March StarParty at Wiruna? [Archive]

silvinator

24-01-2005, 04:58 PM

Unfortunately Ice, I'm afraid I'm going to be very busy during March. March and July are our busiest times of the year so if anyone is thinking of having a star party during those times, you can count me out :sad: :sad:

Hey Dave, I think an iceinspace star party would be very fitting for a winter theme :D

By the way, do you have to be a memeber of ASNSW to attend?

Robby

24-01-2005, 06:05 PM

Hmmm... I could be tempted for the SPSP in March. Got some airpoints that need to be used up!
I guess from NZ I would fly to Sydney. Then what? How far is it to Wiruna? I guess I'd need to hire a car or scrounge a lift....
Whadaya reckon? Is it worth the trip?

Striker

24-01-2005, 06:30 PM

I see...everyone is busy in March cause it's my Birthday.....I understand now...they need to shop.....just to make it easier for you all....I want:

1) Aluminium protective case like Aragorn's for my LX200 10"
2) Any Nagler eyepieces....must be 2" but will accept any focal length (I'm not fussy)
3) Guide Plate for my LX200 mount
4) 2 x powermate 2" Barlow
5) New toucam once gary has built it.....
6) Dew Shield
7) Counter weight for my Meade
8) Nealy forgot....a laptop.

Just figure it out for yourselves.....I dont mind some of you pairing up as a couple of these may be a bit expensive (only Just) but dont be stingy on the card...I like a good card.....

iceman

24-01-2005, 08:08 PM

Robby from all accounts, it's worth it.. 200-400 people, guest speakers, lectures and what not. and dark, dark, dark skies.

I'm happy to give you a lift, you can catch a train from sydney airport to where it's closest for me, either where I work (nth sydney) or where I live (central coast), and we can go from there.

It would be great going with some familiar names too.. Rodstar, the other central coastie, is hoping to attend too.

Shame you can't make it silvie.. there must be some other sydneyites that might attend?

Robby

24-01-2005, 08:13 PM

Mike,
Thanks for the offer of a lift.. That would be great.
I probably won't bring any gear over except perhaps the bino's.
I had a look at flights and I can get into Sydney 8am Friday morning and leave again Monday morning. I have a couple of mates in Sydney so may look at doing an extra day either side to catch up with them.
I sort a few things out and let you know! I'm sure it would be a good weekend.

iceman

24-01-2005, 08:17 PM

Sounds great robby, just let us know.

Rodstar

24-01-2005, 09:24 PM

Hey guys I'll definitely be in it too, so long as "She Who Must be Obeyed" gives me special dispensation NOT to wipe nappies for a weekend! Robby, you would be most welcome to play with my scope, and I assume you'll bring your Dob, Mike?

Winter star party would be great too!

Rodstar

Rodstar

24-01-2005, 09:42 PM

Oh, and by the way Robby, Happy Birthday!

Rodstar

Rodstar

25-01-2005, 09:34 PM

More to report on the ASNSW weekend at Wiruna NSW in March....

I visited the Bintel shop in York Street Sydney today and chatted with one of the staff, Don. A great bloke, passionate about astronomy, Don also happens to have been an organiser of this annual event for 11 out of the last 13/14 years!!! He told me all about it, and I am definitely coming!!

They usually expect a couple of hundred at least. (Don says it is not unheard of to get more than 10 times that many at equivalent meetings in the US that he goes to). Is camping on site only. You can book a motel room at Kandos (30kms away) but after viewing most of the night, who wants to jump in a car and drive 30kms when you can just crash where you are?

Theme this year is "Astrophotography". There are special workshops with gurus in this field. They will be running competitions for the best images, so bring your best efforts along.

You do NOT have to be a member of ASNSW to come. In fact, there is a get together at Wiruna on the first weekend of new moon each lunar month (the property is owned by ASNSW) which is open to visitors to come to share in the fun. So, if you can't make it in March, but would like to get out there some other time, you can, in the company of other astronomy enthusiasts.

Don made some rather bold statements about the nobility of amateur astronomers. He said in all of the years that the weekends have run, not a single thing has ever been stolen from anyone (not even a Nagler eyepiece!). At the end of a night's viewing it apparently expected that people just through a tarp with an occy strap over their scopes, and head for nigh nighs (but you take your Nagler eyepieces with you to bed!?).

Are you motivated to go? If you want to know more, visit the ASNSW website, or give Don a call at Bintel.

Rodstar

Robby

26-01-2005, 07:04 AM

With a theme like Astrophotography, I'm definately there!
Rodstar, thanks for the brief & offer of a bit of time at your EP. That would be great!
Ice, I have checked flights and it all looks do-able.
When would we likely leave & return?
I'm thinking of catching up with a mate of sunday or monday night, so will probably book a flight back on Monday or Tuesday morning depending on timings etc..
I'll get to Sydney at 8am Fri morning, so I'll have plenty of time to find my way to your pad by train as you suggested.

Whadaya reckon? A go-er?

iceman

26-01-2005, 07:49 AM

I'm there, let's do this!

I'll be taking my 10" dob too, so between Rod and I, you'll have plenty of EP time Robby.. just remember to bring your naglers or other suitably expensive EP's for me to look through :P

Robby I'm expecting we'll head out some time on Friday and come back some time on Sunday (before lunch). That'll give you time to catch up with friends on Sunday arvo/night and Monday as well if you want.

Anyone else who can get to Sydney is also welcome to join in the fun, with my 10" dob i'm not sure how many i'll be able to fit in the car, but I expect Rod will be driving as well unless we can fit my dob and his C11 in the one car.

Let's go as the IceInSpace contingent! :D

iceman

26-01-2005, 07:50 AM

Oh and Rod, did you mention IceInSpace to Don? :D

Robby

26-01-2005, 08:00 AM

Sounds good Mike. :cool:
I'll book my flights and let you know the details.

I have a couple of nice EP's that I can bring. A Nagler 16mm which would do nice in your Dob and a 1rpd 32mm which may be a bit long for your f/ratio. I pretty much use the 16mm nagler 85% of the time anyway. You'll like it! :cool:

Robby

27-01-2005, 11:42 AM

I've booked my flights... No backing out now!
Hopefully a few here can make it. It will be good to put a few faces to the names!
:prey:'ing for :stargaze: :)
Cheers

Striker

27-01-2005, 02:38 PM

Robby....didn't you hear...its been cancelled.

Only jokes mate...enjoy your stay....

Rodstar

27-01-2005, 09:49 PM

Great to hear you are coming Robby!

Mike, I did mention IceinSpace to Don and he has heard of us, but knew nothing specific about the chatroom or website. You'll have to print out some flyers to hand out, or glow in the dark IceinSpace special issue fridge magnets, or something....

Rodstar

silvinator

28-01-2005, 11:51 AM

Hey Ice, I could print those flyers for you if someone desgins the artwork. It pays to work in the printing industry :D

iceman

28-01-2005, 01:17 PM

Sounds good Silvie! Maybe a flyer drop from a small plane, thousands of them, our own little ticker-tape parade! :)

iceman

07-02-2005, 07:46 AM

Robby/seeker/Rod,

Have you guys registered for this yet? I haven't yet, but i'm guessing we should do it soon..

http://www.asnsw.com/spsp/spsprego.htm

It's $55 per person, and $10 extra (late fee) if we register after 25th Feb.

iceman

07-02-2005, 07:51 AM

For Rod, Robby and myself, we're also going to need to figure out:

a) Who's driving?
b) Who's taking telescopes?
c) Camping or sleeping in the car?

Robby

07-02-2005, 08:22 AM

Hi,
I have registered.

Cars.... I could get a rental if required, but prefer not to. Happy to pay costs if I scronge a lift of someone. :driving:

Telescope... Only bringing my binos, a couple of EP's, & 300D camera.

Camping... I'll bring my little pup tent. :campfire:

Cheers
Rob

iceman

07-02-2005, 08:51 AM

I'm happy to give you a lift Robby - between Rod and myself we'll get you there.

I might have to buy a 1 or 2 man tent..

Greg Bryant

07-02-2005, 08:53 AM

Hi,

If anyone else is thinking of attending the South Pacific Star Party, it would be wise to register very soon. Not only will you avoid the late fee, but there's a cut-off for the number of people who can participate in the Spit Roast on the Saturday evening, and numbers for that are filling fast.

Guest speakers this year are:

- Alan Dyer, Contributing Editor, Sky & Telescope magazine, talking on the northern sky (with photos and time-lapse movies) as well as amateur astronomy and star parties in Canada

- Chris Venter, Astronomical Society of Victoria, talking on the state of astrophotography and astroimaging in Victoria

Looking forward to meeting some of you at SPSP. It's a great event, with a huge range of telescopes on the field (up to 25 inches in aperture).

Regards,
Greg Bryant
Associate Editor
Australian Sky & Telescope

Rodstar

10-02-2005, 08:53 PM

Hey guys! I have now booked in (including the $8 spit roast), ordered my t-shirt $13) and arranged to have Friday and Monday off from work so that I can get some SLEEP!!!!!

Ice, save your money re the tent. I can borrow a two-man, so as long as your pack light, and don't fart or snore, you can share my ponderoza. You'll have to bring a bedroll and sleeping bag. If you snore, you can sleep in your car, buddy!

I've booked into the primary viewing site (only redlights and laptops must be properly covered to emit only red light) because I want to explore the limits of my scope. I assume Ice you'll be wanting to do shoot some images on your scope at the secondary site....I guess we can gravitate between the two viewing sites from one scope to the other etc...

As for transport, I am trying to make arrangements to borrow someone's car for my family so that I can take my Odyssey...it should have room for both scopes and a couple of passengers (eg Ice & Robby). Maybe Ice you could loan your "weekday" car to my wife and that would free up the Oddysey?? Have a think about it.

Rodstar

Robby

10-02-2005, 09:03 PM

Hi Rodstar,
With posts like this it's hard not to get excited...!!:cool: Top notch organising and things tlike that.!! Thanks... :)
Me, I'll be bringing my little one man tent. I was thinking about just a bivy bag, but with temperatures below 10° expected at night, I think a tent will be better.
Also sleeping bag and bed mat. Plus a few little asto tinkets.
Looking forward to it.. Just think next New Moon I'll be under Aussie skies!! Already praying for clear skies.. :prey:
Cheers

iceman

11-02-2005, 06:57 AM

Awesome Rod!

I have just registered, $55 + $8 spit roast.

Sounds good, and I don't snore :) I'll have to scrounge some bedding.

I've booked into the primary site as well - i'm not interesting in doing astrophotography with my dob at this starparty.. visual observing for me!

Would the odyssey fit 2 scopes and 2 passengers? If so, that'd be great, to all go together. I can loan my Hyundai to your wife, and you can put booster seats in it no probs. Though i'm not sure about a capsule or harness.

What time do you think we should leave on Friday? We want to get there while it's light, to find the place and setup before it gets dark.

Also what time were you wanting to leave on Sunday? I was hoping to leave before lunch Sunday, I hope that suits your plans too.. i'm not sure that i'll take Monday off work yet, probably just friday.

Anyway we can discuss the finer points as it gets closer.

Rodstar

12-02-2005, 10:24 PM

Mike, now that I've had the chance to see your scope and other stuff in your car and my stuff in my car, I think it is fair to say that both scopes won't fit in the Odyssey...I think we should go in two cars after all! Judging by how much I am spending at Bintel at the moment, I am bound to have even more stuff by March!!!

Nina's nanny is lending her a car for the weekend, so no need for your car, but thanks for saying it would be OK. I'll make arrangements for a tent that is big enough for two adults.

Given that we're going in two cars, it might be easiest just to meet up at the Starparty. I haven't seen the program, but I plan to get there by, say, 3pm, so that I can set up the tent and the scope, and generally take it all in, gas bag with other astro-nuts etc.

Have you seen a program? I am assuming the sessions are on Sat. and Sun. only?? Also, other than the spit roast, what's the story with catering? If it is bring your own, I might have to line up an esky and some ice. I'll check with the ASNSW and put another post in this thread at a later time.

I am happy to bring Robby back from the starparty if the timing works better that way...I don't mind. I have no fixed thoughts about when I am leaving on Sunday 'cos I have the Monday off.

Rodstar

seeker372011

14-02-2005, 10:21 AM

Rod

I would have attached a copy of the program but cant upload a Word doc..
ice can you fix this?

iceman

14-02-2005, 10:38 AM

Can you please zip it using winzip? You'll be able to attach a zip file.

ving

14-02-2005, 11:08 AM

hey steve masey's a member! :)

iceman

14-02-2005, 11:45 AM

A member of what?

ving

14-02-2005, 12:19 PM

ASNSW...

or is it the CIA we are talking bout? :confuse3:

Rodstar

16-02-2005, 08:27 PM

More info on the Waruna Star Bash....

Don at Bintel told me today:
1. The local scouts provide meals (you have to pay for them) from breakfast and throughout the day up to about 11pm every day. So, no need to bring food supplies (though I might smuggle in a bottle of Chivas Regal)
2. Some people arrive as early as the Wednesday, and stay until the Tuesday after. There is no pressure to leave on Sunday. Sunday night viewing is often very special cos the crowds have thinned and people are chilling out more.

Only 4 weeks to go!!!

Rodstar

iceman

17-02-2005, 06:22 AM

ah good, I was wondering what we'd have to do for breakfast and lunch!

I sure hope the sky is clear.. how disappointing would it be if the whole weekend was cloudy or raining.. start praying now! :prey:

I won't be able to take any extra days off to go there earlier or leave later.. I had a week off at the end of last month so I actually need to stay at work for a little while now :P

Some of the ASNSW guys go out there every new moon for some dark sky treats..

iceman

17-02-2005, 06:22 AM

Oh btw have you seen a program yet? Seeker can you zip it up and attach the word doc?

seeker372011

17-02-2005, 11:30 AM

sorry here tis

iceman

01-03-2005, 08:59 AM

Robby, have you given me your flight details yet? I can't remember.

Just over a week away, and starting to think about planning the friday - what time to leave, where to pick you up from, what time we want to get there etc.

The official welcome is at 3pm on friday - not essential to go to, don't know if you guys want to go to that or not.

Rod, Robby, what time did you want to get there? Rod, do you know how to get there?

I assume we'll convoy there Rod?

Robby

01-03-2005, 09:13 AM

Crickey it's coming up quick... Yes, I've been meaning to contact you about the Friday.
Flight times are below. As you can see I get into Sydney nice and early on Friday, so I'm keen to heard out to Wiruna asap after I arrive or whatever suite you best.
You mentioned a train service that runs from the airport to north sydney?? Is that the best option? Is it easy for you to meet me at a train station in north sydney / central coast?

On the Sunday night I'm catching up with a mate who lives in Sydney. He's taking the day off on Monday to show me some of the sights of Sydney. (I've never been there b4). Harbour bridge, opera house, SCG etc...

Looking forward to it. Should be great.. Have you seen any long range forecasts? Fingers crossed :prey:

Details are...
Wellington - Sydney Return
NZ 0141 Wellington - Sydney Fri 11Mar Arrives 8:20 am
NZ 0144 Sydney - Wellington Mon 14Mar Depatrs 6:15 pm

Cheers

Rodstar

04-03-2005, 08:51 PM

Hi Robby and Mike!

As I was saying today Mike, best route is via Windsor from where we are coming. Should be about 280 clicks from Gosford...about 4 hours I reckon. Best to meet Robby at Hornsby so that you guys don't double back on your tracks!

I was planning to stop in on my uncle and aunt in Hartley on the way there....they have set up a B&B that I want to check out.

Ice, if you want the comfort of following someone who "sort of" knows where they are going, happy to convoy it, subject to the Hartley thing....maybe by the time we get there you can keep going or something?????

Let me know...if you want to convoy it, we could head off together from Gosford in the morning.

BTW Robby, my aunt Vivian is a Kiwi!

Rodstar

seeker372011

04-03-2005, 10:29 PM

I am not sure when I can get away from work on Friday-though I had the day off something has come up and i may have to stay back for a meeting...

hope to catch up with you guys at Wiruna either Friday or Saturday

dont forget to bring your entries for the astrophotograhy comp

Robby

05-03-2005, 09:56 AM

Any tips for train timetable to get to Hornsby?
Is there an online timetable where I can work out how to get from Sydney airport to Hornsby by train? Hopefully it won't be too daunting as I will have quite a heavy pack, with tents, bags etc...!!
Looking forward to it.
Cheers

Greg Bryant

05-03-2005, 10:38 AM

Hi Robby,

Sydney's train timetable is on the web at
http://www.cityrail.info

For those of us (and that includes me) travelling to Wiruna from northern Sydney and the Central Coast, going through Windsor is well recommended. From where I live, near Hornsby, it's a 3.5 hour drive.

Observers this coming Friday evening will be in for an unexpected sight. A recently discovered comet, C/2005 A1 (LINEAR), has brightened at a much quicker rate than expected. It is currently about 8th magnitude, and could still be at that level by next Friday, at which time it will be within 1 degree of the globular 47 Tucanae.

Greg Bryant
Associate Editor
Australian Sky & Telescope

xstream

05-03-2005, 12:27 PM

Hi Guys,

The wife and I will be arriving at Wiruna on Thursday and staying till the Monday.

I hope we can catch up with some of you there.

iceman

05-03-2005, 01:00 PM

Robby, Rod sent me an email saying that he knows a new cab driver in the Sydney area, and we could make a booking with him, he could meet you at the airport and bring you straight to Hornsby.

I know the cost would be more than the train, but the convenience would also be greater. So really it's up to you. i can help you work out train timetables or book the cab for you, depending on what you decide.

Is there mobile coverage out there?

Anyone interested, PM me and i'll give you my mobile number so we can find each other out there.

seeker372011

05-03-2005, 01:22 PM

nope mobiles wont work unless you have CDMA

silvinator

05-03-2005, 02:23 PM

is it too late to sign up for this?

iceman

05-03-2005, 02:40 PM

I think you can still get in Silvie, though you'll probably have to pay a bit more. Go to the site and sign up!

My wife has a CDMA phone (my old one), i'll take that along.

Robby

05-03-2005, 03:43 PM

Hi,
CDMA is fine with me....
What would the taxi cost? What would a train cost?
I looked at the train timetable and it doesn't look too bad. One train to central, then one more out to Hornsby. A cab might be quicker, but at 9am Friday morning?????!! Might be safer to go with the train. What do you think? I agree a Taxi would be easier in terms of lugging my pack.
Mike, I'm PM you my mobile number so we can get in touch on the day.
Cheers

iceman

06-03-2005, 01:35 PM

Robby, not sure.. it would be during peak hour so a train might be the best.. the taxi might end up costing too much trying to get through the city in peak hour.

Just need to look at the timetable to see what time train you can get from the airport, to central, to hornsby, and then Rod and I can meet you at Hornsby and we can convoy from there. Rod might want to leave earlier than when you arrive at Hornsby, so we'll have to see what time you can get to Hornsby by.

Has anyone got a (detailed) map from Hornsby to Wiruna?

iceman

06-03-2005, 01:38 PM

PS: Thanks for your PM xstream, i'll give you a call when we're setup.

Rod, do you have a CDMA phone that will work out there? Would be good to setup camp in close proximity.

seeker, do you have a CDMA phone? Would be good to catch up.

iceman

06-03-2005, 01:50 PM

You have to bring it printed! I didn't know that..

If they had a category for dob astrophotography i'd enter.. :)

Robby

06-03-2005, 07:16 PM

I'll do the train thing, so long as it doesn't take too long.
Theu seem to run from the airpoert every 10-15mins so should be no problem. I arrive at 8:20am, so by the time I clear customs and the rubber glove etc.. :eek:....
it will probably be around 9 before I get on a trian to central.
I'll have my phone with me so can call you with ETA in Hornsby once I leave central. Can you PM me you mobile number Mike (& Rodstar?).
Thanks heaps for helping me out guys! I probably wouldn't be coming if it wasn't for this forum and the willigness to help a poor kiwi... I guess you've gotta give us kiwi's something back after the last 5 cricket games!:ashamed:
Cheers

seeker372011

07-03-2005, 12:31 AM

soon after Lithgow. take the Ilford road.

at Ilford turn left on to the Sofala road and then you have to turn left again after a a few ks into a dirt road for a short distance

the star party agenda that I uploaded contains instructions on how to get there I'm fairly sure..let me know if you need more detailed directions

seeker372011

07-03-2005, 12:34 AM

No but I will come looking for you guys ...I'll PM you my regular mobile anyway

I'm staying offsite -at sofala-

I' m coming with my wife and daughter, my son cant come, he has the dreaded HSC this year and has assessments

iceman

07-03-2005, 05:50 AM

Sounds good seeker, I really need a big IceInSpace banner.

I'm jealous that you're bringing your family.. mine are just too young to come.. maybe in a couple of years time. My eldest son is almost 6, and then I have a 3.5 yr old and almost 1 yr old daughters. It would be most trying, having them out at Wiruna for 2 days.. :family: :)

I'm sure my son would like to come now, but 2 full days is just too long for him at this stage.

Rodstar

07-03-2005, 09:28 PM

Guys,

I've raised the idea of taking my family (wyf & three little tackers) next year...Nina is willing to talk if I hire a luxury campervan. Like you, Mike, I think the invasion of my little ones is a long way off!

I don't know what a CDMA phone is, so I guess that means I don't have one. I'll take my wife's mobile so we can communicate en route as need be, and perhaps we can stop somewhere for lunch together?!

As for the car convoy, I am happy Mike to firm up an arrangement to meet at Hornsby Station at, say, 10.15am, to give Robby plenty of time to get from the airport to Hornsby Station. I suggest we meet up on the western side of the line in the Street where the taxi rank is. There is parking on the other side of the road to where the taxis are. How does that sound? If Robby is a bit later than that, no dramas!

BTW, I am thinking of planning my viewing a little bit in anticipation of the dark skies, to maybe focus some of my time on one or particular constellations. Do you have any favourites, Robby or Mike??

Rodstar

Robby

08-03-2005, 07:29 AM

Right here's my plan..
Arrive in Sydney 8:20am. Clear the rubber glove by 9am.
9:01am Train to Central on "Airport & East Hills Line"
9:14am Arrive Central
9:45am Train to Hornsby on "Northern Line"
10:29am Arrive Hornsby!

Sounds doable.. Now I know nothing about Sydney trains, and have based all this on the timetable. So it is possible that it will not work at all like this. This is just an initial guess. Does it sound ok to you guys?

Viewing... Yes, some of that will be good. Galaxies in Leo will look good later on Leo Trio is always stunning M65, M65 & NGC 3628 all in the same FOV. Stunning! M83 will be popular mid evening.
I'll have a look for a few more objects. The Auckland Astro society puts out monthly target lists which are always good to start.
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~michellekemp/ObservingLists.htm
Just click on the month of choice. Suggest March/April will have good targets for the weekend.

Now, this is what I plan to bring..
- Binos 11x70
- 16mm T2 Nagler
- 30mm 2" 1rpd EP
- A couple of Star-Mates
- 2.5x Powermate
I'm trying to keep the weight down but if you guys wanted to try any of the following I can bring them as well..
- Meade DSI
- f/6.3 & f/3.3 focal reducers (SCT threaded)
- anything else?

Cheers

Brendan

08-03-2005, 08:45 AM

Robby,
add about 10 min to the train times and you might be in the ball park, also last time i flew back from the states it took closer to 60 min to clear the rubber glove.

Robby

08-03-2005, 08:54 AM

Thanks for that Brendan.
There's about a 99% chance it's all going to turn to custard... You know a country kiwi boy in a big city! If all else fails I'll just sit on the footpath and cry :(.... Someone's bound to help... Yes.. No.. Maybe?
Knowing me I'll end up in Kings Cross and flag the star party completely :D..
Cheers

iceman

08-03-2005, 08:57 AM

Sounds like a good idea Rod, for a 4 hour drive we'll need at least 1 break and if we leave around 10:30, a lunch break will be right on time.

Sounds perfect.. I'll meet you there.

Good idea, i'll program some stuff into my SkyCommander. I'm keen to check out some galaxies and planetary nebs, stuff that really excels in dark skies.

Sounds good Robby, you have a 30min wait at Central so if you're a bit late through the rubber glove, you should still have a bit of spare time up your sleeve.
It might be worth checknig the timetable and seeing what the next train is from the airport and from central to hornsby, just in case you miss that one.. then at least you can ring me and let me know when you'll be at Hornsby.

Looks like a good list. I wouldn't worry about the DSI or focal reducers, i'm not planning on doing much astrophotography with my dob, and I don't think Rod is with his SCT either. Do you have any good quality planetary eyepieces? I'm keen to compare against my humble 9mm GSO plossl.

Can't wait, only a few days away now!

Robby

08-03-2005, 09:04 AM

Right, you can stop focussing on the rubber glove. I'm getting nervous :eek:.. I know I started it, but you don't have to carry it on :)..
Trains run approx. every 10mins from the airport, so have a bit of time give there. The next train to Hornsby arrive 10:45am. Not sure after that.
I'll ring you regardless and let you know how it's all going and whether I need to be picked up from Bondi instead!!! :)...

Cheers

seeker372011

08-03-2005, 07:10 PM

rob:

do you have a h beta filter?

Rodstar

08-03-2005, 07:29 PM

Mike - let's say 10.30am at Gosford, cos Robby won't be there any earlier. That'll give me that extra bit of time to get Jack off to school, pack the car etc....

Robby- I've got a good 2" 30mm eyepiece (GSO wideview) so you might save a little bit in weight by not bringing that. At this stage I have nothing smaller than 15mm, so anything below that would be great though. As for the DSI, I'm registered to set up at the Dark site, so imaging is off the table this year!

Prepare for some cold nights guys!!!

Rodstar

iceman

08-03-2005, 07:59 PM

Rod, do you mean 10;30 at Hornsby, not Gosford?

Robby

08-03-2005, 08:32 PM

I hope you mean Hornsby, as the trains I'm looking at don't run to Gosford very often. Hornsby seems much easier for me..

Seeker, sorry no H beta filter.

Rod, cool the 30mm can stay at home. What's the FOV or yours? Mine is 82°.

Cheers

Greg Bryant

08-03-2005, 08:35 PM

If you're still thinking of registering to attend the South Pacific Star Party, you can...but you now have to do it onsite at Wiruna from Friday afternoon onwards. Pre-registration has now closed.

I'm told that attendance this year may be close to 300.

Regards,
Greg Bryant
Associate Editor
Australian Sky & Telescope

iceman

08-03-2005, 10:27 PM

Robby, Rod's 30mm is 67 deg GSO.. it would be nice to see yours @ 82 deg. I'm sure it won't do too well @ f/5 tho unless it's a nagler.

Robby

08-03-2005, 10:51 PM

Your right Mike the 1rpd EP is not super flash below f/8. It's nice in my f/10 SCT. I'll see how the weight is looking and decide whether or not to chuck it in!
Cheers

iceman

08-03-2005, 10:55 PM

No probs, and it will definitely be hornsby, not gosford. I'm sure it was just a slip of the tongue from rod.

iceman

09-03-2005, 08:25 PM

Robby are you still bringing your palm + decoder box?

Robby

09-03-2005, 08:33 PM

Can do. What encoders do you have? It will plug directly into USDigital ones. I think it's a standard configuration. I'll make a note of the pinout so we cna check first...
I'm actually picking up an Argonavis while I'm there, so you might want to try that too!
Cheers

Greg Bryant

09-03-2005, 09:05 PM

Robby and all,

I definitely recommend the Argonavis. I got to test drive a unit at last year's South Pacific Star Party on a 20 inch Obsession Dobsonian, following on from a talk the creator, Gary Kopff, gave at my club's meeting previously. Unbelievable! I can't wait to do it again.

Oh yeah...I wouldn't mind a 20 inch Dob too! :)

No doubt we'll catch up this weekend. Stick with Iceman - he'll be the one sticking IceInSpace flyers under car windscreen wipers!

Greg Bryant
Associate Editor
Australian Sky & Telescope

Rodstar

09-03-2005, 09:36 PM

I meant Hornsby!

Rodstar

iceman

10-03-2005, 05:58 AM

Robby, yep it's USDigital encoders.

Would love to see the argonavis in operation!

Too true! :) :lol: I'll be stealing the megaphone from the organisers and shouting out www.iceinspace.com :)

Weather is looking pretty good so far..

We might be lucky.

Robby

10-03-2005, 05:57 PM

Looks good Mike.
I drove down to Wellington tonight to catch the flight in the morning 4am start!! Add that to the time change and it will be a long day! Even longer if the skies are clear.
There is one hitch already though. I've gone & left my mobile phone behind!!! Always forget something. Hopefully that's all.
Anyway all going well I should see you guys at Hornsby sometime between 10:30 & 11:30am. Hopefully closer to 10:30am. If I going to be late, I'll try & ring you from a public phone..
Let's hope this country boy can negotiate the train system alright...
See you soon.