Observing Chairs - Stellar Seats

[wavelandscott]

All,

I had a chat with Mike before he left and we decided this was the best place to post this...

As many of you know I have been searchiong for an observing seat for a while...I became enamored with the "Stardust" chairs sold by Hands on Optical in the USA for US$169 + shipping...unfortunately shipping to Australia costs almost US$200 (more than the seat)...way over my budget...

After a bit of searching, I have come up with a source of these chairs. They are not currently otherwise available in Australia...I am considering bringing them in but shipping is a huge issue and therefore it is best to buy in bulk if possible...I would like to make these available through some of the local retail Astronomy shops and estimate the price to be between AUD$150-200...

Is there any interest?

I have attached some pictures...as it has been cloudy and rainy since my sample arrived I have only had a chance to play with it in the house but I must say that I am impressed...they are adjustable in height, very stable, fold flat, and hold my bulk (very sturdy)...they weigh less than 8 kg...you can check out the Hands On Optical website for the sales pitch...

At this stage I am not selling them but I am trying to gauge interest...if there is enough interest, I will go to some of the Sydney area Astro Shops and see if they are interested in stocking them. Again, the price is not set as I have no real idea what the actual costs of shipping is...the AUD$150-200 is based on the US price and is "just a guess"

So, what do you think of these Stellar Seats?

Your comments are appreciated...

[davidpretorius]

I am ok for a seat at the moment, not to say that if a get an eq mount then the office chair will be redundant and i may be interested.

Great idea!

[xstream]

Great idea Scott.
I had been contemplating that seat or the Kendrick for awhile, I would definately take one at that price.

[ving]

I just made a seat!
:D
thats a no from me....
by the way, you look shorter than i remember ;)

[wavelandscott]

And thinner too!...
No, that is not me but my chief assistant astronomer...

Well, even if not many people are interested in them for astronomy, these "Stellar Seats" sure can be used to enertain the kids!

[davidpretorius]

they would be a great space filla for 20 & 40 foot containers. If you know anyone down the track that imports heavy stuff and thus leaves room at the top of the container, these would fill it beautifully.

big steps i know at this stage, but would save money down the track

[xrekcor]

They look ok and lite!!! just one question does the foot rest move up and down too?
If it does I reckon I would be into one.

regards,CS

[wavelandscott]

No, on the sample model I have the foot rest folds up and down but is fixed...

[astroron]

Just a thought, why would anybody want to import observing chairs when there are quite a few models made by amateur astronomers available in Australia?astroron :confuse2: :confuse3:

[TV76]

Hi guys and girls,

I haven't posted here before but regularly monitor the buy & sell forum.

Scott, I would be interested in the seat if the price is right - so to speak. Whats your timeframe for making a decision as to whether to bulk buy or not?

[wavelandscott]

I am hopeful to make a decision by the middle of November...I've gotten a bit side tracked here over the last week with my actual job...

[wavelandscott]

I will be making a final decision (go or no go) by November 15th...last chances to comment...thanks to all who have contributed!

[RB]

G'day Scott,


I went into Bintel today and tried the chair and I love it. I'd be interested if the price is in that vesinity.

Cheers
:camera:

[wavelandscott]

Rocket Boy,

I am glad that you liked it...they did give me a call...unfortunately the seat you saw belongs to my son...

As I said, if here is enough interest I will probably get a few brought into the country...

If and when, I'll make a bit of noise...they are nice!

[wavelandscott]

FYI...I have taken the plunge and will be bringing in some chairs to Australia...it is my hope that a few of the Retail astronomy shops will be interested in stocking them.

ETA for delivery is mid January...I'll try and get more information about the wheres and how muches out sometime in January...

Thanks all for those who have expressed interest.

[xstream]

Well done Scott!
Looking forward to getting one.

[wavelandscott]

***Update***

Scheduling and finding space for the shipment took a bit longer than expected...

Chairs are now scheduled to arrive in Australia at the end of February...clearing customs etc. will take a bit of time.

They should be out and in stock in time for the SPSP!

Thanks again all who have expressed interest...

[janoskiss]

I guess this is something that is not too difficult to make at home for the average DIY-er but for under $200 I would probably buy the ready-to-go product instead.

But I am still trying to figure out what would work best for me. The height adjustability is not the main issue. It's my back that would like at least an occasional rest, so back support of some sort would be nice.

[ving]

make a cow print seat like mine steve :P

[Photon]

Hi Wavelandscott,
I am interested in one of these, looks better than I could make, please keep us informed of progress.
Regards IanG

[Miaplacidus]

ditto that. we're very keen too. keep us UTD please.

[33South]

probably one here

see how my back survives Lostock with the adjustable bar stool

[xstream]

Scott is there any update on the chairs?

[wavelandscott]

Yes, there is...

The shipment has arrived and is now stored in my garage...for those of you who have not unloaded a cargo container without help before I do not recommend it :doh: .

My full time job has slowed me down a bit lately with being in Tasmania and traveling in Japan next week but I hope to soon get arrangments finalized with a local retail store or two (feel free to call them and express interest ;) )...pricing is to be finalized but should be in the ball park indicated earlier in this thread...

I will have some at SPSP in some form or fashion either in a retail display or on my own at the swap area...after that it depends on what retailers express interest and how much interest to dictate availability...if all else fails I'll end up at the markets on the weekends...

Thanks for the question and resurrecting this thread...I have been meaning to but have been busy with my "real" job what with year end audits and 2006 budgets etc. I have not made much progress with this project lately...

So hopefully soon those that are interested will be able to get one (or two or three)...my wife would like to get her garage back!

[Moonshine]

I am keen on getting one, Scot. Will you have some to sell privately, or should we go through the retail outlets you are talking to? Good on you for going to the trouble to import them - top effort!

Don

[wavelandscott]

At this time I'd say plan to buy through retail stores (I hope)...once I get their "in or out" final decision I will let everyone know who and where...

I don't have the ability really to sell to individuals and I would really prefer not to work in ones and twos if I can avoid it...

Having said that, if things don't work out as I hope, I will look at other ways to get my garage empty...after all it is pretty full right know:scared:

Cheers

[wavelandscott]

:sunny:

I am pleased to let you all know that these chairs (Stellar Seats) are now available at Bintel in Sydney...I dropped the first stack of them off this morning...

Retail price should be AUD$177...

The comparable price in the US is between US$150 - 170...so this is a very good and competitive price indeed...thanks to the folks at Bintel for their help on this project...

I hope to have a few at SPSP as well...and eventually at another retail shop or so depending on how they go...

Thanks to all who have shown interest in these Stellar Seats!

[janoskiss]

Scott, Well done on getting these chairs in and at a great price too! I just got mine from Bintel Sydney (arrived super fast, in under 24 hours), and it looks and feels much better built and stronger than I expected. It will get a good workout alongside the 12" Dobbie over the long weekend. :)

[wavelandscott]

Thanks!

I hope you get a lot of good use out of what I find to be a good observing tool.

I looked for a long time to find something that would hold a guy my size (approximately 125 kg:ashamed: maybe a bit more after the recent Easter Bilby visit)...and keep me feeling comfortable...these chairs are the best I could find...enjoy!