Qld AstroFest 2011

[Louwai]

So what's happening???? I know it's a little early, but has anyone heard anything???

[h0ughy]

As for the organising committee – haven’t a clue. But as to the venue – oh yes! The site is still inaccessible and there has been significant damage to the lower sections of the facilities with retaining walls being washed away. Please see quotes from emails that I have been having with the Duckadang lions club rep:

Hi David,

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.

The road is certainly well washed away at all 3 causeways. Bill and Anne received a food drop last Friday, fortunately they had purchased quite a bit of stock for an incoming camp to no avail, Power went out on Sunday 9th and is still out, not sure when roads will be restored.

Bill and Anne are out and taking a well-earned break.

I understand that they have some photographs but they lost their video camera with a lot of video on it.

I am going up on Sunday to survey the road damage and take some pictures.

Cheers
Doug Evans
Treasurer

Following on from this Doug sent me some images of the first river crossing. Not too sure how things will go from here for access and the camps recovery. Note it didn’t affect the main facilities – just the power and access

[Louwai]

Bugger!!!!!!...... As long as the water's not tooooo deep. The car is 4x4. :D It's just a bit low..:(

[jjjnettie]

I think an alternate plan B might have to be put into place.

[Davros]

Wow, with everything thats been going on i didnt even think of Astrofest. Still 5 months to go so hopefully the camp is back up to speed. I imagine the bookings might be all over the shop though. I wonder if there is a plan B.

[RobF]

Looks bad. Surely they'll have to have temp causeway crossing in place over coming months and power for locals?

[h0ughy]

i think that there would be something done before then

[DavidTrap]

Awful lot of damage about! I agree there'll probably be something, but the road crews are going to be busy. The pictures of the Blackbutt Range road are incredible and that road carries far more traffic than the causeway to Camp Duckadang - its all going to be based on priorities...

DT

[AstroJunk]

The Presidents of the combined Socs will be meeting soon to firm up the 2011 committee and kick everything off.

The whole thing runs as business as usual starting about now, but I guess that we are going to have to sweat this one out hoping that the Duckadang access will be fixed in time.

I would think a new venue would be unlikely - we book years in advance to ensure the right slots. Anyway, at time like these we need to get right behind our friends at the Lions Club and make it work...

Anyone got a spare bridge?!

[[1ponders]]

No bridge Jonathon, but I hear that big wide walkway that's sitting on Nudgee Beach is pretty sturdy and isn't going anywhere soon. Maybe we could borrow it for a week.

[AstroJunk]

If there is nothing by Easter, I shall be looking up some army contacts to get these guys in: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2007/May/20070525/index.htm

[h0ughy]

might be very prudent to organise for a generator this year to guarantee power supply for the camp - just in case? good to know that there is some movement with this - and given whats happened probably acting now may help before the normal time:question:

[AstroJunk]

I think after last year, it would be sensible for astrophotographers to come much better equiped in power terms. It just takes one dodgy piece of equipment to send the grid down as we discovered. We can put in curcuit breakers to minimise the disruption overall, but I wouldn't be plugging my sensitive stuff into the mains (and I didn't - I always use batteries!)

After all the complaints regarding the tiny price increase last year, I can just see the furor at a standby genny levvy :lol: but I entirely agree with the sentiment and will ensure that it is considered (along with any welcome feedback that IIS'ers wish to make)

[Tandum]

You'd need a genny just for houghy bugger the rest of us.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a sirrius dome on the back of a trailer this year.

[[1ponders]]

A good UPS has saved me a lot of dramas over the past two years. I'll likely bring a good deep cycle battery as well this year and trickle charge it as I'm drawing of it.

If AF doe goes ahead this year, it might be worth while including that suggestion in the booklet that is sent out. People know now that there are problems and they need to take responsibility for their own gear. I'm not surprised there are problems just looking at how much the imaging field has grown in the past 5 years.

[Louwai]

A generator would be good incase the main power supply to the camp drops out, but it won't fix the issues that we had last year.

The issues last year were due to far too much load on 1 circuit. There needs to be additional curcuits added to the existing site grid.

It would cost money, but the way to fix the issue would be to add an additional 3 circuits to the existing power system.
1 dedicated circuit (with suitable size main breaker) for each obs field with no other power drain. Each circuit outlet could be installed onto the wall of an adjacent building with an all-weather outlet.
Each outlet could be connected to a weather proof distribution board with multiple outlets.

Large weatherproof distribution boards are available for hire (17 x 240v outlets per board) , BUT they need to be fed by 3 phase.

[steve000]

could we organize a weekend to get up there and help where we can? I have never been there so I dont know the roads well but would it be possible to band together and get them sorted?
Surely we know someone with a bobcat or a sparky etc?

[AstroJunk]

Thats a nice idea Steve. I recon they will have things underway already - most of the damage seems to have been done to public roads leading to the site and other properties. If I do find out that they need our support, then we should certainly give ours.

[h0ughy]

some more news:
David,

Fortunately, the gabions held the embankment in place so no damage to the river bank or pool.

It is only the lower two retaining walls in the section immediately below Hamilton Hall so won't be too much problem. We recently put a 3 tier wall on the other side of the steps leading down to the courts and they survived o'k.

Power was restored last Friday week not sure about communication as yet.
Road is still only passable to high 4wd but not over the causeway near the camp.

Regards
Doug

[DavidTrap]

Can't disagree with what you're saying, but is it reasonable to expect the Lions to put in such infrastructure to cater for one camp per year? Unless the camp already has 3 phase power, it would be horrendously expensive to install (it was an extra $1-2000 to be installed during construction of my house in suburban Brisbane). Some country areas don't have 3 phase power available.

I'm sure that the noise of generators would upset many - even the quiet Hondas. I agree with Paul's suggestion that a UPS is the way to go - they're less than the cost of a decent eyepiece (although astrophotographers have little use for eyepieces!) The current draw of an astrophotgraphy rig (excluding dewheaters) is quite low, so a small UPS will power the system for a reasonable period of time.

DT

[[1ponders]]

You are right there David. I was able to keep my mount ticking over and my camera imaging and autoguiding guiding for the short (5-10 min) period that power did drop out a couple of times. Plus it made sure that the voltage didn't drop and brown out for important equip. Dew heater pfft, laptop, mount and cameras :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Paul, maybe you could make some recommendations on what sort of UPS we'd need for our gear.
I was at Jaycar the other day trying to price them, then realised I had no idea what I needed.

[Louwai]

Janette in my home office I have a small one. It is 1100va. Connected to it I have 1 x desk-top PC + the PBX ph system.
When the power is off it keeps these running for about 35 to 40mins.
Mine has a warning "beep". If the mains is off, the UPS beeps every 5 seconds to alert you that the power is off.
This is quite loud & on the feild in the dead of night would be quite prominent.

A google search shows 1100va UPS for between $250 & $350 depending on what you get.

I still like the battery & solar panel option for personal power.. :D

[[1ponders]]

Jaycar have one in their latest catalog which is basically the same one I have (mine is 500VA I think)

600VA 375W Line Interactive UPS $109

The only thing that concerns me about it and I've not had feedback from anyone about it is that its not a pure sine wave output but a step sine wave. I've not found it doesn't seem to worry my gear but I remember reading somewhere that step sine may not be good in some instances. remember all I know about electronics is that if you stick a screw driver in a powerpoint it hurts.

