Barambah Spring Camp: 18/9 - 21/9

[drmorbius]

Just to let everyone know that the Barambah Spring camp will be held over 3 nights from Friday 18-Sep to Monday 21-Sep. I know it's a bit late notice, but you can visit http://www.darkskycamp.org.au (http://www.darkskycamp.org.au/) to get all the details.

The last few camps have been a lot of fun and some really good observing (and astro-photography) has been had... so I hope you can join us for a few nights of really good company and really, really dark skies. :thumbsup:

[astroron]

Cheers Randall,will register soon:):thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

I'm a definite maybe Randall.
Looking forward to getting that Star Trek book back off you.
I won't be registering, I'll pay if I turn up if that's ok with you.

[Tandum]

I've booked and paid for the whole show however I'm off to Cairns shortly and won't be back till just before Barambah so I'm not sure if I'll make the whole show or not :)

[lesbehrens]

i'll be there. thanks too Randall

[astroron]

Things Are looking good, Randall:D

[Davros]

And of course i will be at res schools for uni so i miss out :sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes ::sadeyes:

[[1ponders]]

I'm in for Friday Sat night, maybe sunday night. ;)

[ozstronomer]

Matt and I are book in, this will be our first Barambah camp.

Looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

Lets hope the weather is as good as the last Saturday night at Astrofest.

Geoff

[drmorbius]

Mick, where's your priorities? What's more important, your future or a fun night with fellow astronomers? :P

NBSF - that's a shame, maybe next time...

[AlexN]

I'll be there for friday/saturday/sunday nights. Heres hoping for clear skies and no technical difficulties like I had last time around!! :)

Looking forward to catching up with everyone again.

Alex.

[pmrid]

Hi Randall. I'm going to aim to be there at least the last night and, if I can do it, the second-last also. The Friday has, unfortunately, been mortgaged to the gods of domestic harmony.
This time around, instaead of trucking in Mt. Palomar, I plan bringing little more than a pair of binos. Well, not really but my intentions are good. I'm going to try for minimalism. Let's see what that turns out to be.
Peter

[drmorbius]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to this camp (being I missed the last one)...

@AlexN - practice makes perfect mate... :)
@pmrid - sounds good mate, I'm sure we can dig up a scope you can stare through.

[jjjnettie]

Randall, We'll make it a good one then, OK.

[astroron]

Welcome Peter, I will let you play around with the 16" if you are not imaging.

[Xeelee]

Sadly, I can't come either guys. University has me boxed in for at least another week after Barambah. :( :(

Hope you all have a great time!

Chris

[drmorbius]

That's a shame Chris... we'll miss the magical talking portaloo...

[drmorbius]

Less than a week to go.. last chance to get your regos in...

Look forward to seeing everyone there...

[AlexN]

Hurry up week!! I got important unfinished business with dark skies!! :D

(not excited - at all :P :D)

hahaha

[jjjnettie]

Are you setting up on the grass again or on the Chess Board.
I was VERY lonely last camp.

[astroron]

Registered and Paid:)
See you all on Friday:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

I'll be on the chess board JJJ.. I prefer to have my tripod setup on solid ground rather than on the grass.. especially if its going to get damp! :)

[mike-wulff]

Where are you guys off to Ron.

Regards,

Michael Wulff

and where's my invite!

[astroron]

G-Day Mike, Good to hear from you:)
Check this site out which will give you all the details:thumbsup:
http://www.darkskycamp.org.au to get all the details.
Look forward to you joining us :D
Cheers:thumbsup:

[mike-wulff]

I might ride up for the night on the Saturday and keep you company on your scope.


Mike.

[drmorbius]

You're welcome to join us Mike... I'm sure we can squeeze you in!

[mike-wulff]

Wont know if I can get away until Saturday morning. Will only stay Saturday night. Gives me an excuse to go for a ride and the added bonus of anoying Ron for the course of the evening.

[astroron]

What Did I Do to deserve that:rofl::rofl::rofl:
See you Saturday Mike:thumbsup:

[Davros]

Have a great time guys and girl :D jealous i wont be able to come and play. Will have to make up for it in the future when i can hopefully be part of the chessboard crowd.

[jjjnettie]

Ron, I'll be bringing along the little Cube so you can try it out with your new scope.

[astroron]

Thanks JJJ, I was wondering if you would remember:rolleyes:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[allan gould]

Just made out this event and was wondering if this was a powered site for astrophotography. Normally I use batteries for going away but with all the gear like dew heaters, QHY8 etc etc I gobble electrons like peanuts. Would there be a facility for re-charging batteries?
Thanks Allan
PS Have a great time there.

[jjjnettie]

Plenty of power near the Chess Board Allan.

[AlexN]

Are you thinking of coming along Allan? or maybe next time?

[allan gould]

Only just heard about it and would love to come but other arrangements have been made. But count me in on the next one for sure.
The QHY8 and EQ6 with EQMOD is travelleng better than I expected and Im trying to get certain photos in the next few days. What has amazed me is that I can do 5min shots with the QHY8 which are not affected by the light pollution. Still don't know why but there you are.
OK count me in for the next one.
Allan

[AlexN]

Allan - I found that with the QHY8 as well.. it seems to cut through light pollution rather well where a DSLR and some other CCD's would be inundated with gradients and background sky glow...

Best of luck for your new moon imaging Allan.. I look forward to seeing your results! Glad to hear the setup is performing above expectations!

[batema]

Adam and I have just registered for Sunday night. Looking forward to it. Will see you Sunday afternoon.

Mark

[[1ponders]]

Shame I'll miss you guys Mark. I'm outta there Sunday morning/lunch.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I've got my fingers crossed for the very best of weather for the weekend, I hope you guys and gals all have a great time, I'm sure it will be a blast as usual.

It feels strange knowing that I won't be there this camp, but more than ever I know that I made the right decision, and that I'm needed much more here at home.

Apart from anything else I've ended up being crook again the last few days - 4th dose of the cold/flu this winter. :sadeyes:
I guess I just wasn't meant to be there this time around.

I'll be keen to hear any reports / stories from the camp, and doubly looking forward to seeing any photos, whether they be regular or astro-images.

ENJOY THAT GREAT DARKNESS PEOPLE!!



On a related note .. was there any truth in the rumour that I was out in the Kilkivan area recently looking at 20 acre blocks for sale? ;)
Yes, definitely. Nice roomy "dark at night" blocks...... :P

[[1ponders]]

Lovely spot Steve, lovely spot. I considered moving there for a while. Unfortunately I still need to work. :P

We'll miss you buddy, but don't worry I'll have mp3 recorders scattered all over the place so you can catch up on all the goss. ;)

[jjjnettie]

:eyepop: Cheeky.
All you'll hear up on the Chess board is imagers swearing at their rigs.
And me humming cheerfully because, as usual, mine is the only one working.:rofl::P:hi:

[Zubenel]

Locked and loaded for Sunday night!! and paid. Hey Ron,can you bring your big dob book pleeeeeease. Thanks:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Reaallly!! Oh we are confident aren't we. You may have been able to snicker and strut last year but I seem to recall a few well chosen mutterings this year at Astrofest.....and i think I was in the kitchen at the time, 50 meters away. :lol:

Let's hope ghosts of imaging past don't creep up on you all unawares. :lol:

I've not been to a Barambah yet, but after quite a few successful Astrofests I'm up for the challenge. :camera:

[jjjnettie]

:lol: I reckon I might be in for some karma big time this camp after that dig I had at Robin, Alex and Rob in that article. Couldn't help myself though.

[[1ponders]]

I must have missed that. Which article is that?

[jjjnettie]

ahem. Astronomy Technology Today.
I'm sure I must have told you about that.
Didn't you read it?

[[1ponders]]

Oh yes that article, I remember now. It has been a while. At the time I was more interesting in the science rather than the cultural. :P

[Tandum]

Looks like I'm out at this stage. Deb has just had some unexpected surgery and isn't in good enough shape for me to bugger off for 3 days, I really need to be here. Have a good time ....

[jjjnettie]

Give her a big Get Well Soon from us will you Robin.
Sorry you won't be able to make it.

[jjjnettie]

Right. Yep. Sure.

[[1ponders]]

Your disbelief leaves me mortally wounded.:violin::sad::sadeyes:





:nerd:

[jjjnettie]

You'll get over it.

Another thread hijacked. And I've tried to be so good too.

[[1ponders]]

It was a bit like that for astrofest. The natives started getting restless a week or two before that as well. Maybe Qld is ready for a Major get together every month or two. 3 Astrofest and 3 Barambah a year. :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Wasn't this discussed at Astrofest?
We're going to move into Duckadang permanently.
We all pay a small fee each week $200 to cover meals, cleaning and laundry. That will leave us free to concentrate on the more important things in life. Imaging and Processing.
I'd be there in a shot.

[[1ponders]]

Extra if you require ear plugs.

Which reminds me, better dig a couple of sets out. :P

[jjjnettie]

Ooops, camp starts tomorrow!
I'd better start baking brownies.

[toryglen-boy]

is this a private conversation, or can anyone join in ?


:lol:

[[1ponders]]

Oh Jeanettes brownies are famous at astrocamps. The only problem is you end up coming away a couple of kg heavier than when you arrived. Strange how a small amount of choc can add up to multiple kilos. :screwy:

And the ear plugs are a must!

[jjjnettie]

:) You should come up to one of our Astro camps Duncan and join in the fun.

[toryglen-boy]

And i would, if only Canberra wasnt so far away from everything !!

i am sure you guys will have a great time.

:)

[jjjnettie]

I prefer mine without the icing, less calories.:lol:

[[1ponders]]

I can see a Sticky Date Pudding with hot Caramel Fudge Sauce/Choc Fudge Brownie cook off coming up one year. Now that I've found my receipe again. :cool:

[astroron]

Duncan we would love to have your presents at one of our astrocamps, we would make you extremely welcome:welcome:
Save up some money and join us for the next one in the first quarter of next year:thumbsup:

[toryglen-boy]

sounds like a plan Ron, watch this space

*groan*

:lol:

[jjjnettie]

I worked so hard to lose all those kilos. Just reading this thread has made me gain back half of them.:P

[AlexN]

Ahaha... JJJ.. I assure you, my setup is flawless this time around! there is no new bits at all, everything is tried and tested, its a 30min sub worthy rig this year... (probably because im not trying to image at 105% of the mounts MAX WEIGHT CAPACITY!! :D )

This entire post has been typed one handed, as my other hand, and both my feet have been squarely attached to wood since the get go! :) bahahah

Paul, It will be good to catch up again mate.. Its been a while..

JJJ.. I was going to do some biscuits up, however as time dwindles away, I doubt I'll have time to go get everything and do any baking... oh well... I'm bringing up some comfy walkin shoes just incase Im feeling energetic enough to go for a walk at anystage during the day.. :) We'll see I guess. :)

Alex..

Ps..
Checklist.
Gear - Packed
Food - Packed
Food - Packed
Coke - Packed
Coffee - Packed
Bacardi - Packed..

Yep.. Im all set.. Ready to go... ! I'll be leaving home around 9:30~10am tomorrow. I expect to be at barambah by around 1pm...

See you all then!!

<Insert the most excited smiley you can imagine right about here!>

[jjjnettie]

All my okey scopey stuff is in the car. There's just enough room left for non essentials like food and alkehol.

[drmorbius]

Car is packed, last minute checks... and my Astro-Master is dead.... :(

All those stars... how will I find anything now? I vaguely remember something about star-hopping... :P

Anyway, some last minute registrations to process and we'll be on our way. Hope to arrive early-ish to get everything set up. Be warned, any early arrivers will be put to work (but deeply appreciated ;)).

See you all there...

[drmorbius]

Aw crap... I knew I forgot something... (unpack car...)

[[1ponders]]

Another hour and I'm away.

[AlexN]

Leaving in 20 minutes.. Just neeed one last coffee before I scoot! See you all there.

[[1ponders]]

What a great couple of days!!

Thanks Randall for your tremendous hard work and dedication to getting it up and running.

First night was clear and very photogenic (piccies coming in another thread soon ;) )

Last night was on and off hazy and cloudy and pretty Blah, but plenty of dvds to watch, chatting to do and some fun with coloured lights. But you'll have to wait for Alex to get back tomorrow to post them.

Attendance.
Dr Morbius & mini Morbius
AlexN
jjjnettie & Tom
Geoff & Matt
Astroron
Andy (?)
Mike-wolfe

did I miss anyone?

[jjjnettie]

Tom and I had a great couple of days!
Friday night was a very busy night for those of us imaging.
Saturday night, as Paul said, was smoky and cloudy. But there were some sucker holes that kept me busy for a while.
The glow sticks were fun, but most exciting was the 6ft python that traversed the edge of the imaging area. She was a beauty. Made one kind of wary for the rest of the night.
Big thanks to Randall and Jared for all their hard work this camp.
Looks like they'll all be having a fantastic night tonight.

[RobF]

Yikes!! :eyepop:
Glad to hear those attending had fun (and no-one was swallowed by pythons)

[jjjnettie]

There was other wildlife spotted.
A baby red belly black went through the undercover area where the pingpong tables are and on the track down to the observing field there was one solitary koala up a tree.
Randall and Jared went for a drive down to Barambah Creek and spotted a platypus too.
But it was the mozzies that plagued us day and night.

[AlexN]

Holy Crap! Night 3 was amazing!!

Thanks to everyone who made the weekend so enjoyable!

Paul & Jeanette, You were both sadly missed last night... the skies were brilliant! We were imaging from 7:00pm through till dawn, no clouds, no mist, good seeing... It was fantastic..

I've got myself about 22hrs of data to start processing, but after having 4hrs sleep this morning, I think I might have a nap first!

Thanks again to everyone for coming up and having a great time!

[mike-wulff]

Oh good!

Trust the only night I was there to be blah.

Mind you the ride home was fun, Brown snakes strike at you just before your front tyre runs over them.
Next year I bring the car!
Thanks guys it was good fun.

[DavidTrap]

Michael - the brown snake was only protecting it's children from the nasty man on the bad boy bike! ;) :P

Glad to hear the weather was OK - I was watching the satellite maps and wondering if the camp might have been a write-off.

Cheers
David T

[AstroTourist]

My first time at Barambah.
I only managed to get there for the Sunday night but it looks like that was a good choice.
Nice clear dark night, with some smoke and moisture in the air.
Attached widefield of the MW over the observing field should give some impression.
Terry

[multiweb]

That's awesome - sounds like you guys had a ball. :thumbsup:

[RobF]

Yes - thanks for the update and stories all :)
Beautiful wide field there Terry :eyepop:

[jjjnettie]

Yep, terrific image Terry!

[Tandum]

I'm a little miffed I booked and paid ages ago and yet still missed out. Doctors expect everyone to rearrange their lives to suit them. This idiot had the wife in today to remove half of the 40 stiches. He told her to come back on Thursday to remove the rest and then gave her a certificate up to last Friday.

[jjjnettie]

I can sympathise with that Robin.

[Tandum]

Oh well, with a bit of luck we can do pete's place next month :D
Lot's closer for me :D

[pmrid]

Sorry I missed many of you. I only managed to get there for Sunday night - but what a night it was. Other bit of good news was that Alex was able to make a good start on re-collimating my RC and hopefully we can get that nailed and back to 100% in October.
See you all at there and then. 16th and 17th October - new moon, plenty of room plus, for Alex's sake I sure we can dig up a few snakes roamaing around as well.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

This was Matt's and my first time at Barambah. Great weekend, Great skies and Great company...what more could you ask for.

Thanks to Randall and the organizing committee we hope to be there again.

Sorry to those who missed the Fantastic skies on Sunday night/ Monday morning. The conditions were so good even Matt was up until 3.00AM :thumbsup: Pics to follow after we wade through the mountain of data.


Thanks, as usual, to all for the processing tips, they are ALWAYS appreciated. :D

Geoff

Note to self: Remember to remove lens cap after taking Darks, it makes it easier to find the image. :doh:

[drmorbius]

I think we can flag this one as another success. Sorry about the Saturday night, we'll try to organise better weather for next time. :P

Thanks to everyone who attended for their support and a special thank you to everyone who stuck around on Monday to help clean up... much appreciated :thanx: :thumbsup:.

Given the feedback, I guess we'll be doing it again in the Autumn?

[AlexN]

Ok.. I have a big mess of photos...

The first one is from friday afternoon when I'd finished setting up...
The rest are from saturday night...

A couple of shots of my mount/scope in action with the milkyway setting in the west behind it, not to mention me walking around it illuminating myself with my red light torch

My feeble attempt at SCP star trails (single 15 minute exposure at ISO1600, no dark frames.. messy.. :D) once it clouded in, Paul, Graeme, Jeanette and myself partook in a few rather interesting images... between glow sticks, red light torches and reticule illuminators, we had quite a laugh after maybe a few too many drinks taking photos...

Big thanks to Paul for the lend of his tripod, shutter release cable, and his awesome backwards writing skills! Thanks to JJJ for bringing glow sticks! awesome work! Thanks to Graeme for putting up with us three! :D hahaha!

Well.. enough jibber jabber!
PICS!

[RobF]

Cool pics Alex. Makes me more determined to get there next year.