Pony Club 27th August

[Rick Petrie]

New moon on the 29th so I guess the 27th should be a good time.
Hope the weather is favourable. Who's in?:)

[RB]

I'm in.
Suppose I'd better bring a scope with me this time ........ :P

[Rick Petrie]

Great to hear from you RB. Whereyabin mate? Is life treating you good?
Be good to catch up soon and maybe indulge in a stogie.:thumbsup:

[RB]

Hey buddy.
No I've been in the wars mate.
Too much going on atm to go into here but I'll fill you in when we meet.
Also had to go to hospital this week but all's ok now.

Stogie time sounds good, I'll have to bring up a couple of my specials for us to indulge.

:)

[Carlz]

Count Michael and myself in too, i will have a new scope that i want to test out :D Andrew you better be coming too.

[Redshift]

Haven't been for a while so I will try to get there.

[Rodstar]

I am hoping to come along, all things being equal (and clear).

[Rick Petrie]

.
What type of scope may i ask?
Hope this new scope is not a bad weather omen?:question:
You know what they say!!!!!!!

[David]

Hi Andrew, Rod and the old timers I hope to get up there this time, it will be great to see everyone again. I will have to get all the cob-webs out of the scopes and try to work out how to use them again. As I have not been having a great time of it the last few years.

[Amunous]

Hey rick,

She caved and got her astrophotography rig. Its an neq6 pro-w and the skywatcher ed80. Awesome little rig.
But you know what they say... it will rain for 6 months now.
Although we did get it out last night for about an hour or so, And it was fairly clear moon washed out everything thou.

[RB]

David, looking forward to catching up with you.
It's been ages !

[Rick Petrie]

Ahh....gone to the dark side, she has?:P

[Amunous]

Yes lol coffee grinder alley here she comes.

I'll have to lug that bad boy around thou. No way she can lift it and set it up without potentially dropping it.

And yes that is a block of wood holding the scope on. The adapter from Wide to normal wasn't with the scope when we unpacked it. So we have to wait for it to arrive.. and she was desperate to get it outside and use it.. so i had to rig something up.

[iceman]

I shall put this in my diary!!

[RB]

You'd better show up, I'll hound you every day till then......:P

[Allan_L]

Does anyone know if we have access to the clubhouse yet, and/or power etc?

Mike, can you run your gear without access to the grid?

[iceman]

Oh is there no power yet?

I'm happy to just bring my tripod and camera if that's the case and just do some widefield/timelapse stuff.

[GTB_an_Owl]

there is a power point in the old toilet

bring long leads

will try and find out about the clubhouse

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

Yes Carly, it is an awesome looking rig. :thumbsup:
Do you think it will balance a 14" Orion truss dob attached thereon??:P
Just jokin' :lol:
Looking forward to those DSO photos!:)

[Allan_L]

Now I'd pay to see that :eyepop:
Michael, I think you may need a bigger piece of wood for that one ;)

[Amunous]

hahaha don't knock the wood it works surprisingly well.

[Deeno]

Sounds good.
Something to look forward to.

Be good to see you again RB. You been looking after yourself young man?

[RB]

G'day buddy, good to hear from you..... :)
No I've had various health issues so I've not been online much, but I'm sorting through those issues and hopefully be back on track soon.
Looking forward to a good ol' chin wag mate.

[Arthur Alchin]

Thanks for the message RB. At this stage i am rostered on duty again, will try for a swap but at this stage not hopeful.

[RB]

Pleasure Arthur.

:thumbsup:

[sally1jack]

I'm going to Fiji so won't be there but am a definite for sept , have a great night :thumbsup:

[RB]

Phil, bring me back a t-shirt. :lol:
Have a great trip.
Looking forward to catching up next time mate.

:thumbsup:

[sally1jack]

Will Do

[bahoogas]

It's ok Arthur. I've already told them that you're going to call in sick. :) John's going to cover for you!

[Zincberg]

Ill be there.. ill be bringing my new salt shaker as well.. Michael is right, awesome little rig.
The guys at bintel reckon I can get my LX90 OTA on there... but im not willing to try that much weight yet.