[[1ponders]]

As an aside, I do like the gadget just under it in the catelog.
Networking USB servers. Plug the gadget into your router via Cat 5 cable (eg external hard drive, printer, etc etc) and any computer on the network can access it. I've been looking for an easy way to have files available to all computers without having to go through the networking process. Networking for me is like electricity except you don't get hurt as much when you stick the screw driver in a cat 5 socket

[jjjnettie]

Cheers, thanks Bryan, Paul.

[RobF]

I'd be interested to hear if any other people have comments on small UPS setups too. I'm not confident I could run all my gear through cigarette lighter adaptors etc to power off the battery and charger currently. I could probably handle up to $250 to get something to save headaches, especially if I'm there a number of nights as hope may be the case this year.

Maybe I should set up a stand hiring them out for $10 a night.....:evil:

[AstroJunk]

For most people a small UPS as described should do the trick - the issue is protecting sensitive stuff for a few mins and I would expect that the cameras would be, but there is no need to protect a laptop or dew heaters. If you are bringing a computer into the field then you will need a much bigger UPS to give you meaningfull protection ie to allow you to keep imaging for a while before shutting down.

I guess that the various transformers in line may go someway to rectify the setpped sine wave

[hotspur]

I can bring a Honda 5 kva generator,works first pull every time.

Living in the area of the astro fest site,there has been a large amount of damage to many roads,but I am sure by August we will all be able to get there.I just hope it does not rain again during astro fest they got 3 inches one night last year.I hope they also do something about the light curfew nonsense.Last year some person was very cranky when my friend had his very small light on in his caravan washing his dishes from his meal-when it was still twilight,and was harrased,that he should turn them off.This is clearly unacceptable-during twilight when people have a small light on washing up their dishes in their caravan,to have these whingers going off makes it very unpleasant.Sure when its dark-only red lights at a low rate.I feel a few people have been turned off this great event,because of a few people

Chris

[[1ponders]]

the UPS advertised above have 3 / 240V outlets that are backed up by the battery and 3 that are simply filtered against spikes

[h0ughy]

I am sure all mean well Chris - this is not the time nor place to enter into any discusion about people whom may have irritated you at past astrofests. Mate SPSP is worse - never image on a viewing field with the club president near;)

I will be toting batteries and UPS's this next trip - looking forward to it. Its a tad too far for me to help out with the campsite but will do what i can when there

[Tandum]

jjj, Something like this (http://www.computeralliance.com.au/parts.aspx?qryPart=11705) would handle everything you have plus a cooled camera. You don't need a line interactive device, you are not guarding against brown outs and over volts, just loss of power. Something like this has a tail which you can connect to a power board.

Cheaper still, replace the car battery, put the old one in a bucket and power everyting off that. Put a battery charger on it to keep it all going.

[pmrid]

A simple switching relay is not hard to wire up - they are great for instantly detecting a dropout of 240V AC and switching in a battery/inverter system. It would allow you to use your battery as a backup in the event of a Duckadang outage like we saw last year and permit you to continue uninterrupted until 240 was restored.
If anyone wants details of how to wire up such a hing, let me know. It just needs a Jaycar project box, a relay and relay connection block, some wires, alligator clips and then of course a decent battery and an inverter capable of powering your rig.
Peter

[pmrid]

Paul, be cautios about those Ethernet/USB devices. I have a couple and have yet to find one that is capable of connecting more than a Thumb Drive or small external HD. The ones I've got won't drive any of my cameras. They might drive a web cam but a QHY5 or QHY8 won't work with them. My plan was to use one of these at the mount/pier side and run an ethernet cable back to a switch/router etc so I could control remotely. So far, no good.

Peter

[[1ponders]]

Thanks for that Peter. I'll keep that in mind. A 1 tb external HDD is about all I'm going to run off it. I don't have the upstairs sparks to work out how to create a network so I see this as a good option to make a central storage space to access 'stuff' from any computer, anywhere within range of the router. And maybe a printer, but its not essential seeing as I only print once in a blue moon.

[steve000]

Jaycar will be expensive, check out computer stores such as MSY or Umart
http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/PARTS.pdf hit CTRL F and type in UPS

[[1ponders]]

I bought mine originally from Lawrence and Hanson Electrical in Nambour. From memory (two and a half years ago now) it was about $110. Its got all the bells and whistles where you can monitor it and do other stuff with it from a laptop. Never bothered. One thing I do like about this one over the only other one I've used is that when power goes back on the alarm resets and shuts up. I've conveniently forgotten the other one but even when the power came back on it was still screaming and you had to reset it before the power would flow. Pain in the neck it was, literally as it was under the floor of the Mapleton observatory and you had to get down on hands and knees to get under the floor to reset it. Stoopid thing.

[AstroJunk]

OK, The AAQ have had its AGM today and have its new president - Me [GULP]

I have emailed the other presidents and will report back when I know more. There is no way I am going to rest until I am confident that this event is in safe hands [what a drama queen].

[[1ponders]]

Thank you Jonathan for stepping up to the plate. :clap:

[jjjnettie]

:) Congratulations Jon!!

[GrampianStars]

:help: http://search.dicksmith.com.au/electronics/Ups
Here you go.
Note the UPS is good for only about 30-40 minutes so sensitive equipment can be shut down in an AC failure
It is NOT A RESERVE POWER backup
I use the 500VA to the scope for smooth........ running
i.e. no spikes to cook the electronics

[DavidTrap]

Successfully proved I can run the night on 12V batteries powering mount, camera, laptop, dew heaters & associated electronics last night. My current camera isn't cooled, but the one I'm thinking about draws 2amps, so that shouldn't be an issue long term.

Thanks must go to Mark who has sourced some 12V SLA batteries at the right price.

After all the tripping at Duckadang last year, I'm inclined to think that 12V might be more reliable and ultimately safer in the dew.

It's not a small investment in batteries and chargers, but I already have chargers and one battery for camping, so it eases the burden.

DT

[AstroJunk]

Thanks J&P!

The ball is well and trully rolling now.

I pesonally think that the event is too long and should be reduced back to the original 7 days. I guess that a part of the issue has been the enormous strain organising two weekends has been on the team. If people disagree, then send me hate mail now, otherwise I will move that at the next meeting :eyepop:

[h0ughy]

THE FEW EXTRA DAYS MAKES MY TRIP UP THERE MORE WORTHWHILE!!!!

dont kill off my holiday?

[AstroJunk]

If there was one person who could be defined as maximising his time astrofest, it's Houghy!

[thunderchildobs]

Maybe this idea should have its own thread, or in a thread about how to make the astrofest better for both the attendees and organisers.

I vote for 10 days.

Brendan

[firstlight]

Hi Jonathan,

As I sent in my email to you this morning Jonathan, 7 days is actually more work than 10. A hell of a lot to set up first off while people are milling about complaining that we're not ready for them, and a huge spike in attendance at the end of the week when we are busiest doing everything else that needs to be done on the last couple of days.

What would be great is if everyone who arrives pitches in and helps set up the camp for the benefit of everyone then (and this is the killer)pitches in afterwards to help pull down and pack the gear for the Astrofest. It maybe a surprise to everyone but the Queensland Astrofest is not a holiday camp, and is instead a place so that like minded people can gather for the exchanging of ideas and friendships, and the committee are not staff.

Most times everybody packs thier own stuff and heads for the hills as soon as they can while the half dozen or so of the committee remain and are lucky to arrive home before dark... unlike Houghy we only live 2 hours away but for the last 4 or 5 years we arrive home in the dark. (Sorry to have a winge)

[h0ughy]

discussions are healthy;) well for me it is a 12h drive home and yes i do arrive when it is dark:P As for the last 5 years i have packed up on the saturday for the impending trip home and cleaned up as much as we can, including the area on the field where i was set up careful to remove rubbish and any stray G11's that may have wandered into my area:lol: . But have tried to help where possible with setting up of the blockouts, powerboards and the such. I think it is a good idea to help lighten the load for you guys - but for me that is only in setting up the camp as i normally leave in the wee hours of the morning to head home. i personally think those that have done the job have earned the right to be called legends! It takes make hands to make light work of any situation and i am appreciative of it. i will help where i can - or most usefull:lol:

[firstlight]

I hope that you wern't thinking that I was having a go at the people who have enormous distances to travel, Dave. I was pointing out that many don't have a 12 hr drive ahead of them, but can complain that not enough is done for them in the way of power, amenities and entertainment (there is also a lot of talk of the cost of Astrofest as well) but first thing Sunday morning they are out the gate without a backward glance.

On the matter of cost, it must be remembered that the Lions charge for every attendee no matter if they bunk, caravan or camp. Perhaps not all people use the kitchen or the coldroom. I'm pretty certain that they would use the toilets and drink the water, and if the Astrofest does not pay for self catering cost of the kitchen, or having a coldroom delivered, there would be no Astrofest. To my mind that is not something I want to think about.

[h0ughy]

nor i - where else can brendan stay warm ;)

i didnt take it that way tony..... and cost is great value when compared facilities and bang for buck - never bettered!

[Louwai]

Onya maaate.....

[mozzie]

i love astrofest its a great location!!!great company!!!!! great everything!!!!!!
cost is fine nothing is cheap anymore and you can stay for upto 10 days for next to nothing!!!! try and stay at the gold coast for 10 days and see what it will cost.heaps and heaps

although there a soft lot those qlder's have no strength throwing a little bit of steel :D:P:lol::lol::lol:

[DavidTrap]

Mozzie - there should be a "levy" on Mexican attendees!

DT

[h0ughy]

oh you must be talking about the Victorians;):lol:

[supernova1965]

If the prices are anything like last year it is cheap as chips I would love to be there this year FINGERS CROSSED

[DavidTrap]

Anyone from south of the Tweed I'm afraid!

DT

[AstroJunk]

Thanks, Looks like I'm gonna have to stop larking around for the next 12 months!

[mozzie]

david i thought you were talking about our tassie visitors there well south!!!!!!

[hotspur]

It certainly sounds like a few issues were had last year re power supplies.I am not really up on electricity supplies to peoples' astro set ups.But over many camping trips and similar,I have bought some reasonably inexpensive car batteries from various automotive outlets such as 'Auto Cheap' or similar.Recently we purchased the cheapest battery they had for $49,I really did not expect much-but it works very well.I purchased a few more,So one for lap top,one for controller and one for dew zappers.I have a simple battery charger-$50 from 'Jaycar'.all works really well.

Maybe this solution could help some astrofesties,Very simple,in fact one chap I know says his car battery will power his laptop for 5 days before recharging.

Then again,going by some of the posts here,some must have a very power hungry set up.

The organises do an amazing job for this event,from what I read here,It sounds like its way better than anything down South-no wonder so many southerners turn up,always wondered why that was so.

Cheers Chris

[firstlight]

Thanks for the invite, just going to sign up now.

[h0ughy]

I pay for my immigration for the time;)

[ballaratdragons]

Not a very inviting statement.
Geez Dave, we are suppose to be breaking down state rivalries, not putting up barriers!
How am I supposed to feel like going up there with that attitude. :shrug:

This thread has degraded into a slinging match.

[h0ughy]

I will take the heat on this one Ken - no offence intended just moving the country borders. There will always be lighthearted banter between states Ken. There is nothing sinister:question:

[ballaratdragons]

No problems Dave.
There were some pretty stupid comments made in here by some members that were not very helpful to either the initial theme of the thread or to those making a few comments, and it flamed another into response.
But I see they have been deleted now. Your comment was just the cherry on top of some pretty stupid posts.
I realise your post was in humour Dave, but I thought the others (the deleted posts) were actually a waste of space, and were just spamming the thread and creating even bigger riffs between some members.
Been there, done that, and know what a childish thing it is to do.

Guys, go spam in General Chat.

Now, back to the actual theme of the thread :thumbsup:

[DavidTrap]

You're not the only one who was making light-hearted banter David - not really sure how such statements could be inferred as "sinister"?

DT

[iceman]

C'mon guys, what a mess this turned into.

I'm sure any personal issues can be dealt with via PM or email - not in this thread.

[h0ughy]

some more news - Good news

From: duckadang
Sent: Monday, 14 February 2011 11:59 PM
To: David Hough
Subject: Re: how is the campsite going?

Hi David,

Just to bring you up to date.

It looks as if we will have access to the camp via a temporary crossing at the camp from later this week.

Cheers
Doug

[jjjnettie]

Woot woot!

[mozzie]

can't wait woooooo hooooooo !!!!!!!!

[[1ponders]]

Can I pack and leave now. Just leave the gate key in the letterbox.

[firstlight]

The roads aren't THAT bad!

[[1ponders]]

No but I could beat h0ughy there :lol:

[h0ughy]

oh i am sure you will Paul ;)

[jjjnettie]

I live closest so you guys have no chance. :P

[AstroJunk]

The Committee for 2011 has been formed!

Watch this space as details emerge, but the event will follow a similar format to last year. We will open registrations as soon as we get a firm price from Duckadang but we are expecting there to be a modest increase in accomodation costs :sad:

More importantly, anyone up to putting on a workshop this year, we have a week of activities to fill and lots of tallent here to help :thumbsup:

[ballaratdragons]

Inevitable, and understandable.
SV camp fees went up because the Camp owners fees went up.

Good news about your committee :thumbsup:

[mozzie]

hi johnathan
yes i can put a bricklaying course on to teach anyone:lol::lol::lol:but i don't think anyone here is stupid enough to want to learn????????

[DavidTrap]

You could teach us how to make a pier Mozzie!

DT

[AstroJunk]

He could teach us how to fling one 22 metres...

[Sharnbrook]

Bob Grimes and I went up to Duckadang from Brissie yesterday, to see for ourselves what condition the road was in, and we were very pleasantly surprised. The whole of the Brisbane Valley Hwy was in good order, except for a few spots where the road had been submerged under at least a metre of water. The road gangs were busy repairing these sections by excavating the topping and road base, and replacing it with new compacted material, and resealing it. In isolated instances of pot holes, they were doing a good job of patching, and not just throwing some bitumen in the subsided areas, and hoping it will work.
The D'Aguilar Hwy up to Moore is in perfect condition. Moore to Linville is quite OK, and there have been no wash-aways at all, although there would probably have been flooding.

From Linville to Duckadang is another matter. There were 3 river crossings where wash-aways had occurred, but they had been adequately repaired, so that as of yesterday, ANY 2wd vehicle could pass without problem, even if you were pulling a caravan or trailer. The road from Linville to Duckadang had been under about 10 mtrs of water in places, so there was inevitable damage. None of the concrete culverts had been seriously damaged, and only the approaches had been washed out, but these are now fixed, and the Somerset Council's Operations Manager has assured me that if there is any further flooding, repairs will be a priority. They are also prepared to have a grader on call if necessary, and of course, if it is safe and practical.

Camp Duckadang is unscathed, other than the fact that the tennis courts had been under about 2m of water, down at the lower camp area. (This year, the Counterweight Tossing Comp may be held under water, dependant upon conditions.)

Don't worry, at this stage, (barring any more floods, earthquakes, asteroid hits or bubonic plague) Astrofest is a goer, and we look forward to seeing lots of familiar faces from Qld, as well as those from further south.

Feel free to ask questions if you have any. (Best by PM at the moment.)

In case anyone is wondering, this year, Jonathan Bradshaw is the new Chairman, Wendy Colvin is the Treasurer/Registrar, and I am the Secretary (Mike Ford).

[h0ughy]

wow thanks for the view of what to expect in july

[mozzie]

wow 10 meters in some places!!!! amazing.... thanks for the update

[troypiggo]

Can I ask what the accommodation quarters for families is like? I went to 2009 Astrofest by myself and stayed in my tent. Must admit I didn't take too much notice of what the rooms were like. Considering coming again this year and may have wife and baby with for at least one night. Separate showers/toilets? Kristy is no princess, but does like some privacy and comforts.

[jjjnettie]

Hey Troy,
You still have to share facilities with other families. The rooms are comfortable and warm, but you'll be sleeping in single beds.

[Sharnbrook]

Hi Troy and Others,

Yes, there is family accomodation. It's in Bayley House, and there are 5 x 4 bed, 1 x 6 bed and 1 x 2 bed rooms. There is reasonable privacy, and Tony S-H says that doors have now been fitted to the rooms. There are 5 toilets, 5 showers and a couple of sets of basins, though they are shared between everyone in the House. I would be quite comfortable taking my family up if they were interested, (but they're not). There is also a Common Room which will have a TV and videos to keep kids occupied, but one thing to bear in mind is that children are early risers, and make a fair bit of noise w.e.f. about 5.30am, so don't say you haven't been warned.

I have updated the floor plan to show doors.

[firstlight]

Hi Troy,

There have been doors on the rooms in Bayley House for a couple of years, the facilities are shared with other families, but there are three sets of toilets and showers (one is handicap friendly).

Hope this answers,

Cheers
Tony

[Sharnbrook]

Thanks Tony for the update, I've amended my copy of the drawing accordingly, and updated my previous post.

Mike

[AstroJunk]

Just over two days until registration opens!

Shh, don't tell anyone, but if you register in the first month, you will get to book at 2010 rates. After that it will go up a couple of bucks all round...

[h0ughy]

the link?

[Sharnbrook]

The Web Page is still not quite finalised, but I'm sure JB will post the link when he's finished his magic.

I'm off camping for the Easter break, so I hope the rain stays away.

[AstroJunk]

I'm opening Registration at Midnight tonight! Just follow the registration menu options on the Qld Astrofest Site: http://www.qldastrofest.org.au

I'm giving the first IIS'er to register a bottle of limited edition "Cloudy Night Port", but there is a catch - You must write "Astrojunk Rocks!" in the comments field to qualify :rofl:

(BTW, I'm playing with the site right now, so things are likely to change between now and midnight - please don't try and register before :prey:)

We're doing a t-shirt this year, a simple and timeless design...

[h0ughy]

mmmmm midnight.......................

[AstroJunk]

10, 9, 8, 7, 6...

[AstroJunk]

Arooooogah!

Registration is now open :thumbsup:

(Paypal is yet to come, and please report any website stuff ups to me as they are undoubtedly my fault)

[AstroJunk]

And the winner is Houghy!

Top Man :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

because the ruddy bank requires a phone conversation now for confirmation of transactions i will send you a cheque it would wake the family up now and i would be dead - or if you get the paypal thing going i will do that directly. Registration Confirmation Invoice No: 2428 booked Alan Meehan and myself:thumbsup:

[AstroJunk]

No hurry, wait until stuff opens again next week - we can always put your scope on ebay if the bank won't let you transfer the cash :P

[h0ughy]

Payment made and email sent ;):thanx:

[Louwai]

So does that mean I have to register again??? Yesterday I checked the site just to see if it's open yet & it was so I registered.
As of last night there was only 1 registered person showing so I assume that was me :).

Is it me??? Or has my registration not "gone thru" ???? Disapointed I didn;t see this post first Jonathan.. :(

[that_guy]

is 16 still considered as a child?

[that_guy]

btw, i still havent gotten the group photo from last year :P hopefully ill get one this year :lol:

[AstroJunk]

A VERY early bird! I'll have deleted your registration (which would have been hidden amongst a thousand of my test ones!) You can either register again, or forward me your confirmation email, and I will do some back end magic :)

[AstroJunk]

For Astrofest registration, Yes - not that I would have considerd myself one at that age - I was too busy blagging my way into nightclubs to see punk bands... I'll make sure you get your photo - they have been sent, so yours must have gone AWOL!

[firstlight]

Tony,

You moved home last year didn't you? Did you send the new address to the Registrar? May be a reason that you have not received the photo... I know that they were sent.

[that_guy]

I did move house but i think i mentioned it in the registration... cant be too sure tho. It doesn't really matter much tho so its okay if i dont get one. I'll just get one for this year :)

[firstlight]

Tony, you'll get one as you requested and paid for one.

I'm sure that Jonathan is on the case.

Cheers
Tony

[AstroJunk]

No worries :thumbsup:

[mozzie]

great to see t-shirts jonathan they look a winner...

can't quiet book for astro fest yet iv'e had another stint in hospital and an awaiting a time for surgery hopefully well before late july!!!!!!!

[Davros]

Quick query, any chance of power to the camping sites along the fence line? I took a camper trailer the first time i went and the power points made life a lot better. Sometimes the little luxuries mean a lot while camping, especially for a week or so.

[AstroJunk]

Sorry to hear mozzie! I hope you are fit and well by AF. Does this mean that the biggest tosser will be a Qld'er this year? It's not going to be the same :sadeyes:

[AstroJunk]

I know that power lines do seem to find their way to the tents from the observing fields. My advice to everyone (including myself!) is be sensible - hopefully the power woes of last year won't annoy us this year, but heaters and fridges in vans and tents do draw alot of current. Lights (red of course)and the like are no problem and there is no need to forego too many luxuries I hope.

With any luck it will be a cold one - so much darker! We have a suply of hot water bottles for sale if need be. They come with fetching snuggly covers:thumbsup:

[Davros]

I must admit i thought about running a lead across to the tent from the rotunda but didnt like the thought of vehicle running over it or people tripping over it. I was hoping for power to run the computer and charge batteries at the tent. I like to watch shows on the lappy during the downtime of the day without disturbing others. Running a red flouro inside the tent also helps with finding your socks on those cold nights :P

[allan gould]

Well I've registered and hope that it will be as good as last few years. This year I'm keeping it as simple as I can and will bring a ups with me.

[h0ughy]

i hope to have the bases covered this year - 4 x 120 amp hour deep cycles with 3 UPS's from Jaycar. i also bought 3 tricklecharges to keep the deepcycles topped up during the day and night, only cutting off when the 240V cut off. be running the laptops, but my main concern is the USB hubs that i use - i only have them powered by 240v - 5volts normally, might have to look into that....

so i have one for the heqpro5, one for the eq6pro, one for the Titan and one for the astrotrac

[h0ughy]

Will the illusive and reclusive Dennis Simmons be attending this year????????

[Dennis]

Hi Dave

Work permitting – I plan to make the trip for the full 10 days. My last sojourn to Camp Duckadang was back in 2009-I think?:(

I only hope I get some practice before the camp – I have almost forgotten how to set up and integrate all my gear!:lol:

Will be great to catch up with you and the rest of the gang. :thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[DavidTrap]

David - Jaycar sells a 12V to 5V converter (covers a range of voltages between 3 & 12V) that can deliver up to 2 amps. (The 240V adapter for my Belkin 4 port USB hub is rated to 2.6amps). The included plugs fitted directly into my USB hub.

DT

[troypiggo]

Just booked in for the last Thurs/Fri nights! Make sure the clouds keep away for me. Ok, thanks. :D

[Sharnbrook]

Come on Everyone.

We have tried to keep prices down as much as possible, and to encourage people to register early, we are allowing a $2 per person per night discount to those who register in the first month.

That gives you until May 22nd to get yourself into gear.

After that, the price goes up, and if you don't register before you arrive at Duckadang, prices go up even further.

So far, 25 people have taken advantage of the Early Bird Offer, and saved themselves money.

Get in Quick, or pay more, and don't say you haven't been warned.

Here is the link to Queensland Astrofest 2011 (http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/) Just do it!!

[[1ponders]]

Done and dusted :D

[h0ughy]

yeah team moderator - will Phil be there, how about RB and Mike?

[jjjnettie]

Got to get all the Mods up here. What a hoot!
It would almost make me want to stay at home and stir up trouble on the forum instead. .......While all the cats are away. :poke:

[stanlite]

Ok so i went to this last year ... didn't know a soul and it rained 2 of the 3 days i was there. I will be coming this year and providing i get approval from work tomorrow i will be there the whole 10days. I can even show up early on the Friday to help set up if needed. Dad is a sparky so if there is something you think we might need that he could provided ask or pm me and i will see (no promises though). I am also willing to bring a large range of tv shows in the off chance of evil weather (contemplating bringing sacrificially goat as well.). I also have access possibly to sound devices such as speakers, mics if needed for the talks (although since this is part of my fathers business if they are being used that week cant bring them so let me know sooner rather then later about those so i can book them, no charge to the camp). One further thing does the rego fees include meals or are they separate and if so how much???

Cheers Grady

P.S. Never mind about the meals just found there price on the website lol

[jjjnettie]

:lol:
Best Star Party on the planet I reckon.
Looking forward to catching up again Grady.

[stanlite]

you bring red dwarf i will bring the doctor and stargate deal JJJ ;) really only showing up that early so i get a better spot before houghy shows up and takes them all :P

[jjjnettie]

It's a deal. Want me to bring along Star Trek OS too?
Though I don't think we'll have time to watch anything this year. It's going to be clear skies all this camp.
And cold....below freezing. So remember you have to dress accordingly and bring an extra sleeping bag. (lol yes mum)

[Sharnbrook]

Hi Grady,

Thanks for the offer of your father's workshop, tools, expertise, labour and everything else that I have read into your post. Did you mention money as well? The Organising Committee is meeting tomorrow, and we shall see what, and how much we need . :thanx:

Seriously though, your offer of help is very much appreciated, and we may well rope you in to assist with the set-up, and the wrap up at the end. It's offers like yours that really do make it easier for the organisers, and if anyone else wants to help, please give me a yell.

Even better, if we can get a couple of strong young guys up on the Thursday, that would REALLY help. We'll meet the additional cost of the accommodation for Thursday night, and reward you with a small Astro related item for your help.

[Sharnbrook]

10 days to go at the Early Bird Rate, and counting........................... ..

[stanlite]

Hey Mike, anything i offered would be free of charge but comes with the proviso my father doesn't need the equipment for himself at that time (and it would be my labour not his haha), which means that i am less certain about bringing power cords ect ect but a speaker or two with a mic is no problem as dad has hundreds (not literal hundreds though lol) and i should be easily able to get some. Is that what you mean by money (because i am paying for myself/stay lol). Booking tomorrow once i get some moola. I should be able to come up the Thursday but will get back to you on this point.

Yeah jjj bring the OS star trek hehe it will be fun ;). and of course it won't rain but i am tricky and can watch a TV show and image at the same time :P. As for dress code ... yes mum i will be prepared this year :P ... i am coming dressed as the Matt smith version of the Doctor haha ;)

[RobF]

I'm in! First Sat through to Thur night.

[mozzie]

going to see the specialist on tuesday arvo to see when i have to have my op!!! hopefully well before astrofest so i can still come up,sounds like elise the other half will be coming up we may stay in a tent or try and get a room inside it might be a bit to cold for her to camp outside.....

[Sharnbrook]

Hi Grady,



Sorry if I gave you a fright!! I only said that as a joke, and it must have been a fairly poor joke. (Any joke that requires an explanation is a poor joke:ashamed: )

However, I did realise that you were good enough to offer a mike, amplifier and some speakers, providing your father isn't using them, and I would like to take you up on that offer please. Maybe you would like to PM me, and let me know if this is possible, and also whether you would be able to get up on the Thursday to help with the set-up, in particular the audio system. Are you a sparky too? If so, we have another job for you, changing the fluoros to red tubes. If you can help, we really would appreciated that. Let me know.

[RobF]

I reckon I'm just about due to freeze my proverbials off this year after only scraping by with my old thermals and ski gear in the past and hearing stories of the "really cold years", so I'm getting a decent one piece freezer suit. Now's the time to let Geoff know if you want one before he puts an order in too BTW.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/member.php?u=772
http://www.gtbastrowise.com.au/

[Sharnbrook]

8 days to go at the Early Bird Rate, and counting...........................

I missed yesterday's count, sorry!!

By-the-way. Our offer of reduced rates if you register before the 22nd, is conditional upon PAYING AS WELL.

I accept that this isn't very well explained on the website, but the reason we want people to book and pay early is to reduce the workload on Wendy, who is this year's Registrar, and also to reduce the risk of having thousands of dollars in cash on site, which is always a problem. So if you pay by cheque or direct deposit, that really helps us. Unfortunately, we are not having the option of Pay-Pal this year

btw, my name and Ugly Mug is still shown on the website as Registrar, which I'm not, I was just standing in whilst Wendy was away for a few weeks. This will be changed in a day or so.

[Sharnbrook]

7 days to go at the Early Bird Rate, and counting...........................

But to qualify for the reduced rate, you need to pay now.

[AstroJunk]

He's coming! :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

I have to say that this brilliant professor is as entertaining as he is smart (VERY) and was my number one choice for Astrofest since I saw him talk last year.

He gave us in-principle agreement for the talk back in Feb, but we have had to wait for a while to ensure a then unscheduled US trip didn't clash.

Who is he?

Well I am updating the Astrofest home page in the next half hour with the announcement and I will post again when its done. In the meantime, any guesses?

[h0ughy]

elementary mr watson its noone who i thought

[AstroJunk]

Introducing the eminent Charley Lineweaver, Professor of both Astronomy AND of Earth Sciences.

And what this man doesn't know about the chances of finding life in the universe. If you have ever played with SETI, or just want to know if we are alone, then this talk may change your view of life, the Universe and everything!

Charley is a fast paced, funny and very well informed. Best of all, his talks a brilliantly pitched so that we all can understand the science behind his research.

[Sharnbrook]

So, with only 6 days to go at the Super Low Rate, you'd better get your registration in, and your money paid,
so that you can benefit from the eminent Charley Lineweaver's insight and knowledge of the possibility (or probability??) of Extra Terrestrial Life.

[mozzie]

yep i think i'm going to make it.!!!! my operation is on 1st june...
going to see if me and my oldest boy can fit in the back of the car to sleep and well both come up for the last the nights.....

[Sharnbrook]

With only a few days to go before Judgement Day, and the end of the World only 6 months later (approximately), you would be well advised to make sure of your Astrofest Booking, because this Astrofest will quite obviously be the LAST ONE. Early Bird Booking ceases in 4 days time, but with Judgement Day only 3 days away, in the heat of the moment, and with all the rest of the hype, you may forget to book.

My recommendation would be to BOOK NOW, without delay, and ensure your place at the Last Ever Astrofest.

[stanlite]

lol

[h0ughy]

No ignore that people - you dont need to go, you dont need to be there to enjoy the fresh clear air. please stay at home in front of the heater - there is no room on the imaging field.

[allan gould]

There won't be after you set up, David

[firstlight]

No truer words in this forum than those.

Whats up David, afraid that someone will snaffle your photons?

[h0ughy]

:thanx::P

[h0ughy]

Yes every photon is sacred:rofl: i need to get all i can:P;)

[jjjnettie]

You can have my spot on the imaging field Dave.
I might move forward this year, make the most of the Northern aspect.

[h0ughy]

I might be looking for a new spot this year, so i can get the northern stuff so i may split my gear - live in two worlds ;)

[acropolite]

Not sure if I'll make it this year, HRH can't get holidays on those dates, I might fly up just for a few days though to get my fix of clear air and warm weather. Could be a good excuse to buy an astrotrac....

[jjjnettie]

It all depends on where they put me in the bunk houses. I like to set up close to my mount. :D
I'll either be in Bayley House again or the Ladies bunk rooms.

[AstroJunk]

Thanks to those who have taken advantage of our 'early-birds' special. We have filled 295 bed nights so far so you all had better buy at least $590 worth of raffle tickets!

Normal prices resume in an hour..

[h0ughy]

mmm raffle tickets - whats on offer ;)

[AstroJunk]

We don't usually get to know untill late in the day - think of it as adding to the suspense! What I can say, is there will be over $5000 of kit up for grabs.

[mozzie]

wow sounds like we better bring up some cash!!!!!

[Sharnbrook]

Houghy and others want to know what we have by way of prizes for our raffle.

Sirius Optics (Ron Gibson) has just announced that he is donating an "Orion 150mm Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph on a GOTO Equatorial Mount valued at $1995.00." A magnificent prize, I'm sure you will agree.

Then My Astro Shop has donated a full goto scope on an equatorial mount, and a beginners pack comprising binocs and red torch etc. Jonathan has the items at home, and will post some further details, (hopefully, later tonight.) We already have many smaller prizes, subscriptions, DVDs, sundials, books, magazines, shirts and many other items. We are also hopeful of getting further major sponsors on board, and as soon as we have details, we'll be letting you know.

Anyway, at this stage, our thanks to all the sponsors who have made donations to date.

[AstroJunk]

http://www.astroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-040G

A nice little 5" beginners/holiday goto. Just had a sneak peak inside and it looks nice...

[that_guy]

not sure if i can go this year :\ no transport :(

[AstroJunk]

Tony, there are plenty of people coming up and down to Astrofest all week - I'm sure we can get you a lift :thumbsup:

[that_guy]

mum doesnt want to drive me up there again cos we got lost for 3 hours :P i guess its her fault for using a 4 year old map haha.. best i can do is get a lift to brissie and see if i can catch the train or something aha

[firstlight]

Worst case scenario is that if you can get to Brisbane, the bus leaves from the Roma St Transit Centre and stops in Moore. If you make arrangements, someone will be able to drive to town and pick you up. I've done it for before (picked them up that is). Check out the timetables and let the organisers know, or post here and an IISer can come to the party.

[stanlite]

when would you be wanting to come up tony???

[that_guy]

possibly on the last 3 days, not sure tho i might have exams that week, have to check with school if not, it'll have to be first 3 days

[RobF]

Thanks to those that related unfortunate stories of what can happen if you yank up your one piece freezer suit if its too short. :lol:
I ended up going the 2 piece jacket/pants route, and man are they light, soft and snug at the same time. I need a cold, clear, winters night now....!
:confuse3:

[jjjnettie]

Good choice Rob.:)
It was 1C when I packed up just after midnight last night.
So yes, I think we're in for a cold one this year.

[RobF]

Thanks for your help Jeanette
It sure is cooling off. I often think of your stories of the dew on your star atlas freezing the pages together. I've been worried my old ski gear mightn't cut it if we do get a really cold one. Listening to the guys up at Leyburn about some of their winter nights got me thinking too. Must be getting old....:lol:

[jjjnettie]

I know of one female imager who had a little fan heater set up in her toilet tent a couple of years ago.
Highly wussy if you ask me. LOLOL

[h0ughy]

no wonder the power went off;)

[GTB_an_Owl]

David

has your ensemble been suitably mouse proofed this year ?

or do i have to order another before astrofest ?

geoff

[h0ughy]

na learnt my lesson stored better:thumbsup:

[mozzie]

:cool:came out of the op!!! all fine...and just booked for the last 3 nights taking my oldest boy lachlan hope there's some more kids coming... there's no contest with the counter weight no.no.no. not aloud to attempt that this year...

[jjjnettie]

Great news Moz me mate.
Looking forward to catching up with you again. Soooo, who's going to take your title I wonder?

[COSMOPARADISE]

booked 5 nights, going to camp this time. looking forward to it all again.

[that_guy]

Just registered for the Whole week :D and t-shirt (awesome idea btw).. Will pay tomorrow after my mum gets some sleep :P

Cheers
Tony

[that_guy]

also my mums driving me so thats that problem solved :D

[jjjnettie]

You hit her up for the camp while she was groggy from work. :rofl:
Did you take lessons from Bart Simpson or something. ????
It'll be great to see you there again Tony. :D

[that_guy]

haha... she was the one who suggested that I go :P BEST MUM EVA!!!!! Looking forward to seeing all the folks again soon :D

[that_guy]

Can someone confirm if my payment went through?

[AstroJunk]

Hi Tony, just asked Wendy to confirm. And I will have your 2010 photo ready for picking up at duckadang!

BTW - 1 calendar month to go today and nearly 500 bed nights booked already. Looks like it's gonna be a good-un :)

[that_guy]

Cheers Jonathan :D Can't wait!

[Sharnbrook]

Bob Grimes, Wendy and I are going up to Duckadang on Monday to erect the shed that Lions have very kindly given us permission to erect under the Hall, so we can store all our equipment in from year to year. We also need to take up the equipment that until now has been kept in storage at Pat Pearl's works at Yatala. However, we don't have a trailer big enough to get it all in. Does anyone in Brisbane have a large trailer (8x4, or bigger) that we could borrow for Monday-Tuesday next week? The idea would be that Bob and I would go up on Monday to erect the shed. Jonathan Bradshaw would collect the gear from Yatala on Monday pm, and take it up to Duckadang on Tuesday am, when we can stow it in the new shed, and the trailer could be returned Tuesday evening.

Does any kind soul in Brissie have such a beast that we can borrow for a couple of days?

If you do, please PM me asap, and a bottle of the famous Cloudy Nights AstroPort will be yours by way of a thank you.

[Tandum]

You can use mine but it might be too small for you. Here's a pic of it.

[Sharnbrook]

Thanks Robin, we do have access to standard trailers, but we really need an 8x5, preferably with a cage, but that's not essential. We'll see how things go.

[urbanspaceman]

Hey all,

Do we know if the low camping ground will able to be used. As i normally turn up on the last Friday and Saturday there is always plenty of room on the low camping ground to pitch a tent.

[Sharnbrook]

I'm absolutley sure that it will be in use, as usual. Even when I went up in March, it would have been OK. During the floods, it would have been under about 1.8m of water. I'm going up on Monday, and if for any reason I find it not useable, I'll make a post and let everyone know.

[AstroJunk]

Top rig Robin!

Having looked at the weather for mon/tues, I may just see how much I can get in my campervan. If I can get even half the stuff up there it will certainly help.

[Sharnbrook]

Greetings to all you Astrofesters. Less than 4 weeks to go, and only just over 3 weeks before the close of entries for the van der Velden Astrophotography Competition.

Wendy tells me that she has so far only received 3 entries, and in order to be accepted, photos have to be with Wendy by Monday July 18th 2011. Here is a link to the Competition Rules (http://www.qldastrofest.org.au/events/photocomp/photo_comp.htm)

Get those Photos in to Wendy in good time, so that we can have a good selection from which to select a winner.

[Sharnbrook]

The area on the lower Camp Ground is fine for camping and access. No worries there at all.

[AstroJunk]

Stop press - Live from the committee room...

This year, there will be a new photography prize 'Best in Fest' for a photograph of any subject taken by any means at and during AF2011.

There will be a prize (Hic) awarded to the recipient and entries must be recieved electronically on the morning of the final Saturday for big decision which will be made by the Committee using a set of criteria to be worked out over a glass or two.

A reason to get processing during the daytime :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Now we're talking Jonathan :thumbsup:

[mozzie]

my registration mail come today woo hoo !!!!! not long know..

[Sharnbrook]

Still very few entries in the Astrofest Photo comp for the van der Velden Memorial Trophy.

Don't forget, NO entries accepted on site, all must be with Wendy by July 18th, only 12 days away.

Get 'm coming.

[jjjnettie]

I'm waiting for mine to come back from the printers. Should be this week sometime, I hope.

[glenc]

If you want to see about 20 emission nebulae at the QA send me a private message.
These emission nebulae will be visible along the Milky Way between 7pm and 1am.
N3199, N3247, N3324, N3372, N3581-2, IC2944, N6188, IC4628, N6334, N6357
M8, N6559, M20, M17, M16, N6960, N6992-95, N6888, IC1318, IC5070, N7000.

[h0ughy]

well i received the official Queensland Astorfest guide on how to misbehave - and it looks a fully professional setout - except for one tiny small problem - who is Chris Meehan?

[Davros]

Yay - registered finally. Now ive just got to dust off the big white thing that sits in the corner of my lounge room and learn how to use it again.

[jjjnettie]

:D Good O!!

[jjjnettie]

May I please have the address I need to send my photo's too.
I didn't receive a registration kit with the info in it.
Thanks

[Davros]

I have gone soft this year. I am going to bunk it instead of freezing my butt off in a tent. I will be there for the last five nights, from Tuesday night onwards.

[Sharnbrook]

Best to send them to Wendy at
The Registrar
38 Gleneagles Crescent
Albany Creek
QLD 4035 .

If you haven't already paid, then you won't have received your Rego kit, but if you have paid, then I suggest you mention this to Wendy.

We're All Fired Up, and Ready to Go

[[1ponders]]

Mike I received the rego kit for Jeanette and myself and the only thing that was in there was the booklet. Normally there's all sorts of bits and bobs.

[alan meehan]

Well recieved the astrofest guide nice layout except either i change my name to Chris or take up a lot of liquid paper should be ALAN MEEHAN
WINNER 2010 ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY,THROUGH A TELESCOPE M83
AL..i think

[Sharnbrook]

In previous years we have included maps and tourist info of the area, but as there is a map in the booklet, we decided not to bother this year. Previously we have also included Sponsor advertising and other minor freebies, but so far this year we haven't received anything from Sponsors, though there is some stuff on the way. As it hasn't arrived so far we shall have it available at the Registration area for people to pick up if they are interested.

No one has given us copies of past Astro magazines either, another item that we've had in the past, so I'm afraid all there is is the Registration booklet.

[Sharnbrook]

Alan,

My apologies for that. It escaped 3 proof readers' notice. :(


However, on the basis that you might wish to change your name to Chris whilst you are in Queensland, here (http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/7474/bdm-change-name-adult-application-form.pdf) are the relevant forms.

Under section 9, (Reasons for change) you can say that the Astrofest Secretary is a drongo, and it's his fault. :)

[glenc]

If you want to image or view planetary nebulae the following link gives images for all the NGC PN and two IC PN.
The field size is always 14 arcmin with one exception, the Helix NGC 7293. This makes it easy to compare PN sizes.

NGC 2818A will be setting at 7pm at the Qld Astrofest, NGC 246 will be rising at midnight and NGC 1535 will be rising at 5am.
NGC 2392 will be near the Sun.

The following are too far north to see from SE Qld, N40, N1501, N6543, N7076, N7139 and N7354.
M97 and N7008 will be close to the northern horizon.

https://picasaweb.google.com/dunlop1826/NGCPlanetaryNebulae?authkey=Gv1sRgC Jm95-XF98SCggE#

The 97 images are from http://www.wikisky.org/

[COSMOPARADISE]

So after browsing IIS just before going to bed last night, well every night really for the last couple weeks, i found myself dreaming.... that i was waving and running up to Paul 1ponders, with a GSO 10" RC in hand, and i think i said something like "jjs gona love this one"... crazyy.
10 days to go till i leave the world behind for a weeeeekkkk off loovveee!!!
:screwy:

[mozzie]

i nick do you still have your mead etx125 or did the astro bug bite !!!!!!
more funds spent......

[COSMOPARADISE]

Hey Pete,
Yeah upgraded not long after last years astrofest. HEQ5PRO, SKYWATCHER BD 150 MAK. SKYWATCHE 70MM GUIDESCOPE, DSI AND DSI 2 PRO, FILTERS AND WHEEL, COOL WILLIAM OPTIC SWAN E/P SET AND HEAPS OTHER COOL ACCESORIES.
Are you bringing you 14er? Thatd be great to peek through.

[h0ughy]

well the new toy is packed, i will be only running two mounts this year - saving space:rofl:

I think AL has packed the Astrophotography trophy?:question:

As i type the east coast low is forming - its raining in newcastle and getting a tad more windy and its very cool:sadeyes:. I really hope that it stays here;)

You guys up north have to keep the clear weather for the next fortnight:D

[Davros]

Its nice and clear here and a balmy 6 degrees. Should be looking good for Duckadang.:thumbsup:

[Tandum]

The last few weeks have been the longest continuous periods of clear sky we have had in over a year.
Fog and dew are probably going to be the enemy this astrofest.

I notice hair dryers are now banned ....
Good luck with that one ...

[h0ughy]

keep it clear and leave the fan on to keep the fog at bay. as long as i can set the eq6 up and image with the 127 for the first night through until the last Saturday night i will be happy - i have to literally piece together the 14" and set up the titan for the first time. i will be bringing the G11 brains to use rather than muck about with the new Gemini 2 setup.

[Tandum]

Houghy's grab and go scope is a 14" CAT on a titan :rofl:

[AstroJunk]

The weather is looking great - It's windy as all whatever at the moment, but that is due to die down by the weekend.

I know its early, but I have to congratulate the new committee in bringing this together - Whilst we may not be quite as polished as the last (appologies in advance), the team has put in a massive effort to fill the wonderfully large boots left by Anne-Louise, Tony and Pat. Special mention to Mike and Wendy who are very focussed right now - despite my best efforts to stuff things up for them :thanx:

Bookings are on a par with last year, so Qld Astrofest still **ROCKS THE WORLD*** in terms of overall attendance:D

Drive safe y'all, I'll see you in a few days :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

2 sleeps to go....
They've predicted "Fine. Chance early frost." until Tuesday at least. By then we'll need a night off. Then we can get back into it again. :D
I'm excited. :D

[AstroJunk]

Too much packing to do for sleep!

[alan meehan]

1 Sleep to go and some more packing of essentials for Houghy,leaving in the morning and hope to get out of this terrible heavy rain and flooding could be a slow trip up .see ya soon
AL

[jjjnettie]

Take care, and I'm looking forward to seeing you both
soon. :)

[h0ughy]

LOL yes Al they are all essential - ther is no real shop out there when you need something at a moments notice ;). The perils of operating two rigs - one normal and one slightly larger than normal....:rofl:

power supplies, Batteries, ups's, tarps, imaging huts, gazebo, tables, chairs, cameras and supporting mounts, tripods, food, clothes, freezer suits, tool box, laptops for scopes and processing, reading material (manuals), electrical leads, dew control , tarps, usb thingys and Alan. check:thumbsup::lol:

[h0ughy]

JJJ look forward to sharing the field - i have even reduced my rigs this year :rofl:

be great to see your lunar pics - mine turned out to be very ordinary :lol:

[allan gould]

I'm sure I'll forget something!

[h0ughy]

oh please please dont :eyepop::help::question::thanx:

will you be there friday?;)

[mozzie]

nearly astrofest time again!!!!!! my oldest boy(lachlan)7years is coming and he's getting so excited.....will be up next thursday,bought lachlan a 100mm table reflector and he loves using it and can't wait to stay up late of a night using it.... mum's not around to send him to bed early,and 2 days of school he's stocked :rofl::rofl:

[Sharnbrook]

Well that's it, if it isn't done now, it'll have to wait. I'm packed, and will be leaving at 7am tomorrow. The rest of the Committee and a few volunteers will also be up there tomorrow to get things set up for you guys arriving on Friday.

Looking forward to it all, and hope that the wind dies down a bit.

See ya there,


:thumbsup:

[that_guy]

I'll be there :D I got my eye on that 6" RC!

[Davros]

Hopefully my picture submission makes it in. I think i pushed the postal time pretty far. Sent it yesterday express post. Ah well if its in its in if its not no sleep lost. :P

[allan gould]

Don't worry your little pink socks, David. It's actually packed into my car boot at the moment.
I'm planning to leave just before midday on Friday as it's my b'day and I have to do the right thing at home before leaving.
Allan

[AstroJunk]

I thought leaving WAS the right thing :rofl:

If you are lucky Houghy might share some of his Cloudy Night Port with you :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

I'm bringing cupcakes!! We'll have a party!!

[stanlite]

i am brining a sound system so we CAN have a party if you really like :P

[Davros]

Well looks like its about to rain here in Caboolture. Hope they are not getting clouded over for the first night of Astrofest. :eyepop:

[Tandum]

I got a little rain here last night. But tonight ... it's perfect .... not even a drop of dew on the dome tonight :)

[DavidTrap]

Bit of cloud about on the Northside... At least the rugby is going our way!

DT

[Tandum]

That's not cloud, that's just dust from all the tunnel digging going on over there :) Still no dew here :thumbsup:

[Davros]

Crystal clear and cold, they will be having a cracker of a time out there. Cant wait till Tuesday. :P:P:P:P:P:P

[jenchris]

Good night for it

[Tandum]

I agree ... I just can't see northern targets from here. I might even get away a day early if I can.

[COSMOPARADISE]

Camping Monday to Sunday, cant wait to meet everyone from here there. Ive got a lot to learn so feel free to give me advice and mention your IIS name. 364 days down and its time to start packing. Also im proud to anounce that last night I got ENGAGED to my girlfriend OF 14 months. Ive found a very special woman, one that understands my passion and enthusiasm for astronomy. It was only fair to buy a diamond for her after buying two black diamonds, a Series5000 ED 102APO and HEQ5PRO, DSI 1 and 2, new laptop, tent, table, sleeping bags, mattresses, usb cables, filters, IBM laptop, numerous dew heater bands and controllers and all other ancilliary items we so desperetaly need to survive in the field and to quench our thirst for exploration.
See you all there!!!:D

[Brundah1]

I guess the other diamond was delivered on your knee Nick :rofl:

Never take a partner for granted that understands your other night time passion ;) and how much you spend on it (even if she only knows the half of it) :D

All the best to both of you

D

[DavidTrap]

Well one Nick! She sounds like she's a keeper!

DT

[Bolts_Tweed]

Congratulations Nick

I can only hope you can have as much happiness as I have in the last 33 years (Did I just say that ????? - do not let my wife know I said that). I actually gave my wife a real black diamond recently _ i didn't know they existed but a mate that is into gemstones fixed me up with one.

Have fun at Duckadang - Sry I cant join everyone - I am trying to build a dome at Leyburn

Mark Bolton

[mozzie]

congrat's nick..:thumbsup::thumbsup:will she be coming to astrofest or a bit to cold??????

any reports from there yet !!! what's the weather like up north over the next week....

[COSMOPARADISE]

Wwow thanks everyone. Bolts thanks mate, cant wait to see that dome in action. Hey Mozz, nah just me staying, although Bec will be dropping me off then coming back home.Wwooot cant sleep couple hours to go. BOM says fine and cold with eraly frost with a little high cloud at times. 0-20c!!

[that_guy]

I'd like to apologise for a haste escape :P I didn't feel too good almost everyday. Hardly getting any sleep, the only thing on my mind at the time was getting the heck outa there :S

[stanlite]

what happens on the imaging field stays on the imaging field
:eyepop:

[jjjnettie]

AMEN

:eek:

[troypiggo]

But some things can't be forgotten...

[Davros]

What happens in the fold up tent.................stays in the fold up tent :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D Oh God wont somebody think of the children :P

[drmorbius]

Wish I'd spent more time in the imaging field from the sounds of it... ;)

[jjjnettie]

Oh boy.........

It was all Bester's fault.