IceInSpace AstroCamp - Lostock, Jan 26-29 2006

[iceman]

Hi guys.

This is now the official thread announcing the IceInSpace AstroCamp (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac), to be held at Lostock on January 26-29 in 2006.

It is being held over 3 nights, Thursday Friday and Saturday nights. Don't forget Thursday is a public holiday (Australia Day).

A web page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac) is now live with all the details for the event, including costs, sponsors, competitions and prizes, activities and guest speakers, etc. It's likely to evolve further as the event draws near, so check back regularly.

A booking form is almost complete, and will be launched tomorrow morning so you can book your spot!

The name has changed from "IISA" (IceInSpace Astrofest) to "IISAC" (IceInSpace AstroCamp), so there's no confusion with the QLD Astrofest. It's also planned that future QLD and Snake Valley (VIC) IceInSpace star parties will share the IISAC "brand".
The logos haven't been updated yet, but they will be soon.

Please start planning your trip and when the booking form is live I hope to see some people confirming their interest!

Please use this thread to discuss the event or ask any questions.

[gary]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the excellent web site.

Wildcard Innovations is proud to be a sponsor of the IceInSpace Astronomy Camp
and Mai and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[bird]

Hi Mike. I'll be there for the three nights, sounds like fun!

Bird

[janoskiss]

Bird, you get to go to all the parties. No fair. :(

[bird]

Yep, I'm a real party animal... :drink: :drink: :zzz:

[iceman]

The newest sponsor on board is SKY:Lab Astronomy Software (http://www.skylab.com.au), who are sponsoring a prize of "STAR Atlas:Pro - Level II" (valued at $129). Thanks SKY:Lab for your support!

I've updated my local copy of the page and will upload it today (hopefully) once I've made a few other changes around the site.

Hopefully the booking page will be ready in the next day or two.

In other news, I sent emails out to astro clubs yesterday to try and get some support from them (in the form of attendance!). If you're active in your astronomy club, it would be great if you could mention IISAC and convince them to come along!

I have had some A4 posters printed up (of the poster logo above). If you are able to help distribute these to where you think they might be of use (astronomy shops, astro clubs, etc), then please get in touch with me via PM and i'll send you some.

[iceman]

Hi all.

The online booking page for Lostock is now live - please go to the IISAC (www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac) page and follow the links to the booking form.

If you want to sleep in a bunkbed, spaces are limited so get in early and book your spot!

An email will be sent to you confirming your booking and will have the details on how to pay.

If you have any problems with launching the booking page (it's a popup window), please let me know.

Thanks to h0ughy, tornado33 and Alan Meehan who went up last weekend, there are now some new images on the IISAC info page showing the farm houses, the swimming hole, the toilet/shower block and the kitchen. I'm heading up there this weekend and will get some more photos then, too.

Thanks!

[iceman]

Just a note:

The Red Light Pens that you have the option of ordering through the IISAC booking form are in addition to any Red Light Pens you may have already ordered.

The new batch would be a new order to have in time to hand out at the camp.

[frogman]

Hey Mike ..... popup caravan ? behind my Patrol ?!?!?!! any thoughts ? or should i just throw the swag in on top of my scope ?

Anthony

[bird]

Mike, I've registered for 3 nights.

Bird

[h0ughy]

I have registered, for 3 nights.

Mike is doing a wonderful Job Guys getting this off the ground. Come on and support your IIS and book, pay and attend this event, you won't regret it! the more happy campers the more photons collected, canons and Pentax's melted and glorious images captured.

[h0ughy]

Its a long and winding road anthony, very narrow in places, by all means bring the van if you must! Not everyone can bring their hotel with them :P . be glad to see you there Anthony :)

[iceman]

Froggy, as h0ughy said there's no problem bringing a van, there's room to park it there. But it is a narrow and winding road for the last 25 km's so just be aware of that.

[iceman]

Hi guys.

The naming has slightly changed to "IceInSpace AstroCamp", the abbreviation is still "IISAC".

I've updated the original attachment in this thread to include the new poster.

I've attached a smaller version to this post.

[Robby]

Just one comment... I'd suggest removing the "JOIN US UNDER THE STARS" line.
Otherwise very nice design.
Cheers

[Orion]

George and I are registered for three nights, it will be nice meeting everyone.
See you there!

[iceman]

Great to hear Ed! Look forward to seeing you and George again, it's been ages!

[iceman]

Louie and I went up to Lostock on Saturday afternoon to do some more reconnaissance..

It's a great spot and will be very very dark!

Here's some pics.

1. From below the house looking back and observing areas
2. Camping area (on other side of road)
3. Camping area
4. The house and observing areas
5. Amenities block and observing areas
6. From above the house looking back, and observing areas

[iceman]

And some pics of the water hole.. it will be a very popular spot on a hot sunny day.

[Orion]

I was planning on going up there on Sunday for a bit of a drive and a look around but that was a no go because of the rain.
I might try again next weekend.

[Striker]

I have booked and payed for 3 nights.

Can't wait to meet you guys.

You know I expect the red carpet treatment....lol

[h0ughy]

Striker, is Paul going to come with you? Glad your coming!

[Striker]

Yep.

Paul the navigator.

[h0ughy]

Has he booked yet online, the spaces are filling fast for the bunks ;)

[iceman]

David is right, the bunk beds are filling fast so get your booking in ASAP, don't wait!

[Striker]

we are both camping....got to find a tent yet.

