

Just something to note, as a few people have asked:

Please don't expect to hear from me regarding your booking - that is, I won't send any confirmation emails once i've received your payment etc.

It's just not practical for me to contact everyone individually.

If you got the confirmation email once your booking was placed, then your booking is in the system. If you see your name in the list of attendees (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=160415&postcount=41), then your booking is in, and I've marked next to it whether i've received your payment.

Generally you'll only hear from me if there's a problem with your booking, or if I haven't received your payment before the event.

Having said all that, please feel free to contact me if you've got any questions and i'll happily answer them.

Thanks

[iceman]

Hi Charsiubau,

Any time from midday would be ok. Most of the organising committee will be there from around 9am, so you can get there earlier if you like, but we'll still be setting everything up so there may not be anyone on the front desk to mark you off and give you your raffle tickets etc.

But a lot of people will go and setup camp etc first, so do whatever suits you.

[33South]

Mike, I wonder if Anthony can expand his talk to cover "high energy particle strikes on ccds" ;)

[33South]

Mike, On the booking form there's a spot to fill in what equipment you are bringing, I though it might be of interest to post a list so people can get an idea of what they can get to look at/through, or to save you time maybe people can post.

I didnt fill it in on the form so heres mine, same as at Snake Valley, ED80 and ProMak180 parallel mounted on an EQ6.

P.S. Houghy - not everything you are bringing :eyepop:

[Deeno]

Hi Mike
Just booked in for the thurs, fri nights. Just wondering if I could drop the cash in to your place.

Cheers
Deeno

[bird]

Mike, I guess we'll have the deep-sky imagers in a different part of the field to the planetary imagers? The planetary people tend to have laptops and create a fair bit of light pollution...

cheers, Bird

[bird]

Ho Ho Ho very funny :-)

[iceman]

No problems Dean. PM me for my mobile # and we can arrange it. However it won't be until the new year. btw, your booking had an invalid email address so you won't have received your confirmation email. PM me with your proper email address and i'll forward it to you.


From the DSO imaging i've seen at SPSP, their laptops create quite a bit of light pollution too. Depends if they're DSLR imagers or CCD imagers :)


lol nice one Chris ;)

[tornado33]

Looking fowards to it. I will be coming up with Photoncollector (Paul) on the friday, leaving Newcastle just after lunchtime.
Scott

[h0ughy]

only 18 sleeps to go.

[iceman]

The proper co-ordinates for Lostock scout camp are:

Lat: 32° 18.875 S
Long: 151° 25.476 E

Not long now!

[iceman]

Bookings are still growing - great to see!

111 people are booked so far, with more to come in the next 2 weeks!

For a full list of those booked, check this post (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=160415&postcount=41).

[iceman]

What's in the Sky at Lostock?

For a list of observing suggestions, broken down into hourly chunks from sundown to sunrise, you can download and print the IISAC2007 Observing Suggestions sheet. It's a 200k PDF.

IISAC2007 Observing Suggestions (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-Viewing.pdf)

It will be added to the IISAC2007 info page hopefully today or tomorrow.

btw we've cracked 120!

[gaa_ian]

After some thought, I have taken the plunge :D
Flights are booked, Registration in, I'm there :thumbsup:
I look forward to catching up with many of "The IIS Family" who I have come to know here over the past 18mths :hi:

[h0ughy]

wooo hooo, pleanty of scopes to look through too mate!

[gaa_ian]

I sure am looking forward to that Houghy :D
I will bring my little Rich Field Astroscan for the ride & a few of my Favourite Eyepieces too !

[iceman]

Excellent Ian! Can't wait to meet you!

Another busy day of bookings, we're now at:

127 bookings!

Made up of:
- 113 adults
- 14 children

- #ppl on Thursday: 87
- #ppl on Friday: 115
- #ppl on Saturday: 111

Looking great people! Keep the bookings coming! I need to give final catering numbers by next week so would prefer as many "late" bookings as possible to be done by then.

New Door Prize!

Remus (RayOfLight) and his Singapore friends have kindly "sponsored" a BRAND NEW KK WIDESCAN (Generation III) 13mm (84-AFOV!) 1.25" eyepiece (Valued at about AUD$220)!

