Observing Tent

[jjjnettie]

Check this out. :thumbsup:
We've been wanting something like this to come onto the Aussie market for years. Seems a reasonable price too.
http://www.sirius-optics.com.au/index11.htm

[dugnsuz]

Yeah JJJ,
I was looking for something like this for my backyard as far back as 1992!!!!
At last...
Doug

ps...I don't need one now!

[Matty P]

Great idea for a reasonable price.

Thanks for the link JJJ.

[chunkylad]

Wow, what a great idea. I wonder if I can fit the dob in the back of the car with the rest of the camping gear....................?

[RB]

Excellent, thanks for the heads-up jjj.
Perfect for IISAC, SPSP, Astrofest etc.

Rod might even be able to get one on stilts for the Mary-Rose. :whistle:

[Ric]

What a great idea.

Wonder if it will fit the 12" and tripod in it

Cheers

[Omaroo]

I don't know about this one - if it rains overnight, the rain would pool in the centre of the tent roof and will likely come flooding in in one go when the sides pull away from the frame under the weight of water. A nice way to wash your gear! I think that it needs to have some method built in that will keep the center of the roof elevated in the middle when closed so the water runs off.

Be good to keep a breeze off of you though...

[sheeny]

Ah... thanks JJJ!

I saw this a week or two ago (obviously on Sirius's page when I was checking the phone no about my PST) but I couldn't remember where I saw it!

I'd like to think I'll move to a new place soon so wouldn't need one, but in reality maybe I have to buy one to ensure that my house sells sooner rather than later...:shrug::P:lol: Nothing wrong with that logic is there???:whistle:

Chris, you may have point there, mate, but I don't think that's an insurmountable problem. Someone needs to buy one so we test it!:thumbsup:

Al.

[erick]

Does it keep the possums and the green tree frogs out?? :scared:

[Dennis]

Here’s a link to a review (http://nightskies.net/scopetest/accessories/astrotent/astrotent.html), although it’s a little light on detail.

Cheers

Dennis

[Louwai]

$300.00 :eyepop: That's way too much for what it is.

I would bet that it's only about $20 to buy from the manufacturer in China.

[ballaratdragons]

Track 'em down Bryan. Your an importer. :poke: :lol:

[Louwai]

Will see what I can find Ken.

Ya never know.

[acropolite]

Looks good, could be a touch overpriced. Another one for h0ughy to add to the collection....:whistle:

[GTB_an_Owl]

to take to Ilford so we can get a ganda at it :whistle:

geoff

[Outbackmanyep]

My brother works at a camping store in Parramatta, and i asked him the SAME THING 3 months ago about putting Observatory Tents on the market!

I don't know yet how he got on, but this is a part of a market which i think will be good for retailers!

[Omaroo]

I asked Jenny about this a while ago, as she was the store manager of a Ray's Outdoor and assistant manager of Kangaroo Tent City here in Sydney. Her answer was that she wouldn't even dream about it because the total volume would be less than minuscule. :sadeyes:

[Louwai]

Yep, THat's the typical response from most importers / wholesalers as volume means better pricing from the manufacturer which translates to better retail profit.
My import business specialises in small qty supply. I have an office & warehouse in China with a mgr & staff. We do lots of small qty stuff.
Anywhere from about 200pcs upwards. Some items are difficult, but you never knw until you ask.

www.mdam-imports.com.au (http://www.mdam-imports.com.au)

[h0ughy]

i have my dunnies.....:whistle:;)

[asterisk]

This looks like the same thing but at a much cheaper price. I have dealt with SmartAstronomy and found them prompt and reliable.

http://yhst-1469288697390.stores.yahoo.net/poobte.html

[Dennis]

Thanks for the link. The tent shown does have taped seams which is the sign of a good design. However, at US $224, that makes it around Au $260 and if you add in shipping costs, you’ll be mighty close to the Sirius Optics price of Au $299?

Cheers

Dennis

[citivolus]

I concur, it would be around $80 to get it shipped from the USA by post, given its size and weight. At current exchange of 0.9:1, total cost works out to $330AU.

[brightstar]

The price shown is in US dollars which converts to approx. $A299.00 when you add freight/GST, Customs Clearance etc.

The purchase price from China is 95.5 Euro. Additional costs are Wire Transfer Fee, Shipping Fee, Air Freight (Not cheap) which is usually based on Cubic measurement of the shipment, not actual weight. Remember, retailers do not purchaase 1 off any item, customs clearance, delivery from customs, and the GST. These all add to the cost and does not include: Wages, Rent, Power, Phone etc. It would be cheaper to buy Pens, Coasters, and the usual junk found at flea markets where you can get a lot of items into smaller packages than astronomy gear. These tents are totally waterproof (as normal tents) and come with a fly as added protection.

I think some members should engage their brain before their mouth when discussing some aspects of pricing in Australia. Just about every retailer is very aware of overseas pricing and tries very hard to be competitive and match overseas price as closely as possible. REMEMBER, AUSTRALIA HAS A SMALL BASE FOR ASTRONOMY RETAILING.;)

[Night Owl]

"Just about every retailer is very aware of overseas pricing and tries very hard to be competitive and match overseas price as closely as possible."

Not in the petrol industry. The Yanks are paying $3.33AUD for a US gallon. A US Gallon = 3.78 litres. The US is paying an average of $1.13 AUD a litre for petrol. Price parity my arse. Competition in petrol industry! More like cartels and collusion in the petrol industry.

Check this out from time to time, and see how much of a competitive world parity price we pay...

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/mogas_home_page.html

[brightstar]

My understanding is that Ice in Space is about astronomy - not petrol. It beggars belief that someone could link petrol prices with the cost of importing astronomy gear. :rofl:

[jjjnettie]

If I had a need for a temporary observatory and had the $$$ to spare, I know I'd get one.