Ten Chain Hill New Moon nights

[pmrid]

The next new moon falls mid-week on 17th November. The next TCH night will therefore be Saturday following (Saturday 21st November). We'll have abit of moon - sets at 2210 hrs and will be 2 days short of the first quarter - so it shouldn't present any serious difficulty to anyone.
Let me know if you're coming.
cheers
Peter

[AlexN]

i'm in. Any possibility for friday night stay too? :)

[jjjnettie]

I'm a definite maybe Peter.

[lesbehrens]

should be there this time.
les

[pmrid]

No problemo.
Peter

[AlexN]

mwahahaha!!! 2 nights of dark sky action... Now to pick one target that I can bash flat out for 2 nights straight.. :D

[Davros]

ohh let me check with the work time table gods tomorrow.

[Davros]

BTW BOM has us down for a high >75% chance of rainfall for that weekend :(

[AlexN]

yes.. But since when has a 7 day forecast been accurate, let alone a 21 day... Don't be negative..

Last two times I've been to Peters place, its been cloudy/windy/raining at dusk, by 9pm crystal clear skies, imaging till sun up.. :)

[pmrid]

How about doing the Rosette widefield? Beautiful depth, structure, variety, plenty of HA and OIII action happening in and around.
Here's one I did recently at 1000mm.

Peter

[pmrid]

Hey Mick, where in the BOM site did you pick that up. I can't find any obvious long-range forecasts like that.
Peter

[Davros]

http://www.eldersweather.com.au/raindates.jsp?lc=q00

took a bit of finding but i finally remembered. And yes they arnt too accurate :P

[pmrid]

What about the Veil - with your APO you'd get the whole system in one frame.
Peter

[AlexN]

mmm. The veil fits.. Rosette would be nice too actually... M 31 fits easily too.. M33 and m78 would be great targets for the newt. Mmm decisions decisions..

[Tandum]

I'll try and get away as well pete.

I'm guessing that 127 will have had first light by then :)

[pmrid]

That's good news. I sure hope the 127 has seen some action by then. I whacked it up on the EQ6 today and had a play with setting it up on some terrestrial targets and am blown away by the optics.

I've set the QHY8 up with a MPCC and Peter Tan spacer for 55mm separation and put it on a Lumicon Off-Axis Guider with a QHY5 running straight into the ST4 port on the mount. Now the EQ6 is well aligned (thanks to Paul), GoTo's and guiding work well so I'm working on a list of targets for November. Good fun.

Peter.

[Tandum]

Was that WCS software that far out?

[AlexN]

I used a ToUcam and K3ccdTools tonight.. I went from raw setup, to less than 0.5 arcsec a minute drift in less than 30 minutes.. Its the way of the future..

[Tandum]

No web cams here sorry.

[AlexN]

Sucks to be you! :P

[AlexN]

Sell the DSI and get yourself a ToUcam... :) WCS should be renamed.. WOT - Waste Of Time... :P

[Tandum]

Works for me first time every time ... I'm guessing you don't use it.

There is always more than one road to rome, they all get there ...

[AlexN]

I have used it.. I just find K3 (once you get used to it and remember which way to adjust your mount when it reads out + or - drift) to be much faster, and it gives you an indication of how close you are...

[Tandum]

So does the other ... it's what your used to me thinks.

[pmrid]

yes, it was actually. Odd isn't it? I've bought a licence for it all the same.
Peter

[RobF]

I'll be trying to get there Peter.
Any reason you didn't shoot for weekend of the 14th?
(no particular concern either way here mind you)

[pmrid]

Yes. The unpleasant reality of having to work to pay my astro bills. I'm stuck with end-of-academic-year rituals involving students and assignments. I am supervising a number of post-grad students in Malaysia who all have major theses requiring marking over the next 2 weeks so my head will be down and my ... well, you get the picture.

Peter

[AlexN]

sounds like a busy time mate.. Have fun with that!

[RobF]

Also sounds like we're lucky to be sampling any Nov photons falling on 10 Chain at all! Hope next couple of weeks goes ok + all current and future astro bills are paid up.

[pmrid]

Hi everyone. Looks like 21st Nov will be a big one. I'm getting inquiries from new folks keen to see what all the fuss is about. Looks like I might have to put some bigger fuses he he he heh!
Keep offering sacrifices to the rain gods please!
Peter

[AlexN]

I'm going to be there Peter, But I'll be without a camera, so I'll just come up for the social aspect of the night (makes loading the car a lot easier thats for sure!!) May want to put a bigger fuse in the fridge though! Will have to drink to keep myself occupied!!! :D hahaha

[[1ponders]]

I won't be able to make the 14th but I may be able to swing the 21st....if I get my A into G and get some work done around here. :lol:

[pmrid]

I was wondering why we hadn't been seeing any imaging delights from you (non-Sidonio that is) lately. I thought we'd be seeing some newtonian magic by now.

I can lend you a Canon 1000D for the night if you want to do some imaging Alex. Or a mod'd 300D - take your pick.

PAUL: be great to see you again. Just the spectacle of your assembly and disassembly of that amazing rig of yours is worth a day's march.

Peter.

[pmrid]

Alex, I meant to tell you that the RC is in Taiwan and GSO are starting work on it today. So there is a better than even chance it'll be back here by the 21st. Now that could be fun.
Peter

[AlexN]

hope the rc comes back in time mate! That would be great indeed! I'll likely take you up on the offer of a camera for the night.. :)

[adman]

I would love to be there again Peter. Last month was great, and the goto upgrade for my mount should be here this week. It would have been perfect timing to get that out and about - but my wife has booked me for that Saturday night, and my 4 year olds birthday party is on Sunday morning. So no chance this month.:(

Adam

[Bender]

Hi Peter,

I'd like to make to the trek back again for the 21st.Sounds like you might need a bit more food this time.

Martin

[Tandum]

Pete, I'll try and get up there a couple of hours earlier than norm so we can do the cables for this dew controller before dark.

[pmrid]

Sounds like as good plan Rob.
Martin: more food? You mean like frothy chops?
Peter

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I won't be able to attend Peter - sadly I only have every 2nd weekend off, and that's not one of them.

It's sad - I almost never used to miss any of Ron's Cambroon meets at all, and Ron and I even used to have a fair number of mid-week observing nights as well, but since my work roster changed to it's current mode over 2 years ago I almost never get to anything anymore. I've gone from being one of the "core" group to an outsider that many of the "new" regulars wouldn't know from a bar of soap. My 12" dob hasn't moved from it's spot in the lounge room since Barambah last April.


Where's the emoticon for despair?

[pmrid]

Mate, don't worry about not being recognised. We'll have an effigy of you erected at the front gate so new members will be able to look admiringly at your edifice and be reminded of the 'good old days' when Ron and Steve were around. I was thinking that perhaps an image of you and Ron rather like that one of Wally Lewis and Alfie Langer that is at Suncorp Stadium (Laing Park to most of us). What do you think? It'd be worth changing your roster to avoid wouldn't it?
Peter

[lesbehrens]

so who will be up to the challenge of teaching me drift align?:question::confused2: i haven't done it for so long Ive forgot.:screwy::shrug:
les:P

[AlexN]

I'll give you a hand on Saturday night if you're not up and running by then Les..

[pmrid]

G'day everyone. Looks like the weather will hold for us. Fingers crossed.

The seeing may not be too good until it cools off a bit later in the night but there will be a bit of moon about until about 10.00 p.m. anyway.
Bring plenty of cool libations. I suspect it will be important to be well hydrated!!
Peter

[[1ponders]]

'fraid I'm going to have to pike this Saturday night unfortunately. You'll have to take the reins for K3 drift aligning Alex

[AlexN]

thats a shame paul, i'll do the rounds with my toucam and laptop and sort everyone out who needs a hand.. :)

[pmrid]

Sorry to hear that Paul. We'll try again in December if there is any interest.
Meanwhile, we'll press on with November's date and hope for the b est.

Stay tuned.
Peter

[AlexN]

Peter - I should have a camera by December, so I'll be coming along with the whole setup in tow..

This weekend I'll just come up, me + laptop + toucam.. I'll drift align anyone in need of assistance, after that I'll just look on while others image away... Always good fun!

[jjjnettie]

If I make it this Saturday, I'll bring along the Gstar for you to play with Alex.

[Tandum]

There's a new Doctor Who floating around jjj.
Aired on the BBC last sunday night.
I'll see if I can snag it :)

[fo.manush]

Hi Guys,

This will be my first ever dark night (new to astronomy :)) and I would also appreciate any help with Polar/ Drift alignment. Alex, I would be honoured if you imparted any wisdom in this regard.

I have been following this thread closly and am very excited. Can't wait for the weekend.

Dewang

[pmrid]

The December new moon is on the 16th - a Wednesday. What would suit people best, the previous or the following Saturday? (That's a choice between the 12th and the 19th December.) Majority will prevail.
My own preference at this stage is for the 19th.


This Saturday is still looking OK. Skippy Sky'f forecast 84 hours out is, remarkably alright. See:
http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/


Peter

[Davros]

I am aiming to make it, quick question though. Any chance of 240v power for the laptop. Mount can run off 12v for the night.

[jjjnettie]

There's plenty of power Mick.

[pmrid]

And if the 240 Ac supply runs short, there's usually plenty of methane about. Peter

[Xeelee]

Hi All,

Is it too late to put my name down??

I know I haven't shown my face for awhile :P

Chris (and Spartacus too)

[lesbehrens]

hi. is it ok to come firday night too?:shrug:
also does anyone know where i could get a power supply for a slr camera?:shrug::shrug:
les;)

[RobF]

I'm a 0% for 12th, 50% for the 19th - so my vote is 19th :)

Thanks Peter

[pmrid]

What sort of camera?
Peter

[pmrid]

Hi Chris (and Barabas). Always welcome.
Peter

[lesbehrens]

cannon 450D

[AlexN]

Im in for the 19th of December Peter! :)

Anyone who wants polar alignment help this weekend, just come and see me at before dusk so I can get a feel for all the stops around the field I'll be making :)

More than happy to help out... And lets face it, better to get the polar alignment done and dusted as quickly as possible! :)

[pmrid]

I have power supplies for a 300D and a 1000D. I suspect the latter will fit your 450D. I also have a couple of spare batteries for both. So we can probably get you going Les.
Peter

[adman]

Hi Peter,

have you got anyone coming up tonight (Fri)? I can't make it Saturday, and might be able to get up tonight after work. If it looks nice and clear, I will definitely make the effort. I probably wouldn't be there till about 8pm. Would that cause anyone grief with headlights at that point? Or should I turn them off and drive by feel the last 500m?

Also, any chance of borrowing the 127mm refractor again? I have my mount all sorted now - got the goto upgrade during the week, and battery power. Just no scope yet.

Thanks
Adam

[pmrid]

Hi Adam, sorry to be slow replying. Been down in Bris.
No problems about coming up tonight. And yes, you're welcome to use the 127mm again if you wish.
Peter

[lesbehrens]

hi.
ill see u around 1700 today
not sure if i can get there tomorrow
les

[Tandum]

I have that filter for you les. Will you be there saturday?

[lesbehrens]

i'll try to be there sat arvo, mite be a bit late?
les

[Tandum]

Les, I'm aiming to be there from about 2pm onwards, I have a couple of jobs to do for pete.

[RobF]

I'm going to be late-ish
Probably 5:30 to 6pm

[AlexN]

I'm aiming at between 2:30 and 3:30.. Maybe a little later depending on work..

[Davros]

I have to miss out due to incursion from relatives, will have the gear out in the front yard to iron out some bugs though. Will be thinking of you all having fun out there with a slight greenish tint.

[adman]

Hi Peter,

thanks for your hospitality on the weekend. I had a great night on Friday - got to give the new goto a whirl. Still have not caught up on sleep though.

How did the shots of M42 turn out?

Adam

[pmrid]

The result of the highly democratic process mentioned earlier in this thread, the night of December 19th has been earmarked for those able to escape the terrors of last-minute shopping and early arrivals of relatives and the like.
I will be playing with some new kit including my new (replaced) QHY8 (thanks to Peter Lee), my new (replaced) SynScan (thanks to Ron Gibson at Sirius Optics), my new Pegasus Pier (thanks to my Visa card), my BluEQ (serial cable and EDMOD replacement) and my FCUSB (to run my focuser on the feathertouch on the new and restored GSO RC). So I'm definitely going to be having a ball. Since it is our last gathering for 2009, I think a little celebration might be called for as well. All others welcome and I hope you can make it.


Peter

[astroron]

Hi Peter, I hope you and the gang have a great nights astronomy:thumbsup:
Ron

[pmrid]

Hi Ron. It's good to know you're "out there" - a bit like the "tooth fairy" - rarely seen but we all keep believing in the existence anyway!!

Peter.

[AlexN]

Good to see you around Ron! :)

Peter - I'll see you on the 19th! :)

[pmrid]

Good news Alex. Sounds like we need to get Jeanette to bring her HEQ5Pro down to sort it out.
Peter

[RobF]

Wow - sounds like you've certainly got plenty of boys-toys to play with in the observatory there Peter.

I'd love to get there 19/12 - thanks again for your 10 Chain hospitality. I'll see if I can get it sorted....

[adman]

I would love to get there for the 19th - but we are moving house that weekend. So it will have to wait for maybe January. Pity because I bought an 8" newt that I would like to take out there and see how it goes.

Adam

[pmrid]

Jeez Adam, you can't let a little thing like that stop you. Put off the house-moving till January. Where are your priorities?

Peter

[adman]

:lol: Believe me, I would make it if it was humanly possible.

Adam

[Tandum]

Pete, I have a complete wide field setup for a qhy8, arrived after I sold the camera :( Clamp mount, backfocus matched adapter and a nifty fifty lens. If I can get up there on the 19th do ya wanna try it out for me ?

[pmrid]

Too right!!!
Peter

[RobF]

"She Who Must be Obeyed" has stamped my leave of absence papers. I'm all set for Sat 19th now. Looking forward to one last get together for the year. :)

[jjjnettie]

I'll not be able to make it folks.
I will be setting up in my back yard though, so I'll be with you all in spirit at least.

[AdrianF]

Will there be another in January?

Adrian

[Tandum]

I hope so, it's looking like I won't get to this one :(

[AlexN]

Thats a real shame Robin... Could have been your chance to go for Image Of The Week #2! :)

[Davros]

I am still good to go.....should be out there Sat afternoon. Looks like the time i manage to pull it off everyone bails :P:P:P

[Tandum]

I won't have rings for the new guide scope, but January should see a lot of new gear on the ground for lots of people :)

I'm just swamped with work ... yeeee haaarrrr :D Image of the Week #2 is probably on my hard drive already :)

[pmrid]

Hi Adrian. Not sure about January. It begins a bad few months for me with my Uni work. So I'm keeping my options a bit open after this weekend. Should be back to normal by about April though.
Peter.

[pmrid]

Good to hear you're up to your proverbials in work. Sorry to hear that we'll miss your company this Saturday though. I'm not sure how we'll go in Jan/Feb/March next year with heaps of pressure form my own work.
Peter

[Xeelee]

Hi, no problems here. We'll see you there on Sat. :thumbsup:

Chris

[RobF]

Sky conditions for Sat night looking pretty bad so far...:(

http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/

[pmrid]

Well, it's 1.30 a.m. here on Friday morning and the seeing is excellent. I'm about to try something silly - the Antenna Galaxies NGC4038. That'll be amusing.
Don't believe the forcasters mate. Besides, if the weather is rubbish, there is always the 10Chain Xmas greetings to be exchanged.

Peter

[jjjnettie]

I've just started on Eta Carina Peter.
It's lovely out isn't it.

[pmrid]

G'day JJ. Slow getting back to you. Now 2.30 and I gave up on the Antennas and switched to the Sombrero instead. SO far so good. Bit of dew and actually getting cool. Nice!!
Peter

[jjjnettie]

I've packed up and am inside away from the mozzies.
Just doing a quick process of Eta Carina just to see how it looks.
I'll do a proper job on it tomorrow, maybe.

[pmrid]

Got your mount going yet?
Peter

[jjjnettie]

Yes indeedy Peter.
Put it back together again today.
Did a factory reset on the hand paddle too.
It was coping with 5min subs very well.

[pmrid]

Well, last night was good seeing and I managed a few shots of the Sombrero to keep me awake. Here's a crop:
Peter

[jjjnettie]

Ooooh, you've got a nice little bit of detail going there.
Lovely!

[AlexN]

Good work on M104 Peter.. Its a real hard target due to its size... Might be a good target for the RC given the increased resolution!!

[RobF]

Yeah - good going on 104! :thumbsup:

[pmrid]

Hi 10Chainers: well, the Weather looks a bit ordinary doesn't it? I'm hoping the expected storm clears us by evening or a little later perhaps and leaves us with nice clear skies in its wake. That's what I hope. What the weather Bureau predicts is showers and thundrestorms developing during the day and scattered showers tomorrow. Skippy Sky has painted us red forthe next few days it.
I'll still be here if anyone wants to try their luck.
Peter

[RobF]

I'm putting in apologies Peter.
Merry XMAS to all the gang though. Would love to have seen the year out with a final great night, but its not like we've been too hardly done by. I'm going to save up my brownie points for now.

Many thanks again mate for all your hospitality this year too!

[Davros]

sometimes rain sucks :sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes ::sadeyes:

[jjjnettie]

Well, if it's going to be cloudy, at least let it rain.
and rain, and rain, and rain.

At least we had Thursday night and half of last night.

[pmrid]

She's in!! The new Pegasus pier is in and holding up the HEQ5Pro and the GSO RC with OAG /DSI and Canon EOS all kitted up to run under EQMOD. That really is about it for now. I've blown the budget for 2009 and 2010 so it's time to take Anex's advice and get on with some serious imaging.

See you all in 2010.

Peter.

[jjjnettie]

Awesome looking set up Pete.
Congratulations.
Ponders finally got his up and almost running Friday.

[RobF]

Wow. Looks like Mission Control is all set to go!
How often do you have more than one setup going at once Peter?

[AlexN]

Peter - Looks fantastic.. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see it in operation between xmas and new years, or maybe shortly after... I'll be trying to see the Ponders observatory early in the new year too... I dare say you'll have some fun in that shed now boy!! :D

How much did the Pier for the HEQ5 cost? I'll have to see if I can adapt the Losmandy pier adapter to one... :)

[[1ponders]]

Waddyamean, almost??? After the inevitable initial teething and mechanical problems, it was polar aligned in about 20 min (and I won't have to touch it now, though I will check to keep the practice in :D ). Autoguiding a treat in an hour and imaging camera running and imaging (though only saving a couple) half an our after that. :D :D :D Ran for about 3 hour all up. And steady as a Rock! Woo Hoo!!

[AlexN]

Sounds the goods Paul! I've been looking at a few different options for a removable pier in the back yard so that I don't have to check and confirm my alignment every night out.. I've got my mount set up permanently on the tripod, however when I mow the lawns sometimes I give the tripod a bit of a nudge... so every time I use it I still have to check the alignment.. Although with the Toucam and K3 its a 5 minute check/touch up at worst.. A pier will negate the need for that.. I had a look at a few designs of pier adapters for the GM-8, finally deciding to just buy the Losmandy pier adapter... Just got to get myself a pipe from work and some concrete... I figure by march I'll have a pier in for the GM8. Will only have to polar align after new moon weekends.. :)

[[1ponders]]

First light here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=536880#post536880) . :D

[jjjnettie]

Ok, you have my deepest sincerest apologies. :P

[pmrid]

Mate the pier was $995 and that included the top plate to fit the HEQ5Pro. The finish is excellent. It has an internal electrical channel that emerges down at the base which is handy and is desifned to be back-filled with sand. It's a good size, easy to bolt into a slab and solid as a rock. You could probably rebuild the functionality for a good deal less (like my pier under the EQ6) but the finish is worth the extra.
Peter

[pmrid]

So far, not al all. But from now on, with the wireless internet being pushed out to the obs, I expect to be able to set both scopes workingmsimultaneously. Light may be a bit of a problem with so many little LEDs flashing and blinking away though. Time will tell on that one.

One of the reasons I wanted to have a play with that SX of your was to see if it was possible to blend images of the same object from both scopes (despite the differences in scale). AlexN as suggested using one for RGB narrowband and the other for luminance. That sounds like a cracker of an idea and another reason to give your SX another life (that's if you didn't sell it). But apart from that idea, I don't see why I could not have a crck at multiple objects simultaneously. Isn't multitasking the great new skillset of the age? Yuppie tapdancing at it very best.
Peter

[Tandum]

That's my starlight not RobF's. I guess you could combine images from the 2 scopes. Here's a FOV image from the sky so they are pretty close but the starlight is only 1.3Mpixels so you'd want L from the QHY8.

I am supposing the ED127 is F7 and the RC is F8 in this image?

Another thing to think of is focus if you want to remote image. You'll need robo focus. The focus will change with temp and possibly with filters as well.

What was wrong with the old pier by the way?

[AlexN]

Robin - I'd be using the SX image as luminance if its in the RC... the resolution (arcsec per pixel) would far surpass that of the QHY8 in either the 127 or the RC, as it has smaller pixels. Unless you shot Ha all night with the QHY8 in the RC, and RGB images with the starlight through the 127ED..

Clearly the best way to do it would be with identical cameras in each scope, and just scale the colour data to fit the close up Lum.. Ie - Mono KAF8300 for lum, and OSC 8300M for data...

[pmrid]

Yahoooooooooo! And I thought I'd finished buying major kit for a while. Not 1 but 2 8300s. I can start on the budget for 2011 and blame it all on Alex. You little ripper!! And I'd probably get a discount for bulk purchases.

Peter

[pmrid]

Whoops. Thanks for the correction. And thanks for the comparison images.
Peter

[Tandum]

Well you'd get really good at mosaics if you did that :)

[pmrid]

Out of season I know but a few of us are interested in a post-Xmas imaging session. How do you feel about 29/30 Dec oe 2/3 Jan folks. Cast your vote.
Peter

[AlexN]

If I'm welcome to do so Peter, I wouldnt mind 29th through to the 3rd :) mwahahha!! :D

[AlexN]

Oh, providing I have a camera to play with that is... 28th is the current estimate delivery date..

[Tandum]

The week-end is best for me to get away, 2/3 Jan.

[RobF]

I can only do weekends/public hols too. I'd vote Sat 26 or Sun 27 just because Moon and weather forecasts look better (even though you said 29th Peter...)
Might be able to do 2/3 Jan.

[pmrid]

OK. 26th Dec is out because it's Boxing Day and is sacred to the God Berocca!

Sunday 27th is OK but some will have work on the Monday. So even though the moon won't be the best, it looks like the Saturday 2nd Jan folks. Alex will already be here but has promised to leave a few photons for the rest of us.

See if you can make it folks. Anyone got any decent long-range weather predictions? Skippy Sky had tonight very much in the too-hard basket but it's turned out neautiful even if a little moist around the fringes.

Who can predict it.


Peter

[AlexN]

I do solemnly swear not to suck all the light out of the sky before other imagers arrive. Once they all get up there, All bets are off! :D MWAHAHAHAHAAA MUUUUU HUUU HAA HAA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Davros]

Hi Peter
Is there an identifier on the gate like a funky mailbox etc. so its easy to find.

[AlexN]

I might be able to organise an identifying marker... I think I have a 50mm F/10 refractor around here somewhere that could be stuck to the letter box! :)

[RobF]

Objection your honour! Mon is a gazetted public hol q'est que c'est? (it is for our business anyway)

Long range weather link below - hmmm - may be a moot point which one we pick dammit.... :cloudy:

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/long-range-forecast/28-day-rain/qld/southeast-coast

[Tandum]

It's our turn to do the family xmas from the 24th to the 28th this year.
Boxing day is open day if you wanna come over and get blistered :)
I won't be able to drive again till new year :D


Mick, I drive past the gate everytime so last time I saved the co-ords of the gate in the gps. Do you think it will read them back to me ... no way ... stupid thing .. never buy a gamin GPS :(

Power has been off here for over 8 hours. EIGHT HOURS .....

[pmrid]

Mick, there's a cream letterbox at the gate but the best trick is to use your odometer. Within a couple of hundred yards, we're 19lm from the Mt. Glorious road turnoff or 6 km from the Somerset Dam turnoff. Watch for the gate numbers on the right hand side. We deliberately keep the front of the place looking a bit bland. We haven't had any evangelists or snake-oil salesmen here for several years now and like it that way.
Peter

[pmrid]

Well spotted that boy! Go to the top of the class. Who woulda thought it? Boxing Day holiday 3 days after Xmas. So yeah the Sunday 27th is a possible too then. But it does look like the weather is going to kick in. Why not just work on the basis that if it's fine, drop me a PM or whatever and come up whenever the weather gives us a break. In the meantime, I confess to being really happy with the rain we've had and are likely to get over the next week or so. The place really needs a good soaking.
Peter

[pmrid]

Those who have emerged from their postprandial torpor long enough to consult the weather gods will have seen a classic "Good-new/Bad-News" situation. The good news is we got some rain and look like getting more over the next 10 days or so. The bad news is we got some rain and look like getting more over the next 10 days or so.
I'll schedule a routine New Moon night for January 16th and hope it clears by then.
As for those truly hopeful/desperate souls thinking about the coming weekend of 2nd January or thereabouts, good luck but dont take any bets. I still expect/plan to be here but If the weather looks like staying overcast, I may cancel at the last minute and go to the coast for a few days instead. So stay tuned for updates as the week progresses.

Peter

[pmrid]

Yeah, it happens!!
Skippy Sky and BOM agree - the outlook is wet/overcast for the foreseeable. So for all those hoping to wander up here over the next week or so, don't! I'm going bush.
I'll keep the 16th January as a scheduled Saturday New Moon and hope like hell.
Peter

[AlexN]

Sigh.. And to think. My camera may well be here tomorrow... :( I'll just take dark frames.

[pmrid]

Yeah. It's frustrating. For me, I intend to seek solace in something fermented.
Peter

[AlexN]

Funny you should mention that... Just opened a lovely 12 yr old bottle of plonk... I intend to feel much better about the fact that its raining within the hour :)

[jjjnettie]

hic
Hows that bottle going Alex.

[AlexN]

:) rather well indeed... Sure makes the rain fun... I was in the back yard before taking a quick nature shower... Standing in the rain looking at the gl0w form the moon thru the clouds... then it hit me... HOLY CRAPPP!! IM GETTIN WET!! :D

[jjjnettie]

:lol:
I was doing some gardening during yesterdays heavy rain. The looks I got as cars drove by!! Why stop just because it starts to rain?? It's the best time to do it.

[AlexN]

Yea ud think some ppl have never had a shower the wya they run about like headless chooks just cause some water is falling from the sky... feel like laughin out loud sometimes... y'know..

[RobF]

I need to mow, but hate doing it while its so wet. I'll get lost out there if I don't do it soon though....

Thanks Peter re 16th - fingers crossed. I might have to dig out my dew covers for a change if there's actually moisture about at 10 Chain!

Hope you have some good relaxation time before then.

[pmrid]

Hi all,
2010 approacheth and since I am into an obsessive-compulsive moon cycle I thought I might map out the TenChain Hill Obs New Moon nights for 2010 (subject as always to weather). So mark your calendars for:
Jan 16
Feb 13
Mar 20
Apr 17
May 16
Jun 12
Jul 10
AUg 14
Sep 11
Oct 9
Nov 6
Dec 4.
PM me if the weather fines up in the next 24 hrs and we can revisit the possibility of doing something over this weekend.
Peter

[AlexN]

April 17 will be clear... It has to be, as its my birthday! :)

[pmrid]

It will be! Your 8300 might be there by then also.
Peter

[AlexN]

Ahhahaha!! I've got my eye out today Peter.. Its either Today or Monday that I'll have it in my hands..

[pmrid]

Did you factor in the Post Office holidays today, tomorrow and Saturday?
P.

[AlexN]

I did not factor in the holiday today... :( Thats a big Negative flight... No camera today... Monday is a likely bet though... It was sent from NSW to QLD on Wednesday (which I suppose is not that long ago) but post from NSW to QLD doesnt take long.. High hopes for Monday! :)

[pmrid]

The forecasts remain bleak! Skippy Sky has most of Qld at least in the red, red, red for the next 5 days; the 28-day forecast is talking about 3 rain events in Eastern Australia for the rest of January and puts the weekend of the 16th in the >75% bracket for rain.
My rain tanks are all full. The Xmas grog has run out. The dogs are wet and smelly. And I'm running out of wet-weather projects. AAAAAgh!

Peter

[AlexN]

New project time... Hmmm... what can you do... Automation of the observatory roof? fully scripted automation... How good would it be...

Have a cloud sensor outside the obs, if its after dark, and the sky is clear, the roof automatically opens, mounts power up and start to run the most recent scriped sequence.. ie, slew to bright star, plate solve, sync, slew to mag 4 star, focus, slew to target, capture 4x600s subs, slew to mag4 star, check focus, slew to target, capture 4x600s subs, continue that loop 4 more time, return to home position, power down, close roof...

MMMM Project!! :D Although I dare say a project like that would require copious amounts of beer/bourbon and wine....

My project for these cloudy times? Build reduction library... should only take 3 nights to complete...

[pmrid]

I know it's hopeful but the 28-day forecast actually shows 10-12 Jan as clear. I'm therefore inclined to declare that weekend (i.e. next weekend) as "on" for the group. Obviously the prospects may change but if you're like me, you are darn near demented with lack of starlight and willing to engage is risky conduct - so to speak.
Peter

[AlexN]

I'm with you on that mate!!

Hey.. Guess what I'm playing with at the moment?? :D :D :D

[pmrid]

Stop it or you'll go blind.
P

[AlexN]

Mwahahaaaa... :) No.. Not that :D

YAY ITS NEW CAMERA DAY TODAY

[RobF]

I like your thinking Peter - moonrise bit after midnight Sat 9th would give us at least a few hours to address our starlight withdrawal.

28 day forecasts for the following weekend looking bad (and hey, we can do 2 weekends if it improves...)

[pmrid]

Darn right!
P.

[pmrid]

10Chainers familiar with the old adage about Red Skies at Dawn will appreciate the omens in this one, from this morning.
Peter

[RobF]

Sat is looking like it just might open up into a decent night on Skippy. We need an emoticon for "fingers crossed" :lol:

[RobF]

Forecast looking good enough that I'd like to come tonight Peter.
Are you happy for visitors tonight?
Any special instructions to save your road if its sloppy?

[pmrid]

Hi 10Chainers. Well, Skippy Sky does seem far more promising than I have seen it for about 2 months (or perhaps it just feels like that). So I'm happy to give it a run tonight. Robert, Dewang, Alex, anyone else?
The road is fine, not sloppy at all. If I can, I run a slasher across the grounds later this afternoon (if only to disperse the cow poo).
See you later.
Peter

[AlexN]

Ahh Peter... You know me so well.. I'll start loading up the car shall I.. :D

I was going to give this one a miss on account of the fact that I've got a lot of new gear that I'd rather test at home rather than out in the DARK, but I did get a brief chance to run it last night.. got everything largely sorted out, so I guess I'll see you in a couple of hours.. :) YAY dark skies! :D

[pmrid]

Load up and get moving. Keep it legal: there's cops everywhere.
Peter

[AlexN]

Always keep it legal mate.. I spend entirely too much on astronomy to be paying speeding fines (or worse, having an accident with said astro toys in the car!)

[fo.manush]

Excellent news. We will be there around 5-6pm.

Cheers

[pmrid]

10Chainers, the force is strong with you young Luke Skywalkers. The Dark Side awaits you this weekend. Despite the opportunistic dash for photons last weekend by some desperate and damgerous types, our regular New Moon weekend remains as scheduled for the 16th.

Peter

[RobF]

MORE!!!
I hunger for more ancient photons.....:P:D

I'd like to come again if the sky behaves.
Thanks again for Sat Peter - we were rewarded from time to time for our efforts, and at least I had a good catch up with Alex during clouds.

[AlexN]

Sure was a good night... even if the sky was a bit on/off.. was good to catch up...

I'm off to Leyburn this weekend guys, but fingers crossed for clear skies all round the south east hey! :)

Rob, Yes my boy... Go forth and snatch photon! :)

[pmrid]

Enjoy Leyburn. Don't offer to buy it though. Wait a decent interval.

Peter

[DavidTrap]

Hi Peter,

I've been watching this posts for some months and would like to ask if you would have room for another young Jedi this weekend. I'm just a beginner at imaging, but have many toys that I need to expose to the dark skies!

Regards
David T

[pmrid]

Hi David. You are welcome. I'll send you a PM with details of where and what to bring.
cheers.
Peter

[Tandum]

I'm just waiting on new rings Pete. They recon they're at the airport, so I should be in ...

[pmrid]

Does anyone have a shutter release that will work on a Canon 20D? I've bought one - and it's a beaut; but I'm limited to 30second subs until I can get a DSUSB cable from the states. Help!!
Peter

[RobF]

I've got a dodgey manual switch soldered together myself for the 450D Peter - 3.5mm jack from memory. Bound to be different though...?

[AlexN]

The 20D uses a different plug Rob...

Peter - I'm pretty sure Bintel sell the DSUSB cable you require.. Might be quicker..

[Xeelee]

Count me in! I can't wait!

[pmrid]

Hi folks. Well, the skies have been good so far and Skippy Sky seems to be giving us the nod for tomorrow night also.
See you all then.
Peter

[pmrid]

Bintel has come to my rescue (credit also due to my credit card and Australia Post). Thank you linesmen, thank you ball-boys.
I now have a DSUSB N3 cable.

Peter

[DavidTrap]

Clouds not looking too good at the moment Peter..... :(

DT

[lesbehrens]

what do u think take the gamble???

[pmrid]

My gut feeling is that this will clear. The BOM site shows slight cloud, Skippy Sky shows us as clear until early Sun a.m. and, if past days aret a gide, the cloud will clear late afternoon and return about 3.30 a.m. - along with twilight. So I say take a chance. Of course that's easy for me to say ...!!! I have a fridge full and a short walk to bed.
Peter

[lesbehrens]

well i have a quick sleep and see you around 5pm

[DavidTrap]

I like your thinking Peter, but I won't be joining you tonight. I've had a busy week and a shocking week to come followed by a weekend on call. If the weather clears, I'll spend some time "testing" in the back yard tonight.

Ta
DT

[RobF]

Man, we're right on the edge of a nasty gradient on Skippy Sky with the 2pm afternoon update. I reckon we've got a 60-70% chance of seeing at least a few hours of dark sky, and that's enough for me.

Tell Brandy to look out for the phantom tail stomper!

Besides, I've got to hurry up and figure out which end of this CCD points at the stars :question:

[Tandum]

Where are you les? It's clear as a bell here :D

[jjjnettie]

Hasn't it been a beaut night Robin.
I'm well into my 2nd hour of m42.
Storms coming in from the west though. Guess you've seen the lightning already.

[jjjnettie]

Say hello to everyone for me.

[DavidTrap]

Well Boys & Girls,

I stayed in Brisbane, and "practiced" in the backyard. The weather certainly looks good (well at least until now as I packup and go to bed) - hope you've had a great night.

I managed to get K3CCDTools sorted for polar alignment and then practiced a bit with imaging of Pleiades and Orion. Still have to get my PHD settings worked out, the graph is up and down like a bride's nightie. I've taken some lights, darks and flats - so I'll have something to process at work on Monday!

Still trying to get my head around the whole process of find object, compose, check focus, find guide star, start guiding, start imaging, take flats, take darks, etc - and hopefully do it efficiently so that valuable time under dark skies isn't wasted!

Hope the storm isn't too bad...

DT

[AlexN]

Brisbane weather has held out... I'm on my 3rd hour worth of luminance frames... Should be a nice image if I get to keep imaging till dawn..

[Tandum]

Hey jjj, I almost stayed home but it's turned out perfect ...
We think the storms are over leyburn, where Alex went :)
They are west of here and heading north.
Lots of first lights on different stuff for me tonight .. so far so good :thumbsup:

[AlexN]

Didn't head out Robin... between weather/work and a mates b'day (which was supposed to be next weekend.) I didn't get a chance to head out to leyburn..

Got home at around 7, drift aligned by 7:30, ate dinner, started imaging at 8pm... still going strong! :)

[Tandum]

Looks like an alnighter here too, only 2 clouds in the sky, one large one small :)

[AlexN]

Outstanding! Hows the QHY9 treating you? Getting some good data flowing?

For that matter, what's everyone shooting?

Say Hi to everyone for me!

[jjjnettie]

Just finished my lights for m42. Taking my darks now.
3.5 hours of 5min subs @ iso 800
I'll not be doing any more tonight. The dew is settling in.
I was up till 4.30 this morning and up again at 8.30am. so I'm feeling pretty weary.

[AlexN]

3.5hrs JJJ! :) Good work! Is that your longest total exposure time to date? I bet you're itching to start processing!! :D

Good to see you around too... You've been a bit quiet this past week or two..

[jjjnettie]

I think my LMC was longer. But taken using shorter subs.
Be interesting to see what I come up with.

[Tandum]

It's all cooking nicely. Clouds are rolling in now though, last drinks I think:(

10minute Ha's are amazingly clean...

[jjjnettie]

I've packed up and am now planted on the couch processing.
Lost a few subs, I'm down an hours worth.
But I was very fussy with what I kept. You only want to stack the best of the best.
Hope you all managed to capture something special this evening.

[AlexN]

You're shooting NB from dark skies? Okaaay then :) Shame the clouds are rolling in on you :( Still crystal clear here.. I've got 5hrs L and 30m R G B on my target... got another 20mins till it crosses the meridian... Think I'll take a stab at a quick Omega Cent to finish off the night..



Its always best practice to intensely scrutinize the data... better to have 2.5hrs of amazing data than 3.5 of a mixture between amazing and semi-nice..

I lost an hours worth last night... I was wondering why the guider was making multiple pixel guiding corrections.. then I remembered the step that I forgot.. Polar Alignment.. (Apparently that's important! :) )

Looking forward to seeing what everyone's caught for tonight...

JJJ - You'll be happy to know that this time around I'll be taking a nap before I try my hand at processing :D

[ozstronomer]

Peter,

You turned on some great weather last night... Matt and I had a great night.

Thanks for your hospitality, hope to make it next time, especially hope the weather is as good.:)

With the fantastic seeing I expect the images to be awesome and thanks to everyone for the great company.

Cheers Geoff

[RobF]

Same thoughts here! Great night - thanks Peter and cheers everyone that was there.

[Tandum]

Yep Cheers Pete, how did those fifty 50 shots come out?

Geoff, you took one of my extension cords when you packed up. It's a grey one, I'll get it off you next time.

[fo.manush]

Peter,

Thanks for Saturday night from us aswell.

The weather was excellent and the seeing was very good.

Can't wait till the next time. :D

[pmrid]

Well, February is definitely looking like a photon-free zone.
The 28-day forecast chances of rain says:



2
high
3
med
4
med
5
med
6
med
7
low
8
low
9
high
10
high
11
high
12
low
13
low
14
high
15
high
16
high
17
high
18
high
19
high
20
high
21
high
22
high
23
high
24
high
25
med
26
high
27
high
28
high
Mar 1
high







Chance of rainfall within districtnil
< 25%low
25% to 50%med
50% to 75%high
≥ 75%

Spare a thought for the trees and the cows. Their need is greater than ours!!

Peter

[jjjnettie]

We're copping it tonight/this morning aren't we.
Ex tropical cyclone Olga is upon us.
The wind is so strong it's driving the rain through closed windows.
I reckon there'll be some flash flooding around.
Wonder if the schools will be open??

[DavidTrap]

Sorry, I just bought a second hand scope.

However, in my defence - I don't yet have a suitable mount for it to ride upon - so does it really count?

DT

[jjjnettie]

LOL
I've bought a light box and dew heaters.

[DavidTrap]

My wife tells me my new scope has just been delivered - unfortunately she can't tell me if the box rattles or not...

DT

[pmrid]

Good on ya' DT. It looks like you're going to have plenty of time to practice with it before pointing it at a DSO. It's a reflector isn't it? A Newtonian? Try teaching yourself how to collimate while you have the chance. Also, and because you'll have plenty of time, you could also try learning how to mix the perfect margarita, boot-scoot and crochet.
Peter

[DavidTrap]

Peter

It's a 4 inch Tak refractor - hopefully won't need collimation...

Not sure about crocheting???? What do you boys and girls get up to out at your observatory???

DT

[AlexN]

I can't speak for everyone, but I enjoy walking around the field at Peter's place, socializing and drinking many an ale :) I'm quite surprised that I've ever got a good image out there.. I don't think I've ever been there and not drank myself silly :D hahaha..

[jjjnettie]

I go for the science.

[AlexN]

Oh.. yes.. me too... Thats what I meant to say?! what did I say? Bah who cares, I'm off to get a beer.. :)

[Davros]

Its all about the science :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

And the socializing of course.
And how better to socialize than over a couple of drinks.

[Tandum]

You call that moonshine you had a drink !!!
Paint stripper more like :P

[jjjnettie]

;)I seem to remember Chemistry being one of the branches of Science.
I told you before, I go to 10 Chain Hill for the Science.

[that_guy]

where is this at?? can't find any ten chain hill in google maps...

[Tandum]

It's half way between Wivenheo and Sumerset dams.

[pmrid]

Don't sell your umbrellas yet, but SkippySky http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/ is saying good things about Friday and Saturday nights.
I'll be breaking in some new kit here at TenChain.
Peter.

[AlexN]

Good luck with the new kit Peter..

No luck on that AO-7 mate.. I must have either sold it with the ST9E or given it to someone else somewhere along the line... Sorry mate...

Having said that, there's an AO-8 unit in the "accessories" section of the trading forums.. At $700 its a steal...