Many thanks to Remus and his friends for their generous gift! I'll update the info on the IISAC info page sometime today or on Monday.

[iceman]

New Sponsor!

Astronomy Online (http://www.astronomyonline.com.au) are sponsoring a pair of Optex 20x80 Giant Binoculars as a lucky door prize!

They are also attending as a vendor for the Friday and Saturday morning vendor stalls/swap meet. The list of vendors attending with product to sell, is on the IISAC2007 (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac) info page.

Thanks to Aidan and the guys at Astronomy Online for the late addition to the prize pool!

[h0ughy]

Gee we are getting quite a prize pool, under 130 people thus far almost makes it a 1 in 10 chance of getting something at ISSAC:thumbsup: . The sponsors for the prizes deserve a big :2thumbs:

[iceman]

Some of the prizes are multiples - for example, the david malin images, the CopyToDVD software, the AS&T prize pack, so there's a better than 1 in 10 chance of getting something!

[Orion]

It certaily shaping up to be a great AstroCamp!:party: :jump2:

[RayOfLight]

Hi all,
This might be a silly question, but what time does the sun rise in Lostock?
:p

[iceman]

It'll be about 6am, Remus, with the sun setting around about 8:30pm. It'll go over the mountain before then but it won't be truly darker until 9pm or so.

[Orion]

At the moment sunrise is around 5:51am. Day light saving time.

[h0ughy]

dont forget astronomical twilight

[gary]

With less than two weeks to go to Lostock, fingers are crossed that we
will get the same type of beautiful weather as we have had here in Sydney the
last couple of days.


I justed wanted to say how wonderful it was to see some attendees coming
from interstate and in the case of Remus and his colleagues, overseas from
Singapore. Well done! :welcome:

I was wondering in particular if Ian from the Gove Amateur Astronomers
and Remus would consider giving a couple of short presentations during the
day on the amateur astronomy scene in the Top End of Australia and
in Singapore respectively? Mike, would there be any time available in the
agenda? I am sure many of us would love to hear about the amateur scene
in these parts of the world, even if presented in an informal way for just a few
minutes (Now that you are coming, I wouldn't want to put you guys under
pressure :) ).

In any case, we are looking foward to meeting you there!

Best regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai NSW

[gaa_ian]

I would be happy to do a presentation Gary, If Mike can fit it in to his Agenda.
I have a powerpoint presentation :"40,000 Years of astronomical history in NE Arnhem Land" which is a 1/2 hr presentation, that may be of interest.
I delivered an earlier version of this at NAACA in 2006.
Look forward to meeting you too Gary :thumbsup:

[gary]

Hi Ian,

I remember reading that you had given this talk at NAACA but unfortunately
I was unable to attend. Actually I was hoping that Lostock might provide you
an opportunity to present it again, so thanks for the offer!

We'll see what Mike has to say. :)

Best regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai NSW

[iceman]

Great news (for me at least ;))

I've managed to convince my wife to come up (with the kids) on the Saturday night :) Yay! :D

[iceman]

Sounds great, Ian! Would be very interesting.

We can fit it in on Friday, probably do it over lunch while people are munching away on Mike Boggan's great sausages!

[iceman]

A busy weekend of bookings, we're now at:

145 bookings!

Made up of:
- 126 adults
- 19 children

- #ppl on Thursday: 91
- #ppl on Friday: 119
- #ppl on Saturday: 123


It's been suggested that IISAC may even be the 2nd largest star party in Australia now (behind SPSP). That's fantastic, if it's true - especially for only our 2nd year running the event!

Thanks to everyone who has booked and paid so promptly!

Less than 2 weeks to go! Get those bookings in!

[iceman]

Bunkbed availability

The bunkbeds are pretty much full-up now, with 34 people on Saturday night occupying a bunk. There's still availability on Thursday and Friday nights, with only 26 and 28 people using them (respectively).

For those that weren't there last year, it's first in-best dressed when it comes to choosing a bunk.

The bunks are spread over the 2 houses (top and bottom). The bottom house usually gets occupied first (as it's closest to the "action"), however some people (or families) may choose to go to the top house as it's quieter and won't have the same strict light policy rules (as usually noone is observing from up there).