[Rick Petrie]

Hey, what's with all you guys crossing to the dark side?:shrug:
The dob alley team and the whirrygig drivers might get lonely!!!!!:P

[Irish stargazer]

I'd be keen to visit the Pony Club. My first time. I relocated to Sydney a few weeks ago from Melbourne. Is it recommended to arrive there before darkness sets in (not too sure how to find it)?

[Allan_L]

Hi John,
we will be pleased to welcome you to the Pony Club (Mangrove Mountain).
There is a sticky at the top of this forum with directions and a map of how to get there.

Usually someone will be there from about 5.
But check the posts as it nears to confirm.

see ya there
allan

[GTB_an_Owl]

just heard back from Justine

no joy yet on access to the clubhouse - still a work in progress

she will ask at the next meeting about me getting a key

Sooooo - any one needing power - bring your own - or some long power cords that will reach to the old toilet

geoff

[Inmykombi]

I wont make it to the PC this weekend folks....:(

I have a "DO" in Sydney I must get to.

We are staying in Sydney somewhere overnight on Saturday night, and then we are going on a Harbour Cruise on Sunday.
( someone has to do it I guess );)
I hope you all have a great night.

See ya later Geoffro.

[RB]

It'll be great to meet you John !



Oh that's unfortunate Geoffro, was hoping to catch up.
Hope you have a great time on the Harbour Cruise mate.

[iceman]

How's the weather looking?

Can't wait!

[erick]

Sadly, I'm a "no show" this month. Fully committed weekend (followed by two weekends away from Sydney. Ah well, hopefully September.

John, quite easy to get there following the directions in the "sticky". I did my first test run in daylights which was a good idea. (nice balmy conditions as well - for a Melbournite :D )

[RB]

Weather's looking great, it'll clear........:whistle:

[Rick Petrie]

Like your enthusiasm Mike, it's been a while, be good to catch up.:)


Like your optimism RB. Did you check with Mr Owl before using that wording?;)

[RB]

It's so ingrained in me Rick, it just comes out naturally.
He won't mind (I hope).

:lol:

[Allan_L]

:rofl: I was thinking the same thing :lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

i thought about it - but i let it pass :P

too early for prediction - one minute 7timer says good - then cloudy the next

i'm charging my batteries anyway

geoff

[dsacurtis]

Hi,

I've put in the diary. Also hope it is clear and I can meet everyone.

Best,

Dave Curtis

[RB]

Looking forward to meeting you Dave.

:)
Andrew

[Shano592]

Don't make the mistake Erick made with his "dry run."

It is Saturday night, not Friday night ... :lol:

[Rick Petrie]

All of a sudden 7timer is looking the goods again, getting closer to the night.:shrug:
Hope it's right.:thumbsup:
Hoping to get there around 5ish

[RB]

It'll clear.........:P

[Rick Petrie]

Now, where have I heard that before???;)

[Rick Petrie]

Now I know why they call it 7timer!
The forecast changes at least 7 times a day.:shrug::lol::lol:

[GTB_an_Owl]

TRUST ME! it will clear :P

geoff

[sasup]

anybody have a 10mm ethos I can try that's going up tomorrow? I am going to try to make it.

[Carlz]

Michael has a 13mm if you want to try that one. We are going up tomorrow too.

[gb_astro]

Stacy I have a 10.
Hoping to get up there.

Greg.

[vic4loc]

Got some last minute family commitments :( was looking forward to come too. Anybody else going the weekend after?

Victor.

[sasup]

thanks gb hope to get there but feeling ill again. bloody kids

[GTB_an_Owl]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

what is the consensus?

if it clears - i think it will be late

geoff

[Rick Petrie]

That sounds like an each way bet to me.;)
Looking at the satellite loop on BOM it appears to me that the cloud streaming down from the northwest is however generally moving eastward and to me it looks like it will start to head out to sea and clear up from the west this afternoon. It seems good west of the cloudband.
Having said that I am still going up, because how many times has the Owl said 'it will clear', and it does.:P
If it's late, I guess we just wait.( poetic eh)

[RB]

It'll clear. :P
See you tonight buddy.

:thumbsup:

[GTB_an_Owl]

Mmmmmmmm

ok - i will start to pack about 3-00pm

geoff

[Zincberg]

I am both keen and confident.. this stuff will be gone and we will have some viewing tonight. Ill be packing my car and heading up there between 4&5 I think.

See you all there!

