observing logs

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I know there was a recent thread about this, but I cant seem to find it.

A few nights ago I spent a wondeful night chasing galaxies and I saw a fair few, each one different to the rest.

It was after that session I decided that I really should make notes for future reference, but I want to spend my valuable telescope time viewing the wonders of the heavens, not messing around writing notes in the dark.

I think for me the best solution is some sort of solid state dictatphone/ voice recording device that I can replay later and edit out all the "wows" and "omg have a look at that!", and make some useful written notes

Anyone know of such a device at a reasonable price?

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

If you have a laptop handy Starkler there's a program called astrobytes (if you haven't heard of it) thats not too bad. And if you have Cartes du Ciel and run it in night vision mode the astrobyte will be in nightvision as well.At least it is on my laptop.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hey Geoff..

Some of those USB drives/mp3 players also have voice recording features. If you get yourself a 128mb or 256mb version of those, they might be enough..
I'm not sure how long they'd record for before filling up the memory though..

I reckon you could pick up a cheap 2nd hand dictaphone or similar that they use in offices etc.. might be worth checking ebay.

A good idea though, better than fumbling around in the dark for yuor pen and paper and ruining your night vision with the red light.. I know red isn't supposed to, but it can still have a small impact to your night vision I've found..

[Dave47tuc (David)]

Geoff,
I posted a few comments on last thread. As its lost

One thig i did not mention last time is a have used a Tape recorder, you know those small ones you can use a meetings

You can make a quick comment on tape on what you see then later on record it on computer or whatever.

Also i have found a small note pad and pencil very handy out in the field.
Hope that helps and look foward to observing togeather again some time

Best.

[silvinator]

Hey Starkler, Dave's suggestion about a tape recorder is by far the cheaper method. Those MP3 player thingos can get quite pricy if you're only using it to record voice messages. Some mobile phones have voice recording like my sister's old LG phone but it doesn't seem to be a common feature so again, you would be buying an expensive item for just one purpose. So go the tape recorder. They still sell them don't they?
I've tried keeping a pen and paper log and it really is very difficult...especially when your red light torch runs out of batteries! GRRR!!!

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Problem solved with this gadget
Looks like it will tuck nicely in the eyepiece case too

[silvinator]

Cute Looks like a very nifty little toy you've just bought. Almost looks small enough to fit on a keyring, like those USB keys. Very cute! Let us know how it works.

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice solution for a nice price Geoff!