Another newbie (well, sort of..)

[Russ59]

Hi all,

I'm returning to the hobby after being away for over 10 years, and boy have things changed! Before I left I messed around the outsides of the hobby, mainly with a couple of secondhand Dobsonians - 8" and 10" - which I bought back in the early 90's. I used to also do some film photography but I put all that aside when $$ got really tight.

Anyway I've done a fair amount of visual observing on and off over the years but I have been fascinated with the latest results from current products on the market. I have been lurking here for some time, reading posts, gathering information on what is the best setup to fork out serious coin on. Before I go any further, I fully understand that the imaging road ahead is a long, painful, expensive and frustrating one. I've prepared myself for that :lol:

To simply things I am going to setup a roll off roof shed which I hope to start sometime in late 2012. If I don't have this permanent setup I feel the task of lugging the gear from the house to the end of the yard will put me off the hobby.

Looking forward to the ride.

Russ59

[vanwonky]

Welcome Russ59,
"the imaging road ahead is a long, painful, expensive and frustrating one" but also fun and rewarding luckily!

I think you are right about the lugging though. A permanent setup is the sweetest option. Enjoy the ride.

Cheers
Dave

[rolls05]

Howdy Russ. Kinda learning my way around here myself. Going to be neat learning some stuff. Can't wait.

[Ric]

Hi Russ and welcome

Setting yourself up in a observatory is a great way to go, certainly beats lugging everything around.

I've still yet to build mine, there is always something that needs to be done first.

Cheers

[Russ59]

Thanks Dave, rolls and Ric. Yes Ric the 'To Do List' never seems to reduce in size.

I'm really cautious about that mount head and slipping on the wet ground! And to make matters worse I don't want to leave it out all nice and I just don't think a tarp is a good idea long term - both in regards to protecting it from the elements and a security point of view.

Might have to give this observatory idea a bit of a hurry along. The problem is I'm between jobs so coin is in lean supply at the present.

[stephenb]

Welcome back to the hobby, Russ. Lots to learn here. Clear skies!

[Russ59]

Thanks Stephenb, I've read your thread on a new imaging setup. PM sent.

Cheers,
Russ

[ZeroID]

Hi Russ and :welcome:.
I've done the 'tinshed' Observatory route over the last year. Compact but works ok for me. I had to find an alternative roof opening idea due to location restrictions but it is definitely the way to go if you want to make best use of your gear.
Ask questions and you will get answers.

Have fun

Cheers
Brent

[JB80]

Hi Russ and welcome!

Please keep us informed when you go ahead with the obs, it's one thing I want to do as soon as location permits.

[MattT]

Hi Russ,
Permanment Obs is the way to go setting up and down is a pain in the scope...I too started years ago, gave it away after the major disappointment Halleys comet was in the mid 80's, and got back into a few years ago, this hobby has changed so much. Roll on summer is all I can say, give me mozzies over cold and dew any day.. err night.
Matt

[2stroke]

lol i'am at the stage where i'am thinking of cutting our palm trees down so an ob's can be put in :( Nothing worse then lugging scopes and mounts around then all the wiring, eyepeices, cameras, notebook and then freezing your arse off.

[ZeroID]

:thumbsup: Good point, I note that although the night may be cold when I am in the Ob I am also out of the wind or cooling breeze which plays a large part in ' freezing your arse off ' as you succinctly put it. It certainly allows me to stay out longer than any of my previous sojourns on the front driveway for sure.