Thanks for the response Pete. No need to lurk around here. All input provides an increase in awareness. A plug here and there never hurts – we’re on the internet, it fair game. Yes, I understand the origination of GRAS -
http://www.remote-astronomical-society.org/index.html and been in contact with Arnie regarding pricing options for imagers. I feel sure there is a better way to target imagers that will benefit both parties. I don’t have an all-encompassing solution, but suggestions which I’ve voiced.
I totally agree with you regarding running costs. Capex equipment costs is another matter. You’re running a business here – you write the equipment off on tax and depreciate it. It is possible to recoup the costs so I only think its fair for an improved pricing structure to accommodate the imager. Sure, probably 80% of GRAS usage is with scientific usage. Universities and the like buy a large volume of time and in turn also write off the purchase in tax. For the humble astro imager, what chance has he got at producing pretty pictures when 100% is coming from his/her own pocket?
The shear cost of producing a pretty picture is quite scary; thankfully the aussie dollar makes it appealing. What I find amusing is that the typical scientific research project is likely to use short exposure times, but at regular intervals i.e every night for a month to measure a variable star or photometric study etc. The cost factor for such work is relatively low – does not consume a lot of time. In contrast the astro imager wants to go deep. 10, 15 or 20 minute sub exposures accumulating hours of data, hence the end cost is significant.
If GRAS wants to increase its audience to accommodate more imagers, it needs to provide some more value add. Perhaps you’re onto something with the fast science accounts. Something for imagers next? Please don’t take the above the wrong way. I’m not having a shot at you. Just thought I’d share my perspective as an active GRAS imager.
EDIT: Sorry I have detracted from the original thread. Happy to discuss further offline.
Cheers