We dont need bunk beds...we are men

So I am bringing my water bed......lol

[h0ughy]

What don't you like Paul's snoring :lol: he has the taj mahal :P

[ausastronomer]

Mike,

Thats not a winding road, you only think its winding :) The 17km road from Fox Glacier to Franz Joseph Glacier on the West Coast of NZ's South Island is pretty windy. Or better still the road up to the top of Te Mata peak lookout at Havelock North near Hastings in NZ's Nth Island, thats a ripper. Almost had to change my jockeys going up that 1 :)

CS-John B

[Orion]

Went today for a drive to Lostock to have a look around and took some more pics of the Scout Camp.
I had a swim in the river and can tell you it was beautiful!

[iceman]

Nice pics Ed, and good on your for trying out the swimming hole! :)

Any more NAS guys coming along?

[iceman]

Let's keep the bookings rolling in, guys..

Don't forget, to be in the running for $1500 worth of lucky door prizes, you need to book!

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac

Currently booked (as at 19/12/2005):
- 33South (3 nights)
- h0ughy (3 nights)
- ausastronomer, his wife and son (3 nights) and his sister (1 night)
- Lesa and Peter Moore (1 night)
- Bird (3 nights)
- frogman (3 nights)
- atalas (Louie) plus 5 other members of his family (3 nights)
- Orion (Ed) and George (3 nights)
- Andrew Broadhurst (NAS member) + his wife and 3 kids (3 nights)
- striker (3 nights)
- PhotonCollector (1 night)
- Richard Everett (3 nights)
- Alan Meehan (3 nights)
- cahullian (Gazz) + his wife and son (3 nights)
- iceman (+ maybe wife and kids) (3 nights)
- itchy (2 nights)
- hitchhiker (3 nights)
- Ian Cook (3 nights)
- Gary Kopff and Mai Tran (3 nights)
- Rodstar (Rod) + 2 sons (2 nights)
- evo + wife + son (2 nights)
- 1ponders (Paul) (3 nights)
- norm + michael (1 night)
- venus (Lydia) + Thomas (3 nights)
- Graeme Auld (3 nights)


Bunkbed accomodation is running out, so get in quick to book a bed in the farmhouse!

[Orion]

Just a short drive from the Scout Camp is Lostock Dam. Here are a few pics....

[Orion]

I'm not sure.
When Houghy asked the same question at one of our meetings there were a lot of hands raised.
So there might be

[iceman]

Nice shots of the Dam, Ed.. my family and I stopped there on our trip there a few months ago and had a picnic lunch.

It's a great swimming and fishing spot, and the Lostock Caravan Park is nearby too.

I added Itchy and Hitchhiker to the "booked" list above.

[iceman]

Updates today:

- Added Ian Cook to the booked list.

Changes to the IISAC page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac):
- Added "Light Use Policy" (under Vital Stats)
- Added "Aerial Map" (under Vital Stats)
- Added "What to Bring" section.

Please make sure you are familiar with the above.

[iceman]

It appears someone has paid for their booking, but hasn't left a reference on the direct deposit.

If that was you, please email or PM with the relevant details so I can confirm it was you and mark you as paid.

Thanks

btw updated the post above to include the current people who have booked as of today.

[Striker]

The camp is looking to be a very successful one going by those number's Mike...can't wait.

BTW MIke....I received the $500 attendance fee I asked for...thanks...dont worry about the attendance fee for the second and third night's...I will throw them in for free.

Come on Paul (1Ponders)...book up as I am planning on taking you down.
Just confirmed with work today getting the friday off....so all I need is a tent...preferably with air conditioning.

[[1ponders]]

Ok I've booked for 3 Nights. Don't worry about a tent Tony. I have spares.

[Orion]

Great to hear that Paul.
It will be nice to meet you.

[sheeny]

High guys,

Just put my leave form in today... if all approved I'll be there (with Lyn) for 3 nights, camping.

Got a major shutdown at work each side of the camp, but I don't have too much involvement in the second one so I hope the gods will approve my leave...:P
Al.

[[1ponders]]

Don't worry Ed, nothing Tony has said about me in the past is true :lol:

[iceman]

ugh, 2 deposits have gone into my account for what looks like payment for the camp, but without reference details to show me who made the deposit.

If you recently made a deposit for your payment for the camp, please PM with me with the details so i can confirm who it is and mark you as paid.

Please make sure you include a reference (your name!) on the deposit so I can match it up with your booking. If your net banking/bank facility doesn't alllow this, please PM with so I can keep an eye out for it.

[iceman]

The Lucky Door Prizes will be drawn on Saturday afternoon at 5pm.

You must be present at the draw, and have booked and paid for at least 1 night of accomodation (either on or off site) to be eligible to win a prize.

More rules and announcements next week.

[iceman]

Announcing 1 new sponsor and 3 new prizes!

1. myAstroShop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au) is generously sponsoring a Vixen LV 6mm eyepiece for the lucky door prize competition!

2. LEGAL ADVICE PRIZE: Rod Berry, partner of Heazlewoods Bushby International Lawyers (http://www.heazlewoods.com.au/), who specialises in litigation involving commercial disputes, employment law and disputed estates, will provide legal advice to the lucky winner, which may be taken in the form of the preparation and safe custody of a will, or advice on any disputed matter of a legal nature to the equivalent value of $500.

3. Another lucky door prize, is a second hand (in good condition!) 4 1/2" reflector on an EQ mount. Thanks to Ed (Orion) for donating the prize.