Also again for the first-timers in bunks, there's usually 2-6 bunks per room, so you will be sharing with other people.

[iceman]

Bottom House Area + Parking Rules

The bottom house has an area around it enclosed by a fence.
- No Camping is allowed around the bottom house area.
- No Parking is allowed around the bottom house area.

The Parking rule around the bottom house has been introduced this year because the bottom house area has lots of pedestrian traffic and scopes set up, and it's too dangerous for people to be driving in and out - especially when people try and do it at night.

The Gresford RFB drive into the bottom house area to setup for the catering each night.

For those camping down on the flat, there's no problem parking at/near your setup.

For those setting up scopes around the bottom house area, or staying in the bunkbeds in the bottom house, you can park across the road near the trees.

It's ok to drive in&park at the bottom house area when you first arrive (if you don't know where to go), or to unpack your gear/scope if you're setting up around the bottom house - but your car must then be moved.

[iceman]

If you checked this thread and only arrived at the very last post, I've made 5 posts above so please ensure you check them out.

[Rodstar]

Mike, I imagine that there will be some people coming after work, who will be arriving after dark. Are you happy for those people to bring their cars in to unpack? Can I suggest if you allow this that there is some curfew placed on it. Perhaps 9.30pm?? I am sure if someone arrives later than this they could rope a few people in to help carry their gear to save an unfortunate vehicular incident!:shrug:

[iceman]

Yeh I think that's a good idea..

They can park just outside the gate area and i'm sure they won't have any problem getting some volunteers to help them bring stuff in, if required.

[Omaroo]

Mike - I have a 4WD with a roof-top tent. That means that I sleep in and operate my gear from the car. My scope power is car-based. Do you have a field map of some sorts to look at so that we can see where the "flat area" is in relation to the rest of the place?

Cheers
Chris

[iceman]

Hi Chris.

I'll see if I can knock something up.

[Omaroo]

Thanks Mike

It's just that you've already alluded to one within your brochure:



How many people will be down on the flat with their vehicles do you think? Will it be a wasteland or will quite a number be located there?

[iceman]

Hi Chris.

The Field Map was always meant to be done, but never got around to it. I've just knocked one up now (attached). I'll upload it to the info page ASAP.

To the right of the bottom house (as per the map) is a bit slopey and a bit more rugged, so I'm not sure anyone will be setup there.

The majority of people will be setup down on the camping area near the river. So it won't be a wasteland. Hopefully the first people there setup a system that others will follow, that is:

- Vehicles and Tents towards the back (closest to the river)
- Scopes in front of their tents/vehicles
- Allows a corridor/path where people can walk (between the road and the scopes)

It's quite a large area, and my field map doesn't really do it justice.

[h0ughy]

quite a few, i will be set up down there, living in the land of the dobs with a goto:whistle: sus it out when you arrive

[Omaroo]

Wow! That was quick Mike :)

Good news then. Looks like it will be a prime spot.

H0ughy - LOL! "Land of the Dobs"....... I hope they won't mind the 12" slewing around then......... :lol:

[iceman]

Use of the Fridges

There are a couple of fridges in both houses, however please don't expect that there will be space for food you may bring etc.

The fridges will be pretty full already with milk, softdrinks, iceblocks etc, and is used each night by the Gresford RFB for Catering.

So please make sure you arrange esky+ice etc for what you need to keep cold as there may not be room in the fridges.

Thanks

[iceman]

Garbage

Please remember that you will be responsible for cleaning up after yourself and taking your rubbish with you. There will be no wives or mothers to clean up after you :P

Bring a garbage bag to keep your rubbish in, and leave the place how you would like it to be found when you arrive.

Thanks!

[xstream]

:thumbsup:

[iceman]

Your phone call appears to have helped after all, John :P

[merlin8r]

Maybe we could "circle the wagons" around our goto's in Dob country? Out of curiosity, will the car battery run the scope, dew heater and maybe laptop/imager for the night? Or am I going to have to set up by the house for mains power?

Clear skies,
Shane

[RB]

It might be an idea to use a separate/spare car battery for that so you don't end up flattening your main car battery.

