Channel Ten TV segment

[Sausageman]

Hi everyone,

On Tuesday, Mark Suleau from Channel Ten News will be visiting our Observatory at Aratula, to do a segment for future airing on the News.
I will add to this post, when I find out the "On Air" date.

The site now has 2 live cameras operating and can be viewed online @ http://www.seti.org.au/ camera 2 has a great view of most of the site.
The system is primarily there for security, but we can be seen working as well. The shots are updated every 20 seconds, so a refresh is needed.

We have had a massive weekend sprucing the place up, Saturday's work included erecting the feed horn on the first 40 foot dish and can be seen online, a few more weekends spent wiring and fitting the skin will see the big dish fully operational.

We will certainly be planning a big "First Radio Wave" party for this event, with invitations going to all our sponsor's. It is what we have been working toward for the last 5 years.

Cheers

Mike.

[Dennis]

Wow Mike - it’s been quite a while since I dropped in to see you guys - the progress you have made sounds fantastic. It is quite extraordinary seeing how your collective vision has manifested, through all your hard work, into such a fabulous Observatory and site. Good luck with the interview and all the future developments. I look forward to seeing the segment on the CH10 news.

You guys have also got a superb website – where do you get the time?

Cheers

Dennis

[Dujon]

Whooeee! Some set up, Mike. Love the solar cell arrays, you must have some generous sponsors.

[Sausageman]

Hi Dennis,
Come out for a visit again soon, Noel was only asking me yesterday what you were doing now.
We just make time, how we do it is beyond me, but we do it.
The Observatory has grown a lot since you came last time.
I forsee it becoming the best Observatory in QLD at the least.
There is still much to do. Both dishes have yet to be mounted on piers, one on rails.
And all this made possible by my friend Noel. I just work there, he makes it happen.

John,

Yes, we do have some very generous sponsors, and we are extremely grateful to them, without them,this project would not be possible.
The Solar array's alone amount to to largest contribution, with the aid of grant's from the QLD Gov't, I can't say enough about them.
All of our sponsors donate equipment that is vital to the construction of the Observatory, without anyone of them it would fail. They are all wonderful people and deserve to be recognised for thier foresight into the education of Rural Children and the advancement of science.

Mike.

[Dujon]

Understood, Mike.

Now, the other Mike (as in Admin.) might zap this post due to terms of service of the forum. Regardless, I'm bunging up a list of sponsors - as shown on your site - in order to further acknowledge their contribution to an amazing project.

*******************


EMR Switchboards

Power Solutions Australia

Conetix - Web Solution Provider

ACT - Australian Computer Traders

Ozbuild Materials

Atlas - specialty metals

EnerSys - Power solutions

York Optical

Shade Direct - DIY shade specialists

Kyocera - copiers, printers, cameras and more

Mulford Plastics

Metro Tiles - ceramic tile specialists

Sound Technology (S T Spectra Group)

Mike Cook's Signal Software

Data Delivery Services - wireless telemetry

Lightning Bolt Co - hardware (bolts, nuts, rivets and more)

Downer EDI - engineering and infrastructure management

Dulux - paints and advice

Brisbane Axles and Trailer Components

Readymix - concrete

Metalcorp - steel (sheds, pipes, fencing, structural and more)

Bushmans - water tanks

JBS Air - Air conditioning and ventilation

Plasmatronics - regulating and metering devices for solar powered devices

Sunshine Electrical Services - solar power electrical systems with 'grid connect solar power system' expertise

Micro Computer Systems - networks and more

B&R Enclosures - racks, enclosures, cabinets

ADA - Anthony Donovan - Architects

Commercial Images - office furniture and fittings

Mills Engineers - structural design

Agilent Technologies - measurement equipment (analysers, oscilloscopes, test gear and more)

Selectronic - power inverters, transformers, chargers and more

Nova Astronomics - providers of the ECU planetarium control program and the Micro-Guider 5 computer interface

SLS Locksmiths - domestic, commercial, automotive, marine

Custom Fluidpower - hydraulic, pneumatic and lubrication products and services

Powerlink - high voltage transmission networks

Brian Cox Builder Pty Ltd - what it says

Solahart - hot water solar systems

Prowler Proof - security systems (doors windows etc.)

Fly Free - door and window retractable fly screens

RE design - workspace design and equipment, including used furniture


Plus: The Queensland Government via grant


*******************

That, sir, is some list. Congratulations to those involved in the marketing of the site.

Kudos to those who have supported you with money, equipment and expertise.

[iceman]

A lot of work must go into this project by a team of dedicated people.. It would border on being a full-time job I imagine.

Well done Mike, I hope the TV interview goes well and i'll look out for it if they broadcast it in NSW.

[Sausageman]

It sure is a full time job, just done on weekends:thumbsup:

Mike, if you want to zap the list, it's OK by me, they are all on the website.

Just don't borrow any of them:P They're ours. and generosity only stretches so far:rofl:
Thats a lot of sausages to make for the party though.

Thanks.

Mike.

[iceman]

The list is fine :thumbsup:

[spacezebra]

Yes, looking forward to the interview.

Cheers Petra

[astroron]

:hi: Mike, fine site and a good job you are all doing, you could possibly arrange an iceinspace field night or weekend sometime next year

[GrahamL]

great stuff mike .. I stayed at the camp ground at the dam many years
back .. were you guys next door at some stage?:)

[Sausageman]

No Graham,
That is another stargazer, they haven't been round for a visit yet, but maybe after this goes to air they might.
We have only been there for 5 years.

Astroron,
Sure can organise a night under the stars, we have only 1 shower, but 2 real flushing toilets now.
Would need Iceman's permission to call it Iceinspace though.

Mike.

[Sausageman]

The visit went well, Mark was very impressed with what we have done so far, He is quite a character with a great sense of humour.
He said that it wouldn't go to air for about 2 weeks, and will let us know the date.
Here is a photo of Mark, his cameraman and Noel.

Mike

[Sausageman]

There is 1 quote, that will definately go on air.
Mark was interviewing Ron, our eldest enthusiast at 80 odd years old about getting signals from other Planets,
Ron said, "Well Mark, it could take 25 years for the signal to get there, and another 25 years for an answer to get back, and it will probably be" "What did you say".
Mark cracked up. Then said "Thats in for sure".

I will try and record the segment when it goes to air, and make it available to everyone.
There was a bit of BS with some of the shots, like me and Noel using "Starry Night" during the day, the cameraman was fascinated by it. Mark just replied, "Well it is show business".

Can't wait to see what it comes out like.

Mike.

[h0ughy]

be great to see, I doubt us southerners will see the segment, as i would say its for local consumption, but then you just never know?? nice work guys, kudos to all involved!

[Sausageman]

The Interview goes on air tonight.
Mark Suleau called, the interview will be on ch Ten News tonight, short version, and again at 11am tomorrow, long version.
Mark also said that he hopes it will go national tomorrow.

Mike.

[Dennis]

Mike - that is great news, I'll be sure to watch the segment.

Thanks!

Dennis

[Dennis]

Here is a unique portrait of a famous telescope operator as seen on Ch10 news…

Cheers

Dennis

[Sausageman]

Thanks Dennis. Hahaha.
How did you get those frames done so quick?

Mike.

[Dennis]

Hi Mike

I have a dual tuner HDTV card in our PC so whilst I was recording the segment (whilst also viewing CH10 news in a window) I just took snapshots when your famous mug appeared! This saves the pictures to disc as stills, and then I opened them in Corel Photo paint to re-size/re-sample and save a jpgs.

It was a terrific segment and I look forward to the full version at 11:00am tomorrow.

Cheers

Dennis

[jjjnettie]

I look forward to watching it tomorrow in full.
Will anyone be recording it so others may view?

[iceman]

Excellent work, Mike and Noel!

And great job on the caps, Dennis!

[Astroman]

Is there an online version?

[toetoe]

Good on ya Mike :thumbsup: great interview, watched it this morning and it was a great comment that Ron made :lol:

[Dennis]

I managed to watch the 11:00am CH10 News this morning, 12th Dec, and the “Mike & Noel” show that was broadcast last night in the Brisbane CH10 5:00pm News was almost the same as this mornings broadcast. Just as good 2nd time 'round! Everyone will be talking about our intrepid SETI explorers for days to come!

Cheers

Dennis

[Dennis]

Here are some more screen captures from this mornings broadcast, along with some quotes from the bulletin:

“A group of Queensland men are searching the skies for evidence of extra-terrestrial beings…”

“Listening for deep space transmissions…”

“In the New Year, this tiny Galactic listening post will operate 24 hours a day…”

“The truth is waiting to be uncovered…”

Cheers

Dennis

[jjjnettie]

Even my hubby came to the telly to watch it!
I really enjoyed it.
Great advertising for you.
When is your next open night? I'd like to visit in person.

[Sausageman]

Thanks everyone,
Does my hair really look like that from the side !!!!!!

I'm glad it got to go National.:thumbsup:
So, who noticed "Starry Night Pro" on the lap top screen then.:whistle:
The Cameraman was fascinated by it.
It was a bit hard to look at the stars with sunlight pouring through the dome door.
I have a video of the Tuesday lunchtime airing, but will try and get a real one from Channel Ten.

At the moment, we are not open for public visits, you can guess why, Insurance cover...:( Well it is a construction site.:work:
Saying that, We would be glad to have star watching evening maybe even a whole weekend, our facilities are very limited though with only 2 flushing toilets and 1 shower, plenty of power and water though.
Camping would be the only real option.

The Eastern boundry of the site has very tall gum trees and blocks observing for at least 3 hours after any object rises. But we have about 130 degrees of sky South to North.


It would be prudent to wait until after Lostock though, and maybe some cooler weather.

Thanks Dennis, for your hi tech gizmo's and getting the frames posted.
I'm not really the "telescope operator", more like "Head Slave":rofl:

Mike