Thanks to Steve, Rod and Ed, and it's even more reasons to book your spot!

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac

[iceman]

More bookings coming in, great to see!

If you haven't booked yet, please do so soon. Dinners are catered by the Gresford Royal Fire Brigade, so we need to know numbers in order for them to do their job properly! So if you've been putting off booking, please don't put it off too long!

The earlier you book, the easier it is for the organisers to work out catering and other requirements. Book by clicking on the booking link at the IISAC info page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac).

Currently booked (as at 23/12/2005):
- 33South (3 nights)
- h0ughy (3 nights)
- ausastronomer, his wife and son (3 nights) and his sister (1 night)
- Lesa and Peter Moore (1 night)
- Bird (3 nights)
- frogman (3 nights)
- atalas (Louie) plus 5 other members of his family (3 nights)
- Orion (Ed) and George (3 nights)
- Andrew Broadhurst (NAS member) + his wife and 3 kids (3 nights)
- striker (3 nights)
- PhotonCollector (1 night)
- Richard Everett (3 nights)
- Alan Meehan (3 nights)
- cahullian (Gazz) + his wife and son (3 nights)
- iceman (3 nights) + wife & kids (1 night)
- itchy (2 nights)
- hitchhiker (3 nights)
- Ian Cook (3 nights)
- Gary Kopff and Mai Tran (3 nights)
- Rodstar (Rod) + 2 sons (2 nights)
- evo + wife + son (2 nights)
- 1ponders (Paul) (3 nights)
- norm + michael (1 night)
- venus (Lydia) + Thomas (3 nights)
- Graeme Auld (3 nights)
- southseeker (+ wife) (3 nights)
- cookie8 (2 nights)
- Barti (2 nights)
- Mike Boggan + Erik (3 nights)
- Sheeny + partner (3 nights)

[iceman]

Hi all.

Please read for some important updates that have been made to the IISAC Info (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac) page:

- The Agenda (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/lostock/IISAC-Agenda.pdf) is now available for viewing (40k pdf)

- The Acknowledgement and Disclaimer (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/lostock/IISAC-AcknowledgementDisclaimer.pdf) is now available for download. This form must be signed and handed in when you arrive at the camp. It's simply to protect IceInSpace and the IISAC organising committee from legal action.

- An update to the Light Use Policy (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/lostock/IISAC_LightUsePolicy.pdf), with some advice for green lasers.

- Latitude and Longitude have been added to the Vital Stats section.

- The list (and pictures) of prizes and sponsors has been updated.

- Some updates to the What to Bring section. Please ensure you have read this. In particular, please ensure you bring a table and chair. Also, we're encouraging everyone to bring 1 or 2 toilet rolls to add to a "pool" which will hopefully give us enough to go around the 10+ toilets onsite to last the 3 days.

- A new section, Things to Know!. Please ensure you have read this.

- Some updates to the Guest Speakers and Workshops section.

- A new section, What's in the Sky at Lostock, which will have a list of popular and interesting objects to view under the dark skies of Lostock in late January. It also announces the Night Sky Tours which will be given each night from 8:30pm.

- Some updates about the Food and Beverage, in particular the dinner menu and the cost of soft drinks.

- Updates to the Rules and Conditions, in particular regarding the Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form.

- The Lucky Door Prize Competition Rules have been added - please ensure you read this. To be eligible for the lucky door prize, you must:
a) Have paid for your camp entry (every person on your booking gets a raffle ticket for the draw)
b) Have handed in your Acknowledgement and Disclaimer form
c) Be present (or have your ticket present) at the draw (4:30pm Saturday) to claim the prize

Any questions or suggestions, please let me know!

[iceman]

Added 3 new bookings that came in over the last day! Well done guys, we're up to about 50 people coming (including families)!

Look forward to some more bookings over the next few weeks!

[Striker]

See what happens once they understand I am coming....what can I say...lol

Looks to be a succesfull event already.

[Sausageman]

Hey Guy's and Gal's,
Erik and I are definately coming south for the IIS Starparty weekend.
Having a bit of trouble with the campervan/motorhome though, they don't like to hire them out for just a weekend.
We need the van as we will be bringing both scopes, Erik has the 8" GSO and I will have the 10" LX200GPS
My car isn't big enough to carry all that, and the supplies for the weekend, and I don't have a towbar on the commodore.
So we may just hire a truck to carry all the gear and camp for the weekend. But I do like my creature comforts, like a decent bed and shower.

Striker, I will bring a batch of home made sausages and donate them for the IIS BBQ. Probably 3 or 4 kilo's. Or I could bring my machine down and make them fresh on the spot each day, maybe a sausage making workshop could be included in the program, during the day of course.
They are just the best you will ever eat, and will be OK for everyone including people with a Gluten allergy. I can even make beef ones for those with a religious bias and pork ones for the rest of us. I have even made Cajun chicken, prawn and rice ones, Really nice, but they are expensive to make.

Mike

[Striker]

Firstly...great to see ya coming Mike,

Regarding sausages...I'm sure it would give us something different to watch during the day...I say make them at Lostock if possible...would be interesting

Might have to work out something with Iceman regarding the cooking of the sausages as all dinners are catered for....maybe do a sausage sizzle for lunch one day?????

[iceman]

Hey Mike. Glad you can make it down! Don't forget to book!

Sausages sound great! Like Tony said, maybe a sausage sizzle lunch would be a good idea?


Don't forget you can go the bunkbed option instead of camping, and the camp already has plenty of hot water showers so creature comforts are already there!

[Sausageman]

Hey Iceman,

I have booked the bunkbed option for Erik and Myself at astrofest. :thumbsup:
Will sneak down to the bank tomorrow and send the money.

Apparently the scope turned up today, 20 minutes before my son got home from work, as there was no-one here they took it away. ahh well I wasn't expecting it until tomorrow anyway. Bummer. :sad:
I will be home tomorrow though except for the bank thing but my son will be here, he is eager to get a look too.

See you there.

Mike

[iceman]

Added 2 new bookings to above, for Mike and Sheeny.

Bunkbed accommodation consists of about 36 beds, 18 in the top house and 18 in the bottom house. The bottom house is the HQ.

To get your bed, it will be first in best dressed. We'll have some stickers to put your name on your bed when you arrive. There are some families that will want to claim a whole room (eg: 5 beds).

The bookings for bunkbeds so far look like this:
- Thursday night: 19 beds
- Friday night: 27 beds
- Saturday night: 31 beds

So as you can see, Saturday night is the busiest so far and bunkbed spots are running out for Saturday night. So if you want a bunkbed, book quickly!

If you don't get a bunkbed, there is heaps of camping space on nice, flat, grass-covered ground.

[Striker]

Great news...is there going to be name tags to wear...I hope so with this amount of people.

[iceman]

Yep, there'll be name tags.

[h0ughy]

Yes mate complete with photo identification :lol:

I'll even Spell your name correctly! :help3:

[Sausageman]

Iceman.

Can you confirm that your BSB number is correct on the payment details form.
My Bank didn't recognise it as being Newcastle Premanent number

Mike

[Striker]

BSB 650000
Acc 924557204

Is correct.....

[Sausageman]

Thanks Tony,
Will transfer the dosh via the net banking tonight.

Guess what I got today..Yep the LX200 arrived.
Photo posted shortly.

Mike

[Striker]

Congrats Mike.....did you get a wedge or is it only for visuals.

[Sausageman]

No Tony,
No wedge (at the moment) maybe later when the wife has calmed down a bit.
Just doing eyeball stuff at the moment.
But I wish I had got the 12v dc adapter, don't think the batteries will last long.

Mike

[frogman]

hey mike, will there be someone representing the stores ??? IE EP sales ? or should i just buy a 6ish mm EP now

[ausastronomer]

Anthony,

Am I missing something ? I thought you bought a 2nd hand 6mm Vixen LV

CS-John B

[frogman]

9mm .... but its ok i paid some bills broke again :)

[Dobman]

IISAC: Are there any members from tasmania going to Lostock? If so, how are you getting there? Still making up my mind:confuse3:

[Sausageman]

Where do I post the money for registration to.
The Bank won't do a transfer and I can't do it either via internet banking.
So I have a money order waiting to go in the mail.

Mike

[ausastronomer]

Mike,

I have sent you Mike Salway's address via PM.

CS-John B

[Sausageman]

CS-John B

Thanks for the address, will mail it asap.
See you there.

Mike

[iceman]

Dobman, to my knowledge no other Tassies are coming yet. But you can be the first! :)

You can get a plane to Sydney and hire a car, or maybe newcastle airport would be better - save yourself about 2 hours of driving.


I think Michael from Bintel is still planning to come up, and he might bring some stock that you can buy. But no other vendors have responded, so there won't be offical vendor stalls as such.

Of course don't forget Gary from AN will be there, so you can buy an ArgoNavis, or win one if you're lucky :)

[iceman]

Well guys and gals, the silly season is pretty much officially over, which means it's time to start seriously thinking about Lostock again!

Just over 3 weeks to go!

If you haven't booked, now is the time to do so!

If you have booked, now is the time to pay (if you haven't done so yet)!

If you have booked, now is the time to read the IISAC Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac) for rules, what to bring, things to know, maps, policies and other important information.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

[33South]

Mike wheres the countdown clock so I know when to start to panic.:lol:

I mean pack, no panic, right the first time :scared:

[merlin8r]

Hi guys, first time poster.

I'm looking at going up, hopefully for all three days, depends on what the roster clerk can do for me. I have a couple of quick questions though, sorry....
When you say 240v power will be limited, will I still be able to charge batteries? Will any power be available for poeer hungry laptops etc? (Just so I know whether to bring it or not)
And because I am extremely lazy, is there a nice easy beacon somewhere on the horizon from the field that says "this way is south"?
Looking forward to meeting you all there!!

[h0ughy]

Not a problem mate, just bring your battery along and a recharger and you will be looked after very well. also if you have an extension lead or powerboard would be nice too. :wink2:


As for the beacon, well we will set orion's 18" light bucket on the nearest hill south of us and we can use him as reference. :lol: . there will be plenty of "pro's" and other sad people with digital gizmos and compases to show you the way. Asso the southern cross ;)

[tornado33]

Ive just booked and paid for the Friday night. I will be coming up with Photoncollector. he is staying just the one night, I elected to as well, as summer heat knocks me around, my health isnt as good of late.
Merlin8r, the houses are basically ex farmhouses and so have powerpoints around, there should be ones available for battery charging and the like. Its just that theres no 240v at the actual observing field , though the scouts have a small parade ground with a floodlight pole near by dont know if there is a 240v powerpoint in that.
Scott

[merlin8r]

Awesome, thanks guys. Will bring my longest ext cord and powerboard. So long as the weather forecast looks ok

[iceman]

Don't forget to book Shane! Will be great to see you there, and :welcome: to the forum!

Shame you can only come for one night, Scott.

[iceman]

Bookings are still coming in, great to see. If you haven't booked yet, now is the time to do so!

Currently booked (as at 09/01/2006):
- 33South (3 nights)
- h0ughy (3 nights)
- ausastronomer, his wife and son (3 nights) and his sister (1 night)
- Lesa and Peter Moore (1 night)
- Bird (3 nights)
- frogman (3 nights)
- atalas (Louie) plus 5 other members of his family (3 nights)
- Orion (Ed) and George (3 nights)
- Andrew Broadhurst (NAS member) + his wife and 3 kids (3 nights)
- striker (3 nights)
- PhotonCollector (1 night)
- Richard Everett (3 nights)
- Alan Meehan (3 nights)
- cahullian (Gazz) and son (3 nights)
- iceman (3 nights) + wife & kids (1 night)
- itchy (2 nights)
- hitchhiker (3 nights)
- Ian Cook (3 nights)
- Gary Kopff and Mai Tran (3 nights)
- Rodstar (Rod) + 2 sons (2 nights)
- evo + wife + son (2 nights)
- 1ponders (Paul) (3 nights)
- norm + michael (1 night)
- venus (Lydia) + Thomas (3 nights)
- Graeme Auld (3 nights)
- southseeker (+ wife) (3 nights)
- cookie8 (2 nights)
- Barti (2 nights)
- Mike Boggan + Erik (3 nights)
- Sheeny + partner (3 night)
- Markus B (3 nights)
- Craig S (2 nights)
- Alex A + wife (2 nights)
- tornado33 (Scott) (1 night)
- See_Ate (Martin) (2 nights)
- merlin8r (Shane) (3 nights)

Please don't forget to check out all the info on the IISAC Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac).

[Orion]

It's great to see so many people coming!




Yes Houghy being a "light house" was one of it's design parameters. :)

[Striker]

I think the name tags are going to be a must.....lol

Not long to go now.

Paul....I hope you have done your homework on how to get their...your the navigator.

[sheeny]

G'Day Mike,

I hope this is a typo...



I was sure I booked and paid for 3 nights. The previous list showed that too. Let me know if there's a problem! ;)


Thanks mate!

Al.

[iceman]

You did sheeny! My bad!
I'll fix it.

[ausastronomer]

Mike,

Suggest you also edit your post in case anyone else curious on the numbers !!

CS-John B

[cahullian]

Mike I have paid for 3 of us as Dede sweet talked her new boss into giving her 2 days off.
The money will hit your account on Monday

[iceman]

Ok i've updated the previous page with list of attendees..

Statistics:
- 67 people coming in total ( so far )
- 55 adults (incl some partners), 12 kids
- 44 people staying all 3 nights
- 13 people staying 2 nights
- 10 people staying 1 night

It's shaping up to be a great event!

[iceman]

I've also added the "GROUP PHOTO!" to the agenda, to be taken on Saturday at 5:30pm, in-between the lucky door prize draw and dinner. Please make yourself available.

You can see the agenda by loading up this 40k PDF file:

IISAC Agenda (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/lostock/IISAC-Agenda.pdf)

[Sausageman]

Iceman

I'm saddened by the agenda, there is no "Sausage making 101" included. LOL.
I will still bring my gear with me. Actually, I am getting more equipment this week that will help in producing superior snags. Real snag making will be a bonus as we can eat them.
I would be willing to sell them at a sausage sizzle and contribute the money to IIS.

Mike.

[iceman]

Sounds great for a lunchtime event Mike, can't wait!

[33South]

Thanks Mike

15days 3hrs 26min and 19secs, no 18, no 17..... to go.

[iceman]

Great news guys..

Forum member "hector" (Andrew Murrell - well known and respected amateur astronomer) will be coming to IISAC for the Friday and Saturday nights.

He'll be bringing his 20" dob known as "hector" and will be doing sky tours (along with Ed and his 18") of some popular and also not-so-well-known objects.

Andrew has an encyclopedic knowledge of our Southern Skies, and it will be a great chance for people to pick his brains and learn about what you're viewing!

[Thiink]

Im going to visit my grand parents on the Saturday (they live in Muswellbrook), so might be able to come for Saturday/Saturday night (and stay off site). How are people going to like cars leaving early in the morning though (never been to a camp so I dont know)? As long as you are careful and dont flash the field there shouldnt be a problem?

[iceman]

It'll be fine Simon, just park your car in a spot where you can get away without high beaming everyone :) You shouldn't have a prob.

[Thiink]

Classy. I will fill the form out on Monday and DD some money into your account.

[iceman]

Currently booked (as at 16/01/2006):
- 33South (3 nights)
- h0ughy (3 nights)
- ausastronomer, his wife and son (3 nights) and his sister (1 night)
- Lesa and Peter Moore (1 night)
- Bird (3 nights)
- frogman (3 nights)
- atalas (Louie) plus 5 other members of his family (3 nights)
- Orion (Ed) and George (3 nights)
- Andrew Broadhurst (NAS member) + his wife and 3 kids (3 nights)
- striker (3 nights)
- PhotonCollector (1 night)
- Richard Everett (3 nights)
- Alan Meehan (3 nights)
- cahullian (Gazz) and son (3 nights)
- iceman (3 nights) + wife & kids (1 night)
- itchy (2 nights)
- hitchhiker (3 nights)
- Ian Cook (3 nights)
- Gary Kopff and Mai Tran (3 nights)
- Rodstar (Rod) + 2 sons (1 night)
- evo + wife + son (2 nights)
- 1ponders (Paul) (3 nights)
- norm + michael (1 night)
- venus (Lydia) + Thomas (3 nights)
- Graeme Auld (3 nights)
- southseeker (+ wife) (3 nights)
- cookie8 (2 nights)
- Barti (2 nights)
- Mike Boggan + Erik (3 nights)
- Sheeny + partner (3 night)
- Markus B (3 nights)
- Craig S (2 nights)
- Alex A + wife (2 nights)
- tornado33 (Scott) (1 night)
- See_Ate (Martin) (2 nights)
- merlin8r (Shane) (3 nights)
- shredder (Michael) + Eugene (1 night)
- Philip Relf (2 nights)
- hector (Andrew Murrell) (2 nights)

I'm expecting more bookings in the next week. It's getting so close now it's almost time to check the long range weather forecast! :)

Please don't forget to check out all the info on the IISAC Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac), especially the What To Bring and Things to Know sections.

[33South]

Just been to Bintel for a chat and spend some money.
Looks like they'll definitely be at Lostock with some goodies for show/sale.

Also heard an rumour.
Mike if you want details PM me. :lol:

[iceman]

Nice of Michael to tell me he's coming up :) I'll try and ring him again.

I've PM'd you.. darn you and your suspenseful ways!

[h0ughy]

Mike tell them they will need to bring a table!!

[iceman]

Will do houghy.. or, they can sell it off the back of the truck.. literally :)

[h0ughy]

I want the back of the truck prices but :wink2:

[33South]

Theyll be the only ones with more gear than you on site :lol: (maybe)

[RB]

I've heard that rumour too, hope it's true........ :prey:

[iceman]

BIG NEWS

Bintel (http://www.bintelshop.com.au) are sponsoring a 12" Premium GSO Dob as a lucky door prize.

That's the one with the crayford focuser and fan, and also comes with 4 colour filters, a 2" FMC 32mm eyepiece, and a 2 x 1 1/4" GSO plossl eyepieces (9mm and 15mm).

Many thanks to Bintel. Michael from Bintel will also be attending the camp as an amateur astronomer, as well as a Bintel sales rep, and he'll have a trailer full of Bintel gear to sell at the camp (eyepieces, scopes etc) - some at star party special prices..

If you haven't booked for the camp yet, then now is the time!

IISAC Info (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac)

[Striker]

Thats fantastic......well done Bintel

Not long to go now.......we wont talk about the weather...it will be fine.

[ausastronomer]

Great News !!!!!!

Well done to all the boys at Bintel

CS-John B

[RB]

That's the one.
The rumour is now a fact.
Well done Bintel, terrific bunch of guys and gals.

And to ALL the sponsers too.
Thank You

:drink: :)

[h0ughy]

thanks to everyone for generously donating those prizes to me, o h , I haven't won them yet. Dang!! I will next week!!LOL

[frogman]

cool hope they bring a range of vixens with them ! ;) ;) ;) would be nice to be able to afford the LVW's.....

Excelent....... but can you mount a 12" on a 12" ??????

[iceman]

Bintel don't sell Vixens, froggy!

[iceman]

I've updated the IISAC Info Page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/?iisac) to include the sponsorship and lucky door prize from Bintel.

I've also included a map and directions, How To Get There (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/lostock/IISAC_HowToGetThere.pdf). (100k PDF)

If you're still deciding on whether you should come, now's the time to make that decision! Where else will you get such good odds of winning a share in over $3000 worth of prizes!

Because the dinner is being catered for by the local RFB, they need to know numbers by the end of this week so they can buy the right quantity of meat.
So please book today if you intend on coming - otherwise there may not be a catered meal for you.

You're still welcome to book later, or even just turn up during the camp, but you may need to cook for yourself. You're welcome to use the fully equipped kitchens and BBQ.

Bunkbeds for the Saturday night are all but gone, so you will likely need to plan on camping.

Any questions, gimme a shout.

[Thiink]

Ive booked for the Saturday night (off-site option) and deposited some money into your account Ice (plus $5 for a pen!). Even if Im only there for one night am I still eligible for the lucky door prizes? :P

[iceman]

yeh Simon, as long as you're there for the draw!

[Thiink]

Woo!

Now to decide which way Im going to go to get to the camp. Theres a few options! Does anyone know how long it takes to get from Singleton to the camp?

[iceman]

The IISAC t-shirts are ready! See this thread: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=6989

Simon, probably about 40-60 minutes I guess. Not quite sure. Did you check out the map/directions I posted yesterday?

[danielsun]

I wish i was going because i know how dark the skys are there. i had my brother living in MT George many years ago and the night sky absolutley blew me away!!!! Best i had ever seen!! So if lostock is any thing like that it will be awesome. If its on next year i will definately make an effort to get there!!!

Have a great time everyone!!! ;)

[iceman]

Thanks Daniel!

The plan is definitely to have it again next year, even bigger I'm sure!

Haven't looked at the lunar calendar yet though.

[h0ughy]

yes a better time of year, no heat, less flies, more night, slightly cooler, not near SPSP, or QLD astrofest, NZ astro imaging, Ballarat ISSAC, VIC SP, no cyclones, aren't we gald its here and not Lismore area :lol:

[iceman]

That's the problem! There's only 12 new moons a year, and you don't want to do it the month before or after a big star party already in place (like SPSP).

So it doesn't leave many options.

Anyway we might find out after next weekend that it's the BEST time of year! :)

[h0ughy]

bigger , better, meaner skies, really dark - ok I am on a high the sky is clear.

It really would be nice to do this next year, maybe slightly later in the year

[h0ughy]

Its always the best time of year when you get dedicated people of all ilks getting together to share scope envy and view the heavens ;)

[iceman]

Currently booked (as at 20/01/2006):
- 33South (3 nights)
- h0ughy (3 nights)
- ausastronomer, his wife and son (3 nights) and his sister (1 night)
- Lesa and Peter Moore (1 night)
- Bird (3 nights)
- frogman (3 nights)
- atalas (Louie) plus 5 other members of his family (3 nights)
- Orion (Ed) and George (3 nights)
- Andrew Broadhurst (NAS member) + his wife and 3 kids (3 nights)
- striker (3 nights)
- PhotonCollector (1 night)
- Richard Everett (3 nights)
- Alan Meehan (3 nights)
- cahullian (Gazz) and son (3 nights)
- iceman (3 nights) + wife & kids (1 night)
- itchy (2 nights)
- hitchhiker (3 nights)
- Ian Cook (3 nights)
- Gary Kopff and Mai Tran (3 nights)
- Rodstar (Rod) + 2 sons (1 night)
- evo + wife + son (2 nights)
- 1ponders (Paul) (3 nights)
- norm + michael (1 night)
- venus (Lydia) + Thomas (3 nights)
- Graeme Auld (3 nights)
- southseeker (+ wife) (3 nights)
- cookie8 (2 nights)
- Barti (2 nights)
- Mike Boggan + Erik (3 nights)
- Sheeny + partner (3 night)
- Markus B (3 nights)
- Craig S (2 nights)
- Alex A + wife (2 nights)
- tornado33 (Scott) (1 night)
- See_Ate (Martin) (2 nights)
- merlin8r (Shane) (3 nights)
- shredder (Michael) + Eugene (1 night)
- Philip Relf (2 nights)
- hector (Andrew Murrell) (2 nights)
- Rocket Boy (Andrew) (1 night - maybe)
- Ken (Ken Charlwood) + Catherine/Alicia (2 nights)
- Thiink (Simon) (1 night)
- NoIdea (Paul) + Gina (3 nights)
- Moggy (Steven Mogg) (2 nights)

You will be given name tags when you arrive. It's important that you keep this on you or with you at all times. Not only will it help people get to know each other, but it ensures you're a valid camp participant and it will also be your "ticket" to getting the evening meals.

[iceman]

The IISAC General Rules and Competition Rules can be seen in this 70k PDF.

IISAC Rules (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/iisac/lostock/IISAC_Rules.pdf)

Please ensure you have read them.

[iceman]

Some stats:
- 79 people in total have booked so far
- Consisting of 67 adults (including partners) and 12 kids

- 16 people are staying 1 night
- 15 people are staying 2 nights
- 48 people are staying 3 nights

- On Thursday night, there'll be 54 people
- On Friday night, there'll be 66 people
- On Saturday night, there'll be 72 people

Keep the bookings coming!

Remember, it's your last chance to guarantee a catered meal, as booking numbers need to be given to the Gresford RFB on Monday.

[iceman]

Thanks to Ed (Orion) and Andrew (Rocket Boy), here is a suggested list of popular viewing targets for the camp, broken down into different times throughout the night.

Also has descriptions of the objects, and their co-ordinates.

100k pdf

[Robert_T]

Wish I could be with you Guys, but instead I'll just wish for clear skies and wish you well...

oh and don't forget Mars in amongs all those deep sky treasures and those morning show ponies of Saturn and Jupiter :P

[h0ughy]

This is the signage to look for from Gresford, attendees please take note

[tornado33]

I understand the bottom house has a telephone set to recieve incoming calls but not outgoing (except 000). What is the actual phone number? Im a bit iffy about being out of contact with my family for so long as mobile doesnt work there.
Thanks.
Scott

[Orion]

I think this is the Ph no Scott hopefuly it is connected!.. (02) 49317185. Mike will let you know if it is not.

CDMA phones are known to sometimes work from the top of the hill (above the top house).

[Sausageman]

Is anyone bringing musical instruments?
If so I will bring my Mandolin, Octave Mandola and Irish whistles along for a jam.

Mike

[Wazza]

HiAll,
I just joined the forum today.
Is it still possible to sign up for the IISAC now.
I would be bringing my small campervan, and my self made 18" f4.5 DOB
I am sorry about the late decision but that is based around my work commitments.

Regards

Wazza

[ausastronomer]

I would think so. Send a Private Message (PM) to iceman.

CS-John B

[Orion]

Hi Wazza and welcome.

Your most welcome to come and it's not to late like John said make the arrangements with Mike.

BTW it will be nice to see another 18" there!

[tornado33]

Thanks Eddie

[merlin8r]

Hey guys hope I dont jinx it. The current forecast from the Weather Channel (www.weatherchannel.com.au (http://www.weatherchannel.com.au)) looks encouraging. Cloudy Thursday, becoming fine in the evening. And on the satellite pic, not a lot of cloud behind it!!

[iceman]

Scott, as Ed says, that's the phone number, but apparently it got disconnected because the bill wasn't paid. They were trying to get it reconnected. I don't know if it will be connected by the time we're there - i'll follow up today. But also as Ed says, CDMA phones may work from the top of the hill, and they'll definitely work from in Gresford.

[iceman]

Ok we've hit 90!

Currently booked (as at 24/01/2006):
- 33South (3 nights)
- h0ughy (3 nights)
- ausastronomer, his wife and son (3 nights) and his sister (1 night)
- Lesa and Peter Moore (1 night)
- Bird (3 nights)
- frogman (3 nights)
- atalas (Louie) plus 5 other members of his family (3 nights)
- Orion (Ed) and George (3 nights)
- Andrew Broadhurst (NAS member) + his wife and 3 kids (3 nights)
- striker (3 nights)
- PhotonCollector (1 night)
- Richard Everett (3 nights)
- Alan Meehan (3 nights)
- cahullian (Gazz) and son (3 nights)
- iceman (3 nights) + wife & kids (1 night)
- itchy (2 nights)
- hitchhiker (3 nights)
- Ian Cook (3 nights)
- Gary Kopff and Mai Tran (3 nights)
- Rodstar (Rod) + 2 sons (1 night)
- evo + wife + son (2 nights)
- 1ponders (Paul) (3 nights)
- norm + michael (1 night)
- venus (Lydia) + Thomas (3 nights)
- Graeme Auld (3 nights)
- southseeker (+ wife) (3 nights)
- cookie8 (2 nights)
- Barti (2 nights)
- Mike Boggan + Erik (3 nights)
- Sheeny + partner (3 night)
- Markus B (3 nights)
- Craig S (2 nights)
- Alex A + wife (2 nights)
- tornado33 (Scott) (1 night)
- See_Ate (Martin) (2 nights)
- merlin8r (Shane) (3 nights)
- shredder (Michael) + Eugene (1 night)
- Philip Relf (2 nights)
- hector (Andrew Murrell) (2 nights)
- Rocket Boy (Andrew) (1 night - maybe)
- Ken (Ken Charlwood) + Catherine/Alicia (2 nights)
- Thiink (Simon) (1 night)
- NoIdea (Paul) + Gina (3 nights)
- Moggy (Steven Mogg) (2 nights)
- Brendan (1 night)
- Enrique (+ 2 others) (2 nights)
- Richard F (+ 3 others) (2 nights)
- Michael Chaytor (3 nights)
- Wazza (Warren) (3 nights)

Some stats:
- 90 people in total have booked so far
- Consisting of 78 adults (including partners) and 12 kids

- 17 people are staying 1 night
- 22 people are staying 2 nights
- 51 people are staying 3 nights

- On Thursday night, there'll be 57 people
- On Friday night, there'll be 76 people
- On Saturday night, there'll be 83 people

With a few more late bookings, and people turning on the day, we could hit the magical 100 mark! Which is HUGE for a 1st year star party.

And... the weather looks good! :thumbsup:

[iceman]

26 people have asked for IIS Red Light Pens, but I only have about 20 left.

For those that miss out, sorry, and i'll refund your $5 when you arrive if they are all gone.

[astronut]

Have a great time everyone, I can't be there. Just returned from 3 weeks holiday in Qeensland, unfortunately weather there was terrible. Look after my two mates Richard Everett and Ian Cook a couple of good eggs.;)

I wish you all clear skies. Cheers, John:)

[iceman]

Thanks John, wish you could be there.

Oh btw, for everyone that's booked - if you haven't heard from me to confirm your booking or to tell you i've received your payment, don't fret. That's normal.

By default, if you don't hear from me, and you received your confirmation email, then all is well.

[Orion]

90 people! :cool: :thumbsup:

[Dave47tuc]

I wish you all a great time. :)

Plenty of dark and clear skies with great seeing etc etc :)

Love to be there ;)

ENJOY :)

[iceman]

Lostock writeups here!

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=7294

[See_Ate]

Hi all IIS's. I took full advantage of this Astro Camp to try out my new Philips 840K ToUCam. This is the first time for me to capture astronomical objects without a film camera. I felt like a fish out of water. How ever I did take along my SLR as my security blankie. After talking to a few fellow astronomers with more knowledge than me in almost all areas of Astronomy and Astrophotography/Imaging, I was less intimidated by the word PIXEL!
I didn't have much hope of getting anything worth keeping the first time I was to use my newly acquired ToUCam. Well I was just as surprised seeing my first image with this little gizmo as I was the first time I got my slides back from the Lab! I feel that in the future I will be having just much fun with the proverbial PIXEL as emulsion Film.Thank you Iceman for organising the Astro Camp and thank you to all whom gave a little which went such a long way for me.
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[[1ponders]]

Glad you had a great time Martin. You'll be hooked now. You won't be satisfied now till you own at least a Canon 20Da :lol:

BTW would you please convert your bmps to jpegs to reduce their size. Many here are not yet lucky enough to have broad band. If you are unsure of the size allowed see the posting guidelines here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/announcement.php?f=16&announcementid=3 point 13.
Thanks

[Dennis]

Those are very good images of the gas giants, especially for your first time using a ToUcam. Now that you have crossed to the dark side of digital imaging, I'm afraid your days of alchemy with 35mm film are over!

Cheers

Dennis

[See_Ate]

Thankx 1ponders, I will make sure that all attachments are Jpeg's from now on.
please correct me if i'm wrong, but I can still edit my messages after I have posted them??Yes.
I had a blast and i'm glad I attended.

Thankx Dennis, the dark side is a scary place, however I'm sure I am in good company.

Clear Skies
See_Ate

[astronut]

see Martin, I told you we don't bite, welcome to IIS. John:prey2: