Pony Club 14th April 2018 - Welcome to Rod's New SDM Telescope!

[Rodstar]

Hi everyone,

I am thrilled finally to be welcoming the arrival of my new SDM telescope, The Glenfallus, on Saturday 14th April 2018.

This 20 inch f/3.8 beauty has all bells and whistles, including ServoCat. With its shorter focal length (compared with the Mary Rose), most observing can be done without a ladder, which will come as a great relief to my creaking knees.

Peter Read is delivering The Glenfallus on a New Moon weekend, and so we thought we would make the most of the opportunity and bring it up to the Pony Club (assuming the weather gods are on our side) to put it through its paces.

Peter will be coming to the Pony Club with me, providing a great opportunity for anyone who wants to talk to the master scope builder in person.

Post on this thread if you would like to come along and share in the excitement!

[Rodstar]

A bit more about the scope itself:

*With my previous scope, the Mary Rose, I resisted getting ServoCat, but this time I have decided to take the plunge and go all out with ServoCat and all other bells and whistles.

*at zenith, it is about 5 foot 10inches to the eyepiece. For me, that means a small step ladder for zenith, but otherwise firmly standing on terra firma.

*The mirror comes from the same company which supplied me for the Mary Rose, OMI. It is only 1.6 inches thick (compared to 2 inches for the Mary Rose), allowing for much more rapid cooling.

*The name for my scope derives from two sources. My wife always amused herself by calling my previous scope The Phalluscope, a reference to its similarity to saluting male genitalia. As many know, I am a whisky fanatic, and so the "glen" part is an homage to such great whisky producers as Glendronach, Glenlivet, Glen Moray etc, but especially my favourite speyside distillery, Glenfarclas. Hence, "Glenfallus".

[AstroJunk]

What an erection :rofl:

[Atmos]

Love the decals on the mirror box :lol:
Peter Read does a fantastic job, beautiful work.

[astropolak]

Congratulations Rod

She is looking good..., easy to see in the dark I'll expect.

Is it him or her anyway...?

I am hoping to make it to PC on the day to celebrate the event with you.

[Deeno]

Very cool Rod!
Congrates on the new scope

[Rodstar]

Thanks everyone!

Jonathan - agreed, it'll be hard to beat.

Colin - the decals and other artwork was designed by Paul Wallace of PeowPeow, I'll post some of the design work so you can get the full idea of what he has planned.

Joe - this is definitely a male scope. However, a female visits to observe from time to time, as you shall see from the shroud design. Hope it all comes together for us to catch up on the 14th of April.

Deeno - thanks buddy, hope to see you soon.

Some more photos to follow.

[Rodstar]

So firstly, here is some shots of the scope pre-dressing.

1. Perfectly square!
2. Peter Read putting the mirror box together
3. Peter Read testing. Peter is a few inches shorter than me, so this scope will be at a very comfortable height.

[Rodstar]

So here is the artwork design of the overall scope.

That's me (the Rodmonaut) floating in space. The air-line is actually filled with whisky. The bottle of whisky has the label name "Amber Lane" because that is the name of a whisky distillery I am currently establishing with Phil Townsend (a fellow IIS-er).

[Rodstar]

And here is the shroud.

Spot the visitor.

The placement of the air (whisky) line is not incidental - there is much excitement all around. ;)

[Rodstar]

The designer Paul Wallace has come up with a badge design to go with the scope, which we are having rendered in bronze. It is based on a Soviet era genre of badges. I am having a bunch of badges made, some of which will be adhered to the scope, but some which will be available for sharing :D

[Shano592]

Hi Rod,

That is looking very excellent.

Congratulations on the new and proud scope!

[Allan]

Congratulations Rod on your new dob. I think your observing enjoyment is about to reach a new level.

I have an astronomy friend out from the US in April, and if we are around on the 14th we will come along and celebrate with you.

[Rick Petrie]

Will just miss this night as I am in Qld. until the 15th.:( Hope your first light with that new beast goes well Rod. I am sure it will be a cracker of a scope. Will be nice to catch up some time soon with you and everyone at the PC.:):)

[Rodstar]

Hi Shane, Allan and Rick,

Thanks very much for your thoughts.

Allan - that sounds great if you can bring your US astro mate along - hope it works out.

Rick - sorry I will miss you mate. With the new scope I am hoping to get back into more regular observing again, and so hopefully we will get to catch up soon.

[nobby2]

Will take note of the date. 14th April 2018. May be away in Tasmania over this time however looks like a fun night.

[erick]

Congratulations Rod! Looks fantastic and the specs are great. Peter's scopes are superb. Have a fantastic first night with SDM#69 Eric

[RB]

Oh this is so exciting mate.
I can't wait to catch up and see the new scope.
There'll be much celebrating so looking forward to it.
I'll bring the cigars.

RB

:2thumbs: :cheers:

[Rodstar]

Thanks Neil, Eric and Andrew!!

Neil - hope you can make it to the PC.

RB - yes please! I'll bring the whisky. :D

[Shano592]

Rod, will this one fit in your car? :P

Or is the trailer coming out again?

[Rodstar]

Hi Shane,

I have a new trailer for the scope, see below. Will be much easier using the ramp, compared with my old trailer, where I needed help doing the big lift in and out. Peter Read organised the trailer for me to perfectly suit the scope. :thumbsup:

[Shano592]

Oh, that is nice.

Can't wait to see Glenphallus in action, as the weather turns cooler.

[Rick Petrie]

[Oh this is so exciting mate.
I can't wait to catch up and see the new scope.
There'll be much celebrating so looking forward to it.
I'll bring the cigars.]

Have a cigar for me RB. Be thinking of you all.:)

[RickS]

Beautiful looking scope!

[RB]

I will, for sure, buddy.
Looking forward to seeing you, my friend.

RB

[Rodstar]

Thanks Rick S!

Here are two photos Peter Read sent through tonight, fully assembled, except for the shroud, which is being screen printed overseas for me.

I am very happy and excited!! :eyepop:

[gaseous]

There's just something about that first photo that touches (in a good way) something deep inside me.

[spacezebra]

It looks very nice :-)

Cheers Petra

[gary]

Hi Rod,

Wonderful!

Best Regards

Gary

[astroron]

Splendid creation Rod and of course Peter Read,it is truly a dream machine.
Long may you enjoy many nights under the stars with him and her. ;)
All the best for the weather on it's inauguration.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[Zubenel]

Real happy for you . The "masters" craftmanship is second to none!!! I love the bells and whistles it makes our rigs work so well! and such a pleasure to use!!. Looking forward to catching up next year.:thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

Thanks so much Patrick, Petra, Gary, Ron and Wes!

Gary - happy to say we are fully loaded with a brand new Argo Navis + Servocat combination - nothing better on the market!

Fingers crossed for a clear night on the 14th.

[RB]

My "passport" just arrived.
I'll be off to "Cuba" on Thursday to bring back some special cigars for the event.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/snv80l4dnmztuh1/puro-65876.gif?dl=0
So looking forward to this !!!

RB

:cool: :lol:

[Rodstar]

Hey RB, looks like that cigar is looking forward to it as well!

So glad you can make it buddy! :thumbsup:

Fingers crossed the weather behaves. Looks like it could be a bit wet on Saturday, but it's still early in the week, things could change.

[gb_astro]

Been thinking of dropping in to see how you guys are going these days.
Seeing the christning of Rod's new dream scope would be a big bonus, so hope to be there.

Greg.

[ausastronomer]

Rod,

I hope everything goes well for the unveiling and first light of the Glenphallus. We have both seen enough of Peter's scopes to know the build quality is 2nd to none and they all deliver. I have no doubt your new scope will be no exception. Although mirrors of the same caliber as the 20"/f5 OMI mirror in the Mary Rose are rareties, I am sure the new OMI mirror will also be top notch.

I would love to have been there to share the moment, but as explained on the phone Saturday 14th is the opening night of Ozsky 2018 and I am committed to that.

Cheers
John B

[Shano592]

Hey Greg! Long time, no hear. How are you doing?

Rod, it is looking like I will be able to attend on Saturday. My visa processing for China was set back by a week, so I'm not flying out until next week. I think I will bring the LX, as it will be the last light for a while.

John, the Star Safari looks like it will be a great event. All the best to you for great nights, in the million-star hotel!

[RB]

John, I was hoping you'd be able to make it but your commitment to OzSky 2018 has to come first.
Hope you guys have a great time and clear skies but we'll miss you.
We'll have to catch up another time mate.

Greg & Shane, it'll be great to see you guys again, glad you can make it.

Today I visit 'Cuba' to pick up those awesome cigars.

Rod I can't wait mate, so looking forward to this.

:cool:

RB

[Shano592]

RB, You may have to leave your special cigar lighters at home...

I was antiquing in Cooma the other day (I collect and refurbish vintage cut-throat razors), and I came across an old 1920's cigar cutter/box cutter that uses DE razors. I'll bring it along to show, though I wouldn't recommend using it... the blade currently in there looks a little... vintage.

[RB]

:lol:

hahaha, I may just bring one along... just in case our regular lighter runs out of gas.... :lol:

I'd love to see that cigar cutter Shane, awesome.

Unfortunately I don't smoke cigars anymore but I still have my contacts in the industry that supply cigars.

Since this is such a special occasion I'm making a special effort to get some for Rod and Rick.
It's the least I can do for The Glenfallus' maiden trip around the skies.

:lol:

[Allan_L]

Hi Greg,
Good to hear from you again.
May catch up with you on Saturday buddy. :thumbsup:

Hey Rod,
Congratulations on your new "instrument".
Hope it "stands up" to your expectations.
I'll be trying to get there, sounds like a hoot. :)

[Shano592]

Good stuff.

I will bring it along, it is quite a novelty.

See you all Saturday.

[Rodstar]

It would be superb to see you Greg if you can make it, it has been far too long! :thumbsup:

[Rodstar]

Thanks John. And clear skies to you and the contingent from the Very Far North. :)

[Rodstar]

Shane, glad to hear you can be there, and that is one unusual collecting interest you have there!

RB - you are all class mate, thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Allan - if you can be there that would really be great too!

A few others are coming who haven't posted here who have contacted me personally, so it should be quite a turnout. And of course Peter Read is coming along.

I will bring some wine (+ glasses) and cheese to share, it should be just like old times!

[pro.dev3]

That is a beautiful scope. Never been to a star party since coming to Australia. How long are you guys gonna stay there?

[Rodstar]

Hi there! Depends on the conditions, but I’ll prob be there from about 4.30pm to about midnight. Others may stay a lot later.

You are very welcome to join us! :thumbsup:

[xstream]

Hey Rod best of luck for tomorrow night, Anna and I would of loved to have been there for first light of “The Glenfallus” but we’ll just have to suffice with views through Edwin if this wind subsides here in Southern Tas.

Would of also been great to catch up with Andrew and the rest too but alas it will have to be another time. :sadeyes:

[Rodstar]

Thanks John and Anna! Wish you could be here for this, but we will be able to share some photons and giggles with the Glenfallus at a later time x

[nobby2]

Cloud free Nights is saying there may be a window of clear sky from about 8pm.

[Rodstar]

Ah Neil - never fear, the weather will be outstanding.

(famous last words..)
:windy: :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[pro.dev3]

I may drop by for a few hours. It is a long drive. Is it okay to bring a friend?

[RB]

John it would've been sooo good to catch up with you and Anna but wasn't meant to be this time.
How good would've been to have “The Glenfallus” and "Edwin" to look through? :eyepop:
Hope you guys are doing well and enjoying life in beautiful Tassie !!!

Rod, I returned from "Cuba" with the 'contraband'.
I told customs that they were chocolate cigars. :D

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.
The weather will be perfect.

Cheers
RB

[Rodstar]

Yes, absolutely!

I’ll be arriving with Peter Read at about 5.45pm, a few things have set us back a bit time wise. Cheers!

Rod

[RB]

I'm off to get Pizza, then I'll be there.
I'll also be bringing my new 'bino' viewer 'scope' so
no matter what, we will see the stars tonight.

RB

:cool:

[nobby2]

Arrived at pony club. No wind and looking clear to the west. Short shower so allow for wet grass, on the long side. May get lucky!!!!

[Shano592]

Hopefully the rain forced the ants underground. Last couple of trips up there, they were lousy.

Sorry I missed it tonight. I didn't get back home until much too late.

[Rodstar]

Hi all, thanks to those who made it up to the PC, and totally understand Shane and those others who weren't able to be there. It felt like "old times" getting out under the stars and enjoying our usual part-astro part-life banter.

Big thanks to RB for the supplies of pizzas, very much appreciated as I was very hungry by the time I was set up!

And of course huge thanks to Peter Read for being so committed to customer happiness that he spent pretty much the whole day and evening with me, making sure everything worked perfectly (which it did)!

Conditions were mostly clear, but a bit gusty and seeing was at best 5/10 and at worst 2/10, so not at all an ideal night for observing. However, it was an ideal night for putting the Glenfallus through its introductory paces. I can report that the mirror is clearly outstanding, and the telescope is as fantastic in every respect as I had hoped (and frankly, given SDM's stellar record, was expecting).

Looking forward to seeing everyone again another New Moon when conditions are more favourable to observing.

[Rodstar]

It was darkish by the time I arrived at the PC, so I don't have any photos from there, but here are some photos from the delivery of the scope earlier in the day. I will take some more detailed photos and possibly start another thread over the next few weeks once I have some more experience using this beauty!

[h0ughy]

Awesome, it was a red letter day for me yesterday as well. Congratulations on such a fine scope:D:thumbsup:. Is there food and a bed in the trailer as it looks like where Peter has been living :lol:;)

[Shano592]

What object was first light for the scope, for posterity?

[Rodstar]

Thanks HOughy, and I believe congratulations are in order for you too! Nice storm we brewed up last night, eh?!

Yes Peter is the ultimate showman. As he emerged there was definitely something Willy Wonka-esque about it :rofl:

[Rodstar]

What other than M42? Even though it was lowish on the western horizon in poor seeing, it still looked fantastic, with billowing dust clouds and that distinctive hue which I see as emerald green but some others see as blue.

[Kunama]

Congratulation Rod, the scope looks fantastic and having seen Peter's handiwork up close, I am sure it will perform well.
Peter was very generous with his time and advice when I was building 'Guinevere' a couple of years ago. I still need to catch up with him for a drink or two..

Look forward to seeing your reports on the scope in better seeing.

[Rodstar]

Thanks Matt, and yes I will definitely post some more detailed reports once I have given the Glenfallus a proper run under steady dark skies.

[RB]

And what a wonderful scope it is too !!
Thank you for a fun night with the Glenfallus Rod.
Congratulations mate, that is a work of art indeed.
Well done to Peter Read, another fantastic SDM out in the wild and boy does it look fantastic.
I just sat there and marvelled when Rod punched in an object and the Servo Cat took over and locked in on that object.

Shame about the wind and the seeing but it was a fun night.
Brought back a lot of memories of yesteryear with pizzas and beer and good company.

I even managed to squeeze in some astro photography with my iPhone. :lol:
Here's Jupiter in less than ideal seeing conditions. :rofl:

Thanks everyone had a great time.
Sorry that some of the others couldn't make it but I know what that's like.

RB
:2thumbs:

[nobby2]

Thanks to all for a fun night including the cheese, wine and pizza. You can imagine what it was like when the The Glenfallus, 20 inch f/3.8 from SDM Telescopes arrives in a purpose built traitor and sets up beside you! The blue planetary was the clearest blue I had seen.

[Rodstar]

RB - I forgot about the cigars!!! Dang! Next time ok?!!

Neil, thanks for your company last night and hope to see you again soon.

[Allan]

I’m very happy for you Rod on the arrival of your new SDM. I’m sure your observing will receive a boost of enthusiasm. I look forward to hearing how it performs when you get to some dark and steady skies.

Sorry I couldn’t make the occasion. I’ve had my own great week long observing session with SDM #100 and couldn’t get back to the PC in time.

[Allan]

Matt, beers are on with Pete in Newcastle on Monday. This is your chance. ;)

[Kunama]

Monday is time reserved for my 3 year old granddaughter...... enjoy your drinks !!! :thumbsup:

[gb_astro]

Thanks all for a good night.
Great to catch with a few of the PC veterans again plus some new faces.
Amazing scope there Rod, thanks again for the views.

Greg.

[Rodstar]

It was great to see you again Greg. Stay well, chill, and hope to see you soon.

[gaseous]

Rod, if you don't mind me asking, did you ever end up selling the Mary Rose?

[Rodstar]

Hi Patrick, yes the Mary Rose has a new owner in Victoria.

[gaseous]

Very good. I hope the Glenfallus is getting plenty of use (and plenty of 'oooh's and 'aaah's).

[OneCosmos]

What an exciting time for you and viewing the zenith from the ground through a 20” scope is fantastic. I can just imagine how fine everything looked. Congratulations.