[RB]

Cloud cover will start lifting after 10pm....acording to 7Timer. :confuse3:
http://www.iimagespace.com/page/test/cloudcover.htm

Current conditions according to my weather station click link below.
http://www.mangroveweather.com/

:)

[gb_astro]

I think it will clear just before the fog rolls in. :(


Greg.

[RB]

I can't get your link to work Allan.

:shrug:

[RB]

Yeah but neither of your links will load at all for me, just getting blank pages. :shrug:

[RB]

Sorry, nothing......

[Allan_L]

this works for me
once you then click "get forcast" !!!

[bahoogas]

You guys have so much faith in the Owl. He must be wise.

I was keen to come but I think i'm going to pull out. I'm not much of a gambler.

Would anyone go up tomorrow night if it stays clear?

[Irish stargazer]

I'll chance it too. Lets hope for clear skies.

[gb_astro]

RB I think I preferred your web cam stuck on "blue sky". :)

Greg.

[Allan_L]

Now that is a sensible idea. :thumbsup:
Hmm!
Probably can arrange that.
Lets chat tomorrow.

[RB]

:lol:

I'll see if I can retrieve an old photo from the archive !

:scared3:

[GTB_an_Owl]

the owl has proclaimed

IT WILL CLEAR - TRUST ME

starting to pack now

geoff

[Zincberg]

leaving now.. blue skies starting to appear from the west for me.

[iceman]

I can see it clearing low in the west but not confident. Haven't packed anything yet.

[Shano592]

Just came back from the Western Suburbs. The cloud was a lot lighter down there than up Gosford way on the way back.

Good luck for tonight.

[RB]

Clear as a bell here guys, pack your stuff !!!

We told you !!!

See you in a couple of hours.

:stargaze: :jump2:

[David]

OK RB see you around 8

[iceman]

Next time :(

[RB]

:thumbsup:



Doh !

:mad2:

[norm]

I can't believe this ! The clouds just hung around all day, even up to 5ish. By that time I decided to call it a night.....long drive for me (92k's).

Bloody ducked out at 630ish - clear as a whistle - unbelieveable !:mad2:

I'm so annoyed now!

Have a great night fellas....maybe next week?

Cheers, Norm

[sasup]

me to saw the cloud all day and just walked out clear as. It just makes me crazy.

[Rodstar]

I hope those of you who made the trek up the Mountain were rewarded.

I was not feeling great last night....ummed and ahhhhed about coming, and ended up sleeping for 10 hours.:zzz:

[Irish stargazer]

Did anyone manage to eventually get onto the site with the gate locked.

[Carlz]

Yes we got in about 2 minutes after you left John. It was a great night (when the zombie fog wasnt around to hinder viewing).
Saw a comet through Rick's scope, thanks for that :)
Dew was pretty bad too with dew heaters working overtime, but all in all a great night. I hope Dave and little Jack had a great time too and hope to see them next time.
Got to try out the new scope and it worked beautifully and got some great pictures. Just got to find a way to stop the focuser from slipping right out, especially after its just been focused :confused2:
Left around 12:30? when the fog just got too bad and didnt look like it was going to budge.

[Deeno]

Ended up being pretty clear up till 11.30ish, then complete white out. Dew was probably the worst I've ever seen it up there, can't believe how wet (drenched!) everything is this morning!

Thanks RB for helping with the guiding but, after I arrived home and plopped myself into the lounge to unwind and ponder the frustration of a guide camera that would not play nice. I realised the camera is pretty much soldered onto the direction controls in the mounts handset and the handset would have been set for the fasted slew(?) speed when I was centering the chosen target. That would explain the exaggerated behaviour. I think. Whatdoyarekon?

Good to see everyone
Deeno

[GTB_an_Owl]

foggiest nite since we have been going up there i reckon

driving through fog at 5-30 on the way up there to reveal a cloudless sky

it did indeed CLEAR as predicted

as carly said - fog/dew was a big problem
but we did get some clear sessions that was not too bad actually
i was amazed that at one point we were completely whited out and 5 minutes later it was clear from horizon to horizon

yes pity you didn't stay 5 minutes longer John - hopefully meet you next time

was great to meet Dave and young Jack and i think i can guarantee young Jack will have you back up here Dave

good to see our other Dave on his feet again and visiting to take pictures of what was a VERY MILKY WAY at times

and RB - the smell of those cigars again was just great - even if they were imposters

was a great surprise to see Jacob pull up at the gate - even though he was scopeless - you are forgiven

thanks all for another great gathering - which it is all about - right?

geoff

[Amunous]

Well the humidity was at 99%......

[RB]

Well......it did clear. :lol:
But yes, it was the worst fog we've had in a long time !

Great to see everyone, great to meet Dave and Jack and it was lovely to see David again after so long.

Thanks for the views through your lovely scope Ricky, we even scored comet Garradd !


That crossed my mind too Deeno, sounds plausible, have to see how you go next time.

Thanks for the cuppa Allan and the muffins you made Rick.

It was so good to see everyone again and like the Owl said, that's what it's all about.

Cheers
Andrew

[Rick Petrie]

It was probably the wettest night with the dew and the fog combining to make things a little uncomfortable, however it did clear for a few views of some nice objects.(finally dried out all my gear) It was definitely worth the trip up the mountain.
Great as usual to catch up with everyone.:)

[dsacurtis]

Hi All,

Fog or not it was lovely to meet you all. Jack and I had a truly magical night!

And many thanks for making the atmosphere so relaxed. I got some great advice and the viewing (when not hiding behind a B rate film fog) was magical. Equipment on show certainly was in the big leagues!

I certainly feel better armed to begin the search for the next investment :mad2:

Looking forward to seeing you all next time.

Best,

Dave

[RB]

Ah the journey begins.....

[GTB_an_Owl]

and the bank account empties.....

geoff

[jakob]

Thanks guys for a good night!

I found packing/unpacking much quicker when I leave the Scope at home!!!
Geof, thanks for letting me drive your scope.
Nice view of the Comet Rick.

Better luck next time.

[vic4loc]

Are there any plans to go this weekend... 3rd/4th Sept?

Victor.

[Amunous]

i can make this weekend if peeps want to go up

[Zincberg]

Had a great night guys, Thanks so much for the view of the comet Rick.. thats the first I have seen since I started.
Was glad to be packing up the eq6 rather than the meade at the end of the night... much easier!!

Little image for you all, its not great...but if you squint a bit, you can see what I was going for lol

[RB]

Nice one Andrew, proof that it did clear just as predicted.

:lol:

[erick]

I'll be in Perth :sadeyes:

[RB]

I can't make it this weekend, got a function to attend. :(



Eric if you leave now you can still make it. ;)

[Rick Petrie]

That 'fog filter' really works well I think!:P;)
Not a bad effort there Andrew and as RB said, the clear sky was foretold!
:D
Don't think I can make it this weekend either.:sadeyes:

[Inmykombi]

I can make it this weekend either.
Next time.

[Allan_L]

??? :confused2:

Is that a yes or a no ???

[Shano592]

It sure is!

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Allan_L]

I can make it if the weather plays nice :P

[RB]

A bit cloudy atm.
Should clear later though acording to my 7timer! chart. (http://www.iimagespace.com/page/test/cloudcover.htm)
I've turned on my weathercam in case you want to keep an eye on the weather till evening.

Click here for my weathersite. (http://www.mangroveweather.com/)

(Just ignore the forecast as I can't get it to predict accurately atm).

Good luck for tonight all who are going and don't forget the gate may be locked but you can enter through the other driveway further down the road I'm told.

Regards
RB

:)

[GTB_an_Owl]

so - any definites ?

or are you all just thinking about it
geoff

[Allan_L]

:question: :question: :question: :shrug:

weather wise ?

[GTB_an_Owl]

clear - dewy - seeing not great according to 7timer - moonset 11-35pm

not much wind from the north

geoff

[Allan_L]

We are experiencing a fairly strong Easterly breeze here at the moment.
Not very comfortable observing conditions.
Thats turning me off a bit.

What do you reckon Geoff?
Sounds like it would be just you and me, again.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i am not keen - but would make up the numbers if we get any interest

cut off time for me would be 4pm ( oops it's 4pm now)

make that 5pm

no numbers - no go

geoff

[Allan_L]

ditto ditto ;)

[gb_astro]

I can't make it either.
11.30 is a bit long to wait for the moon to go down.

Greg.

[GTB_an_Owl]

ok

5-05 pm

snooze time for me

no-go is the go

geoff