[RobF]

I'm travelling and can't make it this weekend. Hope the weather is good for all.

[Xeelee]

Looking forward to tomorrow

Chris

[DavidTrap]

Hopefully the weather continues like it has for last night and tonight - hope to see you between 4 & 5 Peter,

Ta
David T

[pmrid]

Well, the grim reality seems to be emerging that tonight's weather will be cloudy. SkippySky shows it coming in the early evening and hanging in for at least the next 24hrs. So if you were deciding what to do, I suggest you get out a decent red and some good DVD's and tell the missus that you cancelled astronomy to spend Valentines Eve at home.

Peter

[DavidTrap]

Thanks for the advice Peter - rather disappointing really after the last two nights.

David T

[AlexN]

I got in a good 5hrs imaging last night. but tonight does not look promising...

Too bad.. Never got colour for NGC4945 last night :(

[DavidTrap]

I was getting depressed when in the pool this arvo with the kids - the clouds were parting leaving a crystal clear blue sky. When I went out to get Pizza for dinner, I was estatic to see the cloud bank coming in from the north - at least it justified my decision to stay home with the wife for Valentine's Day Eve!

DT

[pmrid]

Well guys, it's a bit past midnight and the sky is as clear as a bell. Who can figure this out?
Peter

[AlexN]

Sounds about right Peter.. :) Clouds up in the arvo, everyone packs it in and goes to bed, sky clears! :)

Enjoy it mate..

[pmrid]

I would if I could. The HEQ5Pro just back after nearly 6 weeks being fixed is playing up; red light flashing; won't slew. I've turned it off for now to avoid any damage. The new ST-7 fired up on the ED127 but I can't get the internal guider to talk to the EQ6. So all in all, the photons are a bit wasted on me tonight. The night dew is just coming in anyway so I'm for bed.

Peter.

[AlexN]

Flashing light indicates low power mate... Check your connections, and check how much you have running of the same power supply... The HEQ5 draws a peak of 6A at the initiation of a slew, around 4A for the duration of the slew and only 700mA during tracking...

What software are you using to control the ST7? and what guide cables are you using? Do you have a guider relay box or just going straight from the camera into the mount? With my ST9E I used a relay box... It seemed clunky, but it worked..

[pmrid]

5Amp power supplies - and I've tried several with the same result.

I've tried MAxim 4 and CCDOps without joy. The imaging chip responds OK. I'm running the I2C cable straight into the EQ6 autoguide port and the parallel cable straight to the PC. No relay box in between. It's probably something simple I've missed.

Peter

[pmrid]

And nothing else running off that power supply.
P.

[AlexN]

Hrmm.. that power issue sounds annoying to say the least, given the 6 week repair job...

As for the guider, I don't know... I suppose I'd have to be there looking at it to troubleshoot further really... Are you using the guide cable that came with it or one from a QHY5/Orion SSAG? Im not sure but the pinout may be different.. Pretty sure its not, but it may be.. Something to look at I suppose... The SBIG site has the manual for the older parallel port cameras that gives a diagram of the pin-out. You could at least check that the camera and mount are the same, and check the cable is suitable...

[pmrid]

Problem solved - thanks to Ron at Sirius Optics and my Visa card.
Ron has taken the errant HEQ5pro under his wing to get it fixed properly.
In the meanwhile he has sold me a nice new NEQ6Pro that I am delighted to say I have finished installing today. It does mean that the chances of clear skies have been deferred for several weeks for which my apologies to one and all.
I am hoping to get a few glory holes later tonight to get a rough alignment and even - touch wood - test the guiding. I have decided to go totally overboard with the guiding and have whacked an F6 100mm Orion up on a side-saddle. No goosing around for guide stars with an OAG on a long focal length RC. Overkill? Of course it is. But ya gotta do it - right??

Peter

[AlexN]

Overkill is just another way to spell success Peter... :)

Sounds the goods... Are you going to have two EQ6's in the shed and the HEQ5 as a field mount now?

Isn't it amazing... There really is nothing a Visa can't fix..

[adman]

It is the definitive all-purpose tool. Everyone should keep one close to hand, and a spare in the glovebox!:lol:

Adam

[RobF]

Just curious Peter - what's an NEQ6Pro got over an EQ6Pro?

[AlexN]

A different sticker Rob... Not much else.. The NEQ6 Pro - W uses a 4" losmandy D-Plate instead of the standard vixen saddle used on the HEQ5/EQ6 mounts... but the standard NEQ6Pro uses vixen saddles...

[pmrid]

One word - "availability". I wanted and EQ6. All that was available was an 'N' with an adapter plate. So with a few holes drilled and tapped, I was able to use my Vixen bars with it. I got enough of a gap in the clouds to test it's basic tracking and guiding and all seems to function properly. And of course last night was a waste of time so all hope is on tonight.
Peter

[Tandum]

Looks like later tonight and tomorrow might be the go pete. The sun is out here today for the first time in a long time although it was raining again this morning. Better get the mower started while the goings good :D

[jjjnettie]

You're dreaming Robin.
It's going to be cloudy forever.

[AlexN]

I agree JJJ... The clouds are never going away...

Mind you - I was at the Soundwave festival yesterday, and despite the cloud cover, there is one star that made its presence quite well known... I'm the lovely red shade of a lobster and quite immobilized... I dont know about global warming, but cranial warming is definitely occurring right now...when I put an icepack on my head steam comes off... :D

[jjjnettie]

Poor baby!!
(nettie pat's alex gently on the head)

[pmrid]

There does seem to be a 50/50 chance for a break late tonight. But it won't last long. And the prospects over the next week or so are consistently bleak.
I'm happy enough to just mess about getting to know this new kit but you still need a bare miniumum of sky to do that.
Another consequence of bad weather is "fiddling". Today I remounted my ST-7 onto the RC to try a bit of self-guiding. It seemed to me that having the QHY8 on the ED127 was great but there was little point having my 20D on the RC since it produced roughly the same image scale. Waste of good scope. So this means actually biting the bullet and coming to grips with MaximDL 5.
That'll keep me off the sauce - or on it depending how it goes.
Peter.