[gary]

Hi h0ughy,

As you know from last year, one of the hippest corners of Lostock was down
on the flat.

This year, along that same drag, I think it will be a safe bet to anticipate a
modest number of large aperture truss Dobs fitted with ServoCAT/Argo Navis
GOTO/tracking systems.

So your GOTO system will not feel alone. ;)

Look forward to seeing you there.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.

[iceman]

Unfortunately Paul Russell ([1ponders]) can't make it to IISAC2007, so he won't be able to run the polar aligning workshops each evening.

If someone else is able to step up and demonstrate polar alignment to newbies like myself, then please contact me! otherwise unfortunately i'll have to cancel those workshops.

[Orion]

Gary, do you know anyone with that setup that are coming?
Unfortunately I won't be able to bring mine this year as am bringing my family along.

[gary]

Hi Ed,

Great to hear from you again and I hope you have been well.
No problem. Bring the family and leave the scope at home.

Andrew Murrell, John Bambury, Tony Buckley & Lachlan MacDonald and myself
will be there on at the Fri. and Sat. nights along with the type of kit you
are accustomed to. :thumbsup:

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai

[Orion]

Cool!

[h0ughy]

its not land of the dobs but land of the giants!!! What am I going to do with all that aperture around me??????

[RayOfLight]

Hi all,

Would love to give a short slide-show styled presentation on the astronomy scene in Singapore (and maybe Malaysia too), if it is not too much trouble for the organizers in scheduling time for this. Looking forward to meeting everyone! Our friends from Singapore will be heading up to Sydney on the 17th. We are also hoping to visit the Blue Mountains and possibly Kings Tableland Observatory in Wentworth. Anyone here has experiences up there?

Cheers!

[gaa_ian]

No Worries Mike, would be happy to do my presentation then.
Do you have a Laptop & projector there ?
That way all I need bring is a memory stick for the presentation.

[ausastronomer]

Gary/Ed,

I will be arriving at lunch time on Thursday with an 18" Obsession fitted with Argo/Servocat. I think Andrew is going to try and get there for Thursday nights observing session also, but may not make it until Friday, depending on his work commitments. Tony and Lachlan will be arriving on Friday.

CS-John B

[h0ughy]

I will have a laptop available for these talks, just bring your memory stick and green laser pointers:whistle: there will be a projector and screen for all talks. There is a whiteboard available but its size is limited (mike has that)

[gaa_ian]

Thanks Houghy, Sounds good.

[iceman]

149! We'll crack the 150 any day now.

[iceman]

Hi all

I've uploaded a new agenda, which takes into account:
- No polar alignment workshop (unless someone volunteers)
- 30 min presentation on "40,000 Years of astronomical history in NE Arnhem Land" by Ian Maclean (gaa_ian)
- 30 min presentation on "The Astronomy Scene in Singapore and Malaysia" by Remus Chua.

You can download the agenda here (45k PDF):

IISAC2007 Agenda (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/iisac2007/IISAC2007-Agenda.pdf)

[GTB_an_Owl]

how many sleeps h0ughy - how many sleeps ?

[h0ughy]

lets see for me :P :D counting tonight 6 sleeps until I am there to setup, but this comet thingy is really getting to me:whistle: I cant wait:)

[GTB_an_Owl]

wednesday ?

[h0ughy]

;) things dont happen by themselves?

[GTB_an_Owl]

then if i send you the co-ordinants where i want my tent ?
:whistle:

[h0ughy]

Yep build a condominium on that spot;) :lol:

[gary]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the updated agenda. That is one great line-up!

Special thanks to Ian and Remus for their presentations which I am sure
we are all looking forward to.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Mt. Kuring-Gai NSW Australia

[Rodstar]

The program looks fantastic, thanks to Mike and all of those kind volunteers giving up their time to speak about their respective interests. It caters for a whole range of interests, meaning that I imagine everyone will be interested in some of the talks!

Mike, I notice that there is no official spot in the program for vendors. Given that some astro vendors have been good enough to donate lucky door prizes, I wonder if they would like a chance to sell their wares, like Bintel did last year?

Also, given the volume of trade we see in the BUY & SELL category of the forum, might it be worthwhile having a sell and swap meet which everyone can participate in as well?

[iceman]

Hi Rod.

You're right, it's not in the agenda but the vendor stalls will be on Friday and Saturday morning from 8:30am - 10am (roughly).

Wildcard Innovations, Bintel, Astro Optical and Astronomy Online will be there in their capacity as vendors with some goodies to sell.

The same time can also be used for the Shop & Swap meet for participants to sell some 2nd hand goods.

I'll update the agenda today. (bugger, after I just printed out 100 copies to give to people when they arrive :bashcomp: )

Thanks for the reminder.

[iceman]

Just a reminder, make sure you bring your own chair!

There's some bench seating around the undercover area, but don't rely on it! :)

[GTB_an_Owl]

here's hoping

http://ezigrain.abb.com.au/weather/WeatherRainfallProb.asp?cboState=NS W&cboDistrict=N03&cboRegion=Lostock%20Dam

[iceman]

No rain.. good. Let's just hope that means no cloud as well :P

[iceman]

More bookings rolling in..

161 people so far (142 adults, 19 children)

- #ppl Thursday: 90
- #ppl Friday: 131
- #ppl Saturday: 134


Bunkbeds sold out Friday and Saturday nights

[RayOfLight]

Fantastic response Mike! Can't wait!

We are finally leaving for Australia tonight! See ya guys!

Clear Skies!
<comet-eyed>

[Orion]

Have a safe trip Remus.

[iceman]

Excellent Remus! Travel safe, look forward to meeting you!

[Sausageman]

See you soon Remus. Have a good trip.

Iceman,
I have a camping bunkbed here, do you want me to pack it in the trailer for use in the house?

Sausage.

[seeker372011]

will mobiles work at Lostock?

[iceman]

Sure Mick, if it'll fit.

Narayan, GSM = no. 3G = no. CDMA = yes, sometimes, at the top of the hill.

Those on GSM will need to go into Gresford to get coverage.

[GTB_an_Owl]

found the perfect thing for the swimming hole this year

REMEMBER all those sharp rocks under your feet ?

found at BigW to-day - 'mens soft sole aqua' shoe

$9.82

if you have time, go check em out before you leave

your feet will love you when it's time to go down for a swim

geoff

[gaa_ian]

:doh: I should have read your post before I left home Geoff.
I looked at my reef shoes & thought "Nah, I won't need them, thats a bit excessive" :lol:
I am sitting in the Qantas Club in Darwin, waiting for my connecting flight to Sydney :D

[cahullian]

I'll be leaving in a few mins
Tell Houghy I have some hedgehogs for him lol

Gazz

[Deeno]

................and we're off
See you there!

Deeno

[ausastronomer]

Just packin' the car at present and packin' me. Will be leaving at about 12:00pm and hope to arrive a little after 2:00pm. C U all there :)

CS-John B

[grl570810]

Does anyone know the phone number of the bottom house - there's a reference to it being able to take incoming calls in case of emergency but I can't find the number anywhere in the information - I'm probably just being dumb! I would like to leave it with the family JIC.

Thanks,
Graham

[ausastronomer]

The number I was given for last years IISAC was 4931 7185. But it didn't work last year because the phone bill hadn't been paid or something stupid like that.

I am hitting my last key and driving out the door with me myself and an Obsession :)

CS-John B

[iceman]

Please post your writeups and pictures in their own threads:

IISAC2007 Writeups (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=16686)

IISAC2007 Pictures (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=16687)

[iceman]

Well the wrapup of numbers -

We ended up with about 175 people over the 3 nights.. that's including the people that turned up on the day without booking in advance, and excluding the people that didn't show up.

So great numbers, twice as many as IISAC2006... I can only imagine how big IISAC2008 might be, given it will be in a cooler time of year (October 2008), and IceInSpace is going to be considerably bigger itself in 21 months time (a much larger member base, for one thing).

The biggest night was Saturday night which saw 152 people on-site.

I'll be working with the organising committee over the next year to overcome the "problems" that will become more evident with an even larger starparty.. heat, accommodation, presentation areas, undercover areas, food, drink, etc.

[iceman]

The following was sent to all IISAC2007 bookings: