Ten Chain Hill New Moon nights

[RickS]

The best in the galaxy, of course :)

It does look like a nice addition to the observatory shed, Peter!

[RobF]

Where's the spa bath and gorgeous topless bar waitresses? :question:

[pmrid]

Those are BYO.
P.

[ozstronomer]

Peter, looks like you have been busy, nice work.:thumbsup:

What about...The Cosmic Cafe

Geoff

[RobF]

Now that's got a nice ring to it....

It certainly is looking pretty flash Peter

[irwjager]

Hi Robin,

PM me if you need more help to fix that image - love a challenge!

Cheers,

[Tandum]

I got gradient xterminator, it seems to be the best all rounder for the job.

[Tandum]

It that 2 BBQ's in there pete? Then it would have to be the bi barby piss up pit :)

[pmrid]

Nah, just one - the other thing is a SS sink unit that I've since moved elsewhere. Since those images were put up I've finished the eastern wall entirely so one half is a sliding window and the other an old-fashioned corro hopper so you can sit inside out of the weather and, if you want, see your mounts outside and even, courtesy of long USB cables or similar control them. So computers can now be brought under cover and still be within cooee of the scopes.
The fact that you can store your esky and have a barbie at the same time is purely gloss.
Peter

[RobF]

Uh oh - so guys with long USB leads like myself may end up nearby undercover, sharing long tales of glorious images of the odd ale as the data comes down....:whistle:

Bring on autumn/winter weather, sigh....:(

[Tandum]

Can I sell tickets to watch you focus :D

[Brundah1]

Peter,

Heartily agree with your Star Wars theme, after all a Galatic evening at TCHO transports us "Far far away....". :stargaze:
... and that's well before the red ink takes effect :D

Why not go for broke "TCHO Jedi Bristro" (its just up the hill from "Valley of the Jedis"). ;)

Cheers,
Ben Kenobi

[troypiggo]

Talking to Geoff (oztronomer) the other day. I may be able to get a leave pass from the boss/wife for the next New Moon (Sat 21st Jan?). Not sure of the protocols, but weather-permitting, would it be ok if I joined you guys up at Ten Chain Hill?

[pmrid]

Sure. Be pleased to see you.
Peter

[COSMOPARADISE]

Hi Peter and all other Ten Chainers,
I was hoping to get out of Surfers a bit next w/end and try out some new equipment.
Will you mind if i camp there a few days?

[pmrid]

Hi Nick,
that may be OK. Weather is the great leveller of course so we can but hope.
I suggest you stay tuned to SkippySky and this thread as the week progresses and we can make all our decisions as we go.
Peter

[pmrid]

G'day one and all. It remains hard to pick this weather but the last 2 nights have produced some darn nice clear sky. I just came in from the obs - the sunrise chased me home and the sky was clear and seeing not too bad pretty well all night.
So I'm keeping everything crossed for this weekend. Hope you're doing the same.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter, fingers crossed the weather plays ball for this Sat, I am keen as...

I'll check with you midday Sat and see what what you think

Cheers

[RickS]

Good luck with the weather, guys! I hope to see you in March...

[Tandum]

I'll probably take a rain check pete, I'm not feeling 100% at the moment.

[pmrid]

Hi Robin, sorry you're not well. Must be the post-fix blues after getting the Tak working again.
We had several hours up here tonight so I grabbed some Running Chicken. Needs lots more data and my processing sucks but it's a start.
Peter

[adman]

Hi all - I will see what the weather looks like this afternoon (Not that I have a scope to set up any more...!) but wouldn't mind ducking up and trying a few short untracked widefileds...

Adam

[RobF]

It's looking a bit risky weather wise guys, so I think I'll pass this month and try to get my brownie pts balance up a bit more....:)
All the best for those heading up.

[jjjnettie]

Adam, keep us updated as to whether you're going or not. I'll take a drive out and drop off that doovie you need. :D

[ozstronomer]

Hi Peter,

Although the weather looks a bit ordinary, it cleared nicely last night so Troy Matt and I will still come up for a night out, if that's ok. See you later this arvo

[pmrid]

I think you're right. Last night and the one before opened up pretty well despite looking ordinary around sunset.
Peter

[troypiggo]

Happy days! All that finger and toe crossing worked! :D

[jjjnettie]

I've been chanting and spraying vinegar every where. :)

[adman]

Ive been watching and waiting, and watching skippy - but I think I am going to save my brownies this month....

See you guys for the next one.

Adam

[RobF]

Yep, "tell 'em they're dreamin'" to quote "The Castle"
Might be an hour or two. Fingers crossed for you, astro punters.

http://www.cawcr.gov.au/staff/ljr/projects/Forcs/ani_bn.html

[troypiggo]

I heard there was going to be beer...

[RobF]

MMmmmm, Beer. At least morale will be high! :thumbsup:

[Tandum]

Staying up too late for the last couple of nights and not eating properly the next day does it every time. Might get to bed early tonight though, it looks like rain :(

[RickS]

How'd you go, guys? It was clear at times down here. I hope it was even better up there...

Cheers,
Rick.

[troypiggo]

High cloud most of night, so not the best. Was a small window of opportunity, then the clouds rolled in again. Packed it in around 11 I think.

Thanks so much for the hospitality Peter.

[RobF]

Any chance of next Sat night if weather is ok Peter?

[pmrid]

Hi guys.
well not much of a night for stars but excellent company - thank you for making the trek.
Rob I'm fine with next Saturday if Skippy is - but should that change during the week, I'll let you know.
Geoff: Matt was talking to me about EOP devices as an alternate to wireless or Cat5 cabling. Could you ask him to suggest a brand/model please.
cheers
Peter

[Tandum]

EOP Thread (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1512203)

Might be a bit of an ask to run from the house to the obs if that's what your planning peter.
I have a netgear pair here running from downstairs to the router upstairs and have never had an issue with it whereas the wireless was always flakey.

[troypiggo]

Tried my hand at a bit of timelapse for the first time.

Setting up (http://youtu.be/XshxJCKAUKE). Matt was very active as Project Manager. Unfortunately I ran out of memory card space before it finished where I wanted :(

This one shows the conditions (http://youtu.be/EM0__Len9Uo) :(

[pmrid]

As I feared, the signal doesn't make it to the shed or the obs. I don't know if distance or intervening fuse boxes is the determining issue -perhaps a bit of both.
Peter

Hey Troy, those are good image sequences. I really like the cloud movements -a real sense of turbulence and the power of weather.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Troy, both those time lapse videos look great. Shame there was limited stars but the clouds do give a good effect of the weather conditions

Peter, did you get a pair of EOP devices? Just yell out if Matt can be of assistance hooking it up. You may be right with them struggling with that length of distance to send/receive.

[pmrid]

Yes mate - not just one pair but three. The house is now a riot of EOP including media sharing to the TV. The wonders of connectivity!,,
Best of all, they all work straight out of the box.


Peter

[adman]

Well that clears up a question that has been bugging me for ages - what is the correct collective noun for EOP devices....:thumbsup:

[pmrid]

Well, January was a bit of a dud - except for Tuesday night which was crystal clear and moon-free at a reasonable hour - so I managed to finally get some images out of the ED127 (using the old faithful QHY98 but what the hell) and the Running chicken - got some more data on that one to add to the slowly growing body of data on that one - using the big cannon too.

And M83-had to do some Ha in it and wow - loved the result.

OK. Nuff of that. February - the new moon is mid-week so we have two weekends 18/19 and 25/26.

If weather permits, I'm going to treat both as viable so if you want a double-whammy of photons and the weather cooperates, plan for one or both.

Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter

should be up the 18/19 if the weather clears, maybe the next weekend if I can reorganise some work.

Looking forward to clear dark skies:)

[RickS]

I'm away until late Feb so I won't see you until March. Good luck with the weather!

[adman]

I am away in February also - will try to make March

[RobF]

I'm hanging out for a deep sky fix, but preparing myself for the worst during wet season. I guess with 2 weekends we've got a chance - fingers crossed.

[pmrid]

The trouble with wet weather and bright moons is that I look for other jobs to do.

This has now resulted (as some of you have already seen) in a new covered area where you can sit and chat. But now, for those of you driving Audis, Hondas, BMWs and other exotica, the cows will no longer be able to slobber over your mirrors and lean on your fenders. I have removed that fence that separated the 2 concrete pads from the shed yard. Instead, I have built a new fence that effectively extends the observing/imaging area by about 25 metres. So now, you drive through the gate and park inside the fence. It should save people doing scrotal damage to themselves climbing through the old fence.

Come check it out on either or both the 18/19 and/or 25/26th Feb.

Peter

[jjjnettie]

:question: :question: :question:

Strange....I never had that problem, besides, I used to walk around the long way.

:shrug: :whistle:

[RobF]

Sounds great Peter.
I'll just have to remember to say "Moooo" when I stick my head (much more frequently) through the obs door to see what's going on during the night....! :)

[ozstronomer]

Thanks for that Peter, that will make leaving the gear up overnight a lot safer.

Also help with negotiating the cow pats in the middle of the night when you can't see where to step :D

[Brundah1]

Being party to the construction project I hope Honorable Nipon vehicles retain priority parking over the silver spooners :D

[pmrid]

Well, it's not looking too bad - according to BOM's extended outlook and Skippy's 96-108 Hr projections.
Fingers crossed.
Peter

[RickS]

Good luck, guys.

It has been overcast everywhere we've been in Iceland, so no aurora pics from here :sadeyes:

[Tandum]

Iceland !!!!

Have you been kidnapped by Dr Evil and spirited off to his lair?

[RickS]

I seem to have escaped that fate, Robin. We left Reykjavik this morning and we're in London now. We had a nice time in Iceland, but it was overcast the whole time we were there.

[pmrid]

Great night up here (Thursday). Clear all night. I'm 4 hours into a planned 5-hour Ha run on the chicken.
Hope that whets a few appetites for Saturday.
Peter

[jjjnettie]

A few bits of cloud about, but it's lovely out there.
Not imaging per se, just playing with the new lens with the camera on the tripod.
Plenty of mozzies about.
Hope everything is running smoothly for you Peter. :)

[Tandum]

Saturday's forecast looks good enough for me. I've got everything running in the lounge room ready to pack into the car. See you all there.

I might get there around noon just to pinch Davids parking spot :P

[RobF]

I'm planning to come Peter, and Martin indicated he was likely to come too (if you'll have us :D)

[pmrid]

See everyone here later today. I'm juat done 4 hours of S2 on the chicken and have started on some O3. Should finish that up Saturday night. That'll give me 12 hours in 3 nights. Should get a bit of the noise out of the signal!!!
Peter

[RobF]

After seeing what that rig could do on the Crab in just a few hours, I'm sure you're chicken will be "nicely done" Peter

[ozstronomer]

What do you think guy's, is it going to clear tonight?

Anyone going up to 10CH

Geoff

[Tandum]

Nope, but I got the car packed so I'll drive anyway I think.

[ozstronomer]

I will wait for next weekend and hope the clouds have cleared.

Good luck guy's, catch you next weekend

Geoff

[adman]

Not me this time - I am up in the snow of the rocky mountains. Currently -10 degrees.

Catch you guys next time
Adam

[Tandum]

You didn't miss much adam. Seeing was crap and most of us were in bed by 1am. Keep warm.

[RobF]

Here's my first hack at "The Chicken" from last night (IC2944). Pixinsight driving me nuts clipping during calibration of some frames and too tired to sort it out. Proof some stars were seen :)

[Tandum]

Well that looks a lot better than this. Maybe some Ha will give it a lift.

[pmrid]

Hi Rob, that's quite a wide field you got there. We had some better seeing tonight althouh it was hotter. To make use of it, I decided to swap the filters from the big Celestron (the NB filters) and put them on the ED127/SXVR_H16 combo. I also used the WO4 flatterner reducer although I don't think I got the backfocus right because there's still something happening around the edges that I'll have to chase down.

SO now, the HaLRGB filters are on the big scope to do some galaxy hunting.

ANyway, because I now have an official poultry fetish going, here are the results from the very first light of the H16.

Peter

[RobF]

This is what I spent my first 2hrs on last Sat night - M78. I knew I wouldn't be able to do it justice with a couple of hours, but have always been curious at this one. As I recall the last time I attempted it I ran out of darkness at Peter's (you know you're in trouble when you start hearing the birds and their "dawn chorus" ;))

Just RGB 5mins unbinned subs, and LOTS of processing torture to get it this far.
I think you'd be looking at a couple nights from a dark site to do justice to this one.

[pmrid]

That's been one of my "must do" targets for a while. You have reminded me how dynamic it is as a subject - those deep blues are amazing. But it will take some low humidity seeing to get it really crisp. So it waits ....

Peter

[RobF]

You might still get a chance over next month or so Peter - really needs to be "sat on" for a few nights to suck down enough data. One of these days we'll have to get some automation running over the top of your software so one rig can be ticking away while you play with the other.

Sigh - it's so hard to get stuck into Orion with weather this time of year isn't it.

[COSMOPARADISE]

:cloudy:
No party this weekend guys?

[pmrid]

That's an amusing little emoticon - if only it wasn't so darned true!!
I think we will still be dancing between raindrops this weekend.
Peter

[pmrid]

Last night was a bit of a surprise - and what a surprise!!
And tonight is looking the same, so I am opening the gates.
The track in is spongy so proceed slowly and carefully and you should be OK. I'm trying to minimise damage to the track so all help appreciated.
Peter

[Tandum]

I can't get away Pete, deb's still stuffering from the bus incident.
I do hope to get these new bearings into the eq6 and setup in the dome before dark.

[pmrid]

Just having a look at Skippy and comparing with BOM - hard to read but the prognosis is not as bright as I thought earlier. Might be a night to sit at home and watch the election coverage.
Peter

[pmrid]

I have put the old orange-tube C14 up on the PMX as a tester and it seems to have collimated up fairly well. Here's it's first test using NB filters and the H16.

EDIT: WHOOPS: wrong pic. That was the 127, not the C14.
Egg on face!!

Peter

[ozstronomer]

Hi Peter

Were you open for business this weekend? Not sure what the weather holds, I have heard it will clear tomorrow morn...maybe

Geoff

[Tandum]

I think pete has family commitments this week-end Geoff.

[ozstronomer]

Thanks Robin, hope to catch everyone next month

Cheers

[DavidTrap]

Was talking to him last weekend and said same.

DT

[pmrid]

Sorry guys, not home this weekend.
Peter

[pmrid]

The new moon is Monday so this weekend will be 'prime time' privided the weather holds out.
Hope some of you can make it. I'll be trying to squeeze what I can from Friday and Saturday nights - and Sunday if I can. So the 3 days are OK with me.

Peter

[Tandum]

I'll still be here in NZ pete trying to stay under the current 500meter snow line :thumbsup:

[edit]
And I have no camera ... better sort that out ;)

[ozstronomer]

Hi Peter, I'll be up for Saturday night, fingers crossed for fine weather, catch you then

Cheers Geoff

[RobF]

I'll be there weather permitting!

[RickS]

Good luck, guys. I'm heading down to Glen Aplin for a couple of days. Hope we all get a crisp, clear night or two!

Cheers,
Rick.

[Tandum]

Hope you all had a clear night. I've just got back to Oz with a head cold from all the rain, several liters of Jim and Jack to cure the blues and a few montecristos from cuba :D

[RobF]

Was a great night. I almost crashed and burned from the start with a broken connection in my EQMOD cable, but was resurected by Geoff. Thanks again Geoff :)

Here's my first effort on M61 field

[RickS]

Very nice, Rob. I'm sure I've seen that strange donut shaped galaxy somewhere before ;)

Glad to hear you guys had a good night.

I had two big nights and collected 14 hours of data. Now it's processing time!

Get well soon, Robin...

Cheers,
Rick.

[RobF]

We wondered how you were going down the Rick. Look forward to seeing some of the pics.

Ah yes, the "MPCC corrector donut galaxy" - in orange no less! :D

[ozstronomer]

Rick good to hear you had a great time at Glen Aplin. That's some hours of data, should be some nice pics in there.The fog rolled in around 2am, but just nice to be at a dark site :)

Rob never a problem, glad I could help

Thanks for the hospitality Peter, Matt and I are away on School Hols so won't be up until July.

Hope to catch everyone at Astrofest

Cheers

[pmrid]

You guys with those lovely 6188 images got me going - not for the big picture but the small one off to the side - 6134 the little planetary neb with the double shock-front.
I'm not happy with the processing at all but there was so little S2 signal that the Ha overwhelmed the Hubble mixture. And I had t try to pinch some S2 from another night's images and there was not a oefect alignment between the two. But at least that faint shock-front is visible in the O3 band.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

That looks great Peter, maybe a little green but that shock-front is really prominant

[pmrid]

BOM suggests next weeken will be sunny. Hmmmm! Well we can but hope. But it could be viable with the moon not rising 'til about 3.30 a.m. - the way this year has gone so far, it might be one of the few opportunities. Let me know if interested.
Peter

[RickS]

I'll be on a plane returning home so won't be able to make it, unfortunately. Good luck with the weather!

Cheers,
Rick.

[RobF]

Alas, family commitments here Peter.

Edit: Following weekend I might be free multiple nights - bound to be cloudy ;) :)

[ozstronomer]

Sorry Pete, can't make it, need to pack for the family holiday

Geoff

[pmrid]

Hi folks. I've been a bit quiet due to. misadventure last Monday night closing the obs. I lost my footing and fell heavily fracturing a couple f vertebrae in the process. The spinal unit a PA want to treat it without surgery which, frankly, suits me fine but the past week in Ipswich hosp has added chest infection, bowel and bladder ysfuntions and a seemingly endless parade of dramas daily.
I came home today but have very limited mobility and a fairly long road to recovery ahead.
So happy snapping guys and perhaps by NM in July I will be back on deck.
Peter

[jjjnettie]

Pete, Robin PM'd me about this. :(
You poor bugger.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I'm more than happy to help out. Shopping...what ever.
Gentle hugs mate. xox

[[1ponders]]

Damn Pete, you take care ok.

[astroron]

Wow Pete, that is a litteny of painful things to happen:sadeyes:
I hope you are on the road to recovery.
Get well soon.
All the best Mate.
Cheers:thumbsup:

[Tandum]

Good to see you are home again Pete.
You'll be way more comfortable.
Take care.

[RickS]

Get well soon, Peter, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Cheers,
Rick.

[troypiggo]

Sorry to hear that, Peter. I wince every time I hear stories like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[ozstronomer]

Peter, glad to hear you are out of the hospital.

All the best for a speedy recovery as Rick said just yell out if we can help

Cheers Geoff and Matt

[Brundah1]

Peter,

Thanks for the e report, sounds a bloody awful experience all round.
My back gave an instant twinge of empathy.

No doubt the Dr. pills also exclude that fine old single malt I suggested.

As always hospitals are not nice places to be in, unless visiting a patient or chasing nurses ;-)

I am sure your HM is providing sympathy & soothing any grumpiness with understanding.

Same as Rick & Co my help is at hand just call.

David

[DavidTrap]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune Peter - hope your recovery is swift!

DT

[PeterM]

Geez Peter sounds like you are one lucky bloke. A head knock and you could have been in deep poo.
I wish you very well for a speedy recovery.
PeterM.

[allan gould]

Peter
Get well soon and I hope your recovery is swift. Just a bugger getting older!

[adman]

Sounds painful Peter. Hope you don't get too bored being laid up. Sounds like a perfect time to process some data....

Which vertebrae did you fracture?

[pmrid]

Thanks everyone. Good wishes and kind offers much appreciated.
I'm going to be OK. It's a matter of time not chance.
Peter

[RobF]

Take care Peter. Been worried since heard, and hope you'll behave and look after yourself for a while.

[keni]

Peter,
I like to add my best wishes for a speedy recovery too.
Here's hoping you can indulge in that special "red" medicine soon.

Cheers,
Ken.

[pmrid]

G'day guys. I know Astrofest is looming but I can't be there this year - still a bit fragile. So I will be having a crack at some photons on the 21st of this month.
If you want to iron out any equipment foibles before AF, feel free to come out. I may need someone to keep me from becoming too ambitious and send me to bed at a decent hour.

Peter

[RickS]

I'll come up if the weather looks promising, Peter!

[RobF]

I'm interested too if it looks good

[Tandum]

Unbelievable as it may seem, I managed to score some Saturday work doing windows server crap while no ones at work.
I'll see if I can side step it on the 21st, I could do with a trial run in the field. Hope your up to it Pete.

[ozstronomer]

Sounds good, if the weather holds i'll be there

[pmrid]

Hi guys.
It's looking good.
It's about 2 a.m. Friday, now about 6 degrees outside the obs, black as pitch and clear, clear, clear.
7Timer gives us the green light for Saturday night. Not sure about Skippy, but it's looking worth the chance.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Clear skies with a new moon, nothin better :D Pete, I hope your mending ok, see you Sat arvo

Geoff

[whzzz28]

Argh, spent three hours outside last night hopeing to get some practice in with Maxim and CCD before Saturday but was frustrated by nothing but cloud.
At 9pm i gave up and packed up.
At 10pm the clouds were gone....
Why you do this to me weather?! :mad2:

Looking forwards to Saturday. See you all there.

PS: Skippy is broken at the moment. Still showing maps of July 6th.

[RickS]

I'll be there if the weather holds up. Looking forward to catching up and collecting some photons!

Cheers,
Rick.

[Xeelee]

Will be there, weather permitting.

Cheers

Chris

[RobF]

I'm out guys - too much happening at home.
Have fun!

[whzzz28]

How's the cloud out there Peter?
Looking pretty grey over here.

[Tandum]

It should clear up after dark. I'm packed to go.

[RickS]

Me too!

[ozstronomer]

I'll be up

[pmrid]

Just got home - sorry for the late reply.
It's cloudy but my best guess is that it will clear after dark.
Peter

[adman]

How did you guys go last night? I had a dinner to go to, but hope to get up there again one of these days.

Adam

[RickS]

Thanks for your hospitality again, Peter. Good to see you are on the mend!

Nice to meet Nathan, Mike & Chris for the first time as well as catch up with old hands Robin and Geoff.

Adam: the night turned out OK in the end. It was cloudy when we arrived. It cleared for long enough to get set up and kick off my first imaging run. Then it turned to crap again and stayed that way until a bit after midnight.
Between then and 4:30am I managed to get some data on Corona Australis that looks OK even with the occasional rogue cloud and some (freezing) winds.

Despite the less than perfect conditions it was good to get out under the night sky and we got to spend quite a bit of time nattering.

Cheers,
Rick.

[ozstronomer]

Nice to catch up Peter, hope that back mends quickly. The one and only shot in the deep space section.

Thanks for the company guys, catch everyone at Astrofest

Geoff

[pmrid]

Hi all. It was a real treat to see you after so long, and to meet Nathan and Christ. Sorry the weather was not as advertised, and that I copped out early. My back was getting to be a problem and I needed to get horizontal fast. Last night was the night we should have had Saturday. Windy again but clear all night. I finally got that Vixen working and actually managed to get some M16 with it. Today it's back to the spinal clinic for more X-rays and, I expect, a decision. Fingers crossed.
Peter

[RickS]

Good luck with the doc, Peter!

[whzzz28]

Was fun, even with the first half of the night lost.
Great to meet everyone, and once the cloud (and cold wind) disappeared it was a nice night.

Sadly all 3hrs worth of M8 data i got is unusable.
I still don't know what happened but the histogram for all subs was hard up to the left and after stacking, it was obvious that half the data was missing.

Luminance appears to be OK, all RGB frames are out.
Never the less, got to learn a fair bit from the more knowledgable so ill keep practising until Astrofest.

Hope you mend well Peter, and thanks for the invite!

[Tandum]

Looks like a bad battery caused all my grief. It shows 9v after 24hours on charge and 2 cells are not bubbling :(

[ozstronomer]

Mate, I'd bring TWO batteries to Astrofest, just in case.:D

[pmrid]

Those of you who were here Saturday probably heard me struggling with that new vixen newt (R200SS). It wasn't cooperating. But I managed a few hours last night and tjought I'd show you that it does have some potential - once I get the MPCC spacing right.
This is 90 minutes of Ha with 30 minutes each of RGB.

Peter

[Tandum]

I'm only getting 11.2v with the charger on it, it is stuffed :(
This ones dated 2006, surely they last longer than 6 years ;)
Under $60 for another one from supercheap.


Nice field of view from that combo Pete but you need to turn the scope around, it's upside down :P

[RickS]

Good to see you're whipping it into shape, Peter!

[ozstronomer]

Nice work Pete, Looks like it will be a keeper :thumbsup:

[pmrid]

More whipping of gear into shape - finally (and I do mean finally) got that darned WO FLT110 into service last night for an hour before the clouds came back. Managed to take the first images through it since I started messing with it 3 months or so ago. Long story but I surrendered and took the WO flattener/reducer off and put a plain Hotech flattener on it and imaged M16 at the scope's native FL of 770mm (1.98 as/p) in Ha. The task at hand was to get the G11/Gemini II to guide and secondly to see how sharp the WO can be.
Well, I'm quite happy with the resolution although CCD Inspector shows some tilt that I suspect is in the focuser.
But even so, not unhappy with this first step.
Peter

[RickS]

Peter,

Great first light! You might want to try imaging some simple star fields without nebulousity to see what CCDInspector makes of those. It can get a bit confused.

Cheers,
Rick.

[adman]

Peter - is Ten Chain Hill open for business this coming weekend? Skippy Sky is looking promising for the new moon weekend.

Adam

[pmrid]

The Ghost of Christmas Past speaks!!! G'day Adam.
Friday only I'm afraid but I sure as hell will be making the most of it if it's clear - and all are welcome.
Peter

[adman]

Hehe :lol: I guess I have been relatively silent for a while....

Well friday night is a no-go for me. I work till 6-ish. Will have to be another time. I am wanting to try out my new StarLapse somewhere nice and dark.

Adam

[whzzz28]

As much as I want to get back out too a dark site as well, I can't do Friday :(

Oh well, always next month. Good luck Peter.

[pmrid]

G'day campers.

Well, the moment has arrived: Marie and I are taking off in the old motor home in the morning. In a formidable test of man, machine and marriage, we plan to go west - Longreach, Winton, Hughenden, ChartersT, Emerald and home over about 3 weeks - all in search of the new species of dinosaur that has been found in that area that has been tentatively called the "KattersPartySaurus". I'll report any sightings.

I've got the BabyQ, a HEQ5 and QHY5/8 and Orion OAG all packed away in the hope of finding some clear skies somewhere along the way.

So we won't be throwing the gates open this coming new moon. Next one will be November.

Take care one and all and see you in November!

Peter

[RickS]

Have a great time, Peter, and bring back some dark skies :)

Cheers,
Rick.

[keni]

I hope you have a wonderful time Peter and Marie.
I reckon a rarer beast to search for would be the "Slipperedoneinasaurus".
Good hunting anyway and I agree with Rick please bring back some dark skies.

Cheers,
Ken.

[ozstronomer]

Peter, all the best for a safe trip. I hope you find some clear dark skies on your journey.

Cheers Geoff

[Tandum]

Have a good trip Pete and remember, don't drop that iPhone :)

That Hatfields and McCoys mini series comes from the History Channel USA.
I doubt it will ever be aired here.

[RobF]

All the best Peter. Sounds like you'll be having plenty of fun.

[adman]

Happy travels Peter. Hope you have a great trip.

Adam

[pmrid]

41 degrees here in Blackall. Reckon the subs might be a bit noisy - so the gear I sill packed away. Hoping for better but expecting it less and less.
Peter

[pmrid]

G'day guys.
well, we got the gear out last night - the full HEQ5, QHY5/8 Tak BabyQ etc etc and after a bit of goosing about finally managfed an hour on M31 before the battery went flat. Which was timely anyway because the temp dropped to about 8 and I only had on a pair of shorts.
But I did manage to break the drought.
Will process latyer today and post.
cheers
Peter

[RickS]

Glad to hear you broke the imaging drought, Peter. I'll be interested to see how it turned out. It was below zero at Glen Aplin that same night. Fortunately, I had long pants... ;)

Cheers,
Rick.

[Tandum]

I was at a 55th birthday party near Samford on the 13th. We had a roaring fire going but the VW said it was 8deg when we left at midnight. It also said it was 17deg an hour later once we where down town.

You appear to have far more Astro going on out there than I do here mate :)

[edit]
My qhy5 finally fell into line with the rest and lost it's identity.
More proof that the motherboard I had in the dome had crappy usb ports.
I found a new, but obsolete, mobo to support that cpu and ram and so far so good.

I reset the qhy5 identity without issue but I'm yet to solder it so it won't happen again.

Also, got the micro sim for my iphone on Friday arvo and I'm already addicted to Angry Birds :)
All the bargain iPhones are finished. We are lucky to get what we got I think. Prices are on the rise.
Next frenzy would have to be iPads I guess?

[pmrid]

I'm back - a week early. Couldn't hack the heat!!
Only managed to get the scope/camera etc out once - in Longreach and then only for an effective hour after drift aligning etc. The battery in my whacking great jump-starter (38 AH) died after 3 hours all up - I'd forgotten the QHY8 draws 4 amps alone.
So all I have to show for 3000km and goodness knows how many dollars, is one hour of M31 taken from a caravan park opppsite Longreach's airport.
I was hoping to escape the heat as I headed for home but it seems to have remained much the bleedin' same with smoke haze to boot.
Lets hope November is kinder.
Peter

[Larryp]

Nice image, Peter!

[pmrid]

Thanks Larry. It works out at about 2 cents per pixel I think. Still, I suppose that is a bit like fishing which for me works out at about a hundred dollars a gram.

Peter

[RobF]

Welcome back Peter.
What was M31 shot with?

[Larryp]

Same here with the fishing!

[pmrid]

G'day Rob. It's the BabyQ and a QHY8 - basic stuff for a light rig for travelling. The image is a cropped version though. I forgot to do flats. CCD Inspector had a look at the TIFs and gave them a fabulous flat field all the way to the edge.

Peter

[ozstronomer]

Hi Pete, nice to see you back safely. Yes it has been a touch hot over the last two weeks, I think one day of rain followed by howling winds to dry out the ground :mad2:

Nice image, I hope you were able to find some dark skies.

Fingers crossed for the November new moon

[adman]

Wow - you must be a good fisherman!

Welcome back Peter!

Adam

[RickS]

Peter,

Glad to see you came back with at least one nice image.
I'm sure the ones that got away were spectacular too :lol:

Cheers,
Rick.

[RobF]

Beautiful looking scopes those Baby Qs.
Great shot.
Using CCD Inspector to simulate flat fielding - Hmmmmm! :question:
(could be very handy for lazy nights or where forced to pack up in a hurry)

[pmrid]

What I meant was that CCDI reported a perfectly flat field - not that I used it somehow to manipulate the data.

P

[RobF]

D'oh! :doh:

[Tandum]

Would have been nice if you left the crap weather out west :)

Welcome back ..

[pmrid]

Crikey!! Don't blame me. It just followed me. I tried to make it go back, but it wouldn't take any notice. I cursed, swore, invoked curses and other incantations, but it just stayed with me - all the bleedin' way - and now it's here, it won't leave. I'm thinking of calling it 'mother-in-law weather'.

Peter

[pmrid]

Those among us not rushing lemming-like to the north this month may have noted that the moon continues to wax and wane. The new moon is also on the 14th. Of course it is Wednesday but the good news is that this makes both weekends - before and after - equally good for our our purposes.
Saturday 10th or 17th - If the weather permits, I will be working both and you're welcome to join me. Do let me know though - so I can get on the slops if no-one else is coming.

Peter

[RickS]

I'm joining the lemmings, Peter, and will be away both weekends. A shame really because I have a new scope which will may clear Customs today. Hope you get clear skies!

Cheers,
Rick.

[keni]

Rick,
Please take it with you so the weather stays fine here for the non lemmings...:D

Cheers,
Ken.

[RickS]

Sorry, Ken. I'm leaving it here as a cloud decoy. That's our only chance of clear skies in Port Douglas ;)

[Tandum]

Is that the Orion DK scope Rick?

Pete, 7timer (http://7timer.y234.cn/index.php?product=two&lon=153.121&lat=-27.504&lang=en&ac=0&unit=metric&tzshift=0&site=) thinks it will be cloudy on the 10th but who knows?

I haven't had anything going since Astrofest, had lots of problems in the dome which I think are all fixed now.

[RickS]

The one about to arrive is an AG12 just like Mike's :thumbsup: I have an ODK12 on order too ;)

[whzzz28]

You have too much money Rick!

Peter - I'd love to come up, not sure if i can do both saturdays, may try to.
Still waiting on a good weekend of clear weather to collimate my Vixen as well.

[pmrid]

G'day Nathan. When you figure out how to collimate your Vixen, you can start on mine. It's given me heaps of near-misses but never really on the money! The fact that I have a full Cheshire kit means nothing. It's as useful to me as a cat of the same name. It might help if I had some sort of idea how to use it but it has escaped me so far - a bit like drift aligning. It took me ages to get the hang of it before the penny dropped. I'm becoming a slow learner I think.



Peter

[ozstronomer]

Hi Peter,

Like Robin I haven't been out much since Astrofest and would love some dark skies. :)

I'll try for both, depending on the weather.

[whzzz28]

I ended up forking out money for CCDInspector. Hopefully it will help. It tells me i am 8% out of collimation, so i got close by doing the out-of-focus star method. Just not close enough.

Hopefully tomorrow the weather stays decent and ill try and get it collimated. If the process works well i'll see what i can do about yours - assuming i get out there next weekend/week after.

[Tandum]

Cripes Mate, mind if I go through your lounge for loose change, I have to replace the hot water system tomorrow :P

[RickS]

Had to sell the lounge to buy telescopes. Sorry, Robin :lol:

[RobF]

I'm chasing the sun up north too and out for next couple guys.

[whzzz28]

Weather forcast for this saturday is looking positivley bad.
Let's see how it goes.

Three day weekend last weekend, and not once was i able to get the scope out. Fine during the day - moment the sun sets, clouded over.

[pmrid]

Sunday and Monday nights now looking good. Sickie anyone??
Peter

[whzzz28]

Whole week looks good...
Until saturday: Shower or Storm.

Sigh weather - great during the week when i cant roll the scope out, crap on the weekends when i want to :mad2:

[pmrid]

There's probaby something very wise I could say to that; but I can't remember what it is.
Peter

[pmrid]

Against all predictions a few hours ago, it does seem very likely that tonight will turn out fine and clear.
The BOM cloud map shows that the rain has moved offshore and there is very little behind it.
It's probably too late for you guys but if anyone wants to take a chnce on my forecasting, you're welcome.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Thanks for the offer Peter but it looks like more rain coming our way:mad2:

I'll catch you next new moon

Cheers

[pmrid]

I spoke too soon - there's another whacking great system on the way with a warning aea from Mt.isa to Stanthorpe and oving east. Hold on to the family jewels folks.
Peter

[whzzz28]

Hope all is well out there. Storms tonight tore straight through the somerset area.

The good (sort of) news is next weekend is looking clear...

[ozstronomer]

Peter I hope you got through the storm ok last night, the radar showed a pretty intense cell heading your way.

Luckily we only had heavy rain the a bit of lightning, not too much to worry about.

Cheers Geoff

[pmrid]

Thanks Geoff, we're OK. 110mm of rain in 24 hrs was pretty intense but well received all the same. No hail and no damage.

Peter

[pmrid]

Our attempt at a New Moon Night in November produced ferocious storms, hail and flash flooding. Can December match it?

The new moon is on Thursday 13th so the Friday and Saturday following are obvious candidates. If the weather allows, I will be out there banging away. If not, I will be catatonic. Here's hoping!!

Check your social engagements all you city slickers - and see which is the more attractive option:

(a) spending a fortune on taxis and booze, standing up talking to people you see every other day anyway, eating food you would never order for yourself and talking crap; or

(b) spending a night under the stars talking the kind of crap you actually enjoy, drinking at a more leisurely pace, eating only what the dog won't, sleeping in the back seat of your Gogomobile.

It's a no-brainer isn't it?

Let me know.

Peter

[jjjnettie]

I would have loved to have come along Peter.
But the extended family are all heading over to my place that evening for an astro Christmas party.

[pmrid]

You've certainly got a heap to celebrate this year with your many astro achievements - you've become an Astro centrefold. Can you feel the staples??

Peter

[RickS]

Thanks, Peter. I might be able to do Friday night but probably not Saturday. I wonder if I can get the AG12 up and running in time...

[jjjnettie]

It's been a bit of a ride alright. :)

It's a sore point between myself and the family though. When I emailed them about the NASA Goddard thing, all I got was stony silence for 6 long weeks. No congrats or anything. I swear they thought I was lying.
Any time I've been published, and I show them the mags, they just push them aside and change the subject.
You see I have no formal qualifications, and obviously one cannot achieve anything without them.
This is the first time in 8 years that they've asked if they can look through my scope.
It's going to be an interesting evening, one I would much rather be spending with you guys.

[Larryp]

What a sad and sorry lot if they can't be happy for your well-deserved successes

[RickS]

Sounds like you should head over to 10CH anyway, JJJ!

[ozstronomer]

Thanks for the offer Peter, really want to come up but have previous engagements. Catch you in the new year.

Geoff

[pmrid]

This site:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/au/kilcoy/14265/daily-weather-forecast/14265?day=7
says next Saturday is likely to be the best weather-wise until Xmas.
The moon doesn't rise until 12.21 a.m. so should notpresent a huge problem.
ANy takers?
Peter

[jjjnettie]

Possibly maybe. If it's a hot day, I'll be staying close to home though. :)

[RickS]

I'm a possibly maybe too, Peter :) Got a couple of things on next Saturday but if I can get them done early in the day I'll come up if the weather still looks good.

[RobF]

Alas, no can do next Sat - just that time of the year. Hope its a good one though.

[whzzz28]

Really tempting. Will see how the weather is on Saturday, if its looking good ill pack up and come on out.
Havn't had a good night out in months. Maybe i can finally figure out how to collimate my Vixen as well!

See people there.

[pmrid]

http://www.accuweather.com/en/au/kilcoy/14265/weekend-weather/14265
Still looking sunny. Fingers and toes please. Assume the position!

Peter

[RickS]

I can't make it this weekend, Peter, so I'll stay away with my new scope and you might have a chance of clear skies ;)

All the best to the Ten Chainers for Xmas and the New Year!

Cheers,
Rick.

[pmrid]

Now now Rick, play nicely with the other children. You can't keep that new scope hidden forever. Let it out of the closet!!!

Peter

[RickS]

I'm still trying to get it assembled and collimated, Peter! Once I have it working I'll bring it up. You'll see the storm front following my car :lol:

[Tandum]

I out too Pete. I still don't know what works and what doesn't after the lightning strike. Even the laptop has been Blue Screening with kernel errors lately. That's not good.

RACQ told me they would be processing/finalising the claim last Friday but I've heard nothing since. I had to get a 2nd quote for the in house vacuum so I'll be onto them again as soon as that quote arrives.

I did however get the ebay Sun Sail installed as directed. I've since been told it needs to be moved 1.5meters to the south :argue:

[pmrid]

Hey guys, the weather gods turned their back last night and a good one sneaked by - I'm utterly knackered but managed to get clear sky until the wee hours when my stamina and caffeine ran out.
Hope it repeats on the weekend.
peter

[whzzz28]

Tonights not looking too bad, but Skippysky showing heavy cloud for Saturday night :(

I should still be go for tomorrow if SS is wrong, but may have to pull out depending on how things go during the day. Have a lot to do.

[ozstronomer]

Peter, nice to hear someone is taking advantage of some clear sky :)

Sorry but I can't make it tomorrow night.

Merry XMAS :xmas: and all the best for 2013 to all the 10 CH crew, catch everyone in the new year

Cheers Geoff & Matt

[Tandum]

All the best Geoff, have a good one, cya next year:cheers:

[pmrid]

Drat. Nathan's right, tomorrow night looks like $%^& - might as well call it off Nathan. I think I'll take the night off and take the wife smewhere instead. Brownie points are hard to come by these days and I need some.

So that's it for 2012 - not exactly the peak of the astronomical calendar but we did have some good skies over winter. And we do need some rain, so bring it on.:rain:

Best wishes to you all and we'll see you in the New Year.

Peter
:xmas:

[pmrid]

Yeah, yeah. I know. But ya gotta have hope, right!!!
The Bureau says the weekend will be hot but clear in the SE.

Saturday works for me.

Peter

[RickS]

Fingers crossed, Peter! I don't think I'll have the AG12 set up by then but the FSQ is ready for action :D

[whzzz28]

I won't be able to attend this month.
Leaving for Ballandean in an hour, spending the week down there. Weather looks OK for the first few days so hopefully it is correct!

Good luck.

[RobF]

Mmmm astronomy. Something about stars and telescope if I remember correctly. :question:
Sat might be a goer - will consult with the household oracle.....

[jjjnettie]

My 2 youngest boys left for there today too, with their Dad.
It's a beautiful region. Hope it's not too hot for you all.

[ozstronomer]

Hi Peter

If the weather is fine I hope to pop up, I'll stay in contact and see what unfolds.

[pmrid]

Yes folks, it's the old, old story. This time it's smoke - from the fires on Bribie Island (at least I hope that's where it's coming from). Visibility is down to under 1000 yards and the wind gusting to 40 knots. Unless the weather does a pretty dramatic about turn in the next 24 hours, the weekend will be unusable.
So don't bother packing the Kombie until we see what Saturday brings.
Peter

[jjjnettie]

Isn't it funny, where I am, no smoke at all.

[astroron]

No Smoke here at Cambroon either JJJ:D
Cheers:thumbsup:

[RickS]

Let us know how it looks on Friday evening, thanks Peter.

[pmrid]

A real mixed bag - clear periods tonight but we have lingering haze, and high-level cloud coming and going. Night temps not getting below 20 C and gusting winds in the early evening gradually settling. Seeing is poor, transparency likewise. I wouldn't bother guys.
Peter

[ozstronomer]

Peter, thought that might be the case.

Weather hasn't been any better here :mad2:

Catch you next new moon

Cheers Geoff

[RickS]

Thanks, Peter. Might try to do some scope set up and testing from home...

[RobF]

Yes, thanks Peter - think I'll set up here too for some practice. Not really in the mood for a trip and family would prefer I stay close I think.

[pmrid]

Good morning one and all.

Open for business this weekend.

The past couple of nights up here have been very clear and the seeing good to very good. A cool influence seems to have found its way here from the SW and the cloud dissipates with the setting sun. Of course we all know how reliable that is as a predictor of next weekend's weather but you gotta have faith!!!
After this weekend, I'll be away for 4 or 5 weeks - heading to Sth America and cruising our way 'round the Horn to Buenos Aires for a steak or six. So after this new moon, it will be April until I throw the gates open again.

Hope some of you are able to make it.

Peter

[RickS]

I'll come up if the weather looks promising, thanks Peter.

[ozstronomer]

I'll do my best to make it up as long as the weather cooperates

I'll check in at the end of the week

[Tandum]

I'll be there if I can get motivated. Even got a new wheel to try out :)

[pmrid]

I won't have all the adapters from Precise Parts that I need to get the BAbyQ firing on the fully refurbished G11 this weekend, so if you're here early enough we can run up any scope you like on that mount. I can let you use the Vixen RS200 or the big 10" F3.8 - both now collimated to within an inch of their lives.

And you can have the QHY8 or the ATIK LE4000 and the SX OAG/FW setup with it.

How's that for motivation!!

You don't have to pack anything!!

First in - best dressed!!


Peter

[whzzz28]

I will try to get there.
Whether i get to actually do any imaging is another matter. May spend all night trying to get the Vixen collimated.

[Tandum]

Pete, what thread is on the arse of the BabyQ? I might have it.

Nathan, What vixen is that? I have a nice set of Howie Glatter lasers now :)
Fingers crossed it's not a vc-200L :help:

[pmrid]

The problem is with the rear of the Tak reducer and getting it into my SX OAG. I specified the wrong adapter when I ordered the Precise Parts thing. What I need is a SCT adapter for my SX OAG/FW. They have a 2-24 thread I think and I need it as a female adapter as we'll. I've asked Terry Platt who says they are a stock item and he'll have someone contact me but that will take forever if it happens at all. So I have ordered another adapter from Precise Parts to fit with the adapters I do have. My mistake I have to admit.
Peter

[Tandum]

Who's a lucky *******. This new sx wheel came with the pair of M54 adapters in plastic bags that I ordered, and a female SCT that was bolted to it.

[pmrid]

Bleedin hell!! What a stroke of luck. I'd offer you my first-born but it's a little late for that! Settle for something else?? I'll still order a replacement when SX reply but if I could borrow your SCT adapter in the meanwhile, I can get the BabyQ running this new moon. Good news.
You're welcome to image with that rig if you like. Save you dragging your gear up here.

Peter


Peter

[Tandum]

I'll pop it in the post today so you can see if it does what you want.

[whzzz28]

Yes it is a VC200L. I also have the howie glatter laser but it doesn't really help with an SCT.

[RickS]

Is your secondary mirror centre-spotted, Nathan? If it is then you may be able to use a Tak collimating scope - some people claim it works well with the VC200L. I have one I can bring...

[pmrid]

All up, the stuff hanging off the back of the BabyQ will consume all but a few mm of the claimed 197.5-200 mm backfocus. I'm keeping that camera rotator cuff thing - it has some uses and I don't have an adapter to use in its place anyway. But is claims about 35 mm on its own. Then the PDF focuser claims another 30-40 depending where it is set, the reducer is about another 50 and then the OAG/FW/CCD claims 72. So the probability is that I won't have to rack the R&P focuser out at all - which suits me because it makes the drawtube a whole heap more stable if the shoulders are right up against the metal back of the scope. The PDF can take up all the slack I will need I think. But even so, the residue will be less than a gnats nose.
But it should be solid, with no excuse for any droop in the optical train.
Sounds good in theory doesn't it